Climate and monthly weather forecastNkhotakota, Malawi

The climate of Nkhotakota

Nkhotakota, located in Malawi, experiences a predominant climate classified as Aw according to the Köppen climate system. This reflects a tropical wet and dry or savanna type of climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Over the span of a year, this region witnesses substantial variations in its weather parameters.

Temperatures range from a peak of 32°C (89.6°F) in October and November and wave down to a lower limit of 15°C (59°F) primarily in July and August. This exhibits an overall moderate temperature bracket, with no extreme fluctuations. The sun blazes down on this region, offering a spectrum of daylight, from 11.4 hours a day between June and July, and a maximum of 12.9 hours in December. Corresponding to the daylight, sunshine hours also fluctuate between a minimum of 5 hours in January to a maximum of 10 hours from August through October.

The presence of the two distinct seasons are vividly reflected by the rainfall trend. A wet spell spans from December to April, reaching its zenith at 389mm (15.31") in March, before rapidly plummeting down to a mere 1mm (0.04") in September. The UV index also fluctuates with a low value of 8 - 9 between May and July, and hitting a plateau of 12 for the first quarter and the last quarter of the year.

The best time to visit Nkhotakota

Determining the ideal time to visit Nkhotakota certainly depends on one's personal preference. However, for those who fancy warm climates coupled with maximum sunshine hours, the period from August to October stands out. The average temperatures during this period vary between 26°C (78.8°F) and 32°C (89.6°F), with an abundance of sunshine extending up to 10 hours a day. The negligible rainfall in this period promises dry and comfortable conditions. Moreover, a higher UV index of 12 indicates bright and sunny days, though precautions against harmful UV rays are necessary.

The worst time to visit Nkhotakota

Considering the region's weather trends, the most unfavorable time to visit Nkhotakota would be between January to April. This period invites heavy rainfall, with the peak being 389mm (15.31") in March, making any outdoor activities quite improbable. Though the temperatures rest in a comfortable zone from 27°C (80.6°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), the rain combined with short hours of sunshine, at 5 - 6 hours, result in generally dreary days. Plus, a UV index of 12 suggests considerable exposure to harmful sun rays during daylight hours.

Spring weather in Nkhotakota

Spring, covering March to May, is drenched in heavy rainfall in Nkhotakota. Rainfall quantities in this period range from 389mm (15.31") in March to 33mm (1.3") in May. Average temperatures showcase an incremental decrease. In March, the high averages 29°C (84.2°F) while the low averages 21°C (69.8°F), while in May these averages drop to 27°C (80.6°F) and 18°C (64.4°F), respectively. Sunshine hours gradually increase over these months, with March seeing 7 hours of sunshine a day and May witnessing 9 hours.

Summer weather in Nkhotakota

Summertime in Nkhotakota—June, July, and August—brings respite from the humid spring. Average temperatures fall, ranging from 26°C (78.8°F) to 15°C (59°F). The earlier rainfall gives way to a dry period, with rainfall measurements as minimal as 12mm (0.47") in June and 2mm (0.08") in August. Sunshine hours rest at around 9 to 10 hours per day, facilitating pleasant daytime conditions despite a lower UV index reading of 8 to 9.

Autumn weather in Nkhotakota

September to November constitutes the autumn months in Nkhotakota. This period marks the transition from a dry spell to the start of the wet season. Rainfall sees a significant rise from 1mm (0.04") in September to 78mm (3.07") in November. The temperatures soar, with highs reaching 32°C (89.6°F) in October and November while the lows average between 16°C (60.8°F) and 22°C (71.6°F). Sunshine hours remain high at around 10 hours a day, signifying bright and sunny days typical of a tropical region.

Winter weather in Nkhotakota

Winter in Nkhotakota is the onset of the wet season, from December through February. High rainfall, peaking at 314mm (12.36") in December, is a prominent feature of this period. The average high and low temperatures remain stable, with highs hovering around 29°C (84.2°F) and lows settling at 21°C (69.8°F). Daylight spans about 12.7 to 12.8 hours, providing ample brightness throughout the day, while sunshine hours linger around 5 to 6 hours due to the rainfall, marking slightly overcast days.

Weather in January

A heavy shower is almost a daily scenario in Nkhotakota, during January. The town experiences a high ultraviolet (UV) index rating of 12, urging locals and visitors to apply ample sun protection. January's weather is synonymous with the previous month, but individuals can anticipate a slight dip in the amount of rainfall from 314mm (12.36") to 263mm (10.35") in the ensuing month. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Weather conditions in February keep pace with January’s patterns: substantial rainfall, considerable sunlit hours and high-temperature highs and lows. As the month progresses, there's a perceivable decrease in daylight hours, but the sun's intensity remains unchanged, as evidenced by the UV index value. Weather in February »

Weather in March

The weather dynamics of March in Nkhotakota witness significant rainfall with downpours totaling 389mm (15.31"). Following February, a spike in the rainfall level becomes evident, while the temperature patterns stay consistent with mild fluctuations. Weather in March »

Weather in April

The scenario of frequent rainfall continues into April, albeit lower than March's peak of 389mm (15.31"). Sunshine hours remain steady, making way for enjoyable afternoons notwithstanding the April showers. This month rings in subtle shifts that mark the onset of the dry spell in Nkhotakota, with a considerable decrease in rainfall. Weather in April »

Weather in May

Rain clouds seldom hover over Nkhotakota in May, with an abrupt decrease in downpours to a mere 33mm (1.3"). The change in weather is drastic from the heavy rainfall of April to the infrequent showers of May. A typical day in this month enjoys slightly more than half a day awash in sunshine. Weather in May »

Weather in June

Persistent sunny spells define the month of June in Nkhotakota. Rainfall dips further to 12mm (0.47"), indicating a clear shift from the wet season. While daytime temperatures are comfortable, evenings and nights might present cooler conditions, in line with temperature patterns of the previous month. Weather in June »

Weather in July

Rain is a rare spectacle in Nkhotakota in July, with an all-time low rainfall of 8mm (0.31"), while UV index stays elevated at 9. Despite a decrease in daylight hours, sunshine dominates the daylight time, reflecting July's drier conditions. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August ushers in the driest of conditions, with rains nearly at a standstill, registering the least fall of a meagre 2mm (0.08"). Weather presents a harmonious mix of comfortable temperature, abundant sunlight, minimal showers and longer days. Weather in August »

Weather in September

The tranquility of the dry spell concludes in September and the town's weather registers a slight rainfall resurgence. In comparison to August’s 2mm (0.08") of rain, the change, although minor, becomes perceptible. Sunlit hours coinciding with the daylight duration point towards increased outdoor activity opportunities. Weather in September »

Weather in October

While rainfall exhibits a marginal increase from the previous month, October weather remains enjoyable in Nkhotakota. The UV index retains its high rating, making the need for sun protection as pressing as ever. October mirrors September's pleasant weather, though the rainfall levels see an uptick. Weather in October »

Weather in November

The immediate noticeable change in November weather lies in the marked increase in rainfall, accumulating to 78mm (3.07"). Sunshine and daylight hours moderately reduce as the month progresses. Weather undergoes a significant shift with increased showers signalling the prelude to the rainy season. Weather in November »

Weather in December

The year-end in Nkhotakota signifies a return to the high rainfall characteristic of the region, with precipitation levels culminating at 274mm (10.79"). November's rainy trajectory intensifies, marking a definitive transition to the wet season. Weather in December »