Climate Insights for Bukavu

The climate in Bukavu is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 21°C and approximately 1151mm of precipitation falls per year. April is the wettest month, receiving around 225mm of rainfall. Bukavu sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.

Bukavu has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 8°C range. The warmest month is September, when average highs reach 25°C and the mean temperature sits around 21°C. July is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 17°C and an average of 21°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 7°C between highs and lows.

Bukavu is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 1151mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 96mm per month. The wettest month is April, averaging 225mm of rainfall. November and December also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is July, with just 2mm. That's 223mm less than April, 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.

Bukavu is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 10km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is August, averaging 13km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in January, with average winds dropping to 8km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 5km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 12km/h in winter, 11km/h in spring, 8km/h in summer, 9km/h in autumn.

It is currently autumn in Bukavu, which began on March 20, 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 September at around 25°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in July near 17°C. Winter is next, beginning on June 21, 2026 — 89 days from now.

The best time to visit Bukavu is during January, February, May, June, July, August and September, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 21°C with modest rainfall averaging 47mm per month. A light rain jacket is recommended, though showers are generally brief and shouldn't disrupt your plans.

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.