Malawi Weather, climate and geography
Weather & climate
Malawi has a subtropical climate with a rainy season from roughly November to April and a dry season from May to October. Temperatures vary considerably according to altitude, with cooler conditions in the highlands and hotter weather around Lake Malawi and the Lower Shire Valley.
Dry season (May to October)
The dry season is generally the best time to visit Malawi for wildlife viewing, hiking and general sightseeing. Days are mostly sunny, rainfall is limited and humidity is lower. Temperatures are coolest from June to August, particularly at higher elevations. Wildlife viewing improves as the season progresses and animals gather around rivers and permanent water sources, with September and October offering excellent sightings but increasingly hot conditions.
Rainy season (November to April)
The rainy season brings higher temperatures, increased humidity and regular thunderstorms, particularly from December to March. The countryside becomes lush and green, migratory birds arrive and this can be a rewarding period for birdwatching and photography. Heavy rainfall may make unpaved roads difficult to use and can affect access to some national parks and remote areas.
Lake Malawi
The lakeshore is warm throughout the year, although conditions are generally most comfortable during the dry season. May to August brings warm days, cooler evenings and lower humidity, making this a good period for swimming, kayaking and other outdoor activities. September to November can be very hot, while strong winds may occasionally produce rough conditions on the lake during the cooler months.
Highlands and mountain areas
Nyika Plateau, Zomba Plateau and Mount Mulanje are considerably cooler than the lowlands, particularly between May and August when nights can be cold. Hiking conditions are generally best during the dry season, while heavy rain, cloud and slippery trails can make mountain routes more difficult between November and April.
Lower Shire Valley
The Lower Shire Valley is Malawi's hottest region, with high temperatures for much of the year. Conditions are most comfortable from May to August, while temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F) during the hottest months before the rains. The rainy season can bring flooding and difficult travel conditions in low-lying areas.
For a combination of comfortable weather, wildlife viewing and outdoor activities, May to August is an excellent time to visit. Travellers primarily interested in wildlife may prefer September and October, while birdwatchers and photographers seeking green landscapes may favour the rainy season.
Lightweight clothing made from breathable fabrics is suitable for most of the year, particularly around Lake Malawi and in the hotter lowland regions. Loose-fitting cotton or linen clothing is generally the most comfortable during the warmer months.
Warmer clothing is necessary during the cool dry season from May to August, especially in the evenings and at higher elevations such as the Nyika Plateau, Zomba Plateau and Mount Mulanje. Temperatures can fall considerably after dark, so a warm jacket, sweater and long trousers are advisable.
Lightweight waterproof clothing is useful during the rainy season from November to April. Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended for mountain areas, national parks and other outdoor activities, particularly when trails are wet or uneven.
Sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, is advisable throughout the year. Modest clothing should be worn when visiting rural communities and religious sites, while long sleeves and trousers can also provide protection against mosquito bites in the evenings.
Geography
Malawi is a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, bordered by Tanzania to the north and northeast, Zambia to the west, and Mozambique to the east, south and southwest. The country is long and narrow, stretching approximately 840km (522 miles) from north to south.
Lake Malawi dominates the country's geography, occupying around one-fifth of its total area and forming much of the eastern border with Mozambique and Tanzania. The lake lies within the Great Rift Valley and drains southwards through the Shire River, which flows across southern Malawi before entering Mozambique and joining the Zambezi River.
The landscape varies considerably between regions. Northern Malawi is characterised by high plateaus and mountains, including the Nyika Plateau and Viphya Highlands, while central Malawi consists largely of rolling plains and agricultural land surrounding Lilongwe. Southern Malawi has a more varied landscape of highlands, river valleys and low-lying plains, dominated by features such as the Zomba Plateau, Mount Mulanje and the Lower Shire Valley.
Malawi's highest point is Sapitwa Peak on Mount Mulanje, which rises to 3,002m (9,849ft) above sea level. The lowest areas lie in the Lower Shire Valley, where the climate is hotter and drier than in the country's elevated regions.
The climate is subtropical, with a rainy season generally lasting from November to April and a dry season from May to October. Temperatures vary considerably with altitude, with cooler conditions in the highlands and hotter weather along the lakeshore and in the Lower Shire Valley.
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