Many people ask about the best time to visit Malawi. That makes sense, because you don’t want to be bothered by the weather during your holiday. Especially Dutch people like to talk about this subject endlessly… Everyone has different wishes and expectations, so in this blog you get more information about the pros and cons of all seasons in Malawi!

Which seasons does Malawi have?

Malawi is a relatively small country, but has considerable differences between the high mountains and plateaus, and the lower areas. Roughly speaking, you can distinguish three seasons in Malawi:

The rainy season from December – March

In the rainy season, also called the green season in Malawi, you really don’t have to worry it rains non-stop. January and February are the wettest months, but even then you still see the sun regularly. The temperatures during the day are an average of between 25-30˚C (77-86˚F) and at night it doesn’t cool down much, unless there’s maybe a storm.

The humidity around Lake Malawi and some parts in the south is quite high during this time, but not as extreme as in a rainforest, for example.

It’s spectacular to watch the lightning over Lake Malawi safely and dry from your accommodation, during a heavy thunderstorm!

Photo credit: Zac Dykstra

Pro’s: Nature is beautifully green and you will find the highest number of birds during this time. On safari you will see a lot of young wildlife.

Con’s: In the dense vegetation it’s more difficult to spot wildlife. The animals have water everywhere, so they don’t have to come to the rivers and other drinking places. Moreover, not all roads are passable. Unfortunately, there are more mosquitoes at this time than the rest of the year, so make sure you are protected.

The dry season from April – early September

These months are also known as winter. Many people find this an ideal travel time for Malawi! During the day the temperature is 20-25˚C (68-77˚F). In Malawi, people find this cold, but it is much more pleasant than many days in the Dutch summer. Especially because in the Malawi winter, the sky is always clear blue.

Keep in mind that it can be quite chilly at night. Make sure you have warm clothes with you, especially if you also go to the plateaus or mountain areas. But let’s be honest, after a day in the sun and outdoors, isn’t it great to sit around a campfire or at a fireplace?

Pro’s: This season is perfect for activities such as walking, hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding. Remember that the sun is strong here, so remember your hat! It’s also starting to become easier to spot wildlife on safari, because the tall grass is slowly drying up.

Con’s: Migrating birds disappear and nature is no longer so beautifully green. You need a jacket or sweater in the evening and early mornings.

September is the month in which the annual Lake of Stars festival takes place. A bonus reason to visit during this time of the year!

The hot season from late September – November

This is the end of the dry season and the build-up to the rainy season. Temperatures are well above 30˚C (86˚F) and in the south of Malawi sometimes even higher than 40˚C (104˚F). If you want to do something active, you’ll have to get up early. You can get a sunburn even in the shade, so protect your skin and drink plenty of water. In November there could be some rain, but this won’t be more than a refreshing shower.

Pro’s: Despite the heat, now is the best time to go on safari. All wildlife gathers around the remaining few drinking spots.

Con’s: The landscape is barren and quite dusty. Although the golden yellow and brown colors also make for beautiful pictures, most people prefer green nature. By the way, don’t count on air conditioning as standard facility, because many of the most beautiful places in Malawi are ‘off the grid’. Their limited electricity system can’t handle that.

So, when is the best time to visit Malawi?

Very cliché, but the best travel time for Malawi differs per person. It depends on what you want to get out of your trip. So think about what really matters to you.

Are you an avid bird watcher? Then come in the rainy season, when all 650 species found in Malawi are around and mostly breeding.

Green-winged Pytilia, or Melba Finch

Do you like an active holiday? Then spend your northern hemisphere summer holiday in the Malawian winter. Even then you can swim in Lake Malawi. The crystal clear water never really gets cold!

Do you want lots of photos of all the beautiful wildlife? Then plan for the driest time, when the bushes are bare and you have a clear view through the bush.

Of course, the temperature doesn’t change overnight. It also doesn’t stop raining on exactly the 1^st of April. Just like in Europe, we like the transition of the seasons in Malawi.

Please let us know if you would like to discuss the options.

What kind of clothes should I pack?

Depending on the travel time and your route in Malawi, it’s best to take a little bit of everything with you. Shorts and t-shirts, but also one or two long trousers and jackets or sweaters, so that you can easily adapt to changing temperatures.

In any case, always bring a cap or hat to protect your head from the scorching African sun.