Lilongwe, Malawi Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Lilongwe
Lilongwe has a humid subtropical climate, marked by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Average daytime highs range from about 75°F (24°C) in July to around 88°F (31°C) in November, and the city records roughly 102 days of measurable precipitation a year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: November - highs near 88°F (31°C)
- Coldest month: July - highs near 75°F (24°C)
- Record high: 97°F (36°C) · Record low: 42°F (6°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: January (24 rainy days) · Sunniest: November (11.8 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid subtropical - hot, humid summers and generally mild winters
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on November. Highs average 88°F (31°C) and overnight lows stay near 67°F (19°C). The coolest month is July, with typical highs of 75°F (24°C) and lows around 51°F (11°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 97°F (36°C) and dropped as low as 42°F (6°C).
Rain, sun and snow
January is usually the wettest month. It brings about 8.6 inches (220 mm) of rain over 24 days, while August is the driest. November brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.8 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 79° | 65° | 24 | 8.6 in | 8.6 h/day | 83% |
| February | 80° | 65° | 22 | 7.4 in | 9.5 h/day | 84% |
| March | 79° | 63° | 19 | 5.1 in | 10.2 h/day | 83% |
| April | 79° | 60° | 8 | 1.4 in | 10.6 h/day | 77% |
| May | 78° | 56° | 2 | 0.2 in | 10.8 h/day | 66% |
| June | 75° | 52° | 1 | 0.1 in | 10.4 h/day | 63% |
| July | 75° | 51° | 0 | 0.0 in | 10.6 h/day | 59% |
| August | 79° | 54° | 0 | 0.0 in | 11.2 h/day | 53% |
| September | 83° | 59° | 0 | 0.0 in | 11.3 h/day | 48% |
| October | 87° | 64° | 2 | 0.3 in | 11.7 h/day | 49% |
| November | 88° | 67° | 7 | 1.3 in | 11.8 h/day | 56% |
| December | 84° | 66° | 18 | 5.1 in | 10.5 h/day | 73% |
Lilongwe month by month
Lilongwe weather in January
January brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 65°F (18°C), about 24 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Lilongwe.
Lilongwe weather in February
February brings highs around 80°F (26°C), lows near 65°F (18°C), about 22 wet days.
Lilongwe weather in March
March brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 63°F (17°C), about 19 wet days.
Lilongwe weather in April
April brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 60°F (16°C), about 8 wet days.
Lilongwe weather in May
May brings highs around 78°F (25°C), lows near 56°F (13°C), about 2 wet days.
Lilongwe weather in June
June brings highs around 75°F (24°C), lows near 52°F (11°C), about 1 wet days.
Lilongwe weather in July
July brings highs around 75°F (24°C), lows near 51°F (11°C), about 0 wet days - typically the coldest month of the year in Lilongwe.
Lilongwe weather in August
August brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 54°F (12°C), about 0 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Lilongwe.
Lilongwe weather in September
September brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 0 wet days.
Lilongwe weather in October
October brings highs around 87°F (31°C), lows near 64°F (18°C), about 2 wet days.
Lilongwe weather in November
November brings highs around 88°F (31°C), lows near 67°F (19°C), about 7 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Lilongwe.
Lilongwe weather in December
December brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 66°F (19°C), about 18 wet days.
Seasons in Lilongwe
Spring (September through November)
Spring in Lilongwe is hot, with daytime highs averaging 86°F (30°C) and nights around 63°F (17°C); rain falls on about 9 days over the three months.
Summer (December through February)
Summer in Lilongwe is hot, with daytime highs averaging 81°F (27°C) and nights around 65°F (18°C); expect showers on roughly 64 days across the season.
Fall (March through May)
Fall in Lilongwe is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 78°F (26°C) and nights around 60°F (15°C); expect showers on roughly 28 days across the season.
Winter (June through August)
Winter in Lilongwe is pleasantly warm, with daytime highs averaging 76°F (25°C) and nights around 53°F (12°C); precipitation is infrequent.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Lilongwe?
Is Lilongwe hot in summer?
Is Lilongwe cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Lilongwe get in a year?
Best time to visit Lilongwe
The best time to visit Lilongwe is generally April to September, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 78°F (26°C).
Pack for Lilongwe with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - November nights average 67°F (19°C).
Lilongwe temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.