Malawi's Climate: Three Distinct Zones

Malawi's elongated north-south geography and elevation changes create three climate zones:

1. Northern Region (Highlands: Mzuzu, Karonga, Nyika)

• Type: Tropical wet-dry (Aw)
• Rainy: Nov-Apr; Dry: May-Oct
• Temps: 15-35°C (59-95°F); Avg 25°C (77°F)
• Rainfall: Highest (1,000-2,000 mm)

2. Central Region (Lilongwe, Dedza, Kasungu)

• Type: Subtropical highland (Cwb)
• Rainy: Nov-Apr; Dry: May-Oct
• Temps: 10-30°C (50-86°F); Avg 20°C (68°F)
• Rainfall: Moderate (800-1,200 mm)

3. Southern Region (Blantyre, Mangochi, Nsanje, Shire Valley)

• Type: Subtropical lowland (Aw/As)
• Rainy: Nov-Mar; Dry: Apr-Oct
• Temps: 18-38°C (64-100°F); Avg 27°C (81°F)
• Rainfall: Lowest (600-1,000 mm); drought-prone

National Averages

• Annual Temp: 24.5°C (76°F)
• Annual Rainfall: 950 mm (37 in)
• Humidity: ~75% (high in rainy season)
• Winds: SE trade winds (stronger in rainy season)

Climate Risks

Floods (Jan-Feb), droughts (El Niño years), increasing variability. Agriculture (80% employment) is rain-fed and highly vulnerable.