Weather overview
Кигома lies near Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, where the climate remains warm year-round but shifts between wet and dry periods. The air rarely feels stifling, thanks to the moderating influence of the lake, though humidity rises noticeably during the rainy months.
From June to September, Кигома experiences its driest stretch, with almost no rainfall and slightly cooler nights. The rest of the year alternates between heavy rains—especially in March, April, November, and December—and brief lulls in May and October, when showers taper off but don’t disappear entirely.
Temperature
Daytime temperatures in Кигома hover between +27.5 °C and +30.6 °C across the year, with the warmest stretch falling between August and October. Nights bring relief, particularly in July, when the mercury can dip to +16.7 °C, making evenings noticeably cooler than the midday heat.
The smallest temperature swings occur in January and February, when both days and nights stay close to +20.5 °C and +28.4 °C. By contrast, June and July see the largest daily range, with afternoons reaching +29.4 °C while nights drop to +17.7 °C or lower.
| Month | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| January | 20.5 | 28.2 |
| February | 20.5 | 28.4 |
| March | 20.5 | 28.8 |
| April | 20.4 | 28.4 |
| May | 19.8 | 29.3 |
| June | 17.7 | 29.4 |
| July | 16.7 | 29.5 |
| August | 18.6 | 30.5 |
| September | 20.1 | 30.6 |
| October | 20.8 | 30.1 |
| November | 20.3 | 27.7 |
| December | 20.2 | 27.5 |
Precipitation
Кигома’s rainfall follows a clear seasonal rhythm. The heaviest downpours arrive in December, averaging 390.7 mm, while July is almost rainless, with just 0.5 mm. Between these extremes, April and November also bring significant rain, often exceeding 300 mm each.
The brief dry season from June to September offers the most predictable weather, though even October can surprise with sudden showers. Travelers should prepare for sudden downpours if visiting Кигома in March, April, or November, when rain is nearly a daily occurrence.
| Month | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| January | 252.9 |
| February | 192.6 |
| March | 293.2 |
| April | 339.3 |
| May | 163.8 |
| June | 11.6 |
| July | 0.5 |
| August | 10.8 |
| September | 26.3 |
| October | 117.6 |
| November | 346.6 |
| December | 390.7 |
What to pack
For a trip to Кигома between June and September, pack lightweight clothing for warm days and a light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings. A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen are useful year-round, as the sun remains strong even during the dry season.
If visiting during the rainy months—particularly March, April, November, or December—waterproof footwear and a compact umbrella are essential. Quick-dry fabrics help manage humidity, while a light rain jacket will keep you comfortable during sudden showers. Mosquito protection is advisable regardless of season.
| Month | Wind speed |
|---|---|
| January | 1.7 |
| February | 1.6 |
| March | 1.6 |
| April | 1.8 |
| May | 2.2 |
| June | 2.4 |
| July | 2.5 |
| August | 2.6 |
| September | 2.6 |
| October | 2.5 |
| November | 1.9 |
| December | 1.5 |