Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, stays warm all year, but each season brings its own vibe. Humidity, rain, and temperature changes can really shape your experience, whether you’re haggling at markets or just soaking up the Indian Ocean breeze. You’ll find the most comfortable weather from May to November, when things cool down, the air feels drier, and the skies usually stay clear.
During these months, you get pleasant days for wandering through museums or markets, and the evenings cool off enough for a walk along the water. With rain at a minimum, it’s just simpler to get around and enjoy being outside.
If you visit between December and March, you’ll run into the wet season. Humidity jumps, and heavy rains can sometimes put a damper on plans, even though the city looks extra lush and green.
Understanding how Maputo’s seasons work helps you pick the right time for your trip. Maybe you want lazy days at the beach, or you’re more into the city’s history and neighborhoods—timing your visit makes all the difference.
Overview of Maputo’s Climate
Maputo stays warm year-round, but you’ll notice distinct wet and dry stretches. Rain, temperatures, and humidity all shift depending on the season, and that’s what really shapes your options for sightseeing or heading outdoors.
Climate Classification
Maputo sits in a tropical savanna climate. You’ll get a clear wet season and a pretty defined dry season. The wet months, usually November to March, bring more rain, higher humidity, and warmer nights. From April to October, things cool off, humidity drops, and you’ll barely see rain.
Rain doesn’t fall evenly through the year. January averages about 120–130 mm, but August barely gets 20 mm. It’s a real contrast—lush and sticky for a few months, then breezy and dry for the rest.
Maputo’s spot on the Indian Ocean brings regular sea breezes. These breezes help take the edge off the heat, especially in summer, but humidity still hangs around when it’s wet.
Temperature Patterns Throughout the Year
Maputo’s temperatures don’t swing wildly, but you’ll feel a difference between summer and winter. Daytime highs go from about 25°C in July up to 30–31°C in January and February. Nights dip to around 17°C in winter and hover near 24°C when it’s hottest.
You won’t face extremes here. The biggest change is just how comfortable the air feels depending on the month. May through September usually feel the nicest for walking around and being outside.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Avg. High (°C) | Avg. Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30–31 | 23–24 | 120–130 |
| Jul | 25 | 17 | ~20 |
| Sep | 27 | 18–19 | 35–40 |
Maputo’s steady warmth is a big draw, but the drier months just make outdoor plans easier.
Humidity and Sunshine Hours
Humidity in Maputo stays on the higher side, but it does shift a bit. March usually feels the stickiest, around 77%, while August drops to about 71%. Even when it’s drier, you’ll still notice some humidity.
Sunshine makes a difference too. July is the sunniest, averaging 8.5 hours a day. November drops to 6.5–7 hours. These changes affect how long you can be out exploring or enjoying the coast.
During the wet months, clouds and rain cut down on sun, but you’ll still get several hours of daylight. In the dry season, clear skies and longer sunny stretches make it perfect for sightseeing, walking, or quick trips outside the city.
Seasonal Weather Patterns in Maputo
Maputo’s subtropical climate splits into two main seasons. It’s always warm, but rain and humidity can swing a lot from one part of the year to another.
Dry Season: April to November
If you visit during the dry months, you’ll get mild temperatures, barely any rain, and loads of sunshine. Highs usually sit between 24°C and 28°C, and nights can cool down to 13–16°C in June and July.
Rain almost disappears, sometimes as low as 15–30 mm a month in the heart of winter. That makes things like city tours and outdoor adventures way more comfortable. Humidity drops, and you’ll usually see clear skies with 7–8.5 hours of sun every day.
The sea cools off from June to September—think 22–23°C—but honestly, it’s still fine for a swim if you don’t mind a little chill. Winds pick up a bit in winter, but nothing wild.
Most people agree this is the best time to visit Maputo. You get steady weather, and there’s almost no risk of big storms or cyclones.
Wet Season: December to March
The wet season hits with higher humidity, more showers, and hotter days. Highs reach 30–31°C, and nights don’t cool off much—22–23°C is typical.
Rain comes down hard, especially in January, when totals can top 170 mm. Showers are often quick and heavy, so you’ll still get clear spells. You’ll see about 7 hours of sun a day, but it feels muggy.
The ocean gets warmer, up to 26–27.5°C, so swimming is great. Still, this is when tropical storms and cyclones can roll through and sometimes mess with travel.
If you’re heading here in these months, keep your plans flexible and have some indoor options in mind. The upside? Everything looks super green, but the weather’s a bit unpredictable.
Best Time to Visit Maputo for Ideal Weather
Maputo’s tropical climate means warm temps all year, but the dry season just feels better. You get clear skies, less humidity, and mild days—perfect for wandering, eating outside, or heading to the beach.
Optimal Months for Pleasant Conditions
If you want the best weather, aim for May through September. During these months, daytime temperatures usually hover between 25°C and 27°C (77°F to 81°F), and nights cool off to 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F). Sometimes you’ll see less than 20 mm of rain all month.
This matches up with Mozambique’s winter, which is actually pretty mild and dry. Expect long sunny days, fewer mosquitoes, and easy conditions for walking around. Lower humidity makes city exploring and day trips much nicer.
If you’d rather skip the heavy rain and sticky heat, the middle of the year pretty much always gives you the best balance for comfort and reliability.
Weather Considerations for Outdoor Activities
Dry season weather makes all kinds of activities possible. You can stroll through Maputo’s markets without worrying about sudden storms, and sea breezes help keep afternoons pleasant.
Outdoor highlights include:
- Visiting Maputo National Park for wildlife
- Checking out the city’s old architecture
- Eating at seaside restaurants and cafes
- Day trips to nearby beaches
Rain is rare from June to August, and you’ll usually see clear skies. That makes planning outdoor fun a lot easier. Evenings can get cool, so bring a light jacket or sweater, just in case.
If you’re planning to swim or hang out by the coast, water temps stay warm all year—even in the cooler months.
Traveling During Off-Peak Months
The wet season runs from November to March. Temperatures climb to about 29°C to 30°C (84°F to 86°F), and humidity ramps up. Rain gets heavier, with February and March seeing the most frequent showers.
There are upsides and downsides to coming now. Hotels might cost less and there’s fewer tourists, but rain can mess with road conditions or outdoor plans.
January and February often bring tropical storms, which sometimes delay travel. April and October are in-between months—expect some rain and warmer days, but it’s not as intense as peak wet or dry season.
Monthly Breakdown: Temperature and Rainfall
Maputo’s subtropical climate brings clear seasonal changes. Summers are hot and rainy, while winters cool off and dry out. Temperatures and rain patterns shift gradually through the year.
Month-by-Month Weather Overview
Maputo stays warm, but you’ll notice the range. January to March are hottest, with highs around 30–31°C and sticky nights near 22–23°C.
April and May bring milder weather, highs between 27–29°C, and nights cool off to 17–20°C. June to August are the coolest—July averages 19.7°C overall, with lows near 13–14°C.
By September to November, things heat up again, with highs near 28–29°C, before December brings back the summer warmth.
| Month | Avg Low (°C) | Avg High (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 22.8 | 31.1 |
| Jul | 13.6 | 25.8 |
| Dec | 22.1 | 30.7 |
Rainfall and Humidity Trends
Rain in Maputo really depends on the season. January to March are the wettest, with totals between 105–170 mm over 7–8 days. Humidity hangs around 73%, so the heat feels heavier.
From April to September, rain drops off fast. June, July, and August usually get just 15–20 mm each month, and it might only rain on two days. Humidity also dips, making it much nicer to be outside.
In October and November, rain starts picking up again—55–80 mm a month. December signals the return of the muggy, stormy summer.
| Month | Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 170 | 8 |
| Aug | 15 | 2 |
| Nov | 80 | 8 |
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
Daylight and sunshine don’t swing as much as in some places, but you’ll notice a difference. In summer (Dec–Feb), days last about 13 hours and you get 7–7.5 hours of sunshine.
Winter (Jun–Aug) days are shorter—about 10.5–11 hours—but the skies clear up. You’ll see 8–8.5 hours of sun, making it the brightest stretch despite cooler temps.
By spring (Sep–Nov), daylight stretches back to around 12 hours, though it gets cloudier. Sunshine dips a bit to 6.5–7.5 hours a day, especially in November when the rains return.
| Month | Avg Sun Hours/Day | Day Length |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7 | 13h 30m |
| Jul | 8.5 | 10h 40m |
| Nov | 6.5 | 13h 0m |
Impact of Weather on Maputo Travel Experiences
Weather really shapes your time in Maputo. It changes how comfortable outdoor adventures feel, affects when local events happen, and even tweaks the conditions for exploring the natural areas around the city.
Beach and Outdoor Activities
Maputo’s coastline gives you warm waters and wide beaches. The season you travel in really changes the whole vibe.
During the dry months, from May to October, you’ll notice clear skies and lower humidity. Daytime temperatures usually hang between 19°C and 28°C.
It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or just wandering along Costa do Sol or Ponta do Ouro.
When the wet season rolls in from December to March, heavy showers can crash your beach plans.
Rain falls in quick bursts, so you might still catch a few hours outside, but the humidity makes it tough to stay out for long.
The ocean stays warm, though, and mornings often work well for water activities—at least before those afternoon storms show up.
If you’re into outdoor cafés, open-air markets, or walking tours, the dry season treats you better.
You can stay outside longer and not stress about sudden rain or stifling heat.
Festivals and Cultural Events
Maputo hosts a bunch of cultural events, but they really depend on good weather.
The dry season brings street festivals, outdoor concerts, and public celebrations, since the weather’s more reliable.
Independence Day in late June comes with parades and open-air performances, and honestly, they’re way more fun under clear skies.
In the wet season, some events move indoors, but rain can delay or even cancel outdoor gatherings.
High humidity also makes packed spaces feel a bit stuffy.
If you want to catch music festivals, art fairs, or community parties out in the streets, you’ll find the cooler months way more comfortable.
The wet season does bring fewer tourists, though.
If you prefer smaller crowds at places like the National Art Museum or local theaters, this time of year might actually be a win—weather challenges aside.
Wildlife and Nature Excursions
Outside the city, weather shapes nature-based travel.
The dry season is best for game drives in nearby reserves like Maputo Special Reserve.
Animals gather around water sources, so you’ll spot them more easily.
Roads are also in better shape, since rains aren’t washing them out.
During the wet season, vegetation thickens up and wildlife gets harder to see.
Some dirt tracks turn muddy and tough to manage.
Still, the landscape goes bright green, and birdwatching gets better with all the migratory species around.
If you’re planning day trips or longer adventures into nature, think about what matters most: easier travel or lush scenery.
Dry months offer smoother travel, while wet months show off Maputo’s green side but might slow you down.
Travel Tips for Visiting Maputo by Season
Maputo’s climate shifts between a dry winter and a humid summer.
Your trip goes a lot smoother if you plan for these ups and downs.
What you pack, how you handle health precautions, and even where you stay can change depending on the season.
What to Pack for Each Season
During the dry season (April–November), daytime temperatures stay mild, usually between 19–29°C.
Bring light clothing—short sleeves and breathable fabrics work best.
You’ll want a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, especially in June and July.
Comfortable walking shoes are handy for exploring markets, museums, and the waterfront.
In the wet season (December–March), humidity rises and sudden showers happen a lot.
Pack quick-dry clothing, an umbrella, and a light rain jacket.
Sandals or waterproof shoes make wet streets way less annoying.
Don’t forget mosquito repellent—it’s important all year, but even more so now.
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are must-haves in both seasons.
Maputo’s sun doesn’t really take a break.
Health and Safety Considerations
Mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria exist in Mozambique.
Talk to your doctor about preventive meds before you go.
Use insect repellent with DEET, wear long sleeves in the evenings, and sleep under treated nets if you can.
The wet season sometimes brings heavy rains, which make roads slippery and can cause flooding.
Give yourself extra travel time and skip walking through standing water.
In the dry season, dust levels can spike and bother anyone with allergies or sensitive lungs.
You can’t always trust tap water for drinking.
Stick to bottled or filtered water, and skip ice from places you don’t know.
It’s smart to carry a small first-aid kit—just the basics like bandages, painkillers, and oral rehydration salts.
Budget and Accommodation Insights
Maputo’s peak travel season usually falls during the dry months, especially from June to October. Hotels and guesthouses often bump up their prices around then, and spots near the coast or city center fill up fast. If you book early, you’ll probably have more options and snag better deals.
During the wet season, you won’t see as many tourists around. You might come across discounts on places to stay and tours, but the rain sometimes gets in the way of outdoor plans. Still, if you like quieter streets and don’t mind a little weather, this season can save you some cash.
You’ll find plenty of guesthouses, mid-range hotels, and serviced apartments. Most of them offer air-conditioning, which honestly feels like a lifesaver in the humid months. If you’re watching your budget, try staying just outside the city center, where prices drop but you can still reach Maputo’s main attractions without much trouble.