Climate and monthly weather forecastDedza, Malawi

The climate of Dedza

Dedza, situated in Malawi, is subject to the influence of the humid subtropical climate, classified as Cwa according to the Köppen climate classification. This category is characterized by substantial rainfall during the warmer season and a drier, cooler winter period.

Throughout the year, Dedza has a moderate temperature that fluctuates between a low of 11.2°C (52.2°F) and a high of 28.7°C (83.7°F). The warmest months are typically November and December, while the coldest months tend to be in July. Rainfall varies greatly, with higher levels from January to March and considerably lower levels from May to September. For instance, rainfall in January averages at 322mm (12.68"), yet this drops to a mere 2mm (0.08") from May through July.

In terms of humidity, the highest levels are seen from January to March, reaching up to 88%, dropping to a minimum of 48% by September. Sunlight availability differs throughout the year as well; longest daylight hours can be observed in January, whereas the shortest are in July. On the other hand, sunshine duration is drastically enhanced from May to November, with a notable reduction in December and January.

Wind speed tends to be more prominent from May to December, reaching a maximum of 10.2 Kph in October. It's also worth noting that the cloud coverage percentage in Dedza is lowest from August through October, which along with minimal rainfall, provides expansive views in these months.

The best time to visit Dedza

Based on the above weather conditions, the optimal timeframe for visiting Dedza is from May to October. During this time, the area experiences lower rainfall, ranging from 1mm (0.04") to 2mm (0.08") per month, which reduces the chances of disruption to outdoor activities. The temperatures, from the lows of 11.2°C (52.2°F) to the high of 27.3°C (81.1°F), are ideal for exploring the natural beauty of the region. The relative humidity level is also lower, from 55% in August to 72% in May, contributing to the overall comfort of the visitors. Additionally, the weather is generally sunny and bright with an average of 9.35 hours of sunshine daily.

The worst time to visit Dedza

Contrarily, the period from January to March is probably the least preferable for visiting Dedza. These months record the highest rainfall, ranging from 179mm (7.05") to 322mm (12.68") monthly, which could interfere with outdoor plans. The high levels of relative humidity from 87% to 88% during this period lead to a rather humid and uncomfortable experience. Additionally, the month of January records the shortest number of sunny days, further emphasizing this time as nonideal for visiting.

Spring weather in Dedza

The spring season in Dedza runs from September to November. In this period temperatures tend to rise from 22.5°C (72.5°F) to 28.5°C (83.3°F), and rainfall sees a slow increase from 1mm (0.04") in September to 25mm (0.98") in November. In these months, average daylight ranges from 12 hours to 12.8 hours per day, and sunshine duration hovers around 9.6 hours daily. The relative humidity begins to increase from 48% in September to 63% in November. Overall, the spring season in Dedza presents relatively comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.

Summer weather in Dedza

In Dedza, the summer months from December through February witness a slight dip in temperature to 26.7°C (80.1°F) from 28.7°C (83.7°F), but an increase in the average rainfall. The rainfall rises from 25mm (0.98") in November to 322mm (12.68") by January, before slightly receding to 253mm (9.96") in February. The daylight hours remain the same, hovering around 12.6 hours daily, but sunshine hours dip to an average of 8.8 due to increase in cloud cover. The relative humidity rises to its peak of 88% in February, which may make the weather feel a bit uncomfortable for some visitors.

Autumn weather in Dedza

Autumn in Dedza is from March to May and sees a downward trend in temperatures and rainfall. From 24.8°C (76.6°F) in March, temperatures fall to 22.5°C (72.5°F) in May. Rainfall decreases significantly from 179mm (7.05") in March to just 2mm (0.08") in May. Daylight hours subtly decline from 12.2 hours in March to 11.3 hours in May, and sunshine hours increase to a high of 9.1 hours per day by May. Relative humidity takes a step down from 87% in March to 72% in May, improving the overall comfort level.

Winter weather in Dedza

Winter months in Dedza, from June to August, bring the lowest temperatures of the year, ranging from 11.2°C (52.2°F) to 25°C (77°F). The rainfall is at its minimal level, remaining at 2mm (0.08") through all three months. Daylight hours subtly increase from 11.3 hours to 11.6 hours, while sunshine duration hovers around 7.5 hours per day in June and 8.8 hours in August. Humidity levels continue to drop steadily from 67% in June to 55% in August, contributing to the pleasant weather conditions during winter.

Weather in January

Transitioning from December, Dedza, Malawi experiences a slight drop in average high temperatures in January, settling at 24.9°C (76.8°F). January holds the record for the highest average rainfall, reaching a measurement of 322mm (12.68"). Weather in January »

Weather in February

February in Dedza, Malawi, continues the wet and reasonably warm weather pattern from January. Nevertheless, February encounters a subtle reduction in precipitation, compared to January's record rainfall. The month exhibits steady daylight hours, promising visibility for outdoor activities, while the UV index remains manageable. Weather in February »

Weather in March

As Dedza transitions from February to March, there is a noticeable decrease in both the average high temperature and rainfall. A drop in cloud cover percentage from 53% to 48% allows an extra hour of sunshine per day in March. The weather parameters reveal a dry month compared to the previous two. Weather in March »

Weather in April

Moving into April, there is a clear shift in the town’s weather with a sharp decrease in precipitation, from 179mm (7.05") in March to only 41mm (1.61"). This month sees the sunshine hours increasing slowly but steadily, resulting in more outdoor-friendly weather. Weather in April »

Weather in May

In May, Dedza moves ahead with the driest month of the year, seeing a meager 10mm (0.39") of rainfall. This shift in weather brings about a drop in overnight temperatures, making nights cooler. The shift in the weather pattern divulges signs of the incoming winter season in Malawi. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June experiences a further drop in average temperature, marking the transition to Dedza's colder season. The rainy season is now a distant memory as the region records only 2mm (0.08") of rainfall, retaining its status as one of the driest months. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July, being in the heart of the dry season, sees very little change in weather conditions compared to June. On record as the year's driest month, both rainfall and relative humidity remain exceedingly low in July. Despite lower temperatures, a significant amount of sunshine keeps days in Dedza warm and pleasant. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August is a transition month in Dedza, as temperatures start to rise again, signalling the end of the cold season. August records the year's lowest humidity at 55%, providing a dry and comfortable climate. Temperatures begin to rise, and the weather becomes significantly warmer than in the previous months. Weather in August »

Weather in September

Most of September witnesses clear skies with only 10% cloud cover, leading to an increase in average sunshine hours. As Dedza transitions into September, the weather starts to heat up, with daytime temperatures peaking at 27.3°C (81.1°F). Weather in September »

Weather in October

October is characterized by hot weather, with temperatures reaching their peak, averaging 28.7°C (83.7°F), the highest average high temperature of the year. As the temperature rises, so does the percentage of cloud cover, indicating the beginning of the rainy season. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November represents a transition into the wet season, with rainfall registering at 99mm (3.9"), a significant increase from the preceding months. As Dedza heads towards November, the weather shows signs of the incoming wet season, with average cloud cover increasing significantly. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December wraps up the year with a mix of hot temperatures and high rainfall, averaging 232mm (9.13"), a significant rise from November. Climbing temperatures coupled with increasing rainfall mark the onset of Dedza's wet season. Weather in December »