Climate and monthly weather forecast
Malawi

Malawi, located in Southeast Africa, is a landlocked country endowed with an array of geographical features including the Great Rift Valley, Lake Malawi, and high plateaus. These diverse landscapes contribute significantly to the climatic conditions experienced across the country. Overall, Malawi's climate falls under the Köppen 'Aw' Climate Classification, meaning it experiences a Tropical Savanna Climate characterized by a distinct wet and dry season. Temperatures remain relatively high throughout the year, averaging between 21°C (69.8°F) to 27°C (80.6°F), with the warmest period usually from September to May. Precipitation varies, with the wet season typically stretching from November to April and receiving around 725mm (28.54") to 2500mm (98.43") of rainfall. The dry season, on the other hand, extends from May to October and is marked by very little rainfall.

The ideal period for visiting Malawi generally aligns with the dry season, stretching from May to October. During this period, rainfall is scarce, and temperatures are more moderate, ranging from 17°C (62.6°F) to 27°C (80.6°F). These conditions make it favorable for outdoor activities such as wildlife viewing, hiking, and exploring Lake Malawi. Additionally, the sparse vegetation during the dry season makes it an ideal time for bird watching as visibility is significantly improved.

The least favorable time to visit Malawi coincides with the peak of the wet season, particularly from January to March. This period records the highest levels of precipitation, often between 200mm (7.87") to 400mm (15.75") per month, which can lead to floods and make some rural roads impassable. High humidity levels coupled with temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F) could be uncomfortable for visitors not used to such conditions.

Malawi does not experience a typical spring season as understood in temperate regions due to its tropical savanna climate. However, if spring is considered to be the transitional period from the dry to the wet season, it would roughly correspond to October and November in Malawi. Temperatures during this period can reach up to 32°C (89.6°F), and the rainfall begins to increase gradually, making the landscapes lush and vibrant.

Summer in Malawi, occurring during the wet season from December to March, is characterized by high humidity and significant rainfall, particularly in the highland areas. Temperatures during these months range from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). While this may not be the best time for outdoor activities due to frequent rains, it provides an excellent opportunity to witness the lush, green landscapes and numerous bird species that the country is known for.

Like spring, autumn is not a distinct season in Malawi due to its tropical climate. Nonetheless, if autumn is considered as the transition from the wet to the dry season, it would be approximately from April to May. During this period, rainfall decreases, and temperatures begin to drop slightly, usually ranging between 20°C (68°F) and 28°C (82.4°F).

Winter in Malawi corresponds to the dry season, which runs from May to October. This period is characterized by relatively cooler temperatures, especially in June and July, when the mercury dips to between 17°C (62.6°F) to 25°C (77°F). Rainfall is minimal during these months, and the skies are usually clear, making it a perfect time for sightseeing and exploring the country's rich biodiversity.

January falls squarely in Malawi's wet season, which is marked by significant rainfall and higher humidity levels. This month typically sees some of the heaviest rainfall of the year, with precipitation levels ranging from 200mm (7.87") to 400mm (15.75") across the country. Weather in January »

February, much like January, is part of Malawi's wet season. The country continues to receive a high amount of rainfall, with precipitation levels typically between 150mm (5.91") to 350mm (13.78"), although this is slightly less than in January. Weather in February »

March marks the tail end of the wet season in Malawi, with the country experiencing a further decrease in rainfall. Precipitation levels typically range from 100mm (3.94") to 300mm (11.81") during this month, depending on the region. Weather in March »

April signifies the end of the wet season and the onset of the dry season in Malawi. Rainfall further decreases during this month, with average precipitation levels ranging from 40mm (1.57") to 100mm (3.94"). The highland regions, including the Nyika and Zomba Plateaus, begin to see less frequent rain, though their landscapes remain lush from the prior months' precipitation. The Lower Shire Valley continues to be one of the warmest regions in the country during April, with temperatures potentially reaching up to 32°C (89.6°F). Weather in April »

May fully ushers in the dry season in Malawi, marking a significant change in weather patterns. During this month, rainfall is rare, with precipitation levels typically falling below 40mm (1.57") across the country. The lush landscapes of the highland regions like the Nyika and Zomba Plateaus start to dry out, while the Lower Shire Valley transitions into a dry but still warm area. Temperatures across the country begin to drop in May, but remain relatively high. Weather in May »

June falls in the middle of the dry season in Malawi, characterized by little to no rainfall and lower temperatures. Precipitation levels during this month are often below 20mm (0.79") across the country. The highland regions, including the Nyika and Zomba Plateaus, typically witness no rain, and their landscapes become noticeably less lush as the dry conditions persist. In terms of temperature, June is one of the coolest months of the year in Malawi. Weather in June »

July is within the heart of the dry season in Malawi and is typically the coolest month of the year. Rainfall is virtually absent during this period, with precipitation levels falling below 10mm (0.39") across the country. The landscapes of the highland regions, including the Nyika and Zomba Plateaus, become even drier, reflecting the lack of rainfall. Temperatures in July are among the lowest in the year across Malawi. Weather in July »

August marks the continuation of the dry season in Malawi. During this period, rainfall is nearly absent, with precipitation levels typically falling below 10mm (0.39") across the country. The landscapes of the highland areas, such as the Nyika and Zomba Plateaus, remain dry due to the persistent lack of rainfall. In terms of temperature, August sees a slight increase compared to July. Weather in August »

September in Malawi is part of the warm dry season, characterized by increased temperatures and continued minimal rainfall. Precipitation levels during this month remain below 10mm (0.39"), maintaining the dry conditions across the country. Weather in September »

October in Malawi marks the tail end of the warm dry season, with signs of the approaching wet season beginning to appear. Although still minimal, rainfall sees a slight increase, with precipitation levels typically between 10mm (0.39") and 40mm (1.57"). Weather in October »

November in Malawi signifies the onset of the wet season, bringing about a marked change in the country's weather patterns. Rainfall increases significantly during this month, with precipitation levels ranging from 80mm (3.15") to 180mm (7.09"). Weather in November »

December in Malawi is well within the wet season, with the country experiencing significant rainfall. Average precipitation levels during this month range from 120mm (4.72") to 250mm (9.84"), marking one of the rainiest periods of the year. Weather in December »