When Should I Visit to Congo?
Overview
Though organizing a Congo safari is entirely reliant on the weather, the lengthy dry season, which runs from May to September, is the ideal time to explore the country. Because of its tropical environment, the Congo has high humidity levels throughout the year.
Four seasons may be distinguished in the Congo's yearly weather forecast: a long dry season from May to September; a brief rainy season from March to April; a short dry season from January to February; and a lengthy wet season from October to December.
Because of the Congo's size, location, local topography, and the impact of its forest canopies, it is difficult to forecast weather patterns for the whole nation. With a brief dry season (January/February), a short-wet season (March–April), a lengthy dry season (May to September), and a long rainy season (October to December), it is best visited around the start of the year or, even better, in the middle. The optimum time to visit will vary on the specific location, though, since the Virunga has both the greatest and lowest rainfall levels in the nation (Lake Edward and Ruwenzori West, respectively).
Geographical
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the eleventh biggest nation in the world and the second largest on the African continent. The Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Central African Republic all about it.
In tropical West Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is situated between latitudes 6°N and 14°S and longitudes 12° and 32°E. Recent discoveries, such as the well-known Semliki harpoon, indicate that humans may have lived in the region as long as 80,000 years ago. Although the DRC has been experiencing a period of relative peace, which the rise of responsible tourism has been helping to solidify, the country's more recent history of civil conflict and instability may deter prospective tourists, the facts show otherwise. Caution is nevertheless urged. Journeys by Design is now active in Virunga National Park.
The DRC is made up of enormous plateaus, savannahs, mountain terraces, and in the north, lush grasslands. It is dominated by the Congo River basin and the second-largest rainforest in the world. Some of the mountain scenery is more like the Alps or Rocky Mountains, especially in the east. The Albertine Rift, which gave rise to the nation's northeastern highlands and the African Great Lakes—Lake Albert, Lake Kivu, Lake Edward, and Lake Tanganyika—has had a significant impact on the country's geology.
Seasons
The DRC is an area of climatic variation, yet one that is clearly dominated by warm and humid weather, due to its enormous system of rivers and diversified landscapes, as well as its sheer size. October to May is when the rainy season occurs south of the equator. It spans from April to November in the North. The average yearly temperature is in the mid-twenties Celsius at lower elevations and a few degrees lower in the uplands. Daytime temperatures may be even hotter, reaching about 35°, especially when humidity is taken into consideration.
The DCR has the greatest frequency of thunderstorms in the world, according to most statistics, with certain areas receiving up to 2000 mm of rain a year. The capital, Kinshasa, receives about 1400mm. For the majority of the year, the country's humidity is high. The DRC is primarily landlocked (with a small, isolated Atlantic coast to the east), and its trans-equatorial location determines its climate, while its wide variety of heights allows for some fluctuation, with snow found on some of the higher ranges and summits.
Nevertheless, it is pointless to make generalizations about a territory this size, and each trip to the DRC must be planned with particular destinations and activities in mind. Both of the DRC's rainfall extremes are present in Virunga National Park, ranging from 500 mm near Lake Edward to up to 3000 mm on the western slopes of the Ruwenzori Mountains. In general, precipitation occurs throughout the year, with particularly strong downpours occurring from March to May and from mid-September to mid-December. Despite the DRC's tropical location, the mean annual temperature in the lowlands is in the low-twenties, and changes within this range—aside from at extremely high elevations—are not very significant.
Impact
One of Africa's most biodiverse nations is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Due to its turbulent past, several species are in danger of going extinct due to inadequate conservation measures, environmental damage, and poaching. But more lately, tourism and awareness-raising have led to significant progress. In any event, the country's warm, humid climate and variety of habitats make it the perfect place for a variety of creatures, such as the African forest elephant, mountain gorilla, white rhino, and several unique species, most notably the only wild bonobo population in the world.
Monthly Travel Guide to the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Traveling in January and February to the Congo
The Congo's brief dry season, which lasts from January to February, may be very humid. During these months, a dense blanket of gray clouds covers most of the Congo, yet the gorillas do emerge from the distant reaches of the jungles due to the dry weather. This is a fantastic time to go on a gorilla safari in Congo.
Traveling to the Congo in March and April
There is a risk of rain practically every day in March and April, which are part of the Congo's brief rainy season. These months are usually very hot, even with the rain. The ideal months to go are March and April if you want to take advantage of cheaper lodging and gorilla trekking in Congo, as well as a more sedate holiday before the busiest time of year. Make careful to factor in wet weather while packing.
Traveling to the Congo between May and July
With ideal trekking conditions, May, the first month of the lengthy dry season, is regarded as the ideal time to travel to the Congo for heart-stopping gorilla encounters. However, Congo trips in this special region of Africa offer more than just gorillas; if you're lucky, you could also spot timid forest buffalo and elephants, uncommon bongo antelope, and even pangolins.
In the Congo, June is a dry month; although the temperature does somewhat decrease throughout the winter, the humidity doesn't go away. The mild temperature during this month is ideal for gorilla sightings, making it one of the greatest periods to travel to the Congo for gorilla trekking. Hiking in these conditions is significantly more comfortable than it would be during the wet or warmer summer months.
A prime example of a tropical winter month is July, which is also the driest and coldest month of the year.
Visiting the Congo between August and October
The Congo's peak season, which coincides with the dry season, is August. It remains comparatively chilly throughout this time. During August, Odzala National Park is a must-see location in the Congo. With 114 animal species and more than 400 bird species, the park in the northwest of the Congo is a great place to see wildlife.
In the Congo, September marks the beginning of spring, and although the long rainy season doesn't officially start until October, there is a risk of rain throughout this month.
The long rainy season, which begins in October and lasts until the end of December, covers the whole nation and the rainforests. If you want to visit Congo around this period, it is advisable to arrange your trip appropriately because the monsoon season may be triggered by this rainfall. Since grey parrots, green pigeons, and big blue Turacos are frequently sighted in the forested regions, October is an excellent month for birding.
Traveling in November and December to the Congo
In the Congo, November is a rainy month as the summer rains are in full force and the peak season has gone. Unless you're prepared to suffer the rainy weather and muddy trekking conditions in the deep woods on a gorilla trip, it's not usually regarded as the greatest season to visit the Congo.
In the Congo, December marks the start of summer, which can be hot, muggy, and rainy. By the end of December, the rains do tend to subside, bringing drier weather with the start of the new year.
Are You All Set to Begin Organizing Your Trip to the Congo?
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