Climate and monthly weather forecastSandama, Malawi
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Sandama
Nestled in the heart of Malawi, Sandama experiences a climate characterized by the Köppen climate classification as 'Aw', also known as Tropical wet and dry or savanna. This points to significant variations in rainfall during the year, coupled with generally high temperatures.The weather in Sandama is largely dictated by two opposing patterns: a distinctive dry season and a pronounced wet season. The annual temperature range appears modest. The average high temperature peaks at 32.9°C (91.2°F) typically observed in October, while the lowest average high temperature descends to a mild 22.9°C (73.2°F) in July. Equally, the average low temperature, recorded from 13.3°C (55.9°F) to 21.2°C (70.2°F) does not significantly fluctuate within the year.
Rainfall patterns, on the other hand, exhibit prominent diversity. The highest volume of rainfall is received in January, registering 220mm (8.66"), whereas the minimum amount of rainfall, a mere 7mm (0.28"), is recorded in September. Moreover, cloudy conditions predominate from January to April, with a cloud cover percentage hovering above 55%. Contrastingly, the latter part of the year experiences less cloud coverage, thereby indicating clear, sunny skies.
Closely following the rainfall trend, the humidity level also undergoes considerable fluctuations. It increases from 48% in September to a maximum of 87% in March. Wind patterns follow a rather stable course with wind speeds consistently ranging from 5.5km/h (3.4mph) to 8.4km/h (5.2mph).
The best time to visit Sandama
Most would agree that the perfect time to visit Sandama is during the dry months from May to September. During this period, the temperature ranges from a comfortable 25.2°C (77.4°F) to 31.5°C (88.7°F) with little to no rainfall, marking an ideal condition for outdoor activities and local exploration. Furthermore, these months see an increase in daily sunshine hours, ranging from 8.3 to 9.5 hours, making it an excellent time for tourists to bask under the radiant Malawian skies.The worst time to visit Sandama
The least favorable time to visit Sandama is from January to March, when the rainfall level reaches its peak, making outdoor activities less enjoyable. Moreover, the high humidity level, varying from 85% to 87%, can make the weather conditions seem much hotter and muggier, reducing the overall comfort level for visitors.Spring weather in Sandama
The spring season, considered as September to November in Sandama, is marked by increasing temperatures along with drastic changes in rainfall and humidity levels. During this time, the temperature hikes from 27.1°C (80.8°F) to 32.9°C (91.2°F), while the relative humidity plunges from 61% in September to 52% in November. This makes Spring an excellent transitional season to enjoy the outdoors before the wet season kicks in.Summer weather in Sandama
December to February marks the summer in Sandama, characterized by high temperatures ranging from 30.4°C (86.7°F) to 32.3°C (90.1°F), combined with significant rainfall levels. The number of rainfall days mount considerably during these months, with a noticeable peak in January, reaching 25.8 days. In addition, the relative humidity remains high throughout these months.Autumn weather in Sandama
From March to May, Sandama experiences autumn, where temperature decreases gradually from 27.2°C (81°F) to 23.5°C (74.3°F). Autumn is distinguished by a significant drop in rainfall, particularly in May when it touches its lowest level of 12mm (0.47"). These weather conditions make autumn preferable for those who seek cooler climates and minimal rainfall.Winter weather in Sandama
June to August signals the arrival of winter in Sandama. This period indicates mild and drier conditions, with the temperature dropping to its lowest average range, 22.9°C (73.2°F) to 27.1°C (80.8°F). Correspondingly, rainfall is significantly lower, as seen in August, with recorded rainfall as low as 8mm (0.31"). Despite being called the 'winter', this period is rather pleasant and preferred by many due to its milder weather conditions.Weather in January
Unpredictability characterizes the weather in January in Sandama, Malawi. With the unpredictability comes an interesting blend of climate variations. The fluctuation between a daytime high of 28.2°C (82.8°F) and a nighttime low of 20.5°C (68.9°F) creates a distinct contrast. Weather in January »Weather in February
While January may take visitors by surprise, February presents a slightly different weather panorama. Sandama experiences a decrease in rainfall, paving the way for improved visibility. Milder temperatures pepper the month, peaking at 28°C (82.4°F) and falling to 19.8°C (67.6°F). Weather in February »Weather in March
March heralds the onset of a slight change in the weather in Sandama, with fewer rain showers noted. A gradual reduction in temperature occurs, the maximum temperature falling to 27.2°C (81°F) and the minimum to 19.1°C (66.4°F). Weather in March »Weather in April
April marks a significant shift in the climate scale in Sandama, taking a step towards drier weather. Residents notice a notable reduction in rainfall, which coincides with a decrease in humidity levels. The cooler daytime temperature of 25.8°C (78.4°F) and a comfortable minimum of 17.3°C (63.1°F) add to the pleasant weather narrative. Weather in April »Weather in May
Towards the end of May, a visible variation in the weather patterns emerges in Sandama, Malawi. There's a significant transition from the previous month's climate with a notable decrease in rainfall, with only 12mm (0.47") reported. Weather in May »Weather in June
June showcases a different side of Sandama's weather, with more stable and dryer conditions overriding. Clear skies and reduced rainfall dominate this period, and temperatures remain consistently moderate. Unerringly, the temperatures continue on a downward trend, manifesting milder days and cooler nights. Weather in June »Weather in July
By the advent of July, Sandama's weather shifts yet again. It receives lowest rainfall, a mere 17mm (0.67"), making this the driest month in the city. Despite low rainfall rates, humidity persists in a mild form amidst the warm days and cooler nights. Weather in July »Weather in August
August's weather in Sandama can be summarized as harmoniously balanced. With a paltry 8mm (0.31") of rainfall, the city experiences one of its driest periods in the year. The mercury levels offer solace from the harsh sun with an average high of 27.1°C (80.8°F). Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks another transition for Sandama, with higher temperatures and lower humidity. Peak temperatures ascend to 31.5°C (88.7°F), marking this as one of the warmest months. Wind speeds shift upward, signaling the shift towards the hotter season. Weather in September »Weather in October
The weather in October in Sandama experiences a shift towards hotter extremes. The dry conditions of the previous month give way to a slight increment in rainfall, providing a small reprieve from the arid surroundings. The month wavers between warm days and slightly cooler nights, continuing the trend of pleasant temperatures. Weather in October »Weather in November
November in Sandama, Malawi, is characterized by a noticeable retreat of the dry season. A heavy downpour is witnessed, with rainfall registering a sharp increase to 86mm (3.39"). The strong wind gusts tail off slightly, giving way to calmer conditions. Weather in November »Weather in December
December weather in Sandama features an enveloping wet blanket, marking the return of the rains in full force. Receiving the highest rainfall of the yearly cycle at 178mm (7.01"), the city transitions back to a wet spell. The drier, perkier climate gives way to cooler, moist days, as the annual cycle completes in spectacular fashion. Weather in December »Updated: Feb 6, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
The month with the most rainfall in Sandama, Malawi, is January, when the rain falls for 25.8 days and typically aggregates up to 220mm (8.66") of precipitation.
In Sandama, during the entire year, the rain falls for 188 days and collects up to 913mm (35.94") of precipitation.
The most humid month is March, with an average relative humidity of 87%.
April through July, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the lowest UV index in Sandama, Malawi.
The month with the shortest days is June, with an average of 11h and 12min of daylight.
With an average high-temperature of 22.9°C (73.2°F) and an average low-temperature of 13.3°C (55.9°F), July is the coldest month.
With an average of 6.1h of sunshine, July has the least sunshine of the year in Sandama.
September is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 48%.
September is the month with the least rainfall in Sandama. Rain falls for 5.2 days and accumulates 7mm (0.28") of precipitation.
The month with the most sunshine in Sandama is September, with an average of 9.5h of sunshine.
The months with the highest UV index in Sandama are September and October, with an average maximum UV index of 7.
In Sandama, October registers the highest temperatures, averaging 32.9°C (91.2°F) at the peak and 20.5°C (68.9°F) at the lowest.
The month with the longest days is December, with an average of 13h and 6min of daylight.
Sandama, Malawi, does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). CAT timezone is used over the entire year.
Average temperature
Sandama, Malawi
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is October (32.9°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is July (22.9°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is December (21.2°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is July (13.3°C).
Average pressure
Sandama, Malawi
- Average pressure in January:
1010.3mbar - Average pressure in February:
1010.8mbar - Average pressure in March:
1012.7mbar - Average pressure in April:
1015.9mbar - Average pressure in May:
1018.4mbar - Average pressure in June:
1020.6mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1021.5mbar - Average pressure in August:
1019.3mbar - Average pressure in September:
1016.5mbar - Average pressure in October:
1013.7mbar - Average pressure in November:
1012.1mbar - Average pressure in December:
1011.2mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (1021.5mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is January (1010.3mbar).
Average wind speed
Sandama, Malawi
- Average wind speed in January:
5.8km/h - Average wind speed in February:
5.5km/h - Average wind speed in March:
5.7km/h - Average wind speed in April:
6.2km/h - Average wind speed in May:
6km/h - Average wind speed in June:
6.1km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
6.6km/h - Average wind speed in August:
7.1km/h - Average wind speed in September:
7.8km/h - Average wind speed in October:
8.4km/h - Average wind speed in November:
7.6km/h - Average wind speed in December:
6km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is October (8.4km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is February (5.5km/h).
Average humidity
Sandama, Malawi
The month with the highest relative humidity is March (87%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is September (48%).
Average rainfall
Sandama, Malawi
- Average rainfall in January:
220mm - Average rainfall in February:
167mm - Average rainfall in March:
135mm - Average rainfall in April:
46mm - Average rainfall in May:
12mm - Average rainfall in June:
15mm
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is January (220mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (7mm).
Average rainfall days
Sandama, Malawi
- Average rainfall days in January:
25.8 days - Average rainfall days in February:
23.4 days - Average rainfall days in March:
23.8 days - Average rainfall days in April:
19.6 days - Average rainfall days in May:
10 days - Average rainfall days in June:
9.8 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
12.3 days - Average rainfall days in August:
6.9 days - Average rainfall days in September:
5.2 days - Average rainfall days in October:
9 days - Average rainfall days in November:
17.6 days - Average rainfall days in December:
24.6 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is January (25.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is September (5.2 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Sandama, Malawi
- Average daylight in January:
13h and 0min - Average daylight in February:
12h and 36min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 12min - Average daylight in April:
11h and 42min - Average daylight in May:
11h and 24min - Average daylight in June:
11h and 12min
- Average daylight in July:
11h and 18min - Average daylight in August:
11h and 36min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in October:
12h and 30min - Average daylight in November:
12h and 54min - Average daylight in December:
13h and 6min
The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 13h and 6min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 11h and 12min).
- Average sunshine in January:
8h and 36min - Average sunshine in February:
8h and 30min - Average sunshine in March:
7h and 30min - Average sunshine in April:
7h and 0min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 18min - Average sunshine in June:
6h and 24min
- Average sunshine in July:
6h and 6min - Average sunshine in August:
8h and 30min - Average sunshine in September:
9h and 30min - Average sunshine in October:
9h and 6min - Average sunshine in November:
8h and 30min - Average sunshine in December:
9h and 18min
The month with the most sunshine is September (Average sunshine: 9h and 30min).
The month with the least sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 6h and 6min).
Average sunshine days
Sandama, Malawi
- Average sunshine days in January:
3.8 days - Average sunshine days in February:
4.3 days - Average sunshine days in March:
5.2 days - Average sunshine days in April:
6.9 days - Average sunshine days in May:
16.8 days - Average sunshine days in June:
16.1 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
15 days - Average sunshine days in August:
21.1 days - Average sunshine days in September:
24.2 days - Average sunshine days in October:
19.6 days - Average sunshine days in November:
10.5 days - Average sunshine days in December:
5.4 days
The month with the most sunshine days is September (24.2 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is January (3.8 days).
Average UV index
Sandama, Malawi
The months with the highest UV index are September and October (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are April, May, June and July (UV index 5).
Average cloud cover
Sandama, Malawi
The months with the most cloud cover are March and April (Cloud cover 56).
The month with the least cloud cover is September (Cloud cover 16).
Average visibility
Sandama, Malawi
The months with the highest visibility are September and October (10km).
The month with the lowest visibility is April (6km).
