The best time to visit the Congo is dependant on the area of the country you are wishing to travel to, but either between May and September or between January and February. The climate in the Congo is generally equatorial and consistent, but there are some variations between the northern and southern regions to bear in mind.
In the southern section of the Republic of Congo near the capital of Brazzaville for example, daily temperatures may fluctuate anywhere between 20 and 30°c, although it does tend to be slightly cooler in the long dry season in the middle of the year, making it more advisable to travel then. Further north, however, we see the seasons reverse, with the wetter months generally known to be between April and October.
In general, the calendar year can be divided into the four following seasons that can be used as a rough guide when planning your trip. If heading to the area in and around Brazzaville and the southern parts of the country you should aim for travel in the long dry season between May and September, whilst the north is best visited in the short dry season between January and February.
The month of January occurs during the brief dry season of the nation, when daytime highs range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (24–30°C). Since the humidity is lower than during the rainier months, it is a pleasant time to go exploring. For lovers of animals, the dry season is fantastic. You can go on safari in national parks like Odzala-Kokoua and Nouabalé-Ndoki, where you'll get the opportunity to see a variety of animals, such as forest elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, and other bird species. Around water sources, wildlife gathers, making for pleasant sightings.
The dry season's dry weather continues throughout February, with daytime highs and lows in the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (24–30°C). It's a pleasant time to explore because the humidity levels are lower. The dry season continues to be ideal for those who enjoy nature. Odzala-Kokoua, Nouabalé-Ndoki, and other national parks continue to be excellent places to see a variety of wildlife, such as forest elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, and other bird species. Water sources attract animals, increasing your chances of rewarding sightings.
The rainy season officially begins in March, with rising rainfall and a minor increase in temperature. Although the humidity starts to increase, daytime temperatures are remain in the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (24 to 30°C). In some regions, the beginning of the rainy season might affect wildlife viewing because the animals are more spread due to the increased availability of water. You can still go on wildlife excursions through national parks like Odzala-Kokoua and Nouabalé-Ndoki to see animals including forest elephants, gorillas, and other bird species.
The rainy season, which includes April, is characterised by increased precipitation and rising humidity. Even though the daytime highs are still in the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (24 to 30°C), the regular rainstorms make the air feel cool. Due to the arrival of migratory birds, the rainy season is a great period for birding even though it can disperse animals in some regions due to the abundance of water sources. Odzala-Kokoua, Nouabalé-Ndoki, and other national parks continue to provide opportunities to see forest elephants, gorillas, and a variety of bird species.
May is part of the rainy season, characterized by frequent rainfall and increasing humidity. Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (24-30°C), creating a lush and humid environment. Due to plentiful water sources, the rainy season can spread wildlife in some regions, making animal encounters less predictable. However, because migratory birds are still doing well, it's a great time to go bird watching. Odzala-Kokoua, Nouabalé-Ndoki, and other national parks still have possibilities to see forest elephants, gorillas, and various bird species.
June falls during the rainy season, which is characterised by heavy downpours and rising humidity. The atmosphere is lush and humid due to daytime temperatures that range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (24–30°C). The rainy season can disperse wildlife in some areas due to abundant water sources. However, it's an excellent time for birdwatching as migratory birds thrive. National parks like Odzala-Kokoua and Nouabalé-Ndoki continue to offer opportunities to spot forest elephants, gorillas, and various bird species.
The month of July is part of the rainy season, which is characterised by sporadic downpours and rising humidity. A lush and humid environment is produced by daytime temperatures that normally range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (24–30°C). Due to plentiful water sources, the rainy season can spread wildlife in some regions, making animal encounters less predictable. However, because migratory birds are still doing well, it's a great time to go bird watching. Odzala-Kokoua, Nouabalé-Ndoki, and other national parks still have possibilities to see forest elephants, gorillas, and various bird species.
The month of August falls during the rainy season, which is characterised by sporadic downpours and rising humidity. A lush and humid environment is produced by daytime temperatures that normally range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (24–30°C). Due to plentiful water sources, the rainy season can spread wildlife in some regions, making animal encounters less predictable. However, because migratory birds are still doing well, it's a great time to go bird watching. Odzala-Kokoua, Nouabalé-Ndoki, and other national parks still have possibilities to see forest elephants, gorillas, and various bird species.
The conclusion of the rainy season in September is marked by declining rainfall and a steady decline in humidity. Daytime highs are still in the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (24–30°C), which contributes to a pleasant and cosier atmosphere. As the dry season draws near, wildlife gathers in greater concentrations near the few remaining water sources, increasing the predictability of animal sightings. Odzala-Kokoua, Nouabalé-Ndoki, and other national parks continue to provide opportunities to see forest elephants, gorillas, and a variety of bird species.
Dryer and more agreeable weather arrives in October. It is the best time to explore when the daytime temperature is between the mid-70s and the mid-80s Fahrenheit (24–30°C) and the humidity is lower. As the dry season approaches, wildlife gathers more densely near water sources, increasing the predictability of animal sightings. Odzala-Kokoua, Nouabalé-Ndoki, and other national parks continue to provide opportunities to see forest elephants, gorillas, and a variety of bird species.
Dry and hospitable weather might be found in November. The perfect atmosphere for exploration is provided by daytime temperatures that normally range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (24–30°C). Animal sightings are more dependable now that the dry season is fully underway since animals congregates around any remaining water sources. Odzala-Kokoua, Nouabalé-Ndoki, and other national parks continue to provide excellent opportunity to see forest elephants, gorillas, and a variety of bird species.
December is a great month for exploring because of the dry, nice weather. Daytime highs are usually in the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (24 to 30 °C), which makes outdoor activities enjoyable. Animal sightings are more dependable now that the dry season is fully underway since animals congregates around any remaining water sources. Odzala-Kokoua, Nouabalé-Ndoki, and other national parks continue to provide excellent opportunity to see forest elephants, gorillas, and a variety of bird species.
This period is known as a short dry season and is an ideal time to visit the north, when road conditions are more favourable.
This shorter rainy season is less ideal for those planning to visit the rainforests, and those who decide to visit during this time should pack with rainy conditions in mind.
Generally perceived as the best time to visit the south, this is the longer dry season when it is easier to visit. In the north however these are some of the wettest months so when you visit will depend on which areas you wish to see.
A longer rainy season, this is less ideal for those visiting the southern region, but in the north the rain starts to subside, entering a drier period in the new year.
The safari of choice for primate enthusiasts, this epic journey will give you the chance to track both mountain gorillas and western lowland gorillas on six separate trekking excursions (with the possibility of a seventh trek added in for good measure).
From 36500 per person
Located in the north-west region of the Republic of the Congo, discover two unique camps inside the pristine Odzala-Kokoua National Park, and a third on a private concession bordering the national park. This is a lowland rainforest characterised by a network of bais, rivers, marshes and swamps. This vast and truly wild region, with its wide range of landscapes and habitat, is home to an incredible diversity of life. Forest elephant, leopard, bongo, forest buffalo, giant forest hog and hippo live alongside the greatest density of western lowland gorilla in Africa.
From 15205 per person
Located in the north-west region of the Republic of the Congo, discover two unique camps inside the pristine Odzala-Kokoua National Park, and a third on a private concession bordering the national park. This is a lowland rainforest characterised by a network of bais, rivers, marshes and swamps. This vast and truly wild region, with its wide range of landscapes and habitat, is home to an incredible diversity of life. Forest elephant, leopard, bongo, forest buffalo, giant forest hog and hippo live alongside the greatest density of western lowland gorilla in Africa.
From 27500 per personDiscover the diverse wildlife of Odzala-Kokoua National Park, which is home to forest elephants, buffalo, and several primate species. Explore the marshes and savannas by taking guided hikes and boat rides.
Take a tour of the city's bustling markets, historic buildings from the colonial era, and cultural landmarks like the Basilique Sainte-Anne and the Poto-Poto School of Painting.
In this coastal national park, see wildlife up close and enjoy the pristine beaches while looking out for sea turtles, chimpanzees, and forest elephants.
Experience the local way of life and the river's many ecosystems by taking a boat trip down the Congo River, one of Africa's major waterways.
Discover this special place where the jungle and the ocean converge. Enjoy seeing animals, including elephants on the beach, and engaging in water sports like fishing and kayaking.
