Best time to visit Malawi
Bordered in the north by Tanzania and Zambia, and in the south by Mozambique, Malawi lies between two climatic mega-zones: it’s either wet, or dry, but never very cold.
Malawi’s climate is broadly defined by two seasons: wet and dry. The rainy season – December until March – can bring some quite serious flooding, so it’s not the best time to visit Malawi for safari, but if birding’s your thing, it’s brilliant as migrating species flock from the Northern Hemisphere to the country’s national parks. Malawi begins to dry out in May, bringing more sunshine and stable temperatures perfect for watching animals emerge all over Liwonde National Park.
Malawi Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
18
27
223
FEB
18
27
188
MAR
17
27
129
APR
15
27
45
MAY
12
26
9
JUN
9
24
1
JUL
9
24
1
AUG
10
25
0
SEP
13
28
1
OCT
16
30
8
NOV
18
30
59
DEC
18
28
179
Our Malawi Vacations
Zambia & Malawi small group safari
Unique adventure safari kayaking, game viewing & hiking
From
US $3035
16 days
ex flights
Malawi & Zambia culture and nature tour
Explore Malawi's unique areas and Zambia's National Park
From
£2395 to £2695
15 days
ex flights
Malawi tailor made vacations
Magical Malawi combined with a walking safari in Zambia
From
£3375 to £5600
13 days
ex flights
Malawi self drive vacation
Discover Malawi at your own pace on this self-drive trip
From
£2750
10 days
ex flights
Malawi volunteering vacation
Volunteer at Africa's top wildlife sanctuary
From
£1370 to £4350
14 days
ex flights
Zambia safari and Lake Malawi, tailor made
Safari and Beach with a difference, Zambia and Malawi
From
£6105
13 days
inc UK flights
Zambia and Malawi tailor made safaris
A fabulously varied itinerary including waterfalls wildlife and lakes
From
US $10850
15 days
ex flights
Zimbabwe, Zambia & Malawi expedition safari
Expedition through the wildlife havens of Zimbabwe & Zambia
From
US $3780
20 days
ex flights
Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe expedition
Expedition through the wildlife havens of Zimbabwe & Zambia
From
US $3980
20 days
ex flights
Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe expedition safari
Expedition trip through Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi.
From
US $3980
20 days
ex flights
Cairo to Cape Town overland truck tour, the Nile route
Explore the length of Africa on this epic overland journey
From
US $7392 to US $7504
142 days
ex flights
Malawi tailor made vacation
A luxury guided trip introducing you to magnificent Malawi
From
£3150
13 days
ex flights
Safari adventure vacation, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique
An extraordinary camping safari across South Eastern Africa
From
US $2695 to US $2965
22 days
ex flights
Malawi wildlife conservation vacation
.Aid animal conservation at the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre!
From
£1370 to £4350
15 days
ex flights
Malawi safari and beach vacation
A gorgeous two-centre Malawi safari and beach vacation
From
£2400 to £2650
10 days
ex flights
Intensive veterinary course, Malawi
Intensive Wildlife Vet course at top wildlife sanctuary
From
£1000
9 days
ex flights
7 day wildlife rehabilitation course, Malawi
Wildlife rehabilitation course at top African sanctuary
From
£800
9 days
ex flights
Malawi & Zambia vacation, safari & beach
An unique and unusual safari and beach combination
From
£6105
13 days
inc UK flights
East African budget overland tour
3-week wildlife odyssey in the heart of East Africa
From
£2079
21 days
ex flights
Things to do in Malawi
Things to do in Malawi
Things not to do in Malawi
Our top Malawi Vacation
Zambia & Malawi small group safari
Unique adventure safari kayaking, game viewing & hiking
From
US $3035
16 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 29 Sep, 13 Oct, 27 Oct, 10 Nov, 24 Nov
2018: 29 Sep, 13 Oct, 27 Oct, 10 Nov, 24 Nov
Helpdesk
Hello. If you'd like to chat about Malawi or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help. Rosy & team.
Malawi travel advice
Driving tip
Driving tip
Simon Mills, from our supplier, Native Escapes, on self-driving in Malawi:
“Malawi’s one of the few countries in Africa’s southeast where self-driving can be done and the infrastructure has improved considerably over time. The roads are good because they’re tarmacked, which isn’t the case all over Africa, and the challenges you face often make it interesting as they’ll be things like incursions from livestock and locals on bicycles, but as long as you drive carefully and take your time it’s enjoyable. Africa being Africa, you may get one or two inadvertent roadblocks too. Car rental can be expensive, so local driver guides are a great option. They know the roads and drive them every day, so you can just sit back and enjoy it while they tell you stories about their country and their culture.”
“Malawi’s one of the few countries in Africa’s southeast where self-driving can be done and the infrastructure has improved considerably over time. The roads are good because they’re tarmacked, which isn’t the case all over Africa, and the challenges you face often make it interesting as they’ll be things like incursions from livestock and locals on bicycles, but as long as you drive carefully and take your time it’s enjoyable. Africa being Africa, you may get one or two inadvertent roadblocks too. Car rental can be expensive, so local driver guides are a great option. They know the roads and drive them every day, so you can just sit back and enjoy it while they tell you stories about their country and their culture.”
Nature
Nature
“I’ve only ever been through Lilongwe, but I don’t think there’s much to keep people there because there’s so much variety across Malawi’s beautiful landscapes, particularly on the southern circuit – if you do want to head for a town, Zomba, which is Malawi’s old capital, is much more interesting. I would recommend that people get out into Malawi’s incredible nature where there is so much to see and then spend a day in a city en route home if they’re curious. People don’t go to Malawi for cities; they go for landscape and wildlife.”
Tips from our travelers
At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travelers are often... other travelers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.
We have selected some of the most useful Malawi travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation - and the space inside your suitcase.
We have selected some of the most useful Malawi travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation - and the space inside your suitcase.
Volunteering at Lilongwe was very much oriented towards animal care, but volunteering at the Kuti reserve seems to offer more opportunities for getting involved in the local community.
- Steve Boud
"You'll make the most of it if you go prepared, but with an open mind and relaxed attitude. This is Africa, not Europe... but that's why you go! if you have the chance I would recommend a safari in Zambia and a trip to Lake Malawi, both breathtaking." - Catherine Coleman
“If you go to Malawi, take a Visa card – not Mastercard – for expenses.” Chaz Seymour
“Take something warm for the winter months, it does get cold at night and first thing in the morning. A fleece hoodie and a blanket are essential kit.” – Emma Daw
“Make sure you take enough memory for your camera because you'll take more pictures than you think, especially if you go on safari.” – Diana Fentiman
“A volunteering trip in Malawi is the perfect way to travel differently. You really learn about local life and issues, and have the opportunity to get involved in it. You really meet people and animals.”– Geraldine Seguret
“If you go to Malawi, take a Visa card – not Mastercard – for expenses.” Chaz Seymour
“Take something warm for the winter months, it does get cold at night and first thing in the morning. A fleece hoodie and a blanket are essential kit.” – Emma Daw
“Make sure you take enough memory for your camera because you'll take more pictures than you think, especially if you go on safari.” – Diana Fentiman
“A volunteering trip in Malawi is the perfect way to travel differently. You really learn about local life and issues, and have the opportunity to get involved in it. You really meet people and animals.”– Geraldine Seguret
You'll make the most of it if you go prepared, but with an open mind and relaxed attitude. This is Africa, not Europe... but that's why you go!
- Catherine Coleman
More about Malawi
Our Malawi travel guide will help you explore an African country that’s as well-known for its hospitable and friendly people as its wonderful wildlife parks including Nyika and Liwonde national parks.
Why book with Responsible Travel
Photo credits: [Page banner: BarryTuck] [Temp chart: kevincure]
[Things to do: Malcolm Manners]
[Simon Mills driving tip: Greg Chimitris]
[Simon Mills nature tip: Malcolm Manners]
[Review intro: Jaimie Mink]
[Review 1 - Steve Boud: Trocaire]
[Review 2 - Catharine Coleman: Michiel Van Balen]
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