Fall in Pemba, Mozambique really changes the pace of life and travel. You’ll usually see warm temperatures in the low 80s°F during the day, with nights cooling off and rainfall dropping steadily as weeks go by. It’s honestly one of the best times to be on the coast, since you don’t have to deal with the heavy rains that soak the earlier months.
Skies start clearing fast from March through May. Overcast days give way to more sunshine, and the air dries out a bit as winds pick up. The Indian Ocean stays warm enough for swimming and diving. All these shifts create a sweet spot between tropical heat and more stable, comfortable weather, making outdoor plans much easier.
As fall rolls on, daylight shrinks little by little, but you still get plenty of time to wander the beaches, markets, or hop over to nearby islands. The seas calm down, rainy days get rare, and you get a practical, pleasant window for both relaxation and adventure in northern Mozambique.
Overview of Fall Weather in Pemba
Fall in Pemba marks a move from the wetter months to a drier, sunnier stretch. You’ll feel steady warmth, less rain, and clearer skies, with humidity and cloud cover slowly fading. This marks a clear transition in the region’s tropical savanna climate.
Defining Fall in the Local Context
Locally, fall runs from March through May, lining up with the Southern Hemisphere’s seasons. This comes right after the heavy January and February rains and leads into a cooler, drier winter.
You won’t see leaves changing or big drops in temperature like in temperate places. Instead, fall here means less rain, lower humidity, and shorter days. The savanna climate keeps things warm, but the air gradually feels less muggy as the weeks pass.
Daylight shrinks a bit, losing almost an hour from early March to late May. Sunrise moves from about 5:19 a.m. in early March to around 5:33 a.m. by late May. Sunset comes earlier too, shifting from about 5:40 p.m. to just before 5:00 p.m.
If you’re planning a trip or outdoor activities, this seasonal structure matters. Fall gives you more dry days than the soggy summer, making it easier to roam the coast or check out the islands.
Key Fall Weather Characteristics
Temperatures stay warm in fall, with highs around 29 °C (83 °F) and lows between 23–26 °C (73–79 °F). It’s rare for temps to drop below 21 °C or go above 30 °C.
Rainfall drops off fast. In early March, you might get about 198 mm of rain in a 31‑day stretch, but by late May, it’s down to around 18 mm. The odds of a rainy day fall from nearly 60% in March to under 10% by the end of the season.
Clouds clear out too. Early on, skies are mostly cloudy about 80% of the time, but by late May, most days are clear or just partly cloudy.
Winds pick up a bit, going from about 13 km/h in March to 20 km/h in May. The Indian Ocean keeps its warmth, with water temps dropping just from 29 °C in March to 27 °C in May, so swimming and diving stay comfortable.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall is much drier and less humid. Summer means heavy rain, lots of clouds, and sticky air, while fall comes with clearer skies and way less precipitation.
Winter that follows cools things down and brings more wind. Highs in July drop to about 27 °C, and nights feel noticeably cooler than in fall. Rain almost disappears in winter, making it the driest stretch of the year.
Spring, from September to November, brings rising temps and humidity. Rain picks up again, leading into the super wet months of January and February.
Fall really works as a transition. You still get warm days and ocean-friendly conditions, but with fewer storms and less of that heavy humidity that summer brings.
Temperature Trends During Fall
In Pemba, fall temperatures stay warm and pretty steady, thanks to its tropical savanna climate. You’ll notice mild shifts between day and night, with a gentle cooling as the season moves along.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime highs in fall usually sit around 83°F (28°C). It’s rare for highs to dip below 81°F (27°C) or go above 86°F (30°C). That kind of consistency makes it easy to plan outdoor stuff without worrying about heat waves.
Nights cool down a bit. Lows typically range from 78°F (25°C) at the start of fall to about 73°F (23°C) by the end. Nights feel warm, not stifling, and you probably won’t need anything heavier than a light layer.
The small difference between day and night temps comes from the Indian Ocean’s influence. This keeps things stable and avoids the big swings you’d get inland.
Monthly Temperature Fluctuations
From March to May, you’ll see a slow, steady drop in both daytime and nighttime averages. In early March, highs hover near 85°F (29°C), with lows close to 78°F (25°C). By late May, highs settle at 81–82°F (27–28°C), and lows drop to about 73°F (23°C).
It’s a gradual change, never sudden. You won’t see wild jumps from week to week. The cooling trend just unfolds gently as weeks tick by.
Packing light works all fall. A short-sleeve shirt is fine for the day, and maybe a light layer for evenings by late May.
Temperature Extremes in Fall
Extreme heat doesn’t really show up in Pemba’s fall. The hottest days rarely top 86°F (30°C), and when they do, the coastal breeze usually helps.
On the cool side, lows almost never dip below 71°F (22°C). So, you won’t get cold nights, even at the tail end of the season.
For comparison, November is usually the hottest month, with highs up to 88°F (31°C). July is the coolest, with lows around 71°F (22°C). Fall lands right in the middle, offering steady, predictable warmth.
Rainfall and Humidity Patterns
In Pemba, Mozambique, fall marks a sharp turn as the heavy summer rains fade out. Rainfall drops quickly, skies clear, and humidity starts easing off, though it can still feel muggy, especially early in the season.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in fall drops from high levels in March to very low by late May. Early on, you’ll see 7–8 inches (about 200 mm) of rain in a typical 31‑day stretch. By late May, totals often dip below 1 inch (25 mm).
That’s a huge change. March stays pretty wet, but by May, rain becomes rare. The number of rainy days goes from more than half the month in March to just a handful by season’s end.
March is wetter and less reliable for outdoor stuff, while May is much drier and better for travel.
Transition from Wet to Dry Season
Pemba’s savanna climate draws a clear line between wet and dry. Fall is the time when this shift stands out most.
At the start of fall, the chance of a wet day sits around 60%, so rain is likely more often than not. By the end of the season, that drops to less than 10%. This quick drop signals the dry season’s arrival, which sticks around through winter.
Cloud cover thins out too. Skies go from mostly overcast in March to mostly clear by late May. This not only cuts down rain but also boosts sunshine hours, so late fall gets brighter and more predictable.
Humidity Levels and Their Impact
Humidity in Pemba stays high all year, but in fall it starts to back off a little. Early in the season, it’s almost always muggy or oppressive, with dew points above 70°F (21°C). By late May, muggy conditions still rule but drop to about 87% of the time.
High humidity makes things feel warmer, especially when paired with temps in the low to mid‑80s °F (27–30°C). Outdoor activities feel tougher in March than in May.
By the end of fall, evenings feel less sticky. The air never gets truly dry, but as humidity drops, late fall gets more comfortable for walks, sightseeing, or just hanging out by the coast.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours in Fall
During fall in Pemba, Mozambique, you get a nice mix of strong sunshine and steady daylight. The season gives you reliable daylight, even as the months inch closer to the rainy season.
Average Hours of Sunshine
In fall, Pemba gets steady sunshine, though the number of hours shifts a bit from September through November. September usually brings 8 to 9 hours of daily sunshine, so you’ve got plenty of daylight for diving or checking out the coastline.
October is the sunniest, often averaging close to 9.5 hours per day. It’s one of the brightest months, with clear skies and much less rain than the wet season.
In November, sunshine stays strong but drops a bit as humidity and rain chances pick up. You still get around 8.5 to 9 hours of sun daily, which is more than enough for daytime adventures.
Many travelers prefer fall for the reliable sun, especially if you want to skip the short, cloudy days of summer.
Changes in Daylight Duration
Daylight in Pemba during fall doesn’t swing much, since it’s close to the equator. You’ll notice only minor changes in day length from September to November.
In September, daylight lasts about 12 hours, with sunrise around 5:30–5:45 a.m. and sunset near 5:30–5:45 p.m. By October, the day stretches a bit, giving you closer to 12.5 hours.
As November comes, daylight shortens again to just under 12.5 hours. Sunrise and sunset times barely shift, so you don’t deal with wild seasonal swings.
This steady daylight makes it easy to plan your days. There’s no need to worry about early darkness or late sunsets, and both locals and visitors get predictable conditions for routines and travel.
Sea Conditions and Coastal Weather
During fall in Pemba, Mozambique, the Indian Ocean stays warm and inviting. Drier air and less rain create steadier conditions along the coast. Winds shift as the rainy season fades, affecting both sea activities and how it feels onshore.
Sea Temperature Averages
From March through May, sea temps hold steady, between 27°C (81°F) and 29°C (84°F). The water feels great for swimming, snorkeling, and diving all season long.
March usually brings the year’s warmest sea temps, close to 29°C (84°F). By May, the ocean cools a bit but stays well above average for tropical waters, so you can spend ages in the water without getting chilly.
These stable sea temps help marine life too. Coral reefs near Pemba, like those in the Quirimbas Archipelago, stay lively with fish and other critters. If you’re into water activities, visibility gets better in late April and May as rain eases and less runoff clouds the bay.
For most visitors, April and May hit the sweet spot—warm water and clearer conditions, especially compared to the cloudier, rainier start of fall in March.
Wind Patterns and Coastal Influence
Winds along the coast shift during fall as the wet season wraps up. In March, the monsoon still influences the breezes, and you’ll usually feel speeds around 12–18 km/h (7–11 mph).
By May, the wind picks up a bit, and it often feels steadier, sometimes reaching 20 km/h (12 mph).
These winds shape daily conditions in noticeable ways. Onshore breezes during the day can cool off the afternoons, while offshore winds at night bring in fresher air to the coast.
Sometimes, you’ll get stronger gusts—up to 30 km/h (18 mph). They show up now and then, but honestly, they rarely cause any trouble.
May tends to give boaters and fishers the most reliable weather, with calmer seas and not many storms. Kite surfers and sailors might actually prefer late fall, when the wind feels more consistent and the skies look clearer.
Pemba sits in a sheltered bay, so you’ll often notice the water staying calmer near shore than out on the open ocean. That makes coastal activities feel a bit more predictable and, frankly, safer.
Travel Considerations for Visiting Pemba in Fall
Fall in Pemba means warm days, less rain, and plenty of sunshine. You’ll get steady sea temperatures and great conditions for swimming, diving, and other outdoor activities.
If you plan ahead, you can really make the most of the season—even with the occasional humidity or quick shower.
Best Times for Outdoor Activities
From September through November, Pemba stays warm, with average highs between 28–30 °C (82–86 °F). Rain hardly shows up in September and October—just a few millimeters here and there.
This stretch feels like one of the driest, sunniest times of the year. Outdoor activities like snorkeling, diving, and sailing work out well, since the sea stays warm at around 25–27 °C.
Visibility in the water gets better during these dry months, which is a pretty big deal for divers checking out coral reefs.
Hiking and cultural tours are easier too, since humidity drops compared to the wet season. It still feels warm, but with less rain, your plans won’t get interrupted as much.
Early mornings and late afternoons are usually the best for longer outdoor adventures.
Packing Tips for Fall Weather
Pack lightweight, breathable clothes—think cotton shirts, shorts, and light dresses. Evenings usually stay mild, but you might want a thin sweater or long-sleeved shirt if the coastal breeze picks up.
Sun protection really matters. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat, because you’ll see about 8–9 hours of sunshine a day in September and October.
A reusable water bottle helps you stay hydrated when it’s hot.
Rain doesn’t show up much, but a small rain jacket or umbrella can come in handy, especially in November when showers pop up more often.
Comfortable sandals or walking shoes make it easier to explore both the beaches and town.
For water activities, pack reef-safe sunscreen and quick-dry swimwear. If you’re planning to dive, most operators have gear, but bringing your own mask or snorkel can make things more comfortable.
Local Events and Attractions
Fall brings the perfect chance to explore both cultural and natural highlights in Pemba. The dry weather makes trips to Quirimbas National Park a lot easier, and honestly, who doesn’t love wandering through mangroves or spotting marine life?
Pemba’s local markets buzz with activity all year, packed with seafood, spices, and handmade crafts. If you visit in fall, you can stroll through these markets without worrying about sudden downpours ruining your plans.
You can also take longer boat trips out to the nearby islands, maybe go fishing or just relax with a beach picnic. The seas tend to stay calmer, so dhow sailing trips usually go off without a hitch.
If local traditions catch your interest, you might stumble upon community gatherings or music events that show off the coastal culture of northern Mozambique. These experiences just feel more accessible when the weather stays steady.