Weather & Climate in Blantyre, Malawi
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Blantyre enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (20°C). Winters average 72°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. Annual precipitation totals 43.7 inches. The city sits at an elevation of 3,415 feet.
Temperature
72°F Jan (22°C)
61°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 68.6°F |
| 27% above US avg | |
| January Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| July Average | 61°F (16°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,415 ft (1,041 m) |
| Area | 88.0 sq mi (228.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 9,091/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 15.7850°S, 35.0085°E |
| Timezone | Africa/Blantyre |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
16 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M5.5.
| Mar 8, 2018 | 24 km NE of Nsanje, Malawi | M5.5 | 117 km | 17 km |
| Mar 8, 2018 | 25 km ENE of Nsanje, Malawi | M4.9 | 127 km | 10 km |
| Apr 7, 2022 | 40 km E of Nsanje, Malawi | M4.9 | 139 km | 10 km |
| Jan 4, 2000 | 49 km SE of Phalombe, Malawi | M4.9 | 109 km | 10 km |
| Mar 17, 2018 | 22 km NE of Nsanje, Malawi | M4.8 | 121 km | 10 km |
| Aug 30, 1996 | 59 km WNW of Mwanza, Malawi | M4.7 | 115 km | 10 km |
| Aug 25, 2015 | 28 km ENE of Nsanje, Malawi | M4.7 | 128 km | 10 km |
| Jan 3, 1998 | 2 km SE of Blantyre, Malawi | M4.6 | 2 km | 33 km |
| May 13, 2012 | 44 km ESE of Phalombe, Malawi | M4.6 | 112 km | 10 km |
| Jun 17, 2015 | 9 km NNW of Nsanje, Malawi | M4.3 | 119 km | 12 km |
| Jun 14, 2012 | 6 km WNW of Zomba, Malawi | M4.3 | 54 km | 10 km |
| Jan 16, 2019 | 29 km SW of Nsanje, Malawi | M4.1 | 144 km | 10 km |
| Apr 6, 2018 | 9 km NNE of Nsanje, Malawi | M4.1 | 121 km | 10 km |
| Mar 18, 2018 | 18 km ESE of Nsanje, Malawi | M4.1 | 142 km | 10 km |
| Jan 29, 2005 | 10 km WSW of Zomba, Malawi | M4.0 | 47 km | 23 km |
| May 4, 2007 | Mozambique | M3.8 | 149 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Category 1+) recorded within 500 km since 1980. Strongest on record: Category 3.
| Year | Name | Category | Max Wind | Closest |
| 2023 | Freddy | Category 3 | 98 mph | 270 km |
| 1996 | Bonita | Category 1 | 58 mph | 287 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Category 1+, 1980-2026).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 72°F (22°C) | 9.4 in | Wettest |
| February | 71°F (22°C) | 8.6 in | |
| March | 71°F (22°C) | 6.8 in | |
| April | 69°F (20°C) | 2.5 in | |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 0.7 in | |
| June | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 in | |
| July | 61°F (16°C) | 0.6 in | Coldest |
| August | 64°F (18°C) | 0.5 in | Driest |
| September | 69°F (21°C) | 0.5 in | |
| October | 73°F (23°C) | 1.3 in | |
| November | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 in | Warmest |
| December | 72°F (22°C) | 8.3 in |
Blantyre has a seasonal temperature swing of 12°F / from 61°F in July to 74°F in November. Total annual precipitation is 43.7 inches, with January being the wettest month (9.4") and August the driest (0.5").