The climate of Goma
Positioned at the heart of the African continent,
Goma forms part of the
Democratic Republic of Congo. Its geographical location corresponds to a predominantly marine west coast climate with warm summers, otherwise known as a "Cfb" in the Köppen climate classification.
Throughout the year, Goma experiences moderate temperatures that fluctuate between 12.8°C (55°F) and 21.8°C (71.2°F). Observations suggest relative stability, with small variations in both maximum and minimum monthly averages. Humidity, on the other hand, exhibits greater disparity, ranging from a mildly humid 70% to a much more moist 88% at different times during the year.
As a tropical zone, rainfall is convincingly pronounced, with precipitation volumes swelling from 41mm (1.61") to 174mm (6.85") over the twelve-month period. The number of rainy days in each month is also consistently high, varying from 18.5 days to 27.7 days. The level of sunlight and daylight Goma receives is quite constant, with daylight hours hovering around 12.1 and annual sunshine duration fluctuating between 7.8 hours and 10 hours.
Goma’s weather is also characterized by moderate wind speeds, primarily varying from 3.8km/h (2.4mph) to 6km/h (3.7mph), with accompanying gustiness reaching from 5.8km/h (3.6mph) to 9.3km/h (5.8mph). Atmospheric pressure, visibility, and cloudiness also reveal slight fluctuations, adding to the rich weather mosaic that makes Goma's climate unique.
The best time to visit Goma
Favourable conditions for traveling to
Goma seem to materialize around
September. Herein, weather parameters converge to create an environment perfect for exploration with reduced rainfall, fewer rainy days (18.5 days), and maximized daylight (12.1 hours). Additionally, the relative humidity is at its lowest (74%), which together with a pleasant average temperature of 20.6°C (69.1°F), makes outdoor activities highly appealing.
The worst time to visit Goma
With greater rainfall translating into a greater number of wet days, travel to
Goma between
April and
May should be avoided if possible. These months bring an extensive 166mm (6.54") to 174mm (6.85") of rainfall spread over 27.3 to 27.7 days. Clear visibility is also hindered by increased cloudiness and a slightly reduced daylight duration.
Spring weather in Goma
During springtime, between
March and
May,
Goma experiences its highest levels of rainfall, with precipitation volumes surging to 146mm (5.75")-174mm (-6.85"). The spring months also have a noticeably high average humidity from 83% to 88%, producing a fairly moist environment. Temperatures during spring remain agreeable, however, resting at a gentle 19.6°C (67.3°F)-21.4°C (-6.5°F).
Summer weather in Goma
The summer months,
June through
August, see average temperatures between 19.9°C (67.8°F) and 21.6°C (70.9°F), remaining consistent with
Goma's tropical nature. Summer weather in Goma showcases a reduction in rainfall (from 90mm (3.54") to 57mm (2.24")), and the humidity dips to between 70% and 83%, providing somewhat of a respite from the dampness.
Autumn weather in Goma
For those who don't mind a touch of rain, autumn promises moderate temperatures, fluctuating between 20.9°C (69.6°F) and 21°C (69.8°F). This period sees an uptick in precipitation from 41mm (1.61") in
September to 174mm (6.85") by
November, while the number of rainy days per month also climbs sharply from 18.5 to 27.7.
Winter weather in Goma
Winter brings a temperate climate with averages between 20.1°C (68.2°F) to 21.5°C (70.7°F). The early months of winter,
December through
January, experience higher levels of precipitation. As the season progresses towards
February, rainfall slightly reduces from 120mm (4.72") to 57mm (2.24") providing an amicable close to the year.
Weather in January
Notably,
January in
Goma,
Democratic Republic of Congo, is characterized by the ideal balance of a relatively low average daily amount of rainfall at 57mm (2.24") and modest temperatures with highs around 21.5°C (70.7°F) and lows at approximately 12.8°C (55°F) alongside abundant sunshine for an average of 9 hours a day.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Goma's
February marks a gradual transition into a wetter season with an increased average rainfall to 79mm (3.11") in comparison to
January's 57mm (2.24"). Moreover, relative humidity levels are consistently around 79%, indicating fairly humid conditions throughout these weeks.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March boasts of the highest rainfall in
Goma with a significant rise to an average of 146mm (5.75"), from
February's 79mm (3.11"), indicative of the peak of the wet season. The increased rainfall also corresponds to a dip in the number of sunshine hours, averaging about 8.4 hours every day.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Goma remains within the grip of the wet season, noting only a slight dip in rainfall to 166mm (6.54") from
March's peak of 146mm (5.75"). Conditions this month entail sky-high relative humidity levels that peak at 88%, making it one of the most humid periods of the year.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings a break from the heavy rains of the past months; with rainfall dropping to 151mm (5.94"),
Goma starts paving its way towards the dry season. As the city transitions into a warmer and drier period, temperatures continue their steady course, providing an agreeable climate for various activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the onset of a drier season in
Goma, with rainfall further decreasing to 90mm (3.54") from
May's 151mm (5.94"). It boasts longer hours of sunlight at 8.6 hours per day that beckon outdoor activity lovers. Encouragingly, the sky begins to clear up, and visibility rises, opening up panoramic views of the city and its vibrant life.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July, the city of
Goma experiences one of the driest periods, with rainfall plummeting to 41mm (1.61"). An optimal balance of warm temperatures, reduced precipitation, and modest humidity makes July one of the most appealing months for tourism.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August experiences marginally more rainfall at 57mm (2.24") compared to
July's 41mm (1.61"), indicating the start of a switch in the weather pattern. However, this month still offers pleasant weather that encourages exploration of the city's bustling street markets and scenic natural landscapes.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September calls for an umbrella as the rainfall record jumps to 133mm (5.24") from
August's 57mm (2.24"), pointing towards a shift into a wetter season. Along with increased precipitation, the city experiences a rise in cloud cover, shrouding
Goma in a charming spectacle of soft lights and shadows.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Consistent with the trend of raising precipitation levels,
October in
Goma records a peak in rainfall with a significant increase to 174mm (6.85"). The general ambiance of the city during this month is of overcast skies and the earthy aroma following rains which artists, photographers, and tourists find particularly enchanting.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November, with an average rainfall of 169mm (6.65"), slightly less than
October's 174mm (6.85"), continues to remain submerged in the wet season. These weeks are marked by frequent showers, sometimes short-lived and at other times lasting the whole day.
Weather in November » Weather in December
By
December, the wet spell starts to ease off, with the total monthly rainfall falling to 120mm (4.72") from
November's 169mm (6.65"). While continuing the legacy of the preceding month's comfortable temperatures,
Goma progressively steps towards milder weather.
Weather in December » [Resources]