Kinshasa
Weather by month
Current –

Kinshasa Weather in May

In Kinshasa, May brings very high daytime temperatures around 31°C (88°F), with nights cooling to 23°C (73°F). Expect quite a bit of rainfall this month.

Rainfall in Kinshasa in May

Typically, you can expect about 11 days of rain this month, with 91 mm (3.6 in) on average. Individual showers can be quite heavy this month. A proper umbrella or rain jacket is worth having.

Temperature in Kinshasa in May

Temperatures in Kinshasa in May top out at 31°C (88°F) and drop to 23°C (73°F) overnight. The hottest part of the day is usually in the afternoon, so lighter clothing can help you stay comfortable. Nights remain mild at 23°C (73°F), making evenings a pleasant time to be outdoors.

Sunshine in Kinshasa in May

This month is characterized by fewer sunny days, with about 0 hours of sunshine. It's great for those who appreciate cooler, less sunny days.

If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, June, July, August and September typically offer the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.

Kinshasa Temperature in May

Min Temperature
23°C (73°F)
Max Temperature
31°C (88°F)
Chance of Rain
36%
Precipitation
91 mm (3.6 in)
Rainy days
11 days
Sunshine
0 hours
Percentage Sunshine

Kinshasa Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Kinshasa - and find the best time to visit.

Daily Historical Temperatures

48-year average (1976-2025)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Kinshasa typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 31°C (88°F). Nights are warm, with lows around 23°C (73°F).

Average temperatures in May

Daily Historical Precipitation

48-year average (1976-2025)

Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.

Average precipitation in May

Historical weather records for Kinshasa in May

Browse day-by-day weather records for Kinshasa spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Kinshasa historical weather extremes in May

Based on 37 years of weather observations (1989-2026), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Kinshasa.

  • On May 6, 2024, temperatures climbed to 36°C (97°F), marking the warmest May day on record.
  • The lowest daytime temperature in May was 22°C (72°F), recorded on May 27, 1997.
  • The coldest night in May in Kinshasa was on May 18, 2006, with a minimum of 19°C (66°F).

Best Places in Democratic Republic of the Congo in May

Find out more about the weather in Democratic Republic of the Congo and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Democratic Republic of the Congo in May →

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

What to Wear in Kinshasa in May

Warm but pleasant conditions in Kinshasa in May. Focus on lightweight, maybe with natural fabrics, cotton blend shirts, comfortable shorts, and breathable footwear. A light cover-up for sun protection is smart too. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. Sunglasses aren't essential this month, though you might want them for the occasional bright moment.

What To Do in Kinshasa in May

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

  • Cycling
    7/10
  • Walking
    7/10
  • Camping
    8/10
  • Outdoor sports
    7/10

Kinshasa 3-Day Forecast

Popular in May

Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.