The best time to visit Congo is during the dry season. However, if you are traveling on a low budget, you can take advantage of the low season. Just know that the experience may not be as smooth as during the dry months.
Congo is a country located in Central Africa and one of the three countries in the world where you can trek the endangered mountain gorillas. The famous Virunga National Park is home to these great apes. Congo is also home to eastern lowland gorillas, which can be seen in Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Maiko National Park.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is also home to two of the most active and dangerous volcanoes in the world — Mount Nyamuragira and Mount Nyiragongo, both located in Virunga National Park. These mountains are part of the Virunga Massif, a group of volcanoes shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Best Time to Travel to Congo
Congo is one of the countries crossed by the equator. The equator divides the country into two climate zones, and both zones have two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. The climate in Congo is tropical, with average temperatures between 18°C and 25°C. Humidity levels are high during the rainy months. The country receives between 1100 mm and 2000 mm of rainfall each year.
Dry Season
The dry season is the peak season and the best time to visit Congo. During this time, roads leading to the parks are easier to use, the vegetation is thinner, and animals gather near water sources, making them easier to see. This is also the best time to go gorilla trekking because the trails are less muddy and not too steep, which makes it easier to walk through the forest.
The dry season is also a good time for volcano hiking because there is less rain, and you will have better views at the top, especially on Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira. The dry seasons in Congo are from January to February and from May to September. These months are the best for travel if you want a smooth and comfortable trip.
Wet Season
The two wet seasons in Congo are from October to December and from March to April. This is not a good time to visit because of heavy rains. Roads leading to national parks often become difficult to use. It is also hard to see animals because the vegetation is thick, and the trekking trails can be very steep and slippery.
Mountain climbing is also not recommended during the rainy season. Heavy rains can interrupt your trip, and views from the top of the mountains are often blocked by clouds or snow. However, one benefit of visiting Congo during the rainy season is the cost. Gorilla permits are cheaper. In the dry season, permits cost $400, but during the low season, they are reduced to $200 per person. Many hotels also lower their prices and offer discounts during the rainy season.
