When to go · Democratic Republic of the Congo
Democratic Republic of the Congo in May
Mixed month. Rains ease late in the month.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Crowds
- Low
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Prices
- Medium
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
Verdict
MixedVoykit month rating for Democratic Republic of the Congo
Rains ease late in the month.
Weather in May
- Kinshasa and Kongo Central · Kinshasa, Matadi, Muandarainy
Dry, grey and cooler June–September; storms and floods November–December and March–April.
- Congo basin centre · Mbandaka, Kisangani, Salongarainy
Equatorial: rain all year.
- Katanga plateau · Lubumbashi, Kolwezibest weather
Long dry season May–October; cold nights in June–July.
- Eastern highlands (under advice) · Goma, Bukavu, Virungafine
Mild at 1,500 m; shown for completeness — all travel advised against.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Labour Day
1 May
Public holiday.
Liberation Day
17 May
Public holiday.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Low
- Prices · Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Medium
What to pack
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast
Where to go in May
Rated best or good this month
Katanga plateau
Best weather of the year (Lubumbashi, Kolwezi)