Malawi Weather

Malawi climate information of the seasons for the informed traveler including what to pack and when to visit this African paradise'

SUMMER: January - March
WINTER: June - July

Varies from cool in the highlands to warm around Lake Malawi. Winter (May to July) is dry and nights can be chilly, particularly in the highlands. The rainy season runs from November to March. Around Lake Malawi, in winter, the climate is particularly dry with pleasant cooling breezes
Best months to visit:

The cooler months (May to October) are comfortable for travelers from the northern hemisphere, but the lush green summer (November to April) is also a good time to visit if due care is taken to avoid mosquito bites.

The May and June months combine the best of both seasons - cooler, still green with great visibility - and are especially good for photography.

Be warned that country roads are often impassable to normal vehicles during heavy rains.

Game viewing is best in the hottest times of the dry season when the animals are forced to visit water sources, but the country is more attractive in the wetter, greener months.

Bird watchers enjoy their best sightings in October and November.

The most practical items to pack are: remembering that Malawi is a warm destination
» Light cotton tops and cotton trousers/shorts in summer, hat/ cap and light shoes
» Long-sleeved blouses/shirts for game drives/ boat cruises, which will protect you from mosquitoes and the sun
» Safari trousers, jeans or casual pants for evenings and cooler days. A fleece or sweater is required for those cool winter evening and mornings
» Swimwear, snorkel, mask, fins (most lodges have these for hire or included in daily rate - if you have you own you are more than welcome to bring them)
» A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen (a tanning lotion and a high factor sunscreen for your face, neck, feet and hands
» Sandals
» Comfortable walking shoes, sandals for when swimming in the sea as razor clams can cause nasty damage to your feet
» Camera film, extra memory cards and batteries, these are near impossible to find in Malawi and should they be available they will cost you a arm and a leg. Remember not to process your film in Malawi rather trust your holidays photos to your photo lab when you get home or in South Africa.