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Kigoma

Weather in Кигома: What to Expect by Season

Photo: Ikiwaner, GFDL 1.2

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.

Average air temperature °C
Average air temperature
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.

Precipitation amount mm
Precipitation amount
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.

Average monthly wind m/s
Average monthly wind
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