Weather & Climate in Zomba, Malawi
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Zomba enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winters average 72°F in January while summers reach 62°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. Annual precipitation totals 44.6 inches. The city sits at an elevation of 3,114 feet.
Temperature
72°F Jan (22°C)
62°F Jul (17°C)
| Annual Average | 69.3°F |
| 28% above US avg | |
| January Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| July Average | 62°F (17°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,114 ft (949 m) |
| Area | 307.1 sq mi (795.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 329/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 15.3860°S, 35.3188°E |
| Timezone | Africa/Blantyre |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.9.
| Jan 4, 2000 | 49 km SE of Phalombe, Malawi | M4.9 | 108 km | 10 km |
| Aug 30, 1996 | 59 km WNW of Mwanza, Malawi | M4.7 | 138 km | 10 km |
| Jan 3, 1998 | 2 km SE of Blantyre, Malawi | M4.6 | 56 km | 33 km |
| May 13, 2012 | 44 km ESE of Phalombe, Malawi | M4.6 | 100 km | 10 km |
| Jan 30, 2025 | 35 km S of Monkey Bay, Malawi | M4.5 | 119 km | 10 km |
| Jun 14, 2012 | 6 km WNW of Zomba, Malawi | M4.3 | 7 km | 10 km |
| Jan 29, 2005 | 10 km WSW of Zomba, Malawi | M4.0 | 10 km | 23 km |
| Apr 9, 2000 | 43 km SSW of Monkey Bay, Malawi | M3.9 | 122 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (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 | 280 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Category 1+, 1980-2026).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 72°F (22°C) | 9.9 in | Wettest |
| February | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 in | |
| March | 71°F (22°C) | 6.6 in | |
| April | 69°F (21°C) | 2.2 in | |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 0.7 in | Driest |
| June | 63°F (17°C) | 0.8 in | |
| July | 62°F (17°C) | 0.7 in | Coldest |
| August | 65°F (18°C) | 1.2 in | |
| September | 70°F (21°C) | 1.1 in | |
| October | 74°F (23°C) | 1.3 in | |
| November | 75°F (24°C) | 3.5 in | Warmest |
| December | 73°F (23°C) | 7.9 in |
Zomba has a seasonal temperature swing of 13°F / from 62°F in July to 75°F in November. Total annual precipitation is 44.6 inches, with January being the wettest month (9.9") and May the driest (0.7").