Weather in Lilongwe

Planning your day in Lilongwe? Find out the current weather forecast and explore detailed meteorological charts in this section to ensure your trip is as comfortable as possible.

The climate of Lilongwe can be described as humid subtropical, making a visit to the city quite comfortable at any time of the year. Thanks to its location at a high altitude, scorching heat is rare here, and the weather is characterised by its mildness and predictability. Generally, the region features a clear division of the year into wet and dry periods, which is worth considering when planning your wardrobe and excursions.

A distinct rainy season lasts from December to March: during this time, the bulk of precipitation falls, and nature becomes incredibly green and picturesque. The dry season, which continues from May to October, brings clear skies and an almost complete absence of rain. June and July are the coolest months, when night-time temperatures can drop to 10-11°C, so warm clothing for evening walks will not go amiss.

Before the rains begin, in October and November, the air warms up the most, and the daytime temperature often reaches 29°C. This time is considered the hottest of the year. Travellers appreciate Lilongwe because even in the rainy season there are many sunny spells, while the dry season is ideal for comfortable walks and exploring the city.

The climate in Lilongwe can be described as pleasant and moderately warm, making travel comfortable for most of the year. The hottest season falls in the period before the onset of rains, especially in October and November. In these months, the sun warms the air quite significantly: the average daytime temperature reaches a maximum of 29°C, and general monthly averages hold at around 23–24°C. This time is ideal for those who love real heat, but one should be prepared for the bright sun.

"Winter" in Malawi arrives in the middle of the calendar year, when it becomes cooler in the Southern Hemisphere. June and July are considered the coldest months: the average temperature drops to 16–17°C. Days during this period remain mild and comfortable with maximums around 22.5°C, which is excellent for active walks and excursions. However, nights can be quite chilly, as the thermometer falls to 10–11°C, so a warm jumper or light jacket in the evening will be simply essential.

A characteristic feature of Lilongwe's temperature regime is the noticeable daily fluctuations. Throughout the year, the difference between the daytime maximum and night-time minimum averages 7–12 degrees. Even in the warm wet season (from January to March), when the air warms up to 25°C during the day, nights bring refreshing coolness with temperatures around 17–18°C. Thanks to this, it is rarely exhaustingly stuffy at night, which contributes to good sleep and rest after a busy day.

In Lilongwe, there is a pronounced seasonality in rainfall, which divides the year into wet and dry periods. The rainy season here coincides with the summer months of the Southern Hemisphere, starting in November and gradually tapering off by April. During this time, travellers should be prepared for frequent precipitation.

The wettest month is January, when the highest number of rainy days is recorded — on average about 27 per month. February and March are also distinguished by a high frequency of precipitation (23–24 days), and in December it rains for approximately 21 days. Despite the high frequency of rain during this period, its intensity can vary.

The dry season sets in in May and lasts until October. During this period, the probability of precipitation is reduced to a minimum. From July to September, rain is practically absent: data shows 0 mm of precipitation and 0 rainy days. This time is considered the driest and sunniest, making it convenient for planning open-air excursions.

When packing for Lilongwe, you should focus on the warm subtropical climate, but with seasonal features in mind. The basis of your luggage should be light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen, which will ensure comfort on hot days, especially in October and November when the temperature rises to 29°C. Be sure to take comfortable closed shoes for long walks, high-quality sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the active African sun.

If your trip falls during the dry and cooler period from May to August, be prepared for significant temperature changes. Days remain pleasant, but nights can be quite fresh, with temperatures around 10–13°C. At this time of year, the layering principle works best: pack a warm jumper, a fleece jacket, or a light windbreaker that can be thrown on in the evening, and long trousers for comfortable sleep and morning outings.

For those planning a visit during the rainy season (from December to March), it is critically important to take care of protection against moisture. January and February are the rainiest months, so a reliable umbrella, a light raincoat, and waterproof shoes will become your main companions. It is also recommended to choose clothes made from quick-drying materials, as air humidity is elevated during this period. Do not forget insect repellents, which are useful at any time of the year but are especially relevant in the wet season.