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Majete Wildlife Reserve

Weather & Climate

Expert

By Ariadne van Zandbergen

Ariadne and her husband form a team who author the Bradt guide 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 and the Wet season. Conditions are typically tropical – the average temperature is unchanging throughout the year, with the exception of October before the rains (when the temperature rises considerably). From May to September, in the Dry season, it gets considerably cooler.

Dry Season –May to October

The lack of rain means the bush gets drier as the season progresses, with animals congregating 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 but 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. The coolest months of the year with daytime averaging around 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 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 around 35°C/95°F. Peak temperatures though can be much higher, and the heat can become intolerable. With temperatures around 22°C/72°F, mornings are lovely. The first rain normally falls this month, which sees a welcome drop in temperatures.

Wet Season –November to April

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

November – The rains usually start in 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, although rain doesn’t often last the whole day. It is around 33°C/91°F during the day, while night and early morning temperatures hit an average of 20°C/68°F.
April – A lovely month in the reserve as the rain is winding down and the countryside is lush and green.