Malawi in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Malawi

27°C (81°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

185mm (7.3 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Lush, emerald-green landscapes at their most spectacular - waterfalls like Kapichira are at full force and the tea estates in Thyolo are busy green
Lake Malawi water temperatures reach 26-28°C (79-82°F) - perfect for swimming and snorkeling without wetsuits
Mango season peaks in February - roadside stalls sell sweet mangoes for just 50-100 kwacha each, and locals celebrate with traditional mango festivals
Wildlife viewing improves as animals congregate near permanent water sources, making game drives in Liwonde National Park highly productive

Considerations

Heavy afternoon rains (typically 2-4 hours daily) can wash out dirt roads, particularly in southern regions - some lodges become temporarily inaccessible
Humidity reaches 85% making midday activities uncomfortable - even locals retreat indoors between 11am-3pm
Mosquito activity peaks during rainy season, increasing malaria risk in endemic areas like the lakeshore and Shire Valley

Best Activities in February

Lake Malawi Snorkeling and Swimming

February offers the warmest lake temperatures of the year at 26-28°C (79-82°F). The cichlid fish are most active during breeding season, creating spectacular underwater displays. Rain typically stops by evening, leaving mornings crystal clear for water activities. Local fishermen report the best visibility occurs between 7-10am before afternoon winds pick up.

Booking Tip: Book lake activities for morning slots (7-11am) to avoid afternoon storms. Day trips typically cost 15,000-25,000 kwacha including snorkel gear. Look for operators with covered boats and flexible rescheduling policies for weather. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Thyolo Tea Estate Tours

The tea bushes are at their most lush in February after months of rain. This is harvest season, so you'll see workers picking leaves and can participate in the full tea-making process. The cooler highland climate at 1,200m (3,937ft) provides relief from lowland humidity, with temperatures around 22°C (72°F). Morning mists create dramatic photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Visit between 6-9am during harvest hours to see active picking. Estate tours cost 5,000-8,000 kwacha including tastings. Book directly with estates or through Blantyre operators. Transport requires 4WD vehicles during rainy season - many operators include this in packages.

Liwonde National Park Game Drives

February's rains concentrate wildlife around the Shire River and permanent waterholes. Elephant herds of 20-30 individuals gather daily at riverside locations. Early morning drives (5:30-8am) offer the best animal sightings before heat and humidity peak. The park's boat safaris are particularly rewarding as hippos and crocodiles are highly active.

Booking Tip: Book morning game drives starting before 6am - afternoon drives often get cancelled due to rain. Park fees are $10 USD per person plus 15,000-30,000 kwacha for guided drives. Choose operators with covered vehicles and radio communication for weather updates.

Mulanje Mountain Day Hikes

February rains create temporary waterfalls cascading down Mulanje's granite faces - some reaching 200m (656ft) that don't exist in dry season. The Likhubula Forest Station trails offer spectacular views when clouds part, typically in early morning. At 2,000m+ (6,562ft+) elevation, temperatures are 8-10°C (14-18°F) cooler than the lowlands.

Booking Tip: Start climbs by 5am to reach viewpoints before afternoon clouds roll in. Day hikes cost 3,000-5,000 kwacha for guides plus park fees. Bring waterproof gear - mountain weather changes rapidly. Multi-day treks often get postponed due to trail conditions, so plan flexible itineraries.

Traditional Fishing Village Experiences

February brings the peak fishing season as rains wash nutrients into Lake Malawi, attracting large schools of chambo and usipa fish. Villages like Chembe and Nkhata Bay offer real feels watching traditional net fishing and fish smoking processes. Local women prepare nsima with fresh fish caught that morning.

Booking Tip: Join fishing expeditions departing at 4am to avoid afternoon storms. Community-based tourism experiences cost 8,000-15,000 kwacha including meals and boat trips. Book through village tourism committees rather than outside operators to ensure communities benefit directly.

Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary Birdwatching

The rainy season brings migratory species to supplement Malawi's 650+ resident bird species. The sanctuary's wetlands attract African fish eagles, pied kingfishers, and various heron species. February's lush vegetation provides excellent cover for forest birds like the African great destination flycatcher. Early morning walks offer the best birding before afternoon rains.

Booking Tip: Visit between 6-9am for peak bird activity. Entry costs 2,000 kwacha for international visitors. Guided walks with local ornithologists cost additional 5,000-8,000 kwacha. Bring waterproof binocular covers - humidity can fog lenses quickly.

February Events & Festivals

Mid to Late February

Tumaini Festival

The largest music festival in southern Africa, held at Dzaleka Refugee Camp near Lilongwe. Features international artists alongside refugee musicians, celebrating cultural diversity through music, poetry, and traditional dance. The festival transforms the camp into a busy cultural hub with food stalls serving cuisine from across Africa.

Throughout February

Mango Harvest Celebrations

Throughout February, rural communities celebrate the peak mango season with local festivals featuring traditional dances, mango-eating competitions, and markets selling dozens of mango varieties. The largest celebrations occur in the Salima and Nkhotakota districts where commercial mango farming is concentrated.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants and shorts - cotton stays wet for hours in 85% humidity conditions

Lightweight rain jacket with pit zips - afternoon downpours last 2-4 hours and temperatures drop 5-8°C (9-14°F)

SPF 50+ sunscreen in waterproof containers - UV index reaches 9 and reflects strongly off Lake Malawi

Merino wool or synthetic blend t-shirts - avoid cotton which becomes uncomfortable when wet from rain or sweat

Waterproof hiking boots for mountain areas - trails become muddy and slippery above 1,000m (3,281ft) elevation

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - mosquito activity peaks during rainy season, especially at dusk

Waterproof phone case and electronics bags - sudden downpours can damage equipment in seconds

Lightweight microfiber towel - regular towels never fully dry in high humidity conditions

Antimalarial medication started 1-2 weeks before arrival - February has highest transmission rates

Electrolyte supplements or oral rehydration salts - sweating combined with high humidity increases dehydration risk

Insider Knowledge

Local minibuses (matolas) often skip routes during heavy afternoon rains - plan morning transport or have backup taxi contacts with 4WD vehicles

Many restaurants in tourist areas close 2-4pm during peak rain hours - locals call this 'siesta time' and use it for indoor activities or rest

Lake Malawi's water level rises 0.5-1m (1.6-3.3ft) in February, submerging some usual beach areas - ask locals about current swimming spots before heading to familiar locations

Mango vendors along the M1 highway offer the sweetest varieties in February - try the 'Dodo' variety which only ripens during peak rainy season and costs just 100-200 kwacha each

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 11am - locals know to complete errands by mid-morning before afternoon storms hit

Bringing only one pair of shoes - even 'quick-dry' footwear needs 24+ hours to dry completely in high humidity

Underestimating travel times between cities - rain can double journey times on unpaved roads, especially in rural areas