Malawi in southeastern Africa has a variety of game parks, lively cities, varied terrain, and a stunning lake that will give you a visual impact and a different experience no matter what time of year you visit.
The country has two distinct seasons: wet and hot (November to April), plus cool and dry (May to October). The best time to go depends on what you want to do and what you want to see, but there are plenty to choose from throughout the year. Here's what I'll tell you when to visit Malawi.
April, May - the best time to travel for poor travelers and photography
In April and May, when rainfall slows down and travelling around wilderness areas is easier, photographers are keen to capture Malawi's vast skies and vibrant green shades, with plenty of places to photograph from the coffee and tea plantations of the Shire Highlands to Liwande National Park and Marjett Wildlife Sanctuary.
In April, with the arrival of estrus season, huts around Lake Malawi began to reopen and humidity dropped. This is the perfect time to buy cheap accommodation. Temperatures drop in May and the weather becomes dry and clear with the onset of winter. All the lakeside huts are open, and in the game park, wildlife activities begin. At Livand National Park and Marjett Wildlife Sanctuary, you can admire the competition between males as the crocodile courtship season begins.
June to October - the best time to see wildlife
June, July and August bring bright sunshine, lush scenery and lower temperatures. Drive to Game Park on a cold night and pack a jacket as you surround the campfire on a cold morning. June is a great month to see elephants and large flocks of birds in Liwande National Park. The sun is shining and the temperatures are cooler, making it ideal for visitors who want to escape the hot weather. However, 30ºF (-1ºC) can be reached at night and in the morning in the highlands.
The mating season for crocodiles is in July, and the last breath of winter brings a windy, cool environment to Lake Malawi, providing excellent conditions for navigation. Spring begins in August, and warm days mean daytime temperatures hover around 80ºF (27ºC) and nighttime temperatures hover around 50ºF (10ºC). In September and October, temperatures rise and the land dries up, hippos, elephants and water birds gather around the water sources, and wildlife viewing opportunities abound. After a few days in the arid bush, you can refresh yourself by sailing on the shores of Lake Malawi, snorkeling or sipping a cocktail on the beach.
November to March - the best time to observe migratory birds
The summer shock brought torrential rain and moisture. January and February coincide with the mosquito-heavy season, which means a higher risk of malaria. Flooding will render the national park's roads impassable, and lakeside huts will be closed from January.
If you're traveling during these months, head to the Nika Plateau, where you'll see hundreds of migratory birds, plenty of rare and endemic orchids and wildflowers in full bloom, and the chance to catch newborn animals to take the first steps. November is a good month to visit Nika National Park, where the terrain is higher and the temperature is lower. Elsewhere, some remote jungle huts close to flood-prone areas were closed because of upcoming rains.
By December, some Lake Mawali vacations are still possible until hotels close for off-season. By January, most schools were closed. At this time, heavy rain brings violent thunderstorms, which is a boon for photographers eager to capture the vast sky. However, storms can make roads difficult to drive.
With the continuous rainfall, flowers and birds are the highlight of Malawi's February scene. Orchids bloom in the valley, and they are red. The rainy season is the best time for birdwatchers, especially in Nika National Park. Watch out for eagle owls, weeping-throated cranes, brown doves, as well as mountain swamp widow birds and mountain orioles. It's raining throughout March and flooding is possible – but it's a great time for bird watching. The chicks fly out of their nests and prepare for the long journey back north.