Winter in Lubumbashi isn’t what you might picture if you’re used to icy, snowy months. At over 4,000 feet, the city stays mild and dry, not freezing.
You’ll see clear skies, comfy daytime temps, and almost no rain during this season.
Mornings and evenings feel crisp, but afternoons warm up nicely, usually in the upper 70s to 80s °F. Since rain is rare, the ground stays dry and the sky’s mostly cloud-free.
Planning outdoor activities or travel? Winter’s probably the safest bet for predictable weather.
Lubumbashi’s southern DR Congo location gives it a winter that’s more about dryness and sunshine than cold. When you look at how temps, rainfall, and daylight shift, you get a real sense of what daily life and travel feel like here.
Overview of Lubumbashi’s Winter Climate
Lubumbashi’s winter brings mild temperatures, dry air, and clear skies. You’ll notice cooler nights, warmer afternoons, and barely any rain, so the season feels steady compared to the wetter months.
Geographical Location and Elevation
Lubumbashi sits in the southeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, right near Zambia’s border. The city’s up at about 1,245–1,280 meters (4,084–4,200 feet) above sea level.
This higher elevation helps keep things moderate compared to lowland tropics. Nights can feel crisp, but daytime highs are really comfortable.
Humidity stays low, so winters almost never feel muggy.
Around the city, you’ll spot cropland, shrubs, and some trees. Inside city limits, there’s a lot of pavement and concrete, which can nudge temperatures up a bit compared to the countryside.
It’s not a huge difference, but you’ll notice it if you head out of the city center.
Climate Classification
Lubumbashi’s climate fits the tropical wet and dry (Aw) type in the Köppen system. Some sources call it humid subtropical with dry winters (Cwa) because of its altitude and rainfall patterns.
You get two main seasons: a wet one from October to March, and a dry stretch from April to September. Winter falls in the dry season, with almost no rain.
Rainfall averages close to 0.0 inches in June, July, and August.
The mean annual temperature hangs around 21–22°C (69–72°F). In winter, daytime highs climb from roughly 77°F (25°C) in June to 87°F (31°C) by late August.
At night, lows hit 51°F (10°C) to 56°F (13°C), with the chilliest nights in early July.
Seasonal Patterns
Winter means clear skies most days. Cloud cover hovers around 13–17%, and late June is usually the clearest.
Sunshine hours go up as winter moves along, with daylight growing by about 24 minutes from June to August.
Winds come mostly from the east, usually 7–9 mph, and pick up a bit as winter ends. Humidity stays low, so muggy days are rare.
Dry air keeps heavy rains away, and thunderstorms almost never happen. These conditions make weather pretty reliable for outdoor plans, travel, or even farming.
Winter Temperature Trends in Lubumbashi
Winter in Lubumbashi feels mild compared to a lot of other places. Days are warm, nights cool off, but rarely get uncomfortably cold.
Average Day and Night Temperatures
Daily highs in winter usually climb from about 25°C (77°F) to 31°C (87°F). Afternoons are warm but not oppressively hot, which is a relief after the rainy season.
At night, lows settle between 11°C (52°F) and 13°C (55°F). You might want a light sweater in the morning, but the nights aren’t harsh.
Sometimes the coldest nights dip near 7°C (45°F), but that’s pretty rare.
You’ll notice the jump between cool mornings and warm afternoons. This daily swing gives winter days a nice mix of brisk starts and cozy finishes.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Winter temperatures in Lubumbashi shift slowly. June is the coolest, with highs near 25°C.
By August, highs reach 31°C, showing a steady warming.
Nighttime lows rise a bit too, from about 11°C in June to 13°C in August. By late winter, mornings don’t feel quite as chilly.
Here’s a quick look at the monthly averages:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| June | 25°C | 11°C |
| July | 27°C | 12°C |
| August | 31°C | 13°C |
This warming signals the shift from the dry winter into the hotter months ahead.
Temperature Extremes
Lubumbashi’s winter is generally mild, but you’ll see a few extremes. The coldest day, usually in early July, can bring lows near 9°C (48°F) and highs around 25°C (77°F).
Late winter days can sometimes hit 33°C (91°F), though that’s not typical. Nights almost never drop below 7°C, so you don’t have to worry about frost.
In October, highs can reach 34°C (93°F), but winter’s much more moderate. Warm afternoons and cool nights make this season comfortable for locals and visitors alike.
Rainfall Patterns During Winter
Rainfall drops off fast in Lubumbashi’s winter, especially after the heavy downpours of the wet season. Skies clear up, rainy days are scarce, and daily life takes on a drier feel.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Rain basically disappears in winter. June and July usually see less than 1 mm of rain, making them the driest months.
By August, rainfall stays low, rarely topping 2–3 mm.
Contrast that with the wettest months, like January, when totals can blow past 270 mm. The climate really flips between seasons.
You can count on dry skies in winter, so sudden showers are unlikely. Travelers can plan outdoor adventures without much worry about rain.
Number of Rainy Days
Rainy days almost vanish in winter. In July, Lubumbashi often gets zero.
June and August might have only 1–2 rainy days combined.
That’s a huge change from the rainy season, when January can bring over 20 rainy days.
This drop in wet days makes winter’s weather much more predictable.
You can schedule things with confidence—rain’s not likely to mess up your plans. The dry season offers a steady backdrop for work or play.
Transition from Rainy to Dry Season
The switch from rainy to dry starts around April and May. Rain totals fall quickly, and rainy days drop off.
By June, the dry season takes over.
Cooler nights and lower humidity make things more comfortable as the transition happens. The ground dries out, and rivers start running lower.
If you visit in late May or early June, you might still spot some leftovers from the rainy season, but conditions settle fast. By mid-winter, Lubumbashi is all about clear skies and steady dryness.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
Winter in Lubumbashi brings drier air and clearer skies than the wet season. You’ll feel lower humidity, fewer clouds, and cooler nights, all of which shape the vibe during this time.
Average Winter Humidity Levels
Lubumbashi’s winter months usually have lower humidity than the rest of the year. Relative humidity sits between 40% and 55%, way less than the 70%+ you get in the wet season.
This happens because winter is the dry season. With almost no rain, the air just doesn’t hold much moisture.
Mornings might feel a bit damp since cooler air holds more moisture, but afternoons dry out fast.
At about 1,276 meters (4,186 feet) above sea level, the city’s altitude helps keep humidity down. Thinner air can’t hold as much water vapor, so June, July, and August feel crisp and dry.
Travelers get a break here—outdoor conditions stay comfortable, and you don’t get that heavy, sticky feeling from the rainy season.
Daily and Monthly Fluctuations
Humidity in winter follows a daily rhythm. Early mornings can hit near 60%, thanks to the cool air.
By midday, with the sun out, humidity drops below 40%.
Across June, July, and August, the pattern stays pretty steady. June feels driest, with some days almost arid.
July and August keep the trend, though humidity might tick up a bit as the rainy season approaches.
Cloud cover is minimal during these months. With low humidity and clear skies, you get strong daytime sun but cooler nights.
This combo means the climate feels dry and mild, with a predictable swing from morning to evening.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours in Winter
Winter sunshine in Lubumbashi shifts from month to month. Daylight hours stay pretty steady, but the number of bright, sunny hours can really drop during the wettest stretch.
Average Daily Sunshine
In winter, you’ll get fewer hours of direct sun than in the dry months. On average, daily sunshine runs about 4 to 6 hours per day.
January and February are usually the cloudiest, while December brings a little more brightness.
Daylight itself holds steady near 12 hours per day since Lubumbashi sits close to the equator.
But a lot of that’s cloud-covered, especially at the peak of the rainy season.
Just to give you an idea:
- December: ~4.3–4.5 hours of sunshine
- January: ~4.1 hours
- February: ~4.2 hours
So, only about a third of daylight hours are actually sunny in mid-winter. You’ll probably notice long stretches of clouds, making things feel dimmer.
Monthly Sunshine Variation
If you’re planning outdoor activities, these month-to-month changes matter. December starts out with a bit more sun, but January and February hit the low point.
For example, in January and February, just 33–34% of daylight hours are sunny. By March, sunshine picks up again, averaging over 5.5 hours per day.
Here’s a quick look at the trend:
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours | % of Daylight Sunny |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~4h 17m | 34% |
| January | ~4h 11m | 33% |
| February | ~4h 12m | 34% |
Seasonal rains really limit direct sun, even though daylight length doesn’t change much. So, expect more overcast skies than clear ones during this stretch.
Comparisons and Regional Context
Lubumbashi’s winter weather really depends on its higher elevation and its spot in the southeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo. If you compare it to other regions, you’ll spot differences in temperature, rainfall, and cloud cover that shape comfort, travel, and what you can actually do outdoors.
Comparison with Kinshasa Winter Weather
Kinshasa sits out west near the Congo River, and it’s much lower than Lubumbashi. That makes Kinshasa warmer and a lot more humid during winter. Lubumbashi usually gets highs around 25–26 °C in June and July, but Kinshasa hangs closer to 28–30 °C.
Rainfall is a whole different story. Lubumbashi sees a clear and dry winter, with basically no rain at all in June and July. Kinshasa has a dry season too, but it starts later and ends earlier, and you might still catch some showers in May or September.
Cloud cover splits them apart too. Lubumbashi’s winter skies are mostly clear, so you get bright days and cooler nights. In Kinshasa, you’ll notice more haze and humidity, which makes the air feel warmer even if it’s not actually raining.
If you travel between these two cities in winter, you’ll probably find Lubumbashi cooler, drier, and just better for being outside. Kinshasa feels hotter and keeps that sticky tropical humidity.
Lubumbashi vs. National Climate Averages
When you look at Lubumbashi compared to the rest of the DRC, its winter climate really stands out. Across the country, average temperatures usually sit between 22–27 °C, but Lubumbashi often drops below that in June and July. Nighttime lows can even hit 9–10 °C, which is unusual for most of the DRC.
Rainfall’s another big difference. The country gets over 1,200 mm of rain each year, but Lubumbashi’s winter barely adds anything to that. Meanwhile, places like Kisangani or Mbandaka still get some rain, even in their driest months.
Humidity sets Lubumbashi apart too. A lot of the DRC stays muggy all year, but Lubumbashi’s winter air is much drier. It’s actually one of the least humid spots in the country during June and July.
Other Relevant Winter Weather Factors
In Lubumbashi’s winter, you’ll notice more than just cooler temperatures. Wind patterns and the lack of sea temperature influence also shape the climate you get.
Wind Speed and Patterns
Winds in Lubumbashi slowly pick up through winter. Average speeds climb from about 7.0 mph in early June up to almost 9.0 mph by late August. These winds usually stay steady, not gusty, so they’re noticeable but don’t really get in the way of everyday life.
The main wind direction comes from the east, and by late August, it’s like that over 90% of the time. So, you can count on a regular breeze bringing in drier air.
Lubumbashi’s higher elevation, around 4,134 feet, changes how the wind feels. The thinner air means less humidity, so breezes often feel cooler than the thermometer says. If you’re traveling, you might find evenings especially pleasant when the wind’s blowing.
For stuff like walking tours or eating outside, that easterly breeze gives you a break from the daytime heat. It also helps keep the air pretty clear during the dry season.
Sea Temperature Influence
Lubumbashi sits far inland, tucked away in the southeastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since it’s so far from the coast, sea temperature really doesn’t play a direct role in the city’s winter climate.
You won’t get the moderating touch of ocean currents that coastal places often count on. Instead, continental factors like altitude, dry-season air masses, and regional wind patterns take over and shape the climate.
No nearby seas means you’ll probably notice bigger temperature swings from day to night. For instance, you might enjoy a warm 87°F in the afternoon, but then temperatures can drop to around 51°F once night falls.
This kind of range seems pretty normal in inland tropical spots that miss out on the steadying effect of sea waters. If you’re planning a trip, it’s smart to pack some light layers.
Mornings can feel cool, but things heat up fast by midday.