Christmas in Lilongwe lands right at the start of the rainy season, so you’ll notice warm days mixed with frequent showers. Average daytime temperatures hover in the upper 20s °C (low 80s °F), and evenings stay mild and comfortable.
The air feels more humid than in the dry months, and short bursts of rain pop up often, usually followed by clear skies.
You’ll get plenty of daylight, with sunshine breaking through between clouds. The rain brings lush green scenery, but you should plan for changing conditions if you want to spend time outdoors.
This time of year offers a mix of summer warmth, tropical rains, and lively skies. Knowing how temperatures, rainfall, and humidity come together in late December helps you prepare for your holiday in Malawi’s capital.
Typical Christmas Weather Conditions in Lilongwe
Christmas in Lilongwe usually brings warm days, mild nights, and frequent rainfall. The wet season shapes the weather, so you’ll notice high humidity, cloudy skies, and brief periods of sunshine between showers.
Overview of December Climate
December kicks off the rainy season in Lilongwe, Malawi. The city feels humid, with a mix of cloudy and partly sunny days.
You’ll see average highs near 29°C (83°F) and lows around 19°C (66°F). The warmth isn’t extreme, so it’s comfortable if you plan ahead for rain.
Humidity runs about 78%, making the air feel heavier. Sunshine is limited, with around 140 hours during the month.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime temperatures usually reach the high 20s Celsius. Afternoon highs often stick between 27°C and 29°C (80–84°F).
Cloud cover softens the heat, but when humidity rises, it can feel muggy.
At night, the air cools to about 18–20°C (64–68°F). You’ll sleep comfortably without needing heavy blankets.
There aren’t extreme temperature swings. The difference between day and night stays steady, so pack light clothing and a few breathable layers.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Rainfall really defines December in Lilongwe. The city gets about 161 mm of rain for the month, spread over 17 days.
Showers usually arrive in bursts, with heavy downpours and then clearer skies. So, even on wet days, you might see sunny breaks.
On any given day, rain is about 50–60% likely, so a poncho or umbrella comes in handy. Roads and paths get muddy, so waterproof shoes are a smart choice if you’re out and about.
Rain keeps the landscape green and fresh, making the city vibrant during Christmas.
Temperature Trends During Christmas Week
During Christmas week, warm days and mild nights are the norm in Lilongwe. Temperatures stay consistent with the early summer season, bringing heat during the day and more comfortable conditions after sunset.
Average Highs and Lows
Late December daytime highs usually range between 25°C (77°F) and 30°C (86°F). These levels are typical for Lilongwe’s summer, when the sun feels strong and humidity climbs.
Nights cool down to around 16°C (61°F) to 19°C (66°F), offering relief after warm afternoons.
Unlike the winter months, temperatures at Christmas rarely fall below 15°C (59°F). Evenings stay pleasant enough for outdoor gatherings without heavy clothing.
Here’s a quick look at the typical range:
| Time of Day | Average Temperature |
|---|---|
| Afternoon High | 27–30°C (81–86°F) |
| Night Low | 16–19°C (61–66°F) |
These numbers match the broader summer weather in Lilongwe, with heat building through December before peaking in January and February.
Daily Temperature Fluctuations
You’ll notice a difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures, but it’s not dramatic. Most days, the gap between high and low is about 8–12°C (14–22°F).
Mornings start mild, often in the lower 20s °C (low 70s °F). By midday, temperatures climb quickly, peaking in the early afternoon.
Once the sun sets, evenings cool off, though humidity can make it feel warmer than the thermometer says. Rain showers can roll in and drop the temperature by a few degrees.
This daily pattern means hot afternoons are good for swimming or shaded activities, while cooler nights make for comfortable rest.
Rainfall and Humidity Levels in Late December
In Lilongwe, Malawi, late December sits right in the middle of the wet season. You’ll get frequent rainfall and high humidity, creating a warm but damp feel. These conditions really shape how outdoor activities feel around Christmas.
Expected Rainy Days
By late December, the rainy season is in full swing in Lilongwe. Rainfall totals often hit 150–200 mm for the month, and many days see showers or thunderstorms.
Rain doesn’t fall non-stop, but you should expect frequent afternoon or evening downpours.
December brings an average of 15 to 20 rainy days, so over half the month gets measurable rain. Showers usually come in short, heavy bursts, then the sun comes back out.
Storm clouds build quickly during the day, thanks to all the heat and moisture. Mornings often start clear before clouds gather later on. If you’re planning outdoor activities, mornings are usually the driest.
Even with all that rain, you’ll still find periods of sunshine. Keep a light rain jacket or umbrella handy, since showers can surprise you.
Humidity Statistics
Humidity in Lilongwe spikes in December as the rains get going. Relative humidity usually ranges from 75% to 85%, with the muggiest air at night and early morning.
During the day, humidity stays high but feels a bit better if there’s a breeze. When daytime highs hit 26–30°C (79–86°F) and humidity is up, the air can feel warmer and heavier than the number shows.
Compared to the dry season from June to August, when humidity drops near 50%, December feels much stickier. If you’re not used to tropical climates, you’ll probably notice the difference.
The damp air helps the city burst into green, lush life. While that’s beautiful, be ready for sticky conditions and plan for indoor breaks when humidity peaks.
Wind Speed and Weather Comfort
Around Christmas, Lilongwe gets mild to moderate winds and warm, manageable temperatures. The air feels comfortable compared to wetter months, and you can usually stick to your outdoor plans without major disruption.
Average Wind Speed
In December, winds in Lilongwe average between 9–13 km/h (6–8 mph). It’s a calmer stretch of the year, since the windiest months are back in October and November.
Breezes stay steady but not strong enough to bother you. Wind direction changes with the weather, but speeds rarely top 15 km/h this time of year.
Compared to July and August, when winds can be stronger and drier, December feels much gentler. Calmer air also means less dust in the atmosphere, which is a nice change from the dry season.
This mix of light breezes and moderate warmth keeps the air feeling fresh. It also helps you stay comfortable both day and night.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
The manageable wind speeds in December make it easy to spend time outside. You can walk around the city, visit markets, or enjoy meals outdoors without strong gusts messing with your plans.
Travelers might notice that light winds mean flights in and out of Lilongwe International Airport rarely face turbulence from local weather.
If you’re planning to hike or explore nearby landscapes, the gentle breezes give you relief from the sun without making things chilly. Daytime temperatures usually stay in the mid-20s °C, and the wind adds a bit of cooling.
Evening gatherings outside stay comfortable, since mild winds and warm air make for relaxed social settings without needing heavy layers.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight During Christmas
In Lilongwe at Christmas, you’ll get long daylight hours and a fair amount of sunshine, even though it’s the rainy season. The balance between bright skies and cloud cover shapes how much time you’ll want to spend outdoors.
Average Daily Sunshine
December is part of the wet season, so you’ll see more cloud cover than in the dry months. On average, Lilongwe gets about 5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day.
That’s less than the clear skies of September, but it’s still enough for outdoor activities between showers.
Clouds often build up in the afternoon, so mornings usually offer the best chance for brighter weather. If you’re planning sightseeing or outdoor trips, try to schedule them earlier in the day to catch more sunlight.
Humidity runs higher in December, and with both rain and sun, the air can feel heavy. Still, this mix gives the city and countryside a green, lush look you’ll notice everywhere.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Daylight in Lilongwe doesn’t change much because it’s near the equator. Around Christmas, the sun rises close to 5:00 AM and sets around 6:15 PM, giving you about 13 hours of daylight.
Mornings start bright, which is great if you want to get going before afternoon showers. Sunset comes early compared to places farther from the equator, so evenings get dark quickly after 6:30 PM.
Here’s a quick outline for late December:
| Event | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Sunrise | 5:00 AM |
| Sunset | 6:15 PM |
| Daylight | ~13 hours |
This steady daylight pattern makes it easier to plan your holiday activities, even with the rainy season.
How Christmas Weather in Lilongwe Compares to Other Months
In Lilongwe, December means warm temperatures and frequent rainfall. Weather can shift quickly from sunny to heavy showers, which feels pretty different from the drier months.
Comparison With November and January
November usually signals the start of the rainy season in Lilongwe. Humidity rises, but rainfall is lighter and less frequent compared to December.
Daytime highs often sit around 28–30°C (82–86°F), with cooler nights that make outdoor plans easier.
By December, rains become more regular. You’ll often get 19 or more wet days during the month, with totals over 100 mm. Temperatures stay warm, averaging near 30°C (86°F), but the mix of heat and moisture makes it feel more humid.
January keeps up the wet pattern, but afternoons might cool off a bit compared to December. Rainfall usually peaks in January, and you’ll find fewer dry days in a row. If you prefer steadier sunshine, December sits between the lighter November rains and the heavier January downpours.
Seasonal Climate Context
Lilongwe’s climate sticks to a tropical wet and dry pattern. The wet season runs from November through April, and December lands right in the thick of it.
You’ll probably run into heavy showers, thunderstorms, and plenty of humidity during these months. It can feel a bit relentless at times, honestly.
The dry season comes in from May through October. Skies clear up, humidity drops, and nights turn cooler.
Rainfall barely shows up then, often staying below 10 mm. Daytime highs hover around 24–28°C (75–82°F), which feels pretty comfortable.
December stands out compared to the drier months. Some days bring sunshine, but afternoon storms like to roll through.
This whole seasonal rhythm means Christmas in Lilongwe is usually warm and wet, nothing like the cooler, steadier weather you get in the middle of the year.