When is the best time to fly to Lilongwe?
The city has a humid subtropical climate which gravitates towards a subtropical highland climate. That means that winters are mild and summers are very warm and pleasant. Since the city is at a high altitude, temperatures are lower than would be the norm in a subtropical climate. The hot season from mid-August to November can be very hot and travellers are advised to protect themselves against UV burns from the sun. May and November are the most pleasant times to take flights to Lilongwe, with temperatures that are not too hot or too cold.
The off-peak season is the least expensive time in the city and this is the ideal period to visit. This time of the year will offer cheap flights to Lilongwe and the lowest rates on accommodation and activities. From December to March is the short, wet season and a long dry season which lasts for the remainder of the year. June and July are considerably cooler than the rest of the year. Many tourists prefer to avoid booking flights to Lilongwe during the very rainy months, opting instead for the drier periods in the city. Since malaria occurs in the area, the wet season is often much quieter than the rest of the year as is the hot season.
City overview
Named for the Lilongwe River, this interesting city is the second largest city in Malawi and also its capital. The city is found in central Malawi near the Zambian and Mozambique border. For lovers of nature and wildlife, the area abounds with natural areas and of course Lake Malawi. The Lilongwe Wildlife Centre takes in orphaned wildlife from all over Malawi and is a great opportunity to meet their resident lion and leopard as well as a variety of other species. Also in the Old Town is the Lilongwe Market where you will find a good selection of food and drink as well as soak up the culture and socialise with locals. The First World War memorial clock tower represents the colonial history of the area and is a popular landmark in Lilongwe.
The Nature Sanctuary can be found between the Old Town and the city centre and is an indigenous woodland reserve with informative walks, birds and mammals to enjoy. The city is very green and grassland areas are to be found and enjoyed quite close to the city centre. You can find international and African cuisine at a number of restaurants in the city. At the Kumbali Cultural Village you can enjoy traditional African dancing, drumming and authentic Malawian dishes.