Dedza Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Dedza, Malawi. These values are calculated using 30 years of data (1990–2020) to ensure accuracy. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.
Dedza is known for its substantial rainfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1323 mm (52 in). While the overall climate is wet, there are notable seasonal patterns that create interesting contrasts, as demonstrated in our graph below.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The seasons in Dedza, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, January, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 364 mm (14 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 19 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, August, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 5.4 mm (0.2 in) over 2 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.January, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 26°C (79°F). The city receives 136 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 24°C (75°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Dedza Temperature page.
Explore Dedza's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Dedza spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Malawi: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Malawi. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
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Dedza vs World: Rainfall Compared
Dedza's average annual precipitation is 1323 mm (52 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Athens, Greece, receives an average annual precipitation of 400 mm (16 in), making it one of the drier Mediterranean climates with rainfall mostly in winter.
In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.
Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm (73 in) of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.
Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.
Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.
Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Dedza:
- Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
- Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.
- "Ginger" was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical storm, which spun around the open ocean for 28 days in 1971.
- The world's largest snowflake was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, at 38 cm (15 inches) wide and 20 cm (7.9 inches) thick. The snowflake fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, on 28 January 1887.
- The greatest snowfall recorded was on Mt. Rainier, Washington State, USA—over 31.5 meters (103 feet) fell during the winter of 1972.
For more detailed information about Dedza's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Dedza Climate page.
