Kinshasa in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Kinshasa

30°C (86°F) High Temp

21°C (70°F) Low Temp

142 mm (5.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with only 10 rainy days - perfect for exploring outdoor markets and walking tours along the Congo River Boulevard
Harmattan winds from the Sahara bring cooler evenings (21°C/70°F) making rooftop dining at Gombe hotels actually enjoyable
December school holidays mean busy street festivals and increased cultural performances, especially in Matonge district
Lower river levels on the Congo make pirogue boat trips to Malebo Pool islands more accessible and safer for tourists

Considerations

High tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60%, especially in Gombe and around Pullman Kinshasa Grand Hotel
Dust from Harmattan winds can cause visibility issues and respiratory irritation for sensitive travelers
Peak demand for reliable transport means booking airport transfers and day trip vehicles requires 2-3 weeks advance notice

Best Activities in December

Congo River Sunset Boat Tours

December's lower water levels and clearer skies make this the ideal time for pirogue trips to Brazzaville views and Malebo Pool islands. The Harmattan winds provide natural cooling during the 2-hour journeys, and you'll avoid the March-May high water dangerous currents. Local fishermen offer the most real feel with their traditional wooden boats.

Booking Tip: Book through hotel concierges or established operators near Beach Ngobila. Expect to pay 25,000-40,000 CDF per person for sunset trips. Always verify life jackets are included and boats have radio communication. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Marché Central Cultural Walking Tours

December's dry weather makes navigating Kinshasa's sprawling central market much more pleasant - no mud, fewer crowd-stopping rain delays. This is when vendors stock up for New Year celebrations, so you'll see the widest variety of Congolese textiles, artwork, and traditional instruments. Morning tours (8-11am) avoid the afternoon heat peaks.

Booking Tip: Join guided walking tours for safety and cultural context. Tours typically run 15,000-25,000 CDF including local guide and small group size. Independent exploration not recommended for first-time visitors. Check current guided options in booking section below.

Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary Day Trips

December's cooler morning temperatures (23°C/73°F) make the 45-minute drive south to this world-famous bonobo sanctuary much more comfortable. The bonobos are most active during December's dry season, and you'll have the best photography conditions with clear skies and less humidity fogging camera lenses.

Booking Tip: Reserve 10-14 days ahead as this is peak season for the sanctuary. Entry fees around 20,000 CDF plus transport costs 30,000-50,000 CDF depending on group size. Most hotels can arrange transfers, or check current tour packages in booking section below.

Symphonie Arts & Culture District Tours

December brings the annual pre-New Year cultural festivals to this arts hub near the University of Kinshasa. Gallery openings, live soukous music performances, and traditional dance shows happen almost nightly. The dry weather means outdoor concerts and street art installations are at their peak accessibility.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours typically cost 20,000-35,000 CDF including multiple venue visits and local artist meetings. Evening tours (6-9pm) capture the district's creative energy. Book through established cultural centers for real feels. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

Zongo Falls Adventure Trips

December's lower rainfall means the 130 km (81 mile) road to Zongo Falls is in its best condition of the year. The falls themselves are still impressive from earlier rainy season buildup, but the reduced water flow makes swimming in the pools actually safe. Perfect hiking weather with morning temperatures around 24°C (75°F).

Booking Tip: Full-day trips typically cost 80,000-120,000 CDF including 4WD transport, guide, and lunch. Book at least 1 week ahead as vehicle availability is limited. Ensure tour includes entrance fees and safety equipment for swimming. Check current adventure packages in booking section below.

Matonge Music District Night Tours

December evenings bring cooler temperatures perfect for exploring Kinshasa's music heartland. This is peak season for live rumba and soukous performances, with many touring musicians returning home for holidays. The dry weather means outdoor stages and street performances happen regularly from 7pm-midnight.

Booking Tip: Guided nightlife tours cost 25,000-45,000 CDF including transport between venues and local guide for safety. Never explore Matonge alone after dark. Most tours include 2-3 music venues and cultural background. See current music tour options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Festival Amani Music Festival

Three-day celebration of Congolese music featuring rumba, soukous, and ndombolo performances across multiple outdoor stages in Gombe district. Local and international artists perform alongside traditional dance troupes, with food vendors showcasing regional Congolese cuisine.

Throughout December

New Year Preparation Markets

Throughout December, special holiday markets appear in major squares selling traditional New Year foods, decorative fabrics, and handcrafted gifts. The largest is at Place de la Poste with over 200 vendors. Perfect for authentic souvenir shopping and experiencing local holiday traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton long-sleeve shirts - protect from 30°C (86°F) heat and UV index 8 while allowing air circulation in 70% humidity

Quality dust mask or scarf - Harmattan winds bring Sahara dust that can irritate respiratory systems and affect visibility

Sturdy walking shoes with good grip - December's dry conditions mean dusty, sometimes slippery surfaces at markets and cultural sites

Portable water bottles with purification tablets - staying hydrated is critical in dry heat, and bottled water isn't always available outside Gombe

Light rain jacket or poncho - 10 rainy days mean quick afternoon downpours, though each typically lasts only 20-30 minutes

High-SPF sunscreen (50+) and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 during clear December days with intense equatorial sun

Insect repellent with DEET - evening mosquitoes are active year-round near the Congo River areas

Cash in small denominations - CDF notes for markets, tips, and local transport as credit cards aren't widely accepted

Backup phone battery or power bank - humid conditions can drain batteries faster, and power outages are common

Modest clothing covering knees and shoulders - required for religious sites and shows respect in conservative areas

Insider Knowledge

December mornings (6-9am) offer the best photography light and coolest temperatures for outdoor activities - locals start their day early to avoid afternoon heat peaks

Hotel rates drop significantly after December 20th as business travelers leave for holidays, but book before December 15th as availability becomes scarce

The Symphonie Arts district hosts free cultural events most evenings in December - ask hotel concierges for daily schedules as they're not advertised online

Congolese franc (CDF) exchange rates are most favorable at Bureau de Change offices in Gombe district - avoid airport exchanges which charge 15-20% higher rates

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating transport time during December rush - allow 2-3 hours for trips across the city as holiday traffic increases journey times by 40-60%

Expecting air conditioning everywhere - most local restaurants and markets don't have AC, so dress for 30°C (86°F) indoor temperatures with high humidity

Planning too many outdoor activities after 2pm - December afternoon heat combined with dust from Harmattan winds makes sightseeing uncomfortable until evening