When is the Best Time to Visit Malawi?

Malawi is known as the “warm heart of Africa” but this is more about the people of Malawi who are kind-hearted and friendly rather than the country’s climate. However, the climate of Malawi boasts temperatures that are consistently high with even their cold months of June, July and August boasting temperatures above 26°C. This means that whenever you choose to visit Malawi, you will be greeted with very warm weather but with both a wet and a dry season, you may wish to time the dates of your visit with this in mind. Dependent on what you are planning on doing in Malawi, you may choose to plan your trip at certain times of the year, this week’s blogs gives you some tips on when the best time to visit Malawi is when you are going on safari…

During the winter season, which is between May and October, is the dry season. Although it can be fairly chilly up towards the north of the country, near the Nyika Plateau, Lake Malawi and its surrounding areas boast magnificent, sunny and dry weather which is perfect if you are looking for beach weather. Also, as the weather is dry, the game will normally move towards watering holes so this is the perfect time of year to visit if you are hoping to see as much wildlife as possible on safari, especially as the visibility as its best during the winter season.

Between June and August, the days are very warm and visibility is good but there is a significant drop in temperature after sundown which means that if you are planning on going on safari at this time of year then make sure to bring warm clothes to wrap up in – especially if you have plans for night game drives!

During September and October you can expect high temperatures of above 30°C which means that if you are planning on going out on safaris at this time of year, you should make sure that you have sun protection and suitable clothing to make sure that you enjoy your drive as much as possible especially when you are near to the low lying areas of the lakes.

The summer season, also known as the wet season, is between November and April. Although temperatures remain very high, there is always a significant amount of rainfall during this season which means that humidity is always very high which can make it uncomfortable. However, although it may be a little sticky, there are benefits to the substantial amount of rainfall including the fact that the greenery becomes lush and beautiful towards the end of the season and you can do some interesting birdwatching.

November is a good month to travel in as you still have the chance to benefit from warm, clear days but you can also experience some of the season’s first rainfall. If you are interested in birdwatching, November is the time of year when many species of birds will start to shed their winter feathers for brighter, breeding colours.

Through from December to March is when the rainfall is at its highest but the temperatures still remain above 30° so humidity levels are very high which can be uncomfortable. If you are to travel at this time of year, you must come prepared with mosquito repellent as well as anti-malaria medication and protective clothing to avoid the mosquitos that are abundant at this time of year.

By April, there is much less rain and even sometimes, the rainfall has stopped by April time and towards the end of April, when temperatures are high but rainfall is low and the landscapes are looking beautiful is when you have a window of opportunity to experience all of the best things about Malawi – including excellent game drives.

We hope that you have enjoyed this week’s blog and that when you are next considering a safari holiday to Malawi, you know which time of year is best for you…