Last updated: August 21, 2025
May in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo ushers in a warm atmosphere, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 34°C (94°F) and an average of 26°C (80°F), providing a balmy backdrop for the bustling city. However, the season also brings considerable moisture, with 85 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation spread over 14 days, contributing to the elevated humidity levels of 88%. As the rain lightly sweeps through the region, the verdant landscapes of Kinshasa thrive, showcasing the city's vibrant life amidst the warm, humid climate.
In May, Kinshasa experiences a pleasant transition into the cooler season. The temperatures hover between a minimum of 20°C (69°F) and a maximum of 34°C (94°F), maintaining a consistent average of 26°C (80°F). As spring advances, there's a subtle dip from the warmer peaks of April, indicating a gradual shift towards the milder climate of June. This slight decrease in temperature is accompanied by lower humidity levels, making May an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploration in the vibrant capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Overall, May offers a perfect blend of warmth and comfort, with temperatures resembling those of the earlier months but starting to hint at the cooling trend that lies ahead.
In May, Kinshasa experiences a noticeable dip in rainfall, with precipitation totaling 85 mm (3.3 in) over just 14 days. This reduction in rain follows a wetter April, which delivered 129 mm (5.1 in) across 20 days, marking a transition towards the drier months ahead. Interestingly, the precipitation trend highlights a sharp contrast as the region braces for the almost negligible rains in June, which typically only see 6 mm (0.2 in) of rainfall. This pattern of diminishing May showers sets the stage for the distinct seasonal shift observed in Kinshasa, showcasing the interplay between rainfall amounts and frequency as the city moves into its drier months.
May in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, continues the trend of consistently high humidity, with levels reaching 88%, mirroring January, February, and April. This persistent humidity creates a tropical atmosphere that can feel quite muggy, typical for this vibrant city during the early wet season. As the year progresses into June, humidity slightly dips to 86%, but still remains on the higher end of the spectrum compared to the dryer months that follow, such as July and August, where levels drop significantly. The gradual rise from the drier months of mid-year back to high humidity in November and December suggests an intriguing climatic rhythm, making May a month where the lushness of the environment is unmistakably felt.
As May unfolds in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, residents and visitors can expect a UV Index of 11, maintaining an extreme exposure category that demands caution. This slight decrease from the earlier months, where the index peaked at 14 in March, still underscores the necessity of protective measures against sun exposure. With a consistent burn time of just 10 minutes, the trend reflects Kinshasa's overall pattern of high UV levels year-round, particularly during the early months where indices have consistently hovered around the 13 to 14 mark. As June approaches, a shift to slightly lower UV readings is anticipated, but vigilance remains key throughout the year. For more detailed insights, you can check the Kinshasa UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As May blooms in Kinshasa, the city delights in an impressive 291 hours of sunshine, marking it as one of the sunniest months of the year. This reflects a vibrant trend that began in the early months, with sunshine hours steadily increasing from 238 in January to a peak of 311 in July. After a slight dip in April, May shines brightly, maintaining a rewarding balance between warmth and light before the gradual tapering begins in the late months of the year. The consistent pattern of sunny days not only enriches the landscape but also energizes the spirit of Kinshasa, inviting both locals and visitors to bask in the uplifting glow of this vibrant city.
In May, the likelihood of sunny weather in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, sees a notable increase, climbing to 39%—a significant jump compared to the preceding months, which hover around 17-18%. This trend marks a transition into a sunnier season, laying the groundwork for even brighter prospects in the following months, particularly June and July, where chances soar to 43% and 47% respectively. As May ushers in this uplift in sunshine, residents and visitors alike can look forward to warmer days filled with increased daylight, highlighting the city's vibrant atmosphere as it transitions toward the heart of the dry season.
In Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, the daylight duration exhibits a strikingly consistent pattern throughout the year. From January to March, daylight stretches a steady 12 hours, providing ample opportunities for exploration and activities. However, as April arrives, daylight begins to slightly decline to 11 hours, a trend that persists through the dry months of May, June, July, and August. Interestingly, this brief reduction is followed by a resurgence in daylight hours again in September, returning to the 12 hours of brightness that characterizes the start of the year. As the year wraps up, October through December maintains this generous allocation of daylight, making Kinshasa a vibrant location to enjoy the luxuries of natural light year-round.
In May, Kinshasa experiences slightly breezy conditions, with an average wind speed of 1.3 m/s (3 mph), maintaining a gentle atmosphere reminiscent of the preceding months. This modest uptick from April's lower 1.2 m/s reflects a subtle transition as the city prepares for the breezier months ahead. Interestingly, January through April showcases consistently low wind speeds around 1.5 m/s or less, providing a calm prelude to the more invigorating winds that arrive in later months. As summer approaches in June, momentum picks up to 1.7 m/s, indicating that May serves as a transitional period, gently ushering in the livelier gusts that characterize the latter half of the year.
Weather in Kinshasa varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Kinshasa, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
When comparing the weather in May and January, both months in Kinshasa exhibit similar temperature ranges, with January having a slightly higher minimum temperature of 21°C (69°F) compared to May's 20°C (68°F). The average temperature for both months remains consistent at around 26°C (79°F), and the maximum temperature peaks at 34°C (93°F) in both months. However, January experiences more precipitation, totaling 99 mm (3.9 in) over 18 days, while May sees less rainfall at 85 mm (3.3 in) across 14 days. Despite these differences, both months maintain a high humidity level of 88%. For more detailed information on January weather, please visit Kinshasa weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, both months feature similar average temperatures, with lows around 20-21°C (69°F) and highs reaching up to 34°C (94°F). However, February tends to be wetter, receiving 127 mm (5.0 in) of precipitation over 18 days, compared to May's 85 mm (3.3 in) over 14 days. Humidity levels remain consistent at 88% in both months. For a detailed look at weather conditions in February, you can visit Kinshasa weather in February.
In comparing the weather between March and May, we observe some interesting differences. March tends to be slightly warmer on average, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 21°C (69°F) to a maximum of 35°C (95°F), while May's temperatures are a bit cooler, with a minimum of 20°C (69°F) and a maximum of 34°C (94°F). However, May experiences more precipitation overall, with 85 mm (3.3 in) over 14 days, compared to March's 101 mm (4.0 in) over 17 days. Both months see relatively high humidity, but May is slightly more humid at 88% compared to March's 86%. For more detailed insights on March weather, check out Kinshasa weather in March.
In comparing the weather of April and May, April tends to be slightly warmer with average temperatures around 27°C (80°F) and maximums reaching 35°C (96°F). In contrast, May shows a decrease in maximum temperatures, peaking at 34°C (94°F), while the minimum temperature hovers around 20°C (69°F). Precipitation is another key difference; April experiences more rainfall with 129 mm (5.1 in) over 20 days, compared to May's 85 mm (3.3 in) across 14 days. Humidity levels remain high in both months, with April at 87% and May slightly higher at 88%. For more detailed insights, you can check Kinshasa weather in April.
May weather in Kinshasa tends to be warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F) and an average of 26°C (80°F). This month sees considerable rainfall, with 85 mm (3.3 in) spread over 14 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 88%. In contrast, June experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 18°C (64°F), an average of 25°C (77°F), and a maximum of 33°C (92°F). Notably, June is much drier, receiving only 6 mm (0.2 in) of precipitation over no rainy days and maintaining a slightly lower humidity level of 86%. For those interested in more detailed insights, check out Kinshasa weather in June.
In May, the weather is notably warmer and more humid compared to July, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F) and an average of 26°C (80°F). Additionally, May experiences significant rainfall, with approximately 85 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over 14 days and a humidity level of 88%, creating a muggy atmosphere. In contrast, July offers much drier conditions, with only 3 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation and no rainy days. Temperatures in July are cooler, ranging from a minimum of 16°C (61°F) to a maximum of 31°C (89°F), with a lower average of 24°C (75°F) and reduced humidity at 77%. For more details, check out Kinshasa weather in July.
In May, the weather sees warmer temperatures with an average of 26°C (80°F) and highs reaching up to 34°C (94°F). This month is characterized by high humidity levels at 88% and significant rainfall, totaling 85 mm (3.3 in) over approximately 14 days. In contrast, August experiences slightly cooler average temperatures, sitting at 25°C (77°F), with a minimum of 18°C (64°F) and similar maximums of 35°C (94°F). August is marked by much drier conditions, with only 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain over just one day and a drop in humidity to 74%. For more detailed information on the climatic conditions, you can check Kinshasa weather in August.
May and September both offer warm temperatures in the region, with average highs around 26°C (79°F). However, May tends to be slightly warmer overall, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 34°C (94°F) compared to September's peak of 35°C (96°F). Despite the similar averages, May experiences significantly more rainfall, averaging 85 mm (3.3 in) over 14 days, while September sees much less precipitation at 24 mm (0.9 in) over just 6 days. Additionally, humidity is higher in May at 88%, compared to 78% in September, making May feel more oppressive. For a detailed look at September weather in Kinshasa, you can check Kinshasa weather in September.
In May, temperatures in Kinshasa range from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average of 26°C (80°F). The month experiences approximately 85 mm (3.3 in) of rainfall over 14 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 88%. In contrast, October shows a similar average temperature of 26°C (79°F), but with slightly cooler minimum temperatures at 19°C (67°F) and a maximum temperature that rises to 35°C (94°F). Rainfall is significantly higher in October, totaling 157 mm (6.2 in) over 20 days, resulting in a humidity level of 87%. For more details on October weather, you can visit Kinshasa weather in October.
In comparing the weather conditions of May and November, we observe some notable differences despite similar average temperatures. May typically experiences slightly lower humidity at 88% compared to November's 91%, while both months share an average temperature of around 26°C (79°F). However, November sees significantly higher precipitation, with 193 mm (7.6 in) spread over 26 days, compared to May's 85 mm (3.3 in) over 14 days. This suggests that November is a wetter month, contributing to an overall more humid environment. For a closer look at what to expect in November, you can check out Kinshasa weather in November.
When comparing the weather in May and December, both months exhibit warm temperatures, but December tends to be slightly more humid. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F) with an average of 26°C (80°F). May experiences about 85 mm (3.3 inches) of precipitation over 14 days, with a humidity level of 88%. In contrast, December shows a minimum temperature of 21°C (70°F), an average of 26°C (78°F), and a maximum of 33°C (91°F). This month also sees significantly higher precipitation at 172 mm (6.8 inches) over 25 days, coupled with increased humidity of 92%. For more details, check out Kinshasa weather in December.
As May arrives in Kinshasa, the weather takes on a notable character, characterized by rising temperatures and increased humidity. With warm days lingering at an average of 26°C and peak highs reaching around 34°C, the month clearly feels more intense compared to previous months. However, the accompanying rainfall, averaging 85 mm across about 14 days, introduces an almost tropical charm, softening the heat with refreshing showers. This blend of warmth and moisture creates an atmosphere of lush vibrancy, making May a unique time in the city's climatic cycle. For more insights into the weather patterns throughout the year, check out Kinshasa Climate.