When you picture summer in Brazzaville, you’ll probably think of warm days, thick humidity, and regular rain. Average summer temperatures usually hover between 30°C and 32°C (86°F to 90°F), so it’s hot but not outrageously so.
Nights stay pretty mild, rarely dipping below 21°C (70°F). This steady warmth really defines the city’s tropical savanna climate.
You’ll need to get ready for frequent showers. Rainfall during summer typically ranges from about 110mm to 123mm each month, and humidity sits near 80%.
The heat and moisture can feel a bit much, but those sudden downpours cool the air and keep everything lush and green.
Even though it’s wet, daylight sticks around—over 12 hours of sun every day. This mix of heat, rain, and light shapes daily life in Brazzaville during summer.
Overview of Summer in Brazzaville
Summer in Brazzaville means high humidity, frequent rainfall, and steady warmth.
You won’t see much temperature change, but rainfall and cloud cover can really affect how comfortable it feels outside.
Geographical Context and Climate Classification
Brazzaville, capital of the Republic of the Congo, lies just south of the equator along the Congo River.
Its spot on the map puts it in the tropical savanna climate (Aw) category, according to the Köppen system. That means a clear wet season and dry season, with summer lining up with the wetter months.
The city sits at about 310 meters (1,020 feet) above sea level. This elevation keeps temperatures from getting too extreme, but it doesn’t do much for the humidity.
Temperatures barely budge all year because of the equator—annual averages hang around 29°C (84°F).
Humidity in summer often hits 75–80%, which makes the heat feel even stronger. Since Brazzaville isn’t on the coast, it misses out on those cooling sea breezes.
Winds usually don’t get above 9 km/h (5–6 mph), except for a slight uptick during seasonal changes.
This steady climate explains why you feel consistent warmth and why rain is the main thing that changes your comfort level.
Typical Summer Weather Patterns
From December to February, rain showers dominate Brazzaville’s weather. Monthly rainfall averages between 110 mm and 123 mm, with showers on most days.
Storms tend to be brief but heavy, and there’s a lot of cloud cover during the peak rainy periods.
Daytime highs usually land between 30°C and 31°C (86–88°F). Nights don’t cool off much, sticking close to 21–22°C (70–72°F).
You won’t get big temperature swings, so it’s warm all the time.
Sunshine takes a hit compared to the dry season. Even though daylight lasts about 12.3 to 12.4 hours, actual sunshine is less because of the clouds. The city can feel a bit dim, even when the days are long.
Humidity hangs around 80%, which can make outdoor activities uncomfortable. On the bright side, rain cools things off for a bit, and the city’s greenery thrives.
If you’re heading outside, expect damp ground, occasional flooding in low spots, and sticky air. You’ll want rain gear and light clothes to stay comfortable.
Summer Temperature Trends
Brazzaville’s summer stays warm with only tiny shifts from month to month. Daytime heat is steady, nights are mild, and extreme temperature swings just don’t happen.
Average Highs and Lows
During summer, you’ll see average highs between 29°C and 32°C (84°F–90°F). March usually brings the hottest days, while June through August are a bit cooler but still hot.
Nights average 20°C to 23°C (68°F–73°F), so evenings are warm and you won’t really need a jacket. Being near the equator means there’s no sharp drop at night.
Packing is simple—skip the heavy clothes and stick with lightweight, breathable fabrics.
Monthly Temperature Variations
From June to August, which is the dry season, daytime temperatures hover around 30°C (86°F).
These months are a touch cooler than the wet season, but honestly, it’s still hot.
March brings the warmest weather, with highs up to 32°C (90°F). By July, things ease back to about 30°C (86°F).
The difference is minor, but you might notice the air feels less humid and the skies are clearer.
Since temperatures barely change, you’ll get almost the same weather whether you visit early or late in summer. Rainfall is what really shifts from month to month.
Daytime Versus Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime in Brazzaville often feels hotter than the numbers show, thanks to the humidity. Even if it’s 30°C, the air can feel warmer.
Shade and plenty of water make outdoor time more bearable.
At night, lows of 20°C to 23°C (68°F–73°F) offer some relief, but it doesn’t really get cool. Air conditioning or at least a fan is pretty common in hotels and homes.
The small gap between day and night temperatures means you won’t get chilly after sunset. This steady pattern makes it easier to plan your day compared to places with big temperature swings.
Rainfall and Humidity During Summer
During summer in Brazzaville, you’ll run into frequent rain and high humidity. The wet season really shapes the daily weather and can affect how comfortable you feel outdoors.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in Brazzaville during summer is steady and often heavy. From December through February, expect 110–123 mm (4.3–4.8 in) of rain each month.
Showers pop up on many days, though they don’t usually last all day.
The rainy months keep everything damp and green. Roads can get muddy, and localized flooding sometimes happens in low-lying areas.
Travelers should expect wet conditions and plan accordingly.
Here’s a quick look at average monthly rainfall:
| Month | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~167 | ~6.6 |
| January | ~110 | ~4.3 |
| February | ~121 | ~4.8 |
These numbers show that summer in Brazzaville is all about frequent showers, right in the heart of the rainy season.
Humidity Levels and Impacts
Humidity in summer usually sits around 80%. This makes the heat feel stronger than the thermometer says—usually between 30–31°C (86–88°F).
You’ll probably notice the air feels heavy, especially in the afternoon. Even easy outdoor activities can feel tiring.
Without good ventilation, indoor spaces can get uncomfortable too.
High humidity can also mean hazy skies, although daylight hours stay steady at about 12–12.4 hours per day.
If you’re exploring the city, early mornings or evenings are the best times to be outside.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
You’ll get steady sunlight in Brazzaville all year, but the amount does change with the seasons.
Summer brings fewer hours of direct sun than other months, but daylight itself is still long and reliable.
Average Hours of Sunshine
During summer, Brazzaville sees less bright sunshine than in the drier months. July is usually the least sunny month, with about 126 total hours or roughly 4.2 hours per day.
March is brighter, with around 193 hours or 6.4 hours per day. So, summer tends to be cloudier, even if it’s not always raining.
Compared to other cities, Brazzaville lands somewhere in the middle for sunshine:
| City | Annual Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|
| Brazzaville | ~1907 |
| Rome, Italy | ~2470 |
| Manchester, UK | ~1420 |
| San Francisco | ~3072 |
So, you should expect moderate sunlight—enough for outdoor plans, but not endless sunny days like you’d get in a desert.
Daylight Duration in Summer
Even though sunshine hours drop, daylight itself is steady. In June, July, and August, you get about 11.8 to 12 hours of daylight each day.
Because Brazzaville is so close to the equator, the length of the day barely changes. Sunrise comes around 6:00 AM, and sunset is near 6:00 PM year-round.
This makes it easy to plan your day. You don’t really have to adjust your schedule between seasons since daylight doesn’t change much.
Travelers can count on nearly equal day and night hours, including during summer.
Wind and Other Weather Factors
In summer, you’ll notice steady but gentle winds, along with high humidity and frequent rain. These elements shape how Brazzaville feels each day and can affect your comfort and travel plans.
Typical Summer Wind Speeds
Summer winds in Brazzaville are light to moderate. Average speeds usually fall between 4.7 km/h (2.9 mph) and 8.6 km/h (5.3 mph).
You might feel slightly stronger breezes in July and August, thanks to the southern trade winds.
These winds don’t usually cause problems, but they can make the air feel a bit cooler even when it’s hot. Sometimes, gusts reach up to 12 km/h (7.5 mph)—still pretty gentle.
Since Brazzaville is inland and close to the Congo River, wind patterns stay stable.
This consistency means you can plan outdoor activities without worrying about sudden weather changes.
Other Atmospheric Conditions
Humidity really defines Brazzaville’s summer weather. It usually stays high, around 75–80%, making the heat more intense.
Rainfall is frequent, with monthly totals between 110 mm (4.3 in) and 123 mm (4.8 in) from December through February.
Daylight stays steady at about 12 hours per day, so you get long, bright days even if it’s overcast. Sunshine averages between 8–9 hours, giving you some clear spells despite regular rain.
Atmospheric pressure usually holds at 1011–1012 mb, barely changing. Visibility is good, around 10 km (6.2 mi), which helps offset the muggy feeling.
All these factors combine to create the classic hot, wet, and slightly muggy vibe of a tropical savanna climate.
Comparing Summer to Other Seasons
Summer in Brazzaville brings milder daytime highs compared to the hotter months earlier in the year, but it also marks the heart of the dry season. Rainfall drops to almost nothing, skies clear up, and humidity levels ease slightly before the shift back into the wetter months.
Differences from the Dry Season
Summer in Brazzaville actually lines up with the dry season, which usually stretches from late May to September. During these months, you’ll notice a sharp fall in rainfall compared to the long wet season.
For example, July averages only about 0.1 inches of rain, making it the driest month of the year.
Temperatures drop a bit compared to the hot stretch from February through April. In July, average highs hit around 82°F (28°C), which is several degrees cooler than March’s average of 90°F (32°C).
Nights feel more comfortable too, with lows dipping near 67°F (19°C).
The skies look a lot clearer as well. July is actually the clearest month, with the sky partly cloudy or better about 59% of the time.
If you like less humidity and want more predictable weather, this makes outdoor activities a lot easier.
Transition to the Rainy Season
By late August and September, you’ll probably notice the first hints of the rainy season creeping back. Rainfall starts to pick up, with September usually bringing about 1.7 inches—way more than the nearly bone-dry July.
This change marks the end of the driest part of the year. Temperatures nudge up a bit as the rains get closer.
Highs in September hover around 87°F (31°C), and you can really feel the humidity building. The air feels muggy, and clouds start to roll in more often.
If you’re thinking about visiting during this time, it’s good to keep the transition in mind. Roads and outdoor spots usually stay open, but you’ll want to be ready for more showers and less sunshine.
The shift isn’t sudden, but by October, you can expect rain pretty much every day.