Best Time to Visit Malawi
Best Time to Visit
Although Malawi is a landlocked country, a large portion of it is dominated by Lake Malawi. Treated as a beach destination, Malawi can combine very easily with Zambia to form a fantastic bush-and-beach holiday.
Our view on the best time to visit Malawi takes into consideration Zambia’s best walking and wildlife seasons, and also when the activities on Lake Malawi are available. From December to March it’s the humid green season during which many lodges are closed, so we advise generally avoiding those months and visiting Malawi in either the shoulder or the peak season. For scuba diving, sunbathing, and sailing, we suggest heading out during the dry shoulder season – May, June, or October – when the lake conditions are perfect.
January
January is peak green season. It’s humid and wet with heavy rains, thunderstorms, and higher densities of mosquitoes, so we advise packing light waterproofs. Many lodges close this month, with those that remain open not offering a full scope of activities. However, January is a great month for birders with the arrival of many migratory species. Combine Malawi with a Zambia safari in January to enjoy low rates, boating safaris, and gorgeously green scenery.
February
February is the middle of the green season. It’s a less popular month, due to the high humidity and, while there are fewer thunderstorms than January, rainfall and mosquito numbers are still high. It can be tricky to combine a Zambia and Malawi safari trip as many camps are closed and thick vegetation conceals the wildlife. Similar to January, February is a quiet time that is superb for birding.
March
The final month of green season. The rains taper off in March, there are varying humidity levels, and the vegetation is lush and in bloom. Properties around Lake Malawi begin reopening towards the end of the month, depending on conditions. If you’re combining Malawi and Zambia, rains can hinder safari activities, and some access roads are flooded. However, March is another great month for birders, as migratory birds start to move back to the Northern Hemisphere.
April
April brings the start of shoulder season in Malawi. The rainy season ends, thunderstorms subside, and temperatures are still high but humidity decreases. Safari lodges along Lake Malawi’s shores re-open, and costs are lower than during peak times. Migratory birds have started to fly away and activity-wise, it’s a great time for diving and snorkeling around the lake.
May
May is shoulder season in Malawi. All lake lodges are open, rates remain lower than peak season, and a range of exciting activities are available. Temperatures are cooling down. Malawi’s higher regions can experience dramatic drops at night and early morning, so pack warm clothing. Diving, snorkelling, kayaking and beach relaxation are popular around Lake Malawi. It’s an ideal time for a Zambia and Malawi bush-and-beach combo as there are comfortable temperatures, beautiful scenery and quiet lodges in Zambia.
June
June is a great time to visit Malawi. The dry season begins, lodges are fully open, and rates start to rise. Expect excellent lake activities like diving, snorkelling, and kayaking. It’s an ideal time for a Malawi–Zambia safari combo with reliable wildlife sightings and walking safari season starting. Winter begins and brings the coolest temperatures – pack warm layers for mornings and evenings.
July
July is dry season and peak safari time, with larger crowds and higher prices. It’s popular so we recommend booking early. Temperatures are at their most comfortable – warm days, cool evenings and hardly any rain. It’s prime time for lake activities like diving, snorkelling and kayaking. It’s the perfect time for a combined safari to Zambia, where there are clear skies, fantastic wildlife sightings (particularly big cats!), and walking safaris.
August
August is a popular month to visit Lake Malawi. Low rainfall and loads of sunshine, this is peak busy season and we recommend booking early, but Malawi is still comparatively off the beaten track. Temperatures start to rise as September looms – days are hot but not humid while nights are milder. It’s an excellent month for a Zambia safari combo with frequent big cat sightings and thrilling walking safaris
September
September is our favourite month to visit Malawi. Temperatures rise as winter wraps up and it’s the late dry season, with exceptionally good conditions for sailing and diving. September is peak safari season in Zambia, making it a great time to combine Malawi and Zambia. The annual Lake of Stars festival takes place at the end of the month, featuring musical acts on the shores of Lake Malawi.
October
The end of the dry season and temperatures continue to rise. October is a great month to visit for hot beach days and lake activities like diving, snorkelling, kayaking and sunbathing. Peak accommodation rates begin to drop towards the end of the month and it’s another good time for a Malawi and Zambia bush-and-beach trip with impressive concentrations of wildlife.
November
November is a transitional month in Malawi. It’s hot, humid, and with heavy rains returning late in the month, along with an increase in mosquitoes. While beach days aren’t ideal thanks to the rain, most safari lodges still offer great activities. It’s also good for birding, with lower rates and better availability than peak months. It’s not the best time to combine a trip to Zambia as many remote bushcamps close.
December
December is the first month of the green season. There is plenty of humidity, rain and thunderstorms. Temperatures are on the rise, and mosquitoes are plentiful. Safari lodge rates are lower, though many lake lodges are closed, and Zambia’s remote camps aren’t accessible. Birding is fantastic with migratory species around and there are festive markets in Lilongwe and Blantyre.
