Weather in Mozambique

climate and weather in MozambiqueThe weather in Mozambique is perfect for holidaymakers and those wishing to enjoy a relaxing Indian Ocean beach break. Mozambique is situated on the southeastern coast of Africa over the Tropic of Capricorn and between South Africa and Tanzania. With thousands of kilometers of beautiful palm-fringed beaches, calm warm bathing waters and lagoons, and a warm tropical climate, Mozambique is the ideal holiday destination. The climate in Mozambique is divided into a wet season from October to March and a dry season from April to September. Mozambique’s weather is warm and ideal for diving, camping, sightseeing and other beach activities.

Mozambique’s dry season, or winter period, is the ideal time to visit this beachside southern African country. Temperatures and climate vary depending upon altitude. The higher areas are slightly cooler and less humid than Mozambique’s islands, beachside resorts and towns. Average summer temperatures in Mozambique range from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius (55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit) in Maputo. The central coastal regions experience slightly higher temperatures as a result of their higher humidity levels, but the water temperatures are warm and perfect for sunbathing and scuba diving.

The rainy season in Mozambique is also the hottest period of year. Humidity levels rise considerably and cyclones are common. Mozambique’s islands, such as Inhaca, Pemba and Bazaruto Archipelagos are often worst hit by cyclones. Average temperatures in Mozambique during the rainy season range between 22 and 32 degrees Celsius (72 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit) in Maputo with higher temperatures along the central coastal regions and lower temperatures further inland and at higher altitudes. Although some of rain during summer in Mozambique is similar to the monsoon-like rains experienced in other parts of the world, the majority of the storms tend to take place in the late afternoon – a welcome relief after the hot and humid days. 

 

When is the best time to go to Mozambique

Mozambique has warm weather throughout the year. The dry season is the most popular time of year to visit Mozambique, but also considerably more expensive accommodation wise. The months of June, July, August, September and October are the best times to plan a holiday in Mozambique. Summer, or the wet season is the least favorable time to visit Mozambique because of high humidity levels and frequent rain, however the accommodation prices are significantly reduced during this period and beaches and holiday hotels are often deserted. 
 

What to pack for a holiday in Mozambique 

The dress code here is very casual and it is advisable to pack lightly; bring lightweight and light coloured clothing. Take T-shirts, shorts, swimwear and sarongs, light long trousers and shirts for mosquito and sun protection, as well as a light waterproof coat and one or two warm tops. Sunglasses, sunhats and plenty of sunscreen are essential, as are good walking shoes and sandals. A water bottle with enough fresh water for the day, insect repellent and a basic medical kit are all recommended items.


Climate and Weather in Mozambique in January

Average temperature in Mozambique in January: 22 to 30°C, 71 to 86°F
Sea temperature in Mozambique in January: 27°C, 80°F
Average rainfall in January: 130mm, 5.2in
Events: Not only is January the beginning of the New Year, but also in Maputo it is also the month in which the annual Festival Esperanca (Festival of Hope) takes place. The aim of the festival is to use music to create awareness on issues relating to HIV and AIDS. The capital city of Mozambique has been host to a number of regional musicians during this popular festival. 
 

Climate and Weather in Mozambique in February

Average temperature in Mozambique in February: 22 to 30°C, 71 to 86°F
Sea temperature in Mozambique in February: 27°C, 80°F
Average rainfall in February: 124mm, 4.9in
Note: February in Mozambique is mid-season for those interested in scuba diving with whalesharks. However, February is also one of the wettest months in Mozambique, which can limit sunbathing time, but it also limits accommodation prices. 
 

Climate and Weather in Mozambique in March

Average temperature in Mozambique in March: 21 to 30°C, 69 to 86°F
Sea temperature in Mozambique in March: 26°C, 78°F
Average rainfall in March: 97mm, 3.8in
Note: Visitors to Mozambique in March are just in time to catch the rainy season specials. March is a great time to visit Mozambique if you’re not looking for festivals or hordes of tourists. The Mozambican islands are quiet and peaceful during this off-season period. 
 

Climate and Weather in Mozambique in April

Average temperature in Mozambique in April: 19 to 29°C, 66 to 84°F
Sea temperature in Mozambique in April: 25C, 77°F
Average rainfall in April: 64mm, 2.5in
Note: April and May are the best times to go fly-fishing for kingfish, queenfish, ladyfish and pompano in the channels between Benguerra and Bazaruto Islands in Mozambique. Anglers can also expect species such as marlin, barracuda, dorado and yellowfin tuna at this time of year. 
 

Climate and Weather in Mozambique in May

Average temperature in Mozambique in May: 16 to 27°C, 60 to 80°F
Sea temperature in Mozambique in May: 24C, 75°F
Average rainfall in May: 28mm, 1.1in
Events: All of Mozambique’s main cities, from Maputo to Xai Xai, Beira and Pemba come to a celebratory standstill on the first of May for International May Day celebrations. Many of the larger cities have marches and parades on this day. 
 

Climate and Weather in Mozambique in June

Average temperature in Mozambique in June: 14 to 25°C, 57 to 77°F
Sea temperature in Mozambique in June: 23°C, 73°F
Average rainfall in June: 27mm, 1.1in
Events: June in Mozambique is also a cause for celebration as 25 June is Mozambican Independence Day.
Note: June is one of the best months to see and possibly swim with dolphins in Mozambique. Humpback dolphins, common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins frequent the Mozambican coastline and islands such as Bazaruto Archipelagos and Inhaca, during the months of June, July and August. 
 

Climate and Weather in Mozambique in July

Average temperature in Mozambique in July: 14 to 25°C, 57 to 77°F
Sea temperature in Mozambique in July: 23°C, 73°F
Average rainfall in July: 13mm, 0.5in
Events: The city of Pemba host the colourful Tambo International Art Camp, which is a festival that celebrates cultural diversity through dance, theatre and music performances. Pemba’s province of Cabo Delgado is the place to be in Mozambique during July. 
 

Climate and Weather in Mozambique in August

Average temperature in Mozambique in August: 15 to 26°C, 59 to 79°F
Sea temperature in Mozambique in August: 23°C, 73°F
Average rainfall in August: 13mm, 0.5in
Note: August is peak tourist season in Mozambique. Island and beachfront accommodation fills up fast during this month of the year and it is best to book in advance. Although there are no large festivals in Mozambique in August, tourists will find a multitude of beach parties, barbecues and bonfires. 
 

Climate and Weather in Mozambique in September

Average temperature in Mozambique in September: 16 to 27°C, 61 to 81°F
Sea temperature in Mozambique in September: 23°C, 73°F
Average rainfall in September: 38mm, 1.5in
Events: The Dockanema Film Festival in Maputo is Mozambique’s only documentary film festival. Directors and film fanatics from across the region flock to Maputo for this event.
Note: September is also one of the best times to view Humpback Whales from Mozambique’s islands and along the Mozambique coast. 
 

Climate and Weather in Mozambique in October

Average temperature in Mozambique in October: 18 to 28°C, 64 to 82°F
Sea temperature in Mozambique in October: 23°, 73°F
Average rainfall in October: 46mm, 1.8in
Events: From the end of September into October the central Mozambican town of Beira in Sofala province is abuzz with the Moya International Music Festival.
Note: Professional and amateur anglers as well scuba divers can expect to see black marlin as well as a variety of shark species including tiger sharks in Mozambican waters in October. 
 

Climate and Weather in Mozambique in November

Average temperature in Mozambique in November: 20 to 28°C, 68 to 82°F
Sea temperature in Mozambique in November: 24°C, 75°F
Average rainfall in November: 86mm, 3.4in
Events: In November, Maputo is host to Kinani, an international festival of contemporary dance. This festival in Mozambique’s capital city showcases choreography from established companies as well as emerging groups.
Note: Divers wishing to see whalesharks in Mozambique should plan their trip between November and April.
 

Climate and Weather in Mozambique in December

Average temperature in Mozambique in December: 21 to 30°C, 70 to 86°F
Sea temperature in Mozambique in December: 25, 77°F
Average rainfall in December: 103mm, 4.1in
Events: December’s main events in Mozambique include Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Christmas tends to be a religious affair, in typical colonial Portuguese fashion. 
Note: November and December are not be best time to visit Northern Mozambique as you can still get some rain. 

Comments

I have been to Northern

I have been to Northern Mozambique a couple of times. Most recently we went over Christmas 2011 and although warm the weather was awful - real torrential rain, which also brought out the insects - thousands of them! I have been before over New Year and the weather was perfect every day so I think we were a bit unlucky, but if this is a once in a lifetime holiday bear in mind that Christmas may not be the perfect time to visit Northern Mozambique. The climate is most reliable in mid-winter (June, July, August) when you are pretty much guaranteed great weather. Mozambique is a long country and I think this info may only apply to the top of the country.