Majete Wildlife Reserve

Weather & Climate

12 Majete Safaris

Expert

By Philip Briggs

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Malawi.

Climate Chart Majete Wildlife Reserve – 145-752m / 476-2,467ft

The climate in Majete Wildlife Reserve is hot and there are two distinct seasons: the Dry season (May to October) and the Wet season (November to April). Conditions are typically tropical, with the hottest months being October, November and to a slightly lesser extent December to April. From May to September, in the Dry season, it gets considerably cooler.

Dry Season –May to October – Winter

The lack of rain means the bush gets drier as the season progresses, with animals gathering around the waterholes. This makes it the best time for wildlife viewing and it improves later into the season. The days are still hot, but the nights are cool.

May – The rains have mostly finished. However, there is still plenty of water around for the animals and the bush looks lush and inviting.
June & July – The bush is noticeably drier now. These are the coolest months of the year, with daytime temperatures averaging 27°C/81°F. Nights get cold at 14°C/57°F, which makes for great sleeping conditions. Don’t forget warm clothing for early morning game drives – it’s essential.
August & September – With no rainfall, the bush is beginning to look parched. It is warming up too, and September’s average daytime temperature is 32°C/90°F. Mornings are also warmer.
October – Daytime temperatures average 35°C/95°F. Peak temperatures can be much higher though, and the heat can become intolerable. Mornings are lovely, with temperatures around 22°C/72°F. The first rain normally falls this month, which sees a welcome drop in temperatures.

Wet Season –November to April – Summer

Afternoon showers are common during the warm Wet season and thunderstorms are often a sight to behold. The sky is clear of dust, and the bush is lush.

November – The rains usually start in October or November and bring much-needed relief from the oppressive conditions. It is extremely hot and humid. The average daytime temperature is 35°C/95°F. Rain mostly comes in afternoon thunderstorms, but not every day.
December, January, February & March – The wettest months bring a lot of rainfall, though the rain doesn’t often last the whole day. It is around 33°C/91°F during the daytime, while nights and early mornings average 20°C/68°F.
April – A lovely month in the reserve, as the rain is winding down and the countryside is lush and green.