December weather forecast
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

A cooler yet rainy character defines the weather in Kinshasa's last month of the year, December. The temperatures make a slight upward movement, maintaining a range between 21.5°C (70.7°F) to 29.8°C (85.6°F). The city continues to shimmer in frequent showers, soothing the surroundings with a delightful scent of wet earth. December winds bring along a fresh and crisp ambiance that seeps into the city's festive air. As the year ends, the weather turns a fresh page too, promising a pleasantly cool beginning to a new year.

Temperature

Kinshasa experiences an average high-temperature of a still warm 29.8°C (85.6°F) in December, marking an insignificant shift from 29.5°C (85.1°F) in November. During the nights in December, Kinshasa experiences a consistent average temperature of 21.5°C (70.7°F).

Heat index

Throughout December, the heat index is computed to be a sweltering 38°C (100.4°F). Undertake extra safety actions, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are expected. Heatstroke may result from lengthy activity.
Heat index readings emphasize conditions of light breezes and shaded spots. A rise of up to 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees in the heat index could result from direct sunlight.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'apparent temperature' or 'feels like', gives an indication of how one might feel in terms of heat after considering humidity. Physical activity, clothing, and metabolic variations are additional factors that impact an individual's perception of temperature. Keep in mind that direct sunshine exposure can amplify the weather's effects, possibly increasing the heat index by up to 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values are especially vital to children. Children frequently underestimate the importance of resting and drinking fluids. Thirst is a symptom of advanced dehydration - hence the need to hydrate regularly, especially during protracted physical exercises.
To cool down, the human body relies on perspiration, a process where excessive heat is eliminated as sweat evaporates. When relative humidity is at high levels, the evaporation rate lessens, causing the body to keep more heat than it would in less humid conditions. Accumulating more heat than the body can dissipate leads to an uptick in body temperature, with potential heat stress consequences.

Humidity

December is the most humid month in Kinshasa, with an average relative humidity of 83%.

Rainfall

In Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, during December, the rain falls for 29 days and regularly aggregates up to 167mm (6.57") of precipitation. Throughout the year, in Kinshasa, there are 243.1 rainfall days, and 1109mm (43.66") of precipitation is accumulated.

Daylight

December has the longest days of the year in Kinshasa, with an average of 12h and 24min of daylight.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 05:37 and sunset at 17:58. On the last day of December, in Kinshasa, sunrise is at 05:50 and sunset at 18:13 WAT.

Sunshine

In December, the average sunshine in Kinshasa is 9h.

UV index

February, June, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the lowest UV index in Kinshasa. A UV Index reading of 6 to 7 represents a high threat to health from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for ordinary individuals.
Note: In December, a daily maximum UV index of 6 leads to the following instructions:
Take precautions against overexposure. Fair-skinned people may get burned in less than 20 minutes. It's important to stay in the shade and limit exposure to the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when UV radiation is most intense, although remember that shade structures may not provide full sun protection. A wide-brimmed hat is a shield, deflecting up to 50% of harmful UV radiation from eyes.