When is the best time to visit Malawi?

The best time to visit depends on where you go. Lake Malawi: October & September.

Which month is best overall in Malawi?

Averaged across our 1 destinations in Malawi, the strongest months are May, July, August. Individual places can shift a month or two earlier or later — each destination page lists its own peak.

Which cities in Malawi does bestime.to cover?

We currently score 1 destinations in Malawi: Lake Malawi.

How are the Malawi travel scores calculated?

Every city is rated 0-10 per month using ERA5 climate normals - temperature, precipitation, humidity, daylight, and days with 6+ hours of sunshine.

Best Time to Visit Malawi: Weather by Month

01 · Malawi

About Malawi

Malawi is a long, narrow country shaped by the Great Rift Valley and filled by Lake Malawi. The lake's beaches and fishing villages are the main draw, with snorkeling and sailing at Cape Maclear, while the Zomba and Mulanje plateaus and the Nyika highlands offer cool mountain walking. The dry season from May to October is best for lakeside days and safaris in Liwonde or Majete; the rains from November to April bring green landscapes, heat and difficult roads.

Did you know?

Lake Malawi is one of the deepest lakes in the world and holds more fish species than any other lake.
The country is known as the warm heart of Africa, and its parks run walking and canoe safaris.
Mount Mulanje is a huge granite massif rising above the tea estates of the south.

Weather

Malawi: weather by month

Warmest month: November (29°C). Wettest: January (511 mm). Best overall score: May (9.7/10).

Month	Avg temp	Rain	Sunny days	Score
January	25°C	511 mm	22	4.0/10
February	25°C	314 mm	22	3.9/10
March	25°C	217 mm	23	4.3/10
April	24°C	70 mm	22	7.4/10
May	22°C	1 mm	23	9.7/10
June	21°C	5 mm	17	9.5/10
July	21°C	2 mm	19	9.7/10
August	23°C	8 mm	24	9.6/10
September	26°C	1 mm	29	8.6/10
October	28°C	11 mm	31	7.8/10
November	29°C	77 mm	29	6.0/10
December	27°C	284 mm	28	3.5/10

Travel Tips

01Best time & timing: The strongest months are May, July, August: May peaks at 9.7/10, while December drops to 3.5/10.
02Weather & what to pack: 22°C and 1 mm of rain shape a typical May here. Pack light clothing, a hat and real sun protection.
03Crowds & value: Book early for July, the busiest stretch; September is the value window at 8.6/10.

Things to do in Malawi

Malawi. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.

FAQ

Frequently asked

When is the best time to visit Malawi?: The best time to visit depends on where you go. Lake Malawi: October & September.
Which month is best overall in Malawi?: Averaged across our 1 destinations in Malawi, the strongest months are May, July, August. Individual places can shift a month or two earlier or later — each destination page lists its own peak.
Which cities in Malawi does bestime.to cover?: We currently score 1 destinations in Malawi: Lake Malawi.
How are the Malawi travel scores calculated?: Every city is rated 0-10 per month using ERA5 climate normals - temperature, precipitation, humidity, daylight, and days with 6+ hours of sunshine.

Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 historical archive, the five most recent complete years (2021–2025). Scores are monthly averages for that window, not forecasts, and short-window precipitation can differ from longer-term normals. “Sunny days” count days with at least 6 hours of measured sunshine — they are not dry days.

Curated in Malawi

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Top-Rated Tours

Editor-picked guides & unforgettable itineraries

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Destinations in Malawi

Lake Malawi