The climate of Boma
Nestled in the heart of the
Democratic Republic of Congo,
Boma experiences a predominant Köppen climate classification of Aw, commonly known as Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate. This type of climate is characterized by significant monthly variations in temperature and rainfall, creating a diverse range of weather patterns throughout the year.
Fluctuations in the temperature levels are relatively mild. Monthly average highs remain fairly consistent, wavering slightly between 30.2°C (86.4°F) and 32.1°C (89.8°F). In the same vein, average lows maintain a steady range from 19.3°C (66.7°F) to 23.3°C (73.9°F). A consistent humidity level is maintained throughout the year, peaking at 85% while not dropping less than 69%, lending the air a constant, palpable moisture.
Rainfall is a significant climatic factor in Boma, with monthly averages varying from a sparse 2mm (0.08") in
July to a hefty 194mm (7.64") in
December. Correspondingly, the number of rainy days per month ranges from 4.2 to 29.5. On the flip side of cloudiness, sunshine hours per day also exhibit variations, peaking at 8.6 hours in July and decreasing to 5.6 hours in
October.
Strong winds are an occasional feature of Boma's weather, with wind speed experiencing a gentle increase from 5.4 Kph at the start of the year to 9.3 Kph in
September and then tapering off again towards the end of the year. Pressure ranges from 1010Mb to 1014.3Mb in the course of the year, indicating a relatively stable atmospheric condition.
The best time to visit Boma
Given the combination of weather elements,
June to
August emerge as the most favourable months to visit
Boma. During this period, the region experiences less rainfall, ranging from 2mm (0.08") to 6mm (0.24"), and the number of rainy days is significantly lower, making outdoor adventures possible. Additionally, these months also witness a good amount of sunshine, approximately 8.2-8.6 hours per day, which is inviting for tourists aiming to explore the city’s attractions. The average temperatures during these months hover between 19.3°C (66.7°F) and 30.9°C (87.6°F), comfortable for travelers.
The worst time to visit Boma
It would be advisable to avoid planning a visit to
Boma during the wettest months, namely
November and
December. During these months, the rainfall significantly increases, reaching up to 194mm (7.64"), leading to a higher number of rainy days, thus limiting outdoor activities. Also, the higher relative humidity of up to 85% during these months could lead to potential discomfort, especially for visitors not accustomed to humid environments.
Spring weather in Boma
Spring in
Boma from
March to
May is characterized by slightly higher temperatures ranging from 23.3°C (73.9°F) to 32.1°C (89.8°F) and an increase in rainfall levels. While March receives an average of 122mm (4.8") rainfall spread over 26.3 days, in May, the rainfall decreases to 89mm (3.5") over 22.8 days. The duration of sunshine decreases from 7.7 hours in March to 6.5 hours by May.
Summer weather in Boma
The summer months of
June,
July, and
August represent the driest period of the year in
Boma. Temperatures range from 19.3°C (66.7°F) to 30.9°C (87.6°F), while rainfall decreases significantly, from 6mm (0.24") in June to 2mm (0.08") in July, increasing slightly to 4mm (0.16") in August. This period also enjoys the highest number of sunshine hours, ranging from 8.2 to 8.6 hours per day.
Autumn weather in Boma
Autumn, spanning from
September to
November, sees a gradual increase in rainfall, with September recording 12mm (0.47"),
October 89mm (3.5"), and November a high of 173mm (6.81"). During these months, the number of rainy days increases progressively from 10.9 to 26.7. Average temperatures fluctuate from 21.5°C (70.7°F) to 30.6°C (87.1°F). Despite increased rainfall, the area still enjoys moderate sunshine hours, ranging from 7.4 hours to 5.6 hours per day.
Winter weather in Boma
Winter in
Boma, particularly in
December, is characterized by the highest rainfall levels, reaching 194mm (7.64") over 29.5 rainy days. The temperature maintains a steady range from 22.8°C (73°F) to 30.2°C (86.4°F). Despite being the wettest month, December still witnesses daylight for 12.5 hours with sunshine enduring for an average of 7.4 hours.
Weather in January
Begin the year in
Boma,
Democratic Republic of Congo with high humidity, registering at an average of 84%. This contributes to the misty, tropical atmosphere, underscored by the warm temperature range. It's not all sunshine, however, as there are numerous rainy days.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Boma ushers in a slight change in climatic conditions from the month prior. A noteworthy pattern, the average rainfall decreases to 131mm (5.16") making the days drier. Yet, the overall weather remains balmy with temperatures regularly reaching more than 30°C (86°F).
Weather in February » Weather in March
March maintains a bright and sunlit weather characteristic in
Boma. A unique weather pattern surfaces this month, accommodating the highest maximum temperatures of the year peaking at 32.1°C (89.8°F). Consequently, while the days are sunny and hot, the rainfall takes a minor step back but is still pretty frequent.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Come
April,
Boma's weather transitions subtly, signaling the onset of slight atmospheric changes. Complimenting these changes, the rainfall increases to 156mm (6.14"). Comparatively, it receives more precipitation than the following month.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
May,
Boma's weather begins to transform markedly, showing a different side to its tropical climate. A significant dip in rainfall to 89mm (3.5") is indicative of the beginning of Boma's dry season. Besides, there's a small reduction in the average temperature, though it is scarcely perceptible to the naked eye.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June, the middle of the year, brings a distinctive weather pattern in
Boma. Notably, it holds the least amount of rainfall, a modest 6mm (0.24"), the cloud cover decreases significantly too. The dry period in June lends itself to a surge in sunshine hours per day with less cloudy skies.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July maintains the dry weather pattern noted in
June; however, the climatic conditions in
Boma take on a few modifications. The least number of rainy days occur in July, registering at a mere 4.2 days. With reduced cloud cover, the number of sunshine hours per day increases slightly.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August through
Boma's climate continues mostly dry, some alterations are visible. Although the rainfall increases to 4mm (0.16") from
July, it is still below the yearly average. The heat is consistent, with temperatures hovering around the 30°C (86°F) mark.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September ushers in a shift in the dry weather pattern that
Boma has experienced in the previous months. Rainfall notably increases to 12mm (0.47"), though remaining below the yearly average. Consistent with the trend, a rise in temperature gets witnessed without substantial variation from
August.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Boma in
October experiences a weather shift ushering in a wetter season. The rainfall jumps substantially to 89mm (3.5"), aligned with previous weather trends. As the rainfall increases, the temperatures and weather conditions experience minor fluctuations from the prior month.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Boma reinforces the wet season that began in
October. It takes precedence, registering the second-highest rainfall of the year at a considerable 173mm (6.81"). The wind speed reduces slightly from October, adding to the damp environment of the city.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December rounds off the year in
Boma, keeping the wet weather pattern consistent. It stands out with the most precipitation, a significant 194mm (7.64"), marking its peak in the annual rainfall pattern. Despite the surge in rainfall, the temperature and weather conditions don't differ significantly from
November.
Weather in December »