Climate and monthly weather forecastKasungu, Malawi

The climate of Kasungu

Located within the humid subtropical zone, Kasungu experiences a Köppen climate classification of Cwa. This specific classification designates a climate dominated by high temperatures throughout the year, strikingly concentrated rainfall during the summer months, and a predominantly dry winter.

The temperature in Kasungu usually fluctuates between 11.3°C (52.3°F) to 30.5°C (86.9°F) across the year, with the average high temperature reaching its peak at 30.5°C (86.9°F) in November and the lowest mean low temperature dropping down to 11.3°C (52.3°F) in July. This mid-latitude climate often showcases relatively high levels of humidity varying from 48% in September to 89% in February. Rainfall is heavily skewed towards the beginning of the year, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in January, amounting to 203mm (7.99"), and a steady drying pattern at the mid and end of the year with only 1mm (0.04") from May to September.

The yearly wind speed varies mildly, with minimum averages at 6.3km/h (3.9mph) in February and a maximum at 13.7km/h (8.5mph) in October. The cloud coverage reflects a direct relationship with rainfall pattern, rising from 8% in September to a maximum of 63% in March, suggesting the prevalence of a more overcast and rainy climate during these months. Notably, the daylight hours slightly change over the year from a low of 11.4 hours in June and July to the highest at 12.9 hours in December, providing a fair amount of sunlight throughout the year.

The best time to visit Kasungu

The ideal time to explore Kasungu is between May and October. During these months, the area experiences the least rainfall, with precipitation levels ranging merely from 1mm (0.04") to 5mm (0.2"). The average high temperature during this period stays comfortably between 23.8°C (74.8°F) and 30.2°C (86.4°F), providing excellent conditions for various outdoor activities.

Despite lower humidity levels from 48% to 70%, the UV index during these months rises moderately from 5 to 7, which indicates a moderate potential for skin damage from the sun exposure and suggests the use of sun protection if staying outdoors for extended periods. Also, the daylight hour during this period stays relatively high at least 11.4 hours, offering ample sunlight for exploring the local culture and attractions.

The worst time to visit Kasungu

Planning a trip to Kasungu during the early months of the year, specifically from January to March, may be less desirable. During this period, the region experiences the highest rainfall ranging from 127mm (5") in March to a peak of 203mm (7.99") in January, making it inconvenient for outdoor activities. These months align with higher relative humidity, with averages exceeding 86%, making the environment damp and somewhat uncomfortable for some travellers.

Moreover, the average wind speed during this period increases slightly, making the weather feel a bit cooler than the actual temperatures. While the temperatures remain comfortably high, the high rainfall and humidity make these months less ideal for travel.

Spring weather in Kasungu

Spring season in Kasungu, from September to November, showcases a pleasing weather pattern. During this time, rainfall is nearly non-existent with a transition from 1mm (0.04") in September to 5mm (0.2") in November. The temperatures exhibit a steady ascent during this period, starting at an average low of 13.7°C (56.7°F) and ending with an average high of 30.5°C (86.9°F) in November.

With a decline in cloud coverage to 13% in September and a boost to 21% in November, the region gets a significant amount of sunshine. With the UV index moderately high at 6 to 7, spring might be an ideal time for those who enjoy warm, sunny weather.

Summer weather in Kasungu

Summers in Kasungu, from December to February, are characterized by heavy rains and higher average temperatures. The region receives the most rainfall during these months, starting from 141mm (5.55") in December to 203mm (7.99") in January, followed by 186mm (7.32") in February.

At the same time, average temperatures remain quite high, from 25.8°C (78.4°F) in December to 25.4°C (77.7°F) in January, and a slight drop to 25.3°C (77.5°F) in February. The higher humidity levels starting at 74% in December and reaching up to 89% in February make the season feel even hotter.

Autumn weather in Kasungu

Autumn in Kasungu, from March to May, signals a gradual transition to drier months. The rainfall during this season sees a significant reduction from 127mm (5") in March down to just 3mm (0.12") by May.

The temperature during this time has an incremental decline from 25.1°C (77.2°F) to 23.8°C (74.8°F). With the decreasing cloud coverage from 63% to 35%, the region experiences more sunshine and less overcast, making it an enjoyable time for visitors.

Winter weather in Kasungu

Winter season in Kasungu, that spans from June to August, is the driest period with rainfall as low as 1mm (0.04"). It is marked by lower temperatures ranging from an average high of 23.9°C (75°F) in July to 26.1°C (79°F) in August.

Despite the drop in temperature, humidity levels also fall down to 54% by August, creating comfortable weather conditions for tourists. With the cloud coverage relatively low, ranging from 20% in July to 12% in August, the daylight hour is comparatively long and steady, allowing ample time to explore the region in cool and pleasant weather.

Weather in January

The kickoff to the year in Kasungu, Malawi is characterized by wet and warm conditions, indicating that the town is in the middle of its rainy season. Rainfall is quite significant, reaching its peak for the year with 203mm (7.99") over approximately 29 days. Weather in January »

Weather in February

As the second month rolls in, the inhabitants of Kasungu continue to wrestle with damp weather conditions, albeit with a slight reduction in rainfall to 186mm (7.32"). The temperature remains fairly stable from January, with a tiny dip in average highs and lows. Weather in February »

Weather in March

Transitioning into March, there is a noticeable decline in rainfall to 127mm (5"), marking the end of the rainy season. This drop in precipitation is coupled with falling temperatures, although they remain within the warm spectrum. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April heralds a significant departure from the rain-soaked start of the year, with rainfall plummeting to 23mm (0.91"). A marked reduction in the number of rainy days signifies the town's transition from the wet season to its dryer winter period. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May brings with it a further decrease in humidity, rainfall totaling only 3mm (0.12"), and diminished cloud coverage. It showcases the driest condition for the year, signaling the full onset of the winter season. While the temperatures continue their downward progression into the mild range, the hours of sunlight do not register a significant dip, insinuating a fair balance of day and night. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June experiences an even further dip in temperatures, as winter tightens its grip on Kasungu. With only 1mm (0.04") of recorded rainfall and an almost bare minimum of rainy days, the town solidifies its status of entering the dry phase of its climate. Weather in June »

Weather in July

The seventh month of the year, July, continues the trend of the past few months with similar environmental parameters. Among the distinctive characteristics of July weather is the stable average pressure - the highest for the entire year at 1020.1mb. Weather in July »

Weather in August

In August, the wintry spell in Kasungu starts to conclude, with a minor increase in minimum temperatures. From the viewpoint of precipitation, the dry pattern pervades with an insignificant rainfall of just 1mm (0.04"). Light wind, clear skies, and the subsequent moderate increase in daytime hours subtly hint at the impending spring. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September serves as a transition month, signaling the end of the winter and the advent of the warmer spring season. Again, the town experiences negligible rainfall at 1mm (0.04"), signaling an extension of the dry spell. Observably, temperatures start their upward climb, providing more agreeable outdoor conditions. Weather in September »

Weather in October

As October rolls in, Kasungu witnesses a significant shift in its weather pattern. A visible increase in average high temperatures heralds the return of the hot weather season. The rainfall index just begins to hike up to 5mm (0.2"), hinting at the comeback of the wet season. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November sees a particularly dramatic spike in rainfall to 27mm (1.06"), marking the official onset of the rainy season in Kasungu. It observes a continual rise in temperature, increasingly humid conditions, and denser cloud cover. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December brings distinct changes in the atmospheric conditions of Kasungi, as the area plunges into the heart of the rainy season. Rainfall increases drastically to 141mm (5.55"), with the number of rainy days significantly rising, making December the wettest month of the final quarter. Weather in December »