Lilongwe Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Lilongwe. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Let’s explore the details in depth to provide you with a complete overview.
Generally, Lilongwe has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 829 mm of rainfall annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)
Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wet season, January receives substantial rainfall, averaging 233 mm of precipitation, recorded across 18 rainy days.
In contrast, the drier season, August brings less rainfall, with 1.9 mm over a single rainy day.January, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 27°C. The city receives 136 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 26°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Lilongwe Temperature page.
Annual Precipitation in Malawi
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.
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Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide
Lilongwe’s average annual precipitation is 829 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
New York City, USA, receives 1276 mm of rainfall annually, with precipitation evenly distributed throughout the year.
Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.
In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm, making it wetter than Sydney.
Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.
How is Precipitation Measured?
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.
How Does Precipitation Affect Local Climate?
Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:
- Rainy Seasons: Many parts of the world have well-defined wet seasons where precipitation is distinctly higher. These are normally accompanied by lush vegetation and temperature patterns.
- Dry Seasons: In areas where the climate is either desert or Mediterranean, the amount of precipitation is drastically reduced, leading to a shortage of water and arid conditions.
For more detailed information about Lilongwe’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Lilongwe Climate page.