Lubumbashi in December

In December, Lubumbashi averages 26°C (80°F) during the day and 18°C (64°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 27 days of the month see precipitation (198 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

December offers comfortable temperatures in Lubumbashi, with some rain to plan around.

26°C
Avg high
18°C
Avg low
27
Rain days
198 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Lubumbashi

6th
warmest month of the 12
4th
wettest month of the 12
19%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
12 h 48 min
daylight on the 15th

December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Lubumbashi (6th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (27°C). December runs 3°C cooler than November (29°C) and cools 1°C in January (26°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Lubumbashi

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:40 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:29 PM
Day length
12 h 48 min

Times shown for Lubumbashi local time (Africa/Lubumbashi), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Lubumbashi — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Lubumbashi's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:40 AM – 5:20 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:20 AM – 6:20 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:49 PM – 6:49 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:49 PM – 7:29 PM

📅 When to book — Lubumbashi in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Lubumbashi's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Lubumbashi

Shoulder

Lubumbashi is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Lubumbashi

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.7
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Lubumbashi in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 26°C / 78°F 18°C / 64°F 230 mm 30
February 26°C / 79°F 18°C / 64°F 202 mm 28
March 26°C / 78°F 17°C / 63°F 191 mm 28
April 26°C / 78°F 16°C / 61°F 60 mm 19
May 27°C / 80°F 14°C / 57°F 2 mm 2
June 25°C / 78°F 12°C / 53°F 0 mm 0
July 26°C / 78°F 12°C / 53°F 0 mm 0
August 29°C / 83°F 14°C / 57°F 0 mm 0
September 31°C / 88°F 17°C / 62°F 1 mm 1
October 32°C / 90°F 19°C / 66°F 21 mm 7
November 29°C / 84°F 18°C / 65°F 126 mm 24
December 26°C / 80°F 18°C / 64°F 198 mm 27

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Lubumbashi in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Lubumbashi in December?

In December, Lubumbashi averages a high of 26°C (80°F) and a low of 18°C (64°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Lubumbashi in December?

December is quite rainy in Lubumbashi, with about 27 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Lubumbashi?

December is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Lubumbashi in December?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Lubumbashi for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Lubumbashi on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.