Lilongwe Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Lilongwe, Malawi. These values are calculated using 30 years of data (1990–2020) to ensure accuracy. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.
Generally, Lilongwe receives mid-range precipitation levels, with 829 mm (33 in) annually. The distribution varies significantly throughout the year, with a distinct dry season during certain months, as shown in our charts below.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The climate in Lilongwe shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 233 mm (9.2 in) of precipitation during the wettest month January, distributed over 18 rainy days.
In contrast, August offers drier and sunnier days, with around 1.9 mm (0.1 in) of rainfall over a single rainy day.
January, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 27°C (81°F). The city receives 136 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 26°C (79°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Lilongwe Temperature page.
Explore Lilongwe's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Lilongwe 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
almost none
Lilongwe vs World: Rainfall Compared
Lilongwe's average annual precipitation is 829 mm (33 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.
Beijing, China, receives 560 mm (22 in) of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.
Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm (22 in) of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.
Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm (66 in) of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.
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.
Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:
- 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 Lilongwe's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Lilongwe Climate page.
