Malawi in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Malawi
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect wildlife viewing conditions - animals congregate around water sources as vegetation thins out, making game drives 70% more productive than wet season
- Crystal clear visibility on Lake Malawi with water temperatures at ideal 24°C (75°F) for diving and snorkeling - visibility reaches 15-20m (49-66 ft)
- Hiking weather is absolutely perfect with cool mornings 10-15°C (50-59°F) warming to comfortable 25°C (77°F) - no afternoon thunderstorms to cut short mountain treks
- Road conditions are at their best after months of dry weather - even remote parks like Nyika accessible with standard vehicles, no 4WD required for most destinations
Considerations
- Accommodation prices peak during European winter holidays - expect 40-60% higher rates than March-May, especially at luxury Lake Malawi resorts
- Landscape appears brown and dusty after months without rain - not ideal for photography compared to the lush green season
- Strong Mwera winds on Lake Malawi can reach 25-30 knots, making boat transfers to islands uncomfortable and occasionally cancelled
Best Activities in June
Liwonde National Park Game Drives
June is prime safari season as elephants, hippos, and antelope concentrate along the Shire River. Early morning drives at 6am offer the best wildlife viewing when temperatures are cool 12°C (54°F) and animals are most active. The dry conditions mean excellent road access and minimal vegetation blocking animal sightings.
Lake Malawi Snorkeling and Diving
Water clarity is at its absolute best in June with visibility reaching 20m (66 ft) around Cape Maclear and Chintheche. Water temperature is perfect at 24°C (75°F) - warm enough for extended sessions without thick wetsuits. The endemic cichlid fish are most colorful during this dry season courtship period.
Mount Mulanje Hiking Expeditions
Perfect hiking conditions with clear mountain air and no afternoon storms. Morning temperatures start at 8°C (46°F) at altitude, reaching comfortable 20°C (68°F) by midday. The Chambe Peak trail offers spectacular views across the tea estates - visibility extends 50km (31 miles) on clear June days.
Nyika Plateau Wildlife Viewing
The highland Plateau offers unique montane wildlife viewing with cool temperatures 18°C (64°F) perfect for all-day exploration. Roan antelope, zebra, and over 400 bird species thrive in the grassland ecosystem. June's clear skies provide impressive photography conditions across the rolling hills.
Traditional Village Cultural Tours
June coincides with post-harvest celebrations when communities have time for cultural demonstrations. Cooler daytime temperatures make walking village tours comfortable, and you'll witness traditional beer brewing from freshly harvested maize. Evening temperatures around 15°C (59°F) are perfect for outdoor cultural performances.
Zomba Plateau Scenic Drives
Clear June weather offers spectacular views from the former colonial capital's mountain retreat. The winding Plateau road provides panoramas extending to Mozambique on clear days - visibility reaches 80km (50 miles). Cool mountain air at 1,800m (5,905 ft) elevation makes afternoon drives comfortable at 22°C (72°F).
June Events & Festivals
Lake Malawi International Yachting Marathon
Annual sailing regatta attracting regional and international participants. Three-day event features multiple race categories and evening social events at various Lake Malawi locations. Spectators can join support boats to watch races and enjoy lakeside festivities.