Climate in Democratic Republic of the Congo

The DRC straddles the Equator, with about one third of its area north and two thirds south. In the south, heavy rains typically occur from October through May, while in the north the rainy season generally spans April through October, and in some areas extends into November. The eastern highlands, including the Albertine Rift, have a more temperate, tropical highland climate, while only the highest peaks in the southern and eastern highlands approach alpine conditions. Annual average temperatures in the low-lying central basin hover around 77°F (25°C), dropping to 64°F (18°C) at higher elevations. Kinshasa receives approximately 1,400 to 1,500 mm (about 55 to 60 inches) of rain annually, which is consistent with observed climate data.