Malawi is a relative newcomer for international travelers compared to its neighbors, Zambia and Tanzania, but tourism is now developing in some of the most unique landscapes in East Africa. The country is dominated by the crystalline waters of Lake Malawi, Africa's third-largest lake. The beguiling hills and light of the Nyika Plateau are a dream for hikers and bikers, and newly rewilded Parks like Liwonde and Majete can now offer high-caliber tented safari experiences. There are no five-star properties in Malawi as of yet, but there is plenty of experiential luxury to be had here.
Best for Water safaris. Best time to travel: May – Nov.
Each dimension is rated 0–3: 0 = not offered / avoid, 1 = fair, 2 = good, 3 = excellent. For the monthly strip, a higher score means a better time to travel.
These are our own expert ratings, drawn from years of planning and operating safaris across Africa. They reflect first-hand experience and traveler feedback rather than measured statistics, and conditions vary year to year.
Source: Fauna Travel Safari Seasonality & Suitability Ratings, updated 2026-10-05 — http://localhost:3001/destination/africa/malawi
Monthly averages at Lake Malawi · 2021–2025. Bars show rainfall; lines show average daily high and low.
Warmest around Oct and Nov (daily highs near 34°C / 93°F); coolest around Jun (26°C / 79°F); wettest in Jan (~292 mm); driest in May–Oct. Based on 2021–2025 averages at Lake Malawi.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28°C / 82°F | 22°C / 72°F | 292 mm | 24 |
| Feb | 28°C / 82°F | 23°C / 73°F | 209 mm | 22 |
| Mar | 28°C / 82°F | 22°C / 72°F | 208 mm | 17 |
| Apr | 28°C / 82°F | 21°C / 70°F | 49 mm | 9 |
| May | 27°C / 81°F | 18°C / 64°F | 12 mm | 4 |
| Jun | 26°C / 79°F | 16°C / 61°F | 9 mm | 3 |
| Jul | 26°C / 79°F | 16°C / 61°F | 4 mm | 1 |
| Aug | 29°C / 84°F | 17°C / 63°F | 5 mm | 1 |
| Sep | 32°C / 90°F | 20°C / 68°F | 3 mm | 1 |
| Oct | 34°C / 93°F | 22°C / 72°F | 12 mm | 3 |
| Nov | 34°C / 93°F | 23°C / 73°F | 57 mm | 9 |
| Dec | 32°C / 90°F | 23°C / 73°F | 159 mm | 16 |
Tell us how you like to travel and we'll craft the itinerary.
Start Planning