Malawi, a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, is bordered by Tanzania to the north, Mozambique to the east, south, and west, and Zambia to the west. Covering approximately 118,484 square kilometers, Malawi is known for its diverse landscapes, which include high plateaus, rolling hills, and extensive lake systems. The most notable geographical feature is Lake Malawi, one of Africa’s largest freshwater lakes, stretching over 560 kilometers along the country’s eastern border. The lake plays a central role in the country’s geography, economy, and culture.
Malawi’s terrain consists of mountain ranges, such as the Nyika Plateau and the Mulanje Massif, as well as vast plains, particularly in the southern and central regions. Its climate is largely tropical, influenced by its elevation and proximity to Lake Malawi. The weather varies depending on the region, with the lake moderating temperatures in the lowlands while the highlands experience cooler conditions. Malawi’s climate is defined by two main seasons: a rainy season (November to April) and a dry season (May to October). The weather transitions between these seasons bring shifts in temperature, rainfall, and humidity across the country.
Malawi Weather by Month
January
General Overview
- Average temperature: 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: Heavy rainfall with high humidity
January is in the middle of Malawi’s rainy season, characterized by frequent and intense thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoons and evenings. The rainfall is heaviest in the southern and lakeside regions, while the highlands tend to receive slightly less precipitation. Humidity is high, and daytime temperatures are warm, though not excessively hot due to the cloud cover and rain. The lush greenery brought by the rain makes this month ideal for enjoying the country’s landscapes, although some roads may become impassable due to the rain.
Regional Differences
- Southern Malawi (Blantyre, Zomba): Heavy rain and warm, with temperatures between 21°C to 28°C (70°F to 82°F)
- Central Malawi (Lilongwe): Warm and rainy, temperatures between 19°C to 26°C (66°F to 79°F)
- Northern Malawi (Mzuzu, Nyika Plateau): Cooler with moderate rainfall, temperatures between 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F)
January is an excellent time for birdwatching and experiencing the green landscapes, but travel can be difficult due to wet and muddy conditions in some areas.
February
General Overview
- Average temperature: 20°C to 29°C (68°F to 84°F)
- Rainfall: Continued heavy rainfall with thunderstorms
February remains part of the peak rainy season in Malawi. The weather is similar to January, with high humidity and frequent rain, particularly in the afternoons. Thunderstorms are common, and while they are typically short-lived, they can be intense. The vegetation remains lush, and the wildlife benefits from the abundance of water. The central and northern highlands experience cooler temperatures, while the southern regions around Lake Malawi are warmer and more humid.
Regional Differences
- Southern Malawi: Warm with heavy rains, temperatures between 21°C to 29°C (70°F to 84°F)
- Central Malawi: Mild temperatures with frequent rain, temperatures between 19°C to 27°C (66°F to 81°F)
- Northern Malawi: Cooler with moderate rainfall, temperatures between 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F)
February is similar to January in terms of weather patterns, but travelers should be aware of the possibility of flooding in some areas, particularly in low-lying regions.
March
General Overview
- Average temperature: 19°C to 28°C (66°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: Gradual decrease in rainfall, but still part of the rainy season
March marks the beginning of the transition out of the rainy season in Malawi, though heavy rain continues to fall throughout much of the country. Temperatures remain warm, but rainfall becomes slightly less frequent compared to January and February. The countryside is still lush, and rivers and streams are full, making it a good time for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The highlands continue to enjoy cooler temperatures, while the lakeshore areas remain warm and humid.
Regional Differences
- Southern Malawi: Warm and humid with decreasing rain, temperatures between 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F)
- Central Malawi: Mild temperatures with rain showers, temperatures between 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F)
- Northern Malawi: Cool with moderate rain, temperatures between 17°C to 24°C (63°F to 75°F)
March is ideal for travelers who want to experience Malawi’s green landscapes and wildlife, but it is still wise to be prepared for wet conditions.
April
General Overview
- Average temperature: 17°C to 26°C (63°F to 79°F)
- Rainfall: Rainy season ending, with decreasing rainfall
April is the final month of the rainy season in Malawi. Rainfall tapers off as the month progresses, with more dry spells and less frequent storms. The temperatures are pleasant, with lower humidity than during the peak of the rainy season. This is a great time to visit if you want to see the last of the lush green landscapes before the dry season begins. The northern highlands remain cooler, while the central and southern regions start to dry out.
Regional Differences
- Southern Malawi: Warm and starting to dry out, temperatures between 19°C to 27°C (66°F to 81°F)
- Central Malawi: Mild with decreasing rain, temperatures between 17°C to 25°C (63°F to 77°F)
- Northern Malawi: Cooler and pleasant, with temperatures between 16°C to 23°C (61°F to 73°F)
April offers a blend of lingering rains and the onset of the dry season, making it a good time for both nature exploration and cultural visits.
May
General Overview
- Average temperature: 14°C to 25°C (57°F to 77°F)
- Rainfall: Dry season begins, with little to no rain
May marks the start of Malawi’s dry season, bringing clear skies and cooler temperatures. The humidity decreases significantly, and rainfall is rare. The vegetation remains green from the rainy season, but the dry conditions gradually become more apparent as the month progresses. Temperatures are cooler, especially in the highlands, making it an excellent time for trekking and exploring Malawi’s national parks.
Regional Differences
- Southern Malawi: Dry and cooler, with temperatures between 16°C to 26°C (61°F to 79°F)
- Central Malawi: Cool and dry, with temperatures between 14°C to 24°C (57°F to 75°F)
- Northern Malawi: Cool with mild temperatures, ranging from 13°C to 22°C (55°F to 72°F)
May is one of the best months for outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring Lake Malawi, as the dry weather makes it easier to travel around the country.
June
General Overview
- Average temperature: 12°C to 23°C (54°F to 73°F)
- Rainfall: Dry and cool with no significant rainfall
June is well into the dry season, with clear skies and cool temperatures throughout Malawi. This is one of the coolest months of the year, particularly in the highland regions, where temperatures can drop significantly at night. The dry weather creates excellent conditions for hiking, wildlife safaris, and visiting the lakeshore. The cooler temperatures are especially pleasant for outdoor activities, making June a popular month for tourism.
Regional Differences
- Southern Malawi: Dry and mild, with temperatures between 14°C to 24°C (57°F to 75°F)
- Central Malawi: Cool and dry, with temperatures between 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F)
- Northern Malawi: Cool with crisp nights, temperatures between 10°C to 21°C (50°F to 70°F)
June is ideal for those seeking cooler weather and clear skies, offering perfect conditions for safaris and trekking in places like Liwonde National Park and Nyika Plateau.
July
General Overview
- Average temperature: 11°C to 22°C (52°F to 72°F)
- Rainfall: Coldest month of the year, with dry conditions
July is the coldest month in Malawi, with temperatures dropping to their lowest levels, especially in the highland regions. The dry weather continues, and rainfall is almost nonexistent. This is the best time of the year for outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and safaris, as the wildlife is more visible due to the thinning vegetation and dry conditions. The nights can be chilly, particularly in the highlands, so travelers should pack warm clothing.
Regional Differences
- Southern Malawi: Cool and dry, with temperatures between 13°C to 23°C (55°F to 73°F)
- Central Malawi: Dry with cooler temperatures, ranging from 11°C to 21°C (52°F to 70°F)
- Northern Malawi: Cold at night with mild days, temperatures between 9°C to 20°C (48°F to 68°F)
July is perfect for those seeking cool weather and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly in Malawi’s national parks.
August
General Overview
- Average temperature: 12°C to 25°C (54°F to 77°F)
- Rainfall: Cool and dry, with temperatures beginning to rise
August remains part of Malawi’s dry season, though temperatures start to rise slightly as the month progresses. The cooler weather continues to make this an excellent time for exploring the outdoors. Wildlife is still highly visible due to the lack of water sources, and the dry conditions make it easier to travel around the country. August is a popular month for tourism, particularly for those visiting Lake Malawi and the surrounding areas.
Regional Differences
- Southern Malawi: Warm and dry, with temperatures between 14°C to 25°C (57°F to 77°F)
- Central Malawi: Cool and dry, with temperatures between 12°C to 23°C (54°F to 73°F)
- Northern Malawi: Mild temperatures with cool nights, ranging from 11°C to 22°C (52°F to 72°F)
August is great for visiting Lake Malawi, hiking in the highlands, and enjoying the wildlife in national parks like Majete Wildlife Reserve and Nyika National Park.
September
General Overview
- Average temperature: 16°C to 28°C (61°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: Warmer with dry conditions continuing
September is the start of the hot, dry season in Malawi, as temperatures continue to rise and the dry weather persists. The cooler conditions of winter give way to warmer days, though nights can still be cool, especially in the highlands. The dry season is still in full swing, making it a great time to visit for safaris and outdoor activities. The landscape begins to dry out significantly, but wildlife remains visible as animals gather around remaining water sources.
Regional Differences
- Southern Malawi: Warm and dry, with temperatures between 17°C to 28°C (63°F to 82°F)
- Central Malawi: Dry with rising temperatures, ranging from 15°C to 27°C (59°F to 81°F)
- Northern Malawi: Warmer with mild nights, temperatures between 14°C to 25°C (57°F to 77°F)
September is ideal for those seeking warm weather and excellent wildlife viewing, as the dry conditions create perfect safari conditions.
October
General Overview
- Average temperature: 20°C to 31°C (68°F to 88°F)
- Rainfall: Hottest month of the year, with dry conditions continuing
October is the hottest month in Malawi, with daytime temperatures reaching their peak, particularly in the lowland regions. The dry season is still in effect, though the country begins to prepare for the onset of the rainy season. Wildlife remains highly visible, and the warm weather makes it ideal for water activities in Lake Malawi. However, the heat can be intense, especially in the southern and central regions.
Regional Differences
- Southern Malawi: Very hot and dry, with temperatures between 21°C to 31°C (70°F to 88°F)
- Central Malawi: Hot and dry, with temperatures between 19°C to 29°C (66°F to 84°F)
- Northern Malawi: Warm with cooler nights, temperatures between 17°C to 27°C (63°F to 81°F)
October is best for those who can tolerate the heat, as it offers great opportunities for safari, hiking, and water sports in Lake Malawi.
November
General Overview
- Average temperature: 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: Start of the rainy season, with increasing humidity
November marks the transition to the rainy season in Malawi. While the month starts off hot and dry, rainfall begins to increase toward the end of the month. The temperatures remain high, but humidity also rises, particularly in the southern and lakeside areas. The rains are often preceded by hot, humid conditions, but when they arrive, they bring relief from the heat. Wildlife viewing is still excellent early in the month before the rains fully set in.
Regional Differences
- Southern Malawi: Hot and humid, with temperatures between 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F)
- Central Malawi: Warm with increasing rain, temperatures between 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F)
- Northern Malawi: Warm with some rain, temperatures between 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F)
November is a transitional month, with the rains bringing new life to the landscapes, though travelers should prepare for unpredictable weather.
December
General Overview
- Average temperature: 21°C to 29°C (70°F to 84°F)
- Rainfall: Rainy season in full swing, with frequent thunderstorms
December is part of Malawi’s rainy season, with frequent thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, particularly in the southern and central regions. The rains bring the landscape to life, and the countryside becomes lush and green. However, the high humidity and rain can make travel more difficult, especially on unpaved roads. Despite the rain, temperatures remain warm, and the weather can be quite pleasant between showers.
Regional Differences
- Southern Malawi: Warm and rainy, with temperatures between 21°C to 29°C (70°F to 84°F)
- Central Malawi: Mild with frequent rain, temperatures between 19°C to 27°C (66°F to 81°F)
- Northern Malawi: Cooler with rain, temperatures between 17°C to 25°C (63°F to 77°F)
December is a great time for experiencing the lush landscapes and seeing Malawi at its greenest, though travelers should be prepared for rain and potential disruptions.
Summary of Malawi’s Climate by Region
Southern Malawi (Blantyre, Zomba, Lake Malawi)
- Best months: May to October (dry and cooler)
- Wettest months: December to March (rainy season with heavy rainfall)
- Hottest months: September to November (hot and dry)
Central Malawi (Lilongwe)
- Best months: May to October (dry season, pleasant temperatures)
- Wettest months: December to March (rainy season)
- Mildest months: June to August (cool and dry)
Northern Malawi (Mzuzu, Nyika Plateau)
- Best months: May to September (dry and cool)
- Wettest months: December to April (rainy season with cooler temperatures)
- Coolest months: June to August (cold nights in highlands)
Malawi experiences distinct dry and rainy seasons, with the best time to visit typically falling between May and October when the weather is dry and cooler, making it ideal for outdoor activities, wildlife viewing, and exploring the natural beauty of the country. The rainy season (November to April) brings lush landscapes and is perfect for birdwatching, but travel can be challenging due to wet conditions.