Things to Do in Lilongwe in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Lilongwe
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Prime dry-to-wet season transition creates lush landscapes perfect for photography - vegetation reaches peak greenness after January rains
- Tourist numbers remain low before March peak season, meaning shorter queues at Lilongwe Wildlife Centre and better availability at restaurants around Area 47
- February marks mango season peak - street vendors sell the sweetest local varieties for MWK 200-500 (US$0.20-0.50) per piece
- Afternoon thunderstorms are predictable (typically 2-4pm), allowing morning sightseeing and evening activities with minimal disruption
Considerations
- High humidity (70%) makes midday outdoor activities uncomfortable - locals avoid walking between 11am-3pm for good reason
- Road conditions deteriorate on unpaved routes after rain - reaching Dzalanyama Forest Reserve requires 4WD after storms
- Accommodation prices remain elevated from December holidays and don't drop until after Easter in April
Best Activities in February
Lilongwe Wildlife Centre Walking Tours
February's post-rain conditions create ideal wildlife viewing as animals gather at water sources. Morning temperatures of 17-20°C (63-68°F) mean comfortable 2-3 hour walks before afternoon heat peaks. Rescued elephants and big cats are most active during these cooler hours. The centre's rehabilitation programs showcase best during feeding times (8am and 4pm).
Dzalanyama Forest Reserve Hiking
February brings peak forest density and flowing streams after January rains. Morning temperatures stay comfortable for 4-6 hour hikes covering 8-15 km (5-9 miles) of mountain trails reaching 1,500m (4,921 ft) elevation. Birdwatching peaks as migratory species join residents. Afternoon storms create dramatic cloud formations perfect for landscape photography.
Traditional Market Food Tours
February showcases peak harvest season at Lilongwe Central Market and Area 25 markets. Morning shopping (6-10am) avoids afternoon heat and offers freshest produce including seasonal mangoes, maize, and groundnuts. Local vendors speak Chichewa primarily - food tours provide cultural context and language assistance for navigating 200+ stalls.
Lake Malawi Day Trips
February offers perfect lake conditions with calm waters and 24-26°C (75-79°F) temperatures ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The 90-minute drive from Lilongwe to Senga Bay provides access to pristine beaches with minimal crowds. Cichlid fish viewing peaks during breeding season, creating natural aquarium conditions in shallow waters.
Tobacco Estate Cultural Tours
February represents post-harvest season when tobacco estates offer cultural tours showcasing traditional farming methods and colonial history. Cooler morning temperatures make 2-3 hour walking tours comfortable through estate grounds spanning 500-2,000 hectares (1,235-4,942 acres). Local communities demonstrate traditional crafts and cooking methods using wood-fired ovens.
Craft Village Pottery Workshops
February's humidity levels create optimal clay working conditions at local pottery villages around Lilongwe. Traditional Chewa pottery techniques use locally-sourced clay that becomes most pliable during rainy season moisture. 3-4 hour workshops include kiln firing using traditional wood-burning methods passed down through generations.
February Events & Festivals
Malawi Music Festival
Annual celebration featuring traditional Chewa, Tumbuka, and Yao music alongside contemporary Malawian artists. Three-day festival includes traditional dance competitions, craft exhibitions, and local food vendors. Main stage events run evening hours to avoid afternoon heat.