Things to Do in Lilongwe in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Lilongwe

26°C (79°F) High Temp

17°C (63°F) Low Temp

220 mm (8.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Lush green landscapes at peak beauty - December sits in the heart of the rainy season when Lilongwe transforms into a verdant paradise. The city's numerous nature reserves like Lilongwe Wildlife Centre and the botanical gardens along the Lingadzi River are at their most photogenic. Trees are fully leafed, flowers bloom abundantly, and the red soil contrasts beautifully with the greenery.
Dramatically lower accommodation prices - December is deep low season, meaning hotel rates drop 40-60% compared to the dry season peak of May-October. A room that costs 85,000 MWK (50 USD) in July will run you 45,000-55,000 MWK (26-32 USD) in December. Book just 1-2 weeks ahead and you'll have excellent selection.
Authentic local experience with minimal tourists - You'll have attractions almost entirely to yourself. At places like the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, you might be one of only 5-10 visitors on a weekday instead of the 50-100 during peak season. Locals go about their daily business without the tourist-season hustle, making cultural interactions more genuine.
Perfect timing for bird watching - December marks the arrival of migratory species from Europe and Asia, adding to Malawi's 650+ resident bird species. The wet conditions bring out insects, which attract birds in huge numbers. Early morning sessions at Dzalanyama Forest Reserve 50 km (31 miles) west of the city can yield 40-60 species in a single outing.

Considerations

Daily afternoon thunderstorms disrupt outdoor plans - Rain typically arrives between 2pm-5pm and lasts 1-3 hours. These aren't gentle drizzles but intense tropical downpours with lightning that make outdoor activities impossible. You'll need to structure your days around this pattern, completing outdoor activities by early afternoon. Roads can flood quickly, turning 20-minute drives into 45-minute slogs.
Muddy conditions at nature sites - The 220 mm (8.7 inches) of December rainfall turns many walking trails into slippery, muddy challenges. At Dzalanyama Forest Reserve, trails become difficult without proper hiking boots. The red laterite soil common around Lilongwe becomes incredibly sticky when wet, clinging to shoes and making walking exhausting. Some rural cultural tourism sites become nearly inaccessible.
Limited evening outdoor dining options - Many of Lilongwe's pleasant outdoor restaurants and bars reduce operations or close their gardens during rainy season. The humidity also means mosquitoes are more active at dusk, requiring long sleeves and repellent for any outdoor evening activities. The vibrant outdoor social scene that characterizes dry season Lilongwe is largely moved indoors.

Best Activities in December

Morning wildlife viewing at Lilongwe Wildlife Centre

December mornings before the afternoon rains are ideal for the city's premier wildlife attraction. The 180-hectare (445-acre) sanctuary houses rescued animals including lions, leopards, hyenas, and numerous antelope species. The wet season means animals are more active in the cooler morning temperatures of 17-22°C (63-72°F), and the lush vegetation provides excellent photography backdrops. Visit between 8am-12pm when animals are feeding and most visible. The centre is 4 km (2.5 miles) from Old Town, about 15 minutes by taxi.

Booking Tip: Entry costs 8,000-10,000 MWK (5-6 USD) for international visitors. No advance booking needed in December due to low crowds. Arrive right at 8am opening for the best animal activity. Guided tours available for an additional 5,000 MWK (3 USD) and highly recommended for understanding the conservation stories. Budget 2-3 hours for a thorough visit.

Cultural tours of Old Town markets and craft centers

December's rainy afternoons make this the perfect month for covered market exploration. Old Town's sprawling markets operate rain or shine under corrugated metal roofs. The main market off Malangalanga Road offers genuine insight into daily Malawian life with produce, dried fish, second-hand clothing, and household goods. Nearly zero tourists in December means you'll experience authentic interactions. Nearby, the Lilongwe Craft Market features wood carvings, textiles, and basketwork directly from artisans. The rainy season actually increases craft production as agricultural work slows.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is possible but hiring a local guide through your accommodation (typically 15,000-20,000 MWK or 9-12 USD for 3-4 hours) dramatically improves the experience. They'll explain what you're seeing, facilitate conversations, and help with fair pricing at craft stalls. Morning visits 9am-12pm are best before afternoon rains. Bring small denomination kwacha notes for purchases - many vendors can't break 5,000 MWK notes.

Day trips to Dzalanyama Forest Reserve

This montane forest reserve 50 km (31 miles) west of Lilongwe is spectacular in December despite muddy conditions. The rainy season brings the forest alive with flowing streams, waterfalls at full volume, and extraordinary birdlife. The higher elevation (1,500-2,000 m or 4,920-6,560 ft) means temperatures are cooler and clouds create atmospheric conditions. December is peak time for migratory birds plus resident species like the orange-winged pytilia and bar-tailed trogon. Start early (6am-7am departure from Lilongwe) to complete hiking before afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: A full day trip with 4WD transport and guide typically costs 55,000-75,000 MWK (32-44 USD) per person for groups of 2-4. Book through your accommodation or see current tour options in the booking section below. The 90-minute drive requires 4WD in December due to muddy access roads. Essential to bring waterproof hiking boots, rain jacket, and binoculars. Pack a lunch as there are no facilities. Entry fee is 5,000 MWK (3 USD).

Indoor cultural experiences at museums and heritage sites

December's afternoon rains make this ideal for exploring Lilongwe's indoor cultural attractions. The Tobacco Museum in Kanengo district provides fascinating insight into Malawi's economic history (tobacco remains a major export). The small but well-curated exhibits explain colonial-era agriculture through independence. The Malawi Parliament Building in Capital Hill offers guided tours showing the architecture and political history. Both are climate-controlled escapes from humidity and rain.

Booking Tip: Museum entry is typically 3,000-5,000 MWK (2-3 USD). Parliament tours must be arranged 2-3 days ahead through the information office, free but donations appreciated. Schedule these for afternoon slots (2pm-5pm) when outdoor activities are impossible. Combine with lunch at one of Capital Hill's indoor restaurants. Budget 1.5-2 hours per site.

Coffee estate tours in surrounding highlands

The areas within 30-60 km (19-37 miles) of Lilongwe include several coffee estates that offer tours during December's harvest preparation season. While the main harvest is April-August, December sees pruning and maintenance work that's interesting to observe. The estates sit at higher elevations with cooler temperatures and stunning views over the rainy season landscape. Tours explain Malawi's specialty coffee production, from plant to cup, with tastings included.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours including transport from Lilongwe typically cost 45,000-60,000 MWK (26-35 USD) per person. Book at least 1 week ahead as estates need advance notice for guides. Tours run 9am-1pm to avoid afternoon rains. See current tour options in the booking section below. Some estates have covered tasting areas perfect for waiting out passing showers. Bring a light sweater as highland temperatures can be 5-7°C (9-13°F) cooler than Lilongwe.

Cooking classes featuring seasonal Malawian cuisine

December brings specific seasonal foods to Malawian markets that make cooking classes particularly interesting. Early maize (corn) appears, along with abundant leafy greens like pumpkin leaves and amaranth. Classes typically start with a market tour to source ingredients, then move to indoor kitchens for hands-on preparation of dishes like nsima (maize staple), chambo fish, and various relishes. The indoor nature makes this perfect for rainy afternoons.

Booking Tip: Classes run 25,000-40,000 MWK (15-24 USD) per person for 3-4 hour sessions including market visit, cooking, and eating your creations. Book through your accommodation or see options in the booking section below. Morning classes (9am start) allow market shopping during peak freshness. Maximum group sizes of 4-6 mean personalized attention. Vegetarian and dietary requirements easily accommodated with advance notice.

December Events & Festivals

December 25

Christmas celebrations and church services

Malawi is predominantly Christian, making December 25th a major celebration. Christmas Day features elaborate church services with incredible gospel choir performances, particularly at larger churches in Area 3 and Area 47. Many Malawians return to home villages for Christmas, so Lilongwe quiets considerably December 23-27. Some restaurants and shops close, but hotel restaurants remain open. Attending a Christmas service offers genuine cultural insight - services are welcoming to visitors and feature hours of singing and celebration.

Late December weekends

End of year markets and craft fairs

Late December sees pop-up markets and craft fairs as artisans sell goods before the new year. These aren't formal tourist events but genuine local shopping occasions. The Lilongwe Golf Club and some hotels host small craft fairs on weekends in late December. Quality and prices are often better than tourist-focused markets as these cater to expatriate and middle-class Malawian shoppers preparing for new year celebrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quality waterproof hiking boots - Essential if visiting any nature sites. The red laterite soil becomes incredibly sticky mud that ruins regular shoes. Boots with ankle support needed for slippery trails. Break them in before arrival.

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - Not a heavy coat but a packable shell for sudden downpours. Afternoon storms arrive quickly. Temperature stays warm at 24-26°C (75-79°F) during rain so breathable fabric critical. Avoid ponchos which are useless in wind.

Quick-dry clothing in natural fabrics - Cotton and linen dry faster than synthetics in 70% humidity. Pack twice as many shirts as normal since you'll change after getting caught in rain or sweating. Polyester stays damp and smells terrible in this climate.

SPF 50+ sunscreen - Despite clouds and rain, UV index hits 8. The equatorial sun at 14 degrees south latitude is intense. Morning outdoor activities mean direct sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours. Bring more than you think you need as it's expensive locally (8,000-12,000 MWK or 5-7 USD for a small bottle).

DEET-based mosquito repellent (30-50%) - Rainy season means standing water and more mosquitoes. Malawi is a malaria zone requiring prophylaxis, but repellent adds protection. Apply at dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Natural repellents don't work well enough here.

Lightweight long pants and long-sleeve shirts - For evening mosquito protection and conservative dress when visiting markets and rural areas. Linen or cotton blends that breathe in humidity. Malawian culture is modest - shorts and tank tops are fine for tourists at hotels but not appropriate in Old Town or villages.

Waterproof bag or dry sack for electronics - Sudden rainstorms can soak a regular backpack in minutes. A 10-15 liter (610-915 cubic inch) dry bag protects phones, cameras, and documents. Alternatively, bring gallon-size ziplock bags as backup protection.

Compact umbrella - Useful for the walk from taxi to restaurant or between buildings. Won't help in heavy downpours but good for light rain. Local umbrellas available for 3,000-5,000 MWK (2-3 USD) but quality is poor.

Headlamp or small flashlight - Power cuts are common during December storms. Hotels have generators but they take a few minutes to kick in. A headlamp lets you navigate safely. Also essential if visiting any rural areas.

Anti-bacterial hand gel and wet wipes - Facilities at markets and rural sites often lack soap. Hand hygiene is critical for avoiding stomach issues. Bring travel-size bottles as you'll use them multiple times daily. Wet wipes also useful for cleaning muddy shoes before getting in vehicles.

Insider Knowledge

Structure every day around the 2pm-5pm rain window - Locals know this pattern intimately and plan accordingly. Schedule outdoor activities, wildlife viewing, and walking tours for 8am-1pm. Use 2pm-5pm for indoor activities, lunch at covered restaurants, museum visits, or returning to accommodation. Trying to fight this pattern will leave you soaked and frustrated. Restaurants get crowded 1:30pm-2:30pm as people seek shelter before storms hit.

Negotiate accommodation rates aggressively in December - With occupancy below 30% at most hotels, everything is negotiable. Don't just book online rates. Call or email directly and ask for their best December rate. You can often get 50-60% off rack rates, free breakfast added, or room upgrades. Even mid-range hotels are desperate for guests. Multi-night stays give you even more leverage.

Carry small denomination kwacha notes at all times - The 2,000 MWK (1.20 USD) note is your friend. Market vendors, taxi drivers, and small restaurants often cannot break 5,000 or 10,000 MWK notes. You'll hear 'palibe change' (no change) constantly. Banks and ATMs often dispense only large notes. Break them at supermarkets or hotel front desks. Keep a stash of 500, 1,000, and 2,000 MWK notes separate from larger bills.

The best local food is in Old Town, not tourist areas - Capital Hill and Area 43 have nice restaurants but serve adapted cuisine. For authentic Malawian food, head to Old Town's small eateries along Malangalanga Road. Look for places packed with locals at lunch (12pm-2pm). A full meal of nsima, relish, and protein costs 2,500-4,000 MWK (1.50-2.40 USD). Don't expect English menus or fancy presentation, but the food is excellent and genuinely local.

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing white or light-colored clothing - The red laterite soil stains everything it touches when wet, and December is constantly wet. Light-colored shoes, pants, and bags will be permanently rust-stained within days. Locals wear darker colors for good reason. That Instagram-worthy white linen outfit will be ruined after one muddy walk.

Booking tours that start after 11am - Tour operators will sell you afternoon tours, but they're gambling with weather. Any tour starting after 11am has a high chance of being cut short or ruined by 2pm-5pm storms. Morning tours starting 7am-8am are worth the early wake-up. You'll have better wildlife sightings, cooler temperatures, and complete the experience before rain hits.