Liwonde National Park

Weather & Climate

16 Liwonde Safaris

Expert

By Philip Briggs

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Malawi.

Climate Chart Liwonde National Park – 473-783m / 1,552-2,569ft

Liwonde National Park experiences a hot climate with a distinct Wet season (November to April) and Dry season (May to October). The average temperature is quite uniform throughout the year, though it does spike in October before the rains set in.

Dry Season –May to October – Winter

Rainfall is scarce during the Dry season. The bush dries out as the season progresses and the wildlife doesn’t move far from the river. Wildlife viewing gets better as the season progresses. The days are hot, but nights are cool.

May – The Dry season has begun. While water is still plentiful and the bush quite lush, it doesn’t rain much anymore.
June & July – Rain is very unusual, and the bush is drying out. These are the coolest months, with daytime temperatures around 26°C/79°F. It gets cold at night, with average temperatures hovering at 14°C/57°F. Don’t forget a jacket for early-morning game drives.
August & September – It is still very dry. The bush is parched and starting to thin. It is warming up and September has an average temperature during the day of 30°C/86°F. Mornings are getting milder.
October – Daytime temperatures reach an average of 33°C/91°F, although it can peak much higher, with conditions unbearable in the middle of the day. Mornings are ideal at around 21°C/70°F. The first rain usually falls this month, and temperatures drop after the rain.

Wet Season –November to April – Summer

Welcome to the warm Wet season. Toward the end of this season, the only access to the park might be by boat shuttle along the river, as roads can close. It rains in the afternoons and there are spectacular thunderstorms. Skies are clear of dust, and the bush is lush.

November – The rains (which usually begin in October or November) come as a relief from the very hot and dry conditions. During the day, the average temperature is 33°C/91°F. When it rains, it’s usually in the form of afternoon thunderstorms.
December, January, February & March – These are the wettest months of the year. There is rain most days, but it doesn’t usually last the whole day. Daytime temperatures hover around 31°C/88°F, while nighttime and early-morning temperatures average 19°C/66°F.
April – Everything is lush and green in this lovely month as the rains wind down.