Worst time to visit Lilongwe
Some months in Lilongwe are clearly tougher for travel — extreme heat, cold, drenching rain, or peak storm season. Here's what to skip.
Months to avoid
| Month | Why |
|---|---|
| January | extremely wet (30 rain days) |
| February | extremely wet (26 rain days) |
| March | extremely wet (26 rain days) |
| April | extremely wet (19 rain days) |
| October | very hot (31°C / 87°F) |
| November | very hot (31°C / 87°F)very wet (15 rain days) |
| December | extremely wet (22 rain days) |
What to expect in the worst months
November. Highs in the 31°C range are tolerable in the shade but draining if you're walking all day. 15 rain days out of 30 means roughly 50% of days see measurable rainfall — plan flexible indoor backups for every outdoor day.
January. 30 rain days out of 31 means roughly 97% of days see measurable rainfall — plan flexible indoor backups for every outdoor day.
February. 26 rain days out of 28 means roughly 93% of days see measurable rainfall — plan flexible indoor backups for every outdoor day.
Better times to go
Better months: May (25°C, 5 rain days) · June (24°C, 5 rain days) · July (24°C, 3 rain days) · August (26°C, 2 rain days)
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Better in the same region in November
If you're set on Africa in November, these cities have more comfortable conditions in the same window:
If you still have to go — what to bring
- Heat: UPF-rated long-sleeve sun shirt, refillable insulated bottle, electrolyte tablets, lightweight wide-brim hat. Plan indoor activities for 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Wet: Real rain shell (not a "water-resistant" jacket), packable umbrella, dry-bag for electronics, quick-dry layers. Pre-book indoor museums and food halls.
Related Lilongwe guides
The positive counterpart: which months are great and why.