Climate Overview
The climate in Bukavu is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 19°C and approximately 2204mm of precipitation falls per year. January is the wettest month, receiving around 357mm of rainfall. Bukavu sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.
Temperature
Bukavu has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 10°C range. The warmest month is August, when average highs reach 25°C and the mean temperature sits around 20°C. July is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 15°C and an average of 19°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 9°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs.
Precipitation
Bukavu is a very wet location, receiving approximately 2204mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 184mm per month. The wettest month is January, averaging 357mm of rainfall. December and November also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is July, with just 13mm. That's 343mm less than January, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.
Wind
Bukavu is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 5km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is May, averaging 7km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in January, with average winds dropping to 4km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 3km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
3 days until Spring
It is currently winter in Bukavu, which began on June 21, 2026. Bukavu sits near the equator, so the traditional four-season cycle is less pronounced. Temperatures remain relatively stable year-round. The warmest period peaks in August at around 25°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in July near 15°C. Spring is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 (3 days from now).
Spring
Temperatures range from 15 to 25°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 618mm across the season with a monthly average of 206mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 5km/h. An umbrella or waterproof jacket is advisable as spring showers are frequent.
Summer
Temperatures range from 15 to 24°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 945mm across the season with a monthly average of 315mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 4km/h. Comfortable clothing with a light layer for cooler evenings is all you need.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 15 to 24°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 577mm across the season with a monthly average of 192mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 6km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 15 to 25°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 64mm over the season and a monthly average of 21mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 6km/h. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient, though cooler evenings may call for an extra layer.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bukavu is during May, June, July and August, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 20°C with modest rainfall averaging 37mm per month. A light rain jacket is recommended, though showers are generally brief and shouldn't disrupt your plans.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Bukavu based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.
