Weather in Blantyre

Planning your day in Blantyre? Check out the latest weather data and forecasts in this section.

Blantyre welcomes guests with a pleasant subtropical highland climate, ensuring the weather often remains comfortable throughout the year. Temperatures in the city are moderate, without exhausting heat or severe cold. Annual average temperatures range from approximately 17.5°C in July to 25.6°C in November, creating generally mild conditions for travel.

The main feature of the weather in Blantyre is the clear division between the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season typically lasts from May to September. During this time, rainfall is minimal (in some months, such as May, July, August, and September, 0 mm of precipitation is recorded), and the number of rainy days is low, varying from 2 to 7 per month. This is a period of clear skies and abundant sunlight. The rainy season covers the months roughly from November to March. During this time, the number of days with precipitation increases significantly, reaching 20-25 days in January and February, although the total monthly rainfall, according to the provided data, remains relatively low (for example, 12 mm in January).

This pronounced seasonality allows tourists to choose the most suitable time to visit Blantyre. The dry season, with its cool nights (minimum temperatures drop to 12-14°C in June-July) and warm sunny days, is ideal for excursions and outdoor activities. The wet season brings warmer temperatures, especially in October and November (maximum temperatures reach 30.5°C), and lush greenery, but also a higher probability of rain, which should be considered when planning outdoor events.

The temperature regime in Blantyre is characterized by pleasant moderation throughout the year, but with clearly defined seasonal fluctuations. The hottest month is usually November, when the average temperature is 25.6°C, and maximum daytime values can reach 30.5°C. It is followed by October and December with average temperatures around 24.7°C and 25.0°C respectively. The coolest period is considered to be the middle of the year, especially July, when the average temperature drops to 17.5°C, and night-time lows can reach 12.1°C.

The summer months, conditionally covering the period from October to March, are characterized by predominantly warm weather. Daytime temperatures during this time often range from 26°C to 30°C, creating comfortable conditions that can feel hot, especially during the peak season (October-November). Nights also remain warm, with minimum temperatures rarely dropping below 19-20°C. This period coincides with the rainy season, which may add humidity to the air, but temperatures remain generally pleasant.

Winter in Blantyre, falling on the months from May to September, brings cooler and drier weather. Average daytime temperatures in June and July hover around 22.8°C, which is very comfortable for walking and active recreation. Nights in these months can be quite fresh: minimum temperatures drop to 12-14°C. A characteristic feature of this season is more noticeable diurnal temperature fluctuations. The difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum can reach 10-12°C, especially in August (average maximum 25.6°C, minimum 13.8°C) and September (average maximum 28.4°C, minimum 16.3°C), which is typical for a highland climate in the dry season.

In Blantyre, there is a pronounced seasonality of precipitation, with a clear division into wet and dry periods. The city does not experience snowfall; all precipitation falls as rain. A characteristic feature is that even in the rainiest months, the total amount of precipitation remains moderate, distributed over a large number of rainy days, suggesting frequent but not very intense rainfall.

The rainy season in Blantyre usually lasts from November to March, reaching its peak from December to February. The wettest month, both in terms of rainfall amount and the number of rainy days, is January, when an average of 12 mm of precipitation falls, and it rains for about 25 days per month. February follows with 7 mm of precipitation and 23 rainy days, while December and March are also characterized by frequent rainfall (7-8 mm and 20-21 rainy days respectively). November and April are transitional months, where the number of rainy days is noticeable, but the total rainfall is low (3 mm and 15 days for November, 2 mm and 12 days for April).

The dry season covers the period from May to September, bringing a significant reduction in precipitation and clear weather. During this time, rain becomes a rarity. Absolutely dry months, with zero precipitation, are May, July, August, and September. The lowest number of rainy days occurs in September (only 2 days) and August (3 days). In June and October, a negligible amount of precipitation may fall (about 1 mm), with around 7 rainy days. This period is characterized by predominantly sunny weather and minimal probability of rain.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Blantyre, prioritize light and breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen, which will be comfortable in warm weather year-round. Don't forget comfortable shoes for walking around the city and its surroundings. Important companions will be high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and headwear (for example, a wide-brimmed hat or cap) to protect against the strong sun, especially in the dry season. It is also recommended to bring insect repellent, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors in the evenings.

Given the distinct rainy season, which usually lasts from November to March, it is worth taking care of protection from precipitation. Although the total amount of rainfall may not be very large (for example, 7-12 mm in peak months), rains during this period are frequent, with the number of rainy days reaching 20-25 per month. A light waterproof jacket or rain poncho, as well as a small folding umbrella, will be very handy. Clothing made from quick-drying materials can also prove useful. Consider a second pair of shoes or footwear that is water-resistant and dries quickly, in case you get caught in the rain.

In the dry season, from May to September, when rain is unlikely (in some months there is no precipitation at all), the focus shifts to sun protection during the day and preparing for cooler evenings and nights. Temperatures, especially in June-August, can drop significantly after sunset, falling to 12-14°C. Therefore, the principle of layering in clothing will be very relevant: take a light sweater, fleece, or jacket that can be thrown on in the evening. During the day, it will be warm and sunny, so light clothing remains the main choice.