Climate and monthly weather forecastBalaka, Malawi

The climate of Balaka

Located in the southeastern part of Africa, Balaka in Malawi experiences a Humid subtropical climate with a dry winter, which is identified by the Köppen climate classification as Cwa. Intense sunlight shines for most part of the year, with the UV index hovering between 5 and 7 within a 12-hour average of daylight. Moreover, the variation in temperature is noticeable during the year, with the highest temperature of 33.1°C (91.6°F) in October and the lowest value resting at 13.3°C (55.9°F) in July.

The subtlety of the climate tends to shift with the rainfall pattern, which displays a strong consistency. Balaka experiences the highest rainfall of 172mm (6.77") in January and the lowest barely exceeding 1mm (0.04") from June to August. An interesting pattern to denote is the number of rainfall days, which declines significantly from 27.8 days in January to 1.8 days in August. Apart from this, the moisture in the air varies greatly with relative humidity surmounting 85% in February and March, but descending to the minimum value of 43% in September.

Wind speed in Balaka reaches its peak during the transition to winter with gust speeds reaching 11.3km/h (7mph) in October, while the maximum wind speed is 8.6km/h (5.3mph) during the same period. At the same time, the pressure surges from the lowest measurement of 1011 mb in January to the highest value of 1021 mb in July. The percentage of cloud cover show indications of extreme fluctuations, escalating from 14% in September to 55% in February and March.

The best time to visit Balaka

With Balaka's climate majorly influenced by rainfall, the best time for tourists would be the dry season. From May to November, the rainfall is minimal, presenting an optimum environment for sightseeing. The temperatures during these months are reasonably stable, falling between 25.3°C (77.5°F) to 33.1°C (91.6°F). In addition, the relative humidity also recedes considerably after the heavy rain spell, dropping below 52% in this period. Thus, this time frame allows visitors to enjoy clear skies and favourable weather conditions in Balaka.

The worst time to visit Balaka

Balaka experiences its peak rainfall between January to February, which hinders various tourist activities. The intensity of downpours, often surpassing 161mm (6.34"), coupled with the frequency of rainy days which rise up to 27.8 days, advises against any travel plans in these months. In contrast to the low visibility deriving from the cloud cover, the relative humidity also peaks during this period, rising above 83% and exacerbating the discomfort in the already wet conditions.

Spring weather in Balaka

In contrast to other seasons, the Spring climate undergoes significant changes in Balaka. From March to May, the rainfall lessens from 77mm (3.03") to 2mm (0.08"), while the number of rainy days decrease from 21.3 to 3.3 days. Simultaneously, the temperature drops from 28.1°C (82.6°F) to 25.3°C (77.5°F) throughout the season. Nevertheless, the relative humidity gradually falls from 85% to 76%.

Summer weather in Balaka

Summer in Balaka, from June to August, brings with it comfortable weather consisting of clear sky and consistently low rainfall. Rainfall during this season is stable at about 1mm (0.04") with a minimum of 1.8 rainfall days in August. The temperature fluctuates in the range of 25.3°C (77.5°F) to 28.3°C (82.9°F) during this season. Correspondingly, the relative humidity diminishes to its lowest annual sum of 43% in August.

Autumn weather in Balaka

The Autumn season spanning September to November in Balaka marks a gradual transition from dry to wet climate. Rainfall mildly spikes to 15mm (0.59") in October and temperature reaches the annual high of 33.1°C (91.6°F). Meanwhile, humidity begins its upward trajectory, moving from 43% to 57%.

Winter weather in Balaka

The climatic conditions in Balaka's winter from December to February are heavily characterized by the monsoonal influence. Notable rainfall of 172mm (6.77") is recorded in January and temperature remains above 28°C (82.4°F). The weather during this season sees an increased frequency of rainy days. Consequently, relative humidity also witnesses a surge, peaking at 85% in February. The combination of these factors contributes to a noticeably damp and cold winter season.

Weather in January

January in Balaka, Malawi experiences warm temperatures with the highest value of 28.4°C (83.1°F). Rainfall is abundant this month, rendering the environment denser than usual. The month welcomes the New Year with high humidity keeping a refreshing air despite excessive rain. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February continues the rain-soaked condition from January, receiving 161mm (6.34") of rainfall, the second-highest for the year. It's the last month of the summer and marks the transition phase towards slightly cooler months. The daylight hours decrease slightly, signaling the approach of winter. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March shows a severity drop in rainfall from the first two months, reducing water-logged conditions. The transition into autumn brings cooler air, making it a more comfortable period. Winds pick up pace but still contribute to the overall pleasantness of the weather. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in Balaka witnesses a significant dip in rainfall with a resultant drop in humidity. Weather during this month becomes dryer and significantly less cloudy compared to its predecessor. Visibility improves and the wind pattern changes slightly, adding to the overall charm of the month. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May sees the least rainfall for the year, a mere 2mm (0.08"), which marks the onset of the dry months in Balaka. The month hosts an increase in diurnal temperature variations, a trend that will continue into the following months. A decrease in relative humidity ensures clear skies, providing optimal visibility. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June brings with it the winter season in Balaka with temperatures hitting the lowest mark of 25.3°C (77.5°F) during the day. The lack of rainfall persists, making outdoor activities a pleasure instead of a rain-dodge game. As the month progresses, the chill in the air becomes more noticeable, an indication of the cooler months ahead. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July in Balaka experiences similar conditions to June, but the average temperature doesn't rise significantly. The dry spell continues with minimal disruption from rainfall. The high visibility and lower humidity make this a perfect opportunity to explore outdoor activities. Weather in July »

Weather in August

In August, Balaka experiences a gradual warm-up with temperatures rebounding slightly to 28.3°C (82.9°F). It's the last month of winter and a transitional period towards slightly warmer months. Further, rainfall remains largely absent continuing the dry season spell. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September sees a substantial increase in temperatures, reaching up to 31.5°C (88.7°F), signaling the onset of hotter months. It also introduces the spring season in Balaka, with bright, sunny days dominating the month. Although rainfall begins to pick up, it still remains at a minimal level. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Balaka experiences the highest temperatures of the year, peaking at 33.1°C (91.6°F). The rain begins to return in earnest, leading to a subsequent increase in humidity levels. Despite the high heat, wind speeds reach their maximum velocity, providing some relief. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in Balaka, Malawi experiences a slight relief from October's scorching heat, with temperatures sliding down a bit but still remaining significantly high. Rainfall further intensifies, almost quadrupling from the previous month's quantity. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December rounds off the year with a further temperature drop, ending the year at a cooler 30.6°C (87.1°F). Heavy rainfall defines the weather in this month, making it the second wettest month of the year. Despite the increased cloud cover, visibility remains good and day length increases significantly. Weather in December »