Climate Overview
The climate in Mbandaka is hot. The average annual temperature is 26°C and approximately 1616mm of precipitation falls per year. Mbandaka receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Mbandaka sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.
Temperature
Mbandaka has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 9°C range. The warmest month is February, when average highs reach 32°C and the mean temperature sits around 27°C. September is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 23°C and an average of 26°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 7°C between highs and lows.
Precipitation
Mbandaka is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1616mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 135mm per month. The wettest month is October, averaging 222mm of rainfall. September and November also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is January, with just 66mm. That's 155mm less than October, the wettest month. Precipitation varies noticeably between seasons, with the second half (July to December) of the year generally seeing more rainfall.
Wind
Mbandaka is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 9km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is February, averaging 10km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in May, with average winds dropping to 7km/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
89 days until Summer
It is currently spring in Mbandaka, which began on March 20, 2026. Mbandaka sits near the equator, so the traditional four-season cycle is less pronounced — temperatures remain relatively stable year-round. The warmest period peaks in February at around 32°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in September near 23°C. Summer is next, beginning on June 21, 2026 — 89 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 24 to 32°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 461mm across the season with a monthly average of 154mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 9km/h. An umbrella or waterproof jacket is advisable as spring showers are frequent.
Summer
Temperatures range from 23 to 30°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 317mm across the season with a monthly average of 106mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 8km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal — perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 23 to 30°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 585mm across the season with a monthly average of 195mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 8km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 23 to 32°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 253mm for the season, averaging 84mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 10km/h. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient, though cooler evenings may call for an extra layer.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Mbandaka 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.
