Malawi in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Malawi
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Landscape at its most lush and dramatic - waterfalls like Kapichira Falls are at full power after months of rain, making March the only time to see them at peak flow
- Lowest accommodation prices of the year - luxury lodges on Lake Malawi drop rates by 40-60% during rainy season, with excellent last-minute deals available
- Birdwatching great destination with over 400 migrant species present - March is peak breeding season when normally elusive species like carmine bee-eaters and great destination flycatchers display busy plumage
- Tobacco harvest season means authentic cultural experiences - witness traditional auction processes in Lilongwe's tobacco floors and participate in village celebrations that tourists rarely see
Considerations
- Daily afternoon thunderstorms lasting 2-3 hours make outdoor activities unpredictable - many lake excursions cancel with 30 minutes notice due to dangerous conditions
- Dirt roads become impassable mud tracks - journeys to northern regions like Nyika Dakar can take 3x longer than dry season, with some lodges accessible only by 4WD
- High malaria risk peaks in March with mosquito populations at maximum - requires strict prophylaxis and evening precautions that limit sunset activities around water areas
Best Activities in March
Lake Malawi Snorkeling and Diving
March brings calm morning conditions on Lake Malawi before afternoon storms hit. Water visibility reaches 15-20m (49-66 ft) due to reduced tourist boat traffic stirring sediment. The lake's endemic cichlid fish are most active during breeding season, displaying brilliant colors. Best diving window is 7am-11am before weather deteriorates.
Liwonde National Park Wildlife Safaris
March's abundant water sources concentrate wildlife around remaining dry areas, making animal spotting predictable. Elephants gather at Shire River in large herds (50+ individuals) that rarely form during dry season. Morning game drives (6am-10am) avoid afternoon rains and offer cooler temperatures of 22°C (72°F) for optimal animal activity.
Mulanje Massif Lower Plateau Hiking
While higher peaks remain cloud-covered, lower Dakar trails (800-1,200m/2,625-3,937 ft elevation) offer spectacular waterfall hiking through lush cedar forests. March's rains create dozens of temporary waterfalls invisible during dry months. Guided day hikes avoid technical climbing while showcasing endemic flora at peak blooming season.
Traditional Village Cultural Experiences
March coincides with post-harvest celebrations when communities have time for extended cultural programs. Witness traditional beer brewing from fresh maize, participate in rain-calling ceremonies, and learn basket weaving techniques using fresh materials. Villages near Dedza and Ntcheu offer authentic homestays impossible during busy agricultural seasons.
Lilongwe and Blantyre City Food Tours
March brings seasonal delicacies like fresh mangoes, green maize, and flying ant harvests that appear nowhere else in tourist materials. Urban food markets overflow with rainy season produce at lowest annual prices. Indoor restaurant scenes thrive as locals avoid outdoor activities, creating authentic dining atmospheres in traditional taverns.
Traditional Fishing Experiences
March's rough lake conditions push traditional fishermen to use ancient techniques like beach seining and trap fishing that tourists rarely witness. Participate in early morning (5am-8am) fishing expeditions using traditional ngalawa boats in protected bays. Learn net weaving and fish smoking methods passed down through generations.
March Events & Festivals
Tobacco Auction Season
March marks peak tobacco selling season at Lilongwe and Limbe auction floors. Witness traditional grading processes and hear auctioneers' rapid-fire Chichewa bidding. This agricultural cornerstone of Malawi's economy operates with century-old traditions rarely seen by outsiders. Access requires local guide arrangement.
Rain-Calling Ceremonies
Traditional communities perform elaborate ceremonies to either encourage continued rains for late-planted crops or stop excessive rains threatening harvest storage. These sacred rituals involve drumming, dancing, and offerings that vary by region. Most real feels occur in rural areas around Dedza and Dowa districts.