Kinshasa Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.

Kinshasa experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 1172 mm (46 in) of precipitation annually. However, this abundant rainfall is not evenly distributed, with a distinct dry season during certain months. You can clearly see this in our monthly precipitation graphs below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wettest month, November receives substantial rainfall, averaging 198 mm (7.8 in) of precipitation, recorded across 16 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, July brings less rainfall, with 2 mm (0.1 in) over 0 rainy days.

November, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 30°C (86°F). The city receives 0 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 30°C (86°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Kinshasa Temperature page.

Kinshasa's average annual precipitation is 1172 mm (46 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 620 mm (24 in), evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.

Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.

Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, receives 1955 mm (77 in) of annual rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November, typical of its tropical monsoon climate.

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:

• Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
• Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.

• "Ginger" was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical storm, which spun around the open ocean for 28 days in 1971.
• The world's largest snowflake was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, at 38 cm (15 inches) wide and 20 cm (7.9 inches) thick. The snowflake fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, on 28 January 1887.
• The greatest snowfall recorded was on Mt. Rainier, Washington State, USA, over 31.5 meters (103 feet) fell during the winter of 1972.

For more detailed information about Kinshasa's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Kinshasa Climate page.