Likoma Island, Malawi: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Likoma Island, Malawi? If you're planning to go to Likoma Island, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Likoma Island, Malawi

Based on the climate and weather in Likoma Island, Malawi, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Likoma Island, Malawi

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Likoma Island, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Likoma Island, Malawi by month

January

January in this region is hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Likoma Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to get the right kind. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February in Likoma Island is pretty consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Likoma Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to get the right kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

March

March here is hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Likoma Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to pick the right kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

April

April for Likoma Island is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Likoma Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

May in this region is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Likoma Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to pick the right type. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

June

June here is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Likoma Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you find the right kind. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

July is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Likoma Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

August

If you visit Likoma Island during August, you are likely to see that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Likoma Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

September

If you vacation in Likoma Island during September, you might find that it is extremely warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Likoma Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you get the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

If you go to Likoma Island in October, you will notice that it is really hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Likoma Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to choose the right kind. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

November

Traveling to Likoma Island in November, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Likoma Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you find the correct kind. Most adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

December

December in Likoma Island is extremely warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Likoma Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to pick the right type. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

What to do in Likoma Island, Malawi

Located in the northern part of Lake Malawi, Likoma Island is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. The island is renowned for its stunning sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, traditional African culture, and welcoming locals. Visiting Likoma Island, travelers can engage in a variety of activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, bird watching, and cultural tours. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Likoma Island.

Likoma Cathedral

One of the most impressive structures on the island is the Likoma Cathedral. The cathedral is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture and is the third-largest cathedral in Central Africa, after the ones in Salisbury and Johannesburg. It was built in 1903 by the famous British architect Charles Howard and has stunning stained-glass windows and unique stone carvings.

Likoma Market

A trip to the Likoma market is an excellent way to experience the island's culture and sample the local food. The market is a hive of activity, with locals selling their wares, including fresh fish, vegetables, and fruit. Travelers can buy souvenirs and interact with local vendors, who are always happy to share information about island life.

Kaya Mawa Beach

For visitors who want to relax, Kaya Mawa Beach is a tranquil and idyllic setting where one can spend the whole day lounging under the sun while listening to the sounds of the lake. Kaya Mawa is a secluded and isolated spot accessible via boat. It is perfect for travelers who want to escape the tourist crowds and relax in a serene environment.

Chizumulu Island

A short boat ride away, Chizumulu Island lies on the eastern part of Lake Malawi. The island is known for its clear turquoise water that hosts a diverse range of marine life that can be seen while snorkeling. Visitors should ensure that they have their snorkeling gear in order to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world.

Likoma Island Cultural Tour

The essence of Likoma Island's culture and heritage is apparent in its celebrations and traditions. Visitors can experience the island's rich African culture by taking part in a cultural tour. Travelers get to visit various traditional villages and interact with chiefs and villagers in the homesteads. They can enjoy lively traditional dances and try their hand at traditional arts and crafts.

Conclusion

Likoma Island is an incredible tourist destination for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. The island boasts a diverse range of activities that travelers can engage in, from exploring the impressive Likoma Cathedral to enjoying the serenity of Kaya Mawa Beach. A visit to Likoma Island promises to be an unforgettable experience that any traveler would treasure.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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