Nyika National Park

Weather & Climate

Nyika Safaris

Expert

By Philip Briggs

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Malawi.

Climate Chart Nyika National Park – 590-2,482m / 1,936-8,143ft

Nyika National Park has a temperate climate, with a Wet season (November to April) and a Dry season (May to October). The seasons correspond with summer and winter (which occur at opposite times to the northern hemisphere). The average temperature is fairly constant, although there is a definite increase in October/November, before the rains arrive. It gets very cold at night in the Dry season, particularly from June to August.

Dry Season –May to October – Winter

There is almost no rain in the Dry season. It is pleasant during the day, but very cold at night.

May – This is the beginning of the Dry season. The grass is still green and there is still a lot of water around, but rainfall has become minimal.
June & July – There is little rain and the bush is drying out. These are the coldest months with daytime temperatures struggling to reach 19°C/66°F. Nighttime is cold, with average temperatures around 8°C/46°F. Warm clothing for early morning game drives and night drives is essential.
August & September – It doesn’t rain at all. The grass is yellow. It is warming up and September has an average daytime temperature of 22°C/72°F. Mornings are getting less cold.
October – Daytime temperatures keep increasing to an average of 24°C/75°F. The first rain might fall at the end of this month, but it’s difficult to predict.

Wet Season –November to April – Summer

The Wet season coincides with summer. The higher temperatures are pleasant, and due to the altitude, it never gets too hot. Afternoon showers are common and thunderstorms are often spectacular. The sky is clear of dust, and there are a lot of wildflowers.

November – The rains usually start in November. When they arrive, it’s a relief because the bush is badly in need of a long drink. The average daytime temperature is 25°C/77°F. It doesn’t rain every day, but when it does, it mostly falls in afternoon thunderstorms.
December, January, February & March – The wettest months bring rain most days, but not usually for the whole day. Daytime temperatures average 23°C/73°F, while nights and early mornings are around 13°C/55°F.
April – A lovely month. The rain eases off, but everything remains green and lush.