The climate of Machinga
Situated in the Eastern region of
Malawi and characterized mostly by a tropical wet and dry climate,
Machinga sees a permissible variety of weather conditions. According to the Köppen climate classification, this region falls under the 'Aw' category. The town experiences drastic differences in rainfall across the year, with the months from
December to
February recording the most precipitation. Conversely, rainfall significantly drops and becomes almost negligible between the months of
May to
September.
With average relative humidity levels fluctuating from 43% in September to 85% in February and
March, the moisture content in the atmosphere remains considerably high during most months. Temperature in Machinga trends from a warm 25.3°C (77.5°F) in
June and
July to peak at 33.1°C (91.6°F) in
October, making the conditions generally warm throughout the year. Moreover, wind speeds maintain a steady pace ranging from 4.8km/h (3mph) in February to 5.2km/h (3.2mph) in
January and 7.9km/h (4.9mph) in October.
The cloud cover over Machinga shows a decreasing trend from 54% in January and February to 14% in September. Similarly, variations in daytime sunlight hours exist, as they tend to increase from 11.2 hours per day in June to 13 hours in December. This shift in sunlight variations directly affects the UV index, which peaks with a value of 7 from September to October and drops to a minimum value of 5 in May, June, and July.
The best time to visit Machinga
Considering the climate conditions and variations, the period between
May and
September emerges as the most favorable time to visit
Machinga. The rainfall during these months subsides to just 1mm (0.04") to 2mm (0.08"), creating a dry atmosphere suitable for outdoor activities. Despite being comparatively cooler with temperatures rising to only 25.3°C (77.5°F) to 28.3°C (82.9°F) during this time, the warm weather forms the perfect setting for experiencing the natural beauty Machinga has to offer.
The worst time to visit Machinga
It is argued that the period from
December to
February could present some challenges for visitors due to the highest rainfall, touching 172mm (6.77") in
January and 161mm (6.34") in February. These months also record the highest humidity levels, implying excessive moisture in the air. Moreover, temperatures reach above 30°C (86°F), possibly causing discomfort to travelers not accustomed to such heat.
Spring weather in Machinga
Spring unfolds in
Machinga from
September to
November and greets visitors with an enjoyable weather mix. The rainfall during this period remains at its yearly minimum, ranging from 1mm (0.04") to 2mm (0.08") in September and 15mm (0.59") in November. Temperatures begin to ascend, reaching 31.5°C (88.7°F) in September, 33.1°C (91.6°F) in
October, and settling at 32.5°C (90.5°F) in November.
Summer weather in Machinga
Embarking on the summer months between
December to
February,
Machinga exhibits its wettest phase. The rainfall increase significantly, recording 172mm (6.77") in
January, 161mm (6.34") in February. Despite the high precipitation, temperatures remain high, peaking at 32.5°C (90.5°F) in December, and slowly dropping to 28.1°C (82.6°F) by February.
Autumn weather in Machinga
Autumn, spanning from
March to
May, commences the transition phase in
Machinga. The rainfall continues to decrease, reaching down to 2mm (0.08") in May. The temperature tends to follow a descending trajectory, ranging from 27.2°C (81°F) to 26.6°C (79.9°F) during this period. The relative humidity levels correspondingly start to diminish, enhancing outdoor comfort levels.
Winter weather in Machinga
Winter lasts from
June to
August in
Machinga. This period highlights the driest months, documenting minimal rainfall of 1mm (0.04") to 2mm (0.08"). The ambient temperature ranges from 28.3°C (82.9°F) in August to a yearly low of 25.3°C (77.5°F) in June and
July. Consequently, this season attracts a host of visitors keen on enjoying outdoor activities in relatively cooler and drier weather conditions.
Weather in January
In the welcome arc of the year,
January in
Machinga,
Malawi upholds a humid and rainy climate. Relative humidity is relatively high, and days are often overcast with the rainfall reaching 172mm (6.77"), providing lush setting for the city.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February brings a subtle shift in
Machinga’s weather pattern, with an appreciative decline in rainfall from the preceding month to 161mm (6.34"). The flirtation of foggy mornings under the guise of high humidity continues but as the day progresses, azure skies beckon.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The march of
March in
Machinga brings forth a distinct change in weather. Rainfall dips considerably to 77mm (3.03"), mirroring the global descent into the dry season. Concurrently, the dominance of high humidity begins its retreat, giving way to clearer, sunnier days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is the steward of the dry season in
Machinga, characterised by an extreme drop of rainfall to just 8mm (0.31"). The veil of high humidity that engrossed previous months proceeds to lift, revealing a crystal clear blue canvas.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Machinga's almanac earmarks
May as the zenith of the dry season, evidenced by a further decline in humidity. The city adorns an arid garb as rainfall drops to an almost negligible 2mm (0.08"). As nocturnal temperatures drop considerably, this month manifests a disparity between day and night temperatures.
Weather in May » Weather in June
With
June comes a continuation of the dry and mild climate in
Machinga; however, the temperatures drop further aligning with winter in the southern hemisphere. The city upholds its clear-sky dominion as rainfall clings to its lowest bounds at 2mm (0.08").
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As
Machinga saunters into
July, the city endures one of its coolest months, with temperatures registering at the lower end of the scale. Mirroring
June, rainfall remains at 1mm (0.04"), carrying forward the city's dry weather banquet.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August cultivates the seeds of the warm weather shift in
Machinga. The dry spell of the previous months continues its reign with 1mm (0.04") rainfall, keeping the city's landscapes bereft of moisture. Rising temperatures begin their assent, casting warmer afternoons throughout this month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As
September rolls around in
Machinga, the weather strikes a balance between the receding cool and the ascending warm atmosphere. The month ushers in slight showers with rainfall at 2mm (0.08"), yet not sufficient to douse the reigning dry aura.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October signifies the advent of the warmer season in
Machinga with an appreciable increase in both high and low temperatures. Rainfall records a significant rise reaching 15mm (0.59"), indicating an end to the monotonous dry spell.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November’s arrivial brings a pronounced shift with temperatures soaring and rainfall elevating to 50mm (1.97"), announcing the start of the rainy season in
Machinga. Winds wane slightly, drawing attention to the rising humidity that consistently builds up throughout the month.
Weather in November » Weather in December
With
December begins the proper monsoon season in
Machinga, as rainfall hits a high 141mm (5.55"), marking significantly wet conditions. Winds near their annual mellow, providing a backdrop for the increasing humidity and precipitations.
Weather in December »