Things to Do in Lilongwe in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Lilongwe

26°C (79°F) High Temp

17°C (63°F) Low Temp

175 mm (6.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Lush green landscapes at peak beauty - the rainy season transforms Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary and surrounding areas into vibrant emerald scenery, perfect for photography between 7am-11am before afternoon storms
Lowest accommodation prices of the year - hotels drop rates 30-40% compared to dry season (May-October), with luxury properties in Areas 3 and 10 offering rooms from $60-90 instead of $100-150
Exceptional birdwatching conditions - migratory species arrive and resident birds display breeding plumage, with over 200 species visible at Dzalanyama Forest Reserve just 45 km (28 miles) west of the city
Authentic local experience with minimal tourists - you will encounter far more Malawians going about daily life than fellow travelers, especially at Lilongwe Market and Old Town cultural sites

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms disrupt plans 60-70% of days - expect heavy downpours between 2pm-5pm that can flood unpaved roads in Old Town and make walking difficult for 1-2 hours
Some rural roads become impassable - dirt roads to outlying villages and certain nature reserves require 4WD vehicles, and even then may close after particularly heavy rain
Evening temperatures drop unexpectedly - locals call February the cold rainy season, with temperatures falling to 17°C (63°F) at night, catching visitors off guard who packed only for tropical heat

Best Activities in February

Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary Morning Walks

February mornings at this 180-hectare sanctuary in the heart of Area 3 offer the best wildlife viewing of the year. The 70% humidity brings out bushbucks, vervet monkeys, and over 100 bird species at dawn. Visit between 6:30am-10:30am before afternoon rains. The sanctuary trails remain well-maintained during rainy season, unlike rural reserves. The lush vegetation provides excellent cover for spotting wildlife that emerges to feed in cooler morning temperatures.

Booking Tip: Entry costs 5,000 MWK (approximately $3) for international visitors. Arrive right at 6:30am opening for best animal activity. Guided walks available for 10,000 MWK ($6) - worth it for bird identification. No advance booking needed, pay at gate. Bring binoculars and waterproof bags for cameras. See current guided nature tour options in booking section below.

Old Town Cultural Walking Exploration

February rains keep Old Town less dusty and more comfortable for walking than dry season months. The historic district comes alive with local life as people shelter in shops and markets during afternoon storms, creating perfect opportunities for authentic interactions. Morning walks from 8am-12pm offer ideal conditions before rain. Explore Lilongwe Market when vendors are setting up (7am-9am) for the most dynamic atmosphere. The cooler February temperatures make the 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 mile) walking circuit through Old Town actually pleasant.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is feasible, but local guides enhance the experience significantly for cultural context. Expect to pay 15,000-25,000 MWK ($9-15) for a 3-hour guided walk. Arrange through your accommodation or at the Tourism Office on Presidential Way. Always carry small bills (1,000 MWK notes) for market purchases. Tours typically cost 15,000-30,000 MWK depending on group size. Check booking section below for current cultural tour availability.

Dzalanyama Forest Reserve Day Trips

This montane forest 45 km (28 miles) west of Lilongwe reaches its most spectacular in February when waterfalls flow at full capacity and the forest canopy glows deep green. The higher elevation means cooler temperatures, averaging 20-22°C (68-72°F), perfect for hiking. Trails range from 2-8 km (1.2-5 miles) with elevation gains up to 300 m (984 ft). February brings the best birdwatching with species like the bar-tailed trogon visible. Morning trips (depart Lilongwe by 7am) allow 4-5 hours of hiking before afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: Requires 4WD vehicle - sedan cars struggle on the access road even in dry conditions, impossible after rain. Vehicle hire with driver costs 40,000-60,000 MWK ($24-36) for the day. Entry fee 5,000 MWK ($3) per person. Pack lunch as no facilities exist at the reserve. Book vehicles 3-5 days ahead through hotels or car hire companies on Chilambula Road. See booking section below for current day trip options to forest reserves.

Indoor Cultural Center Visits

February afternoon rains make this the perfect month to explore Lilongwe's cultural venues. The Kungoni Centre of Culture and Art in Mua (100 km/62 miles south) houses the extraordinary Chamare Museum with 10,000 artifacts documenting Chewa, Ngoni, and Yao cultures. Plan 3-4 hours here. In the city, the French Cultural Centre (Area 10) hosts exhibitions and film screenings. These indoor activities align perfectly with February weather patterns - visit outdoor sites mornings, cultural centers afternoons when rain hits.

Booking Tip: Kungoni Centre entry costs 3,000 MWK ($1.80) and is worth every kwacha. Open Tuesday-Saturday 8am-5pm. The drive to Mua takes 2 hours on good tarmac road. Hire a driver for the day (50,000-70,000 MWK or $30-42) or take a minibus toward Dedza and ask to stop at Mua (1,500 MWK/$0.90). French Cultural Centre is free entry. Check their monthly program online before visiting. See booking section for cultural site tours.

Lilongwe Golf Club Experiences

The championship course in Area 10 plays beautifully in February despite afternoon rains. Greens are lush and fast, fairways are soft, and morning tee times (6:30am-10am) almost always complete before weather arrives. The course sits at 1,100 m (3,609 ft) elevation, providing cooler conditions than lowland Malawi. Non-members welcome, and you will likely have the course nearly to yourself on weekdays. The colonial-era clubhouse offers excellent lunches and cold Carlsberg Green for post-round refreshment.

Booking Tip: Green fees for visitors run 15,000-20,000 MWK ($9-12) for 18 holes, incredibly affordable by international standards. Club rental available for 5,000 MWK ($3). Book tee times one day ahead by calling the pro shop. Caddies mandatory and cost 3,000 MWK ($1.80) plus tip. The course drains well but avoid playing the day after heavy overnight rain. No advance booking needed for weekday play.

Local Market and Craft Shopping

February is ideal for indoor market browsing when afternoon rains drive both vendors and shoppers under cover, creating lively social atmospheres. Lilongwe Market in Old Town offers the most authentic experience with produce, dried fish, and household goods. For crafts, the Area 3 craft market near Capital Hotel has wood carvings, textiles, and basketry at better prices than dry season when more tourists visit. The covered sections mean rain does not stop shopping. Bargaining is expected and prices in February start 20-30% lower than peak season.

Booking Tip: No booking needed for markets. Bring small denomination kwacha notes - vendors rarely have change for 10,000 MWK bills. Start bargaining at 50% of the initial asking price for crafts. Markets operate daily but Sunday mornings (8am-12pm) see the biggest crowds and best selection. Hire a taxi for 5,000-8,000 MWK ($3-5) for the round trip rather than walking with purchases in potential rain. Keep valuables secure in crowded market areas.

February Events & Festivals

Late February (typically last week of the month)

Malawi International Trade Fair

Held at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Area 13, this annual trade fair showcases Malawian businesses, agriculture, and crafts. While primarily commercial, it offers visitors insight into local industries and products. Excellent opportunity to purchase quality Malawian coffee, tea, and honey directly from producers. Food stalls serve authentic Malawian dishes. The indoor venue makes it perfect for rainy February afternoons.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - not a poncho - afternoon storms bring wind and sideways rain lasting 30-90 minutes, making umbrellas ineffective

Long pants and long-sleeve shirt for evenings - temperatures drop to 17°C (63°F) at night and locals consider this genuinely cold, restaurants and bars rarely have heating

Quick-dry hiking pants or convertible pants - regular jeans stay wet for hours in 70% humidity, synthetic fabrics dry in 2-3 hours

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - Lilongwe sidewalks become slippery when wet, and you will encounter mud in Old Town and nature areas, sandals are inadequate

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 means you can burn in 15-20 minutes even on cloudy days, reapply every 2 hours during morning outdoor activities

Waterproof bag or dry sack for electronics and documents - sudden downpours catch people off guard, protect phones and passports in a sealed bag inside your daypack

Insect repellent with 30% DEET minimum - standing water after rains increases mosquito populations, apply especially at dawn and dusk, malaria prophylaxis essential

Light fleece or sweater - indoor spaces and restaurants can feel cold with air conditioning and damp February air, locals wear layers in the evenings

Microfiber towel - hotel towels take forever to dry in humid conditions, a quick-dry travel towel proves invaluable

Ziplock bags in multiple sizes - protect everything from rain, dust, and humidity, bring more than you think you need for keeping items dry and organized

Insider Knowledge

Lilongwe operates on two time zones unofficially - government offices and banks follow strict hours (8am-4pm), but local businesses in Old Town open whenever owners arrive, usually 8:30am-9:30am, and close at sunset around 6:30pm regardless of posted hours

The Area numbering system confuses everyone at first - Area 3 is the diplomatic and expat zone with upscale restaurants, Area 10 is government offices, Old Town is the original city center 5 km (3.1 miles) north of the new city, taxi drivers know areas by landmarks not numbers so learn key buildings

ATMs frequently run out of cash on Fridays and before holidays - withdraw money Tuesday through Thursday mornings, Standard Bank and National Bank ATMs in Area 3 are most reliable, daily limit is usually 200,000 MWK ($120) but machines often dispense less

February produce markets overflow with mangoes, avocados, and fresh maize - prices drop to almost nothing, a massive avocado costs 200 MWK ($0.12), mangoes 100-300 MWK ($0.06-0.18), this is the best eating month of the year for fresh fruit

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities for afternoons - tourists lose half their days to rain by not understanding that 2pm-5pm is when storms hit with 70% probability, locals do outdoor errands before noon and rest or work indoors during afternoon rain

Wearing shorts and tank tops everywhere - while hot during the day, Malawi is conservative, locals consider this disrespectful especially in Old Town and markets, women should cover shoulders and knees, men should wear at least t-shirts and long shorts

Assuming everywhere takes credit cards - only upscale hotels and restaurants in Area 3 accept cards, Old Town is 100% cash, even some petrol stations are cash-only, carry at least 50,000 MWK ($30) in cash daily for meals, transport, and entrance fees