When is the best time to visit Malawi?

The ideal period to explore Malawi is from early May to late October when the weather is pleasantly dry. This season brings an exhilarating mix of sunny days, delightful evenings, and just the right temperatures. The winter months in the northern regions can bring a brisk chill, but along the shores of Lake Malawi, you will find inviting warmth, dry days, and delightful, soothing weather. This is the perfect moment to explore Malawi for game viewing, as the vegetation has thinned, allowing for easier spotting of animals gathered around rivers and permanent waterholes.

Monthly Travel Guide for Exploring Malawi

Exploring Malawi from January to March

The sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Nyika National Park in Malawi.

The beginning of the year in Malawi brings the rainy season to life, showcasing impressive thunderstorms that occur daily. Sadly, many of the lodges on Lake Malawi shut their doors in January due to the rainy season.

February finds Malawi immersed in its vibrant green season. Anyone planning to visit Malawi at this time of year can look forward to vibrant orchids bursting into bloom throughout the country’s valleys and female herbivores caring for their newborns. This is a perfect opportunity for those looking to avoid the crowds and snag great deals on accommodation, as long as you are ready to embrace the rainy days.

March brings a season of intense rainfall in Malawi, gradually easing as the month progresses, paving the way for the upcoming dry season. Although this is not typically considered safari season, the expansive Nyika National Park in northern Malawi enjoys more favorable weather conditions. Nyika’s diverse landscape invites exploration through trekking, mountain biking, and thrilling 4×4 escapades.

Exploring Malawi in April & May

Encountering elephants at a watering hole in Mvuu Lodge in Malawi

As April arrives, the countryside starts to transform, with the heavy thunderstorms fading away, paving the way for a more stable climate. This is the final month of the sweltering rainy season before the eagerly awaited dry months arrive. April offers an exciting opportunity to explore Malawi on a safari, where you can witness antelope roaming the national parks and experience the thrilling sight of males battling for the chance to mate with females.

When you set foot in Malawi in May, you will find yourself at the beginning of the dry season, ready for an exciting experience. This is considered the perfect moment for an unforgettable journey to Malawi. The rains have ceased, revealing a vibrant, green expanse, as mist gracefully descends from the highlands into the vast valleys and plateaus of the countryside.

Exploring Malawi from June to September

Kayaking on Mumbo Island in Lake Malawi

The days stretch out, basking in warmth and light for those exploring Malawi in June. The evenings and mornings bring a chill, often inviting the warmth of log fires to flicker in parks, at Malawi resorts, and along the beaches. This is an exciting time of year to explore Liwonde National Park for a thrilling safari in Malawi. Liwonde is celebrated for its exceptional opportunities to encounter crocodiles, hippos, and elephants in their natural habitat.

The refreshing weather persists in July, bringing clear skies and a delightful absence of rain and pesky mosquitos. This is the prime time for safari enthusiasts, as wildlife viewing reaches its pinnacle, yet the parks maintain a pleasant sense of openness. A morning game drive can be quite chilly before the sun rises high, so it is wise to bundle up for the adventure ahead.

As August rolls in, the warmth begins to embrace the days. This is an excellent moment to explore Lake Malawi, where the delightful temperatures create fantastic opportunities for watersports, tours, and soaking up the sun. During this season, animal herds swell in size and can frequently be spotted by the water’s edge.

As September unfolds, the evening temperatures soar, with sun-drenched days that are delightfully arid. The annual Lake of Stars Festival unfolds over three exhilarating days in September. Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Malawi, the celebrations draw more than 4,000 participants and feature vibrant musical performances from across the African continent.

Exploring Malawi from October to December

Diving into the vibrant waters of Lake Malawi at Mumbo Camp

October is an exciting time of year for a holiday in Malawi. This is one of the warmest months, making it an ideal time to explore one of the country’s many game parks. The wildlife thrives during this season as the dry conditions lead the herds to the nearby water sources.

As November rolls in, the initial storms sweep across Malawi, heralding the onset of the vibrant summer rainfall season that stretches from November to April. Numerous migrant bird species journey from the northern regions towards a more welcoming climate, transforming the area into a haven for birdwatchers. Now is the perfect moment to explore Malawi for snorkeling, with the underwater visibility at its finest.

If you’re planning to visit Malawi in December, get ready for a season filled with intense heat and refreshing rains. The rain tends to increase around Christmas, so it might be wise to consider other times for your visit to Malawi. However, this is hatching season for crocodiles, and any nature enthusiast wouldn’t want to miss the chance to witness the extraordinary sight of baby crocodiles making their first daring dives.