Fall in Maputo feels like a welcome break from the humid summer rains. You’ll get mild temperatures, lower humidity, and less rain, so it’s honestly one of the nicest times to explore the city.
The weather stays warm enough for outdoor fun, but you won’t have to worry much about those heavy downpours that hit earlier in the year.
As the season settles in, you’ll notice lots of sunshine during the day and cooler evenings. The skies clear up compared to the wetter months, giving you more chances to enjoy the coast, markets, and cultural spots without constant rain interruptions.
If you’re curious about what makes Maputo’s fall climate stand out, just look at how it bridges the gap between the hot, wet summer and the cooler, drier winter. Warmth, light breezes, and moderate rainfall really set the tone, making it perfect for both comfort and getting out to explore.
Overview of Maputo’s Fall Climate
Temperatures cool down steadily in Maputo during fall. Rainfall drops off fast, and the skies get clearer.
The season shifts from humid, wet conditions to drier, more comfortable weather—pretty typical for a savanna climate.
Fall Months in Maputo
Fall in Maputo runs from March through May. Early March brings daily highs around 83°F (28°C), but by late May, you’ll see them dip to about 76°F (24°C).
At night, temperatures drop even more—from roughly 73°F (23°C) at the start to about 63°F (17°C) by the end.
Rainfall drops quickly too. March might still bring some wet days, but by May, rain is rare, with averages near 0.6 inches (15 mm) for the month.
Cloud cover fades as well. In March, skies stay cloudy about 23% of the time, but by May, that’s down to just 9%, so you get more clear, sunny days.
Daylight hours start to shrink. Early March offers over 12 hours of daylight, but by late May, it’s closer to 10.5 hours. That’s something to keep in mind when planning your days.
Savanna Climate Characteristics
Maputo falls under a tropical savanna climate (Aw), so you get two main seasons: a wet, humid summer and a cooler, dry winter. Fall sits right in the middle, acting as a transition.
Humidity drops quickly during fall. Early March still feels muggy most days, but by May, the chance of muggy weather falls to about 12%. It’s a big relief if you like being outdoors.
Winds change direction too. In March, breezes mostly come from the east, but by late May, they shift more southerly. Speeds average around 9–10 mph, which helps cool things down.
The Mozambique Channel water cools as well, falling from about 81°F (27°C) in March to 74°F (23°C) in May. You can still swim, but you’ll notice the difference.
This mix of dropping temperatures, less rain, and lower humidity really defines Maputo’s fall. It creates a comfortable, reliable climate compared to the soggier summer months.
Average Fall Temperatures
You’ll spot a steady cooling trend during fall in Maputo. Both daytime highs and nighttime lows fall, and the air feels less humid and more comfortable than in summer.
Daytime Temperature Trends
Daytime temperatures usually start around 83°F (28°C) in early March and drop to about 76°F (24°C) by late May. Afternoons stay warm, but not overwhelmingly so.
You rarely see highs below 71°F (22°C) or above 89°F (32°C). May often feels the best, with less intense heat and clearer skies.
Compared to summer’s peak, fall feels noticeably milder. Walking along the coast or exploring the city becomes way more enjoyable without the heavy humidity.
The daytime climate stays warm and stable, so you can count on good weather for sightseeing and outdoor plans.
Night Temperature Changes
At night, things cool off faster. Early in fall, expect lows near 73°F (23°C), but by season’s end, you’ll see about 63°F (17°C).
It’s rare for nights to dip below 59°F (15°C), so you probably won’t need heavy jackets. Still, late fall nights can feel a lot cooler, especially with lower humidity.
You’ll notice fewer muggy nights as fall goes on. Early evenings might still feel humid, but by May, the air is drier and it’s much more comfortable to sleep or hang out outside.
This cooling trend gives you everything from warm evenings to cool, fresh nights as the season moves along.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Rainfall drops sharply during fall in Maputo as the wet season wraps up. You’ll see a steady decline in total monthly precipitation and rainy days, making this time of year drier and way more predictable.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall starts off moderate in March and falls to almost nothing by May. Early in the season, expect about 80–85 mm of rain. By April, it drops to 40 mm, and in May, you’ll see just 20 mm or so.
This fast decline means Maputo goes from humid and damp to pretty dry in just a few weeks. Showers become lighter and less frequent, rarely turning into heavy storms.
Here’s a quick rundown:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| March | ~80–85 mm |
| April | ~40 mm |
| May | ~20 mm |
By the end of May, rain is barely a blip on the radar, and the dry season really sets in.
Number of Rainy Days
Rainy days drop right alongside rainfall. In March, you’ll usually get 7 to 8. April brings about 5, and May only sees 2 to 3 days with measurable rain.
Showers don’t last long either. Instead of those long, soaking rains, you get quick bursts that clear up fast.
Travelers get more reliable weather for walking tours, day trips, or beach visits. For locals, the reduced rain means the dry season is coming, so water use and irrigation start to matter more.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity in Maputo changes with the seasons and really affects how comfortable it feels outside. Levels stay pretty high all year, but some months definitely feel muggier than others.
Relative Humidity Variations
Relative humidity usually sits between 71% and 77%. The air always holds a lot of moisture, but how damp it feels depends on temperature and wind.
Fall brings some relief after the wet season. The air feels lighter, and you won’t get that sticky, summer feeling as much. Still, it’s not as dry as some places—just more comfortable.
Winds from the Indian Ocean keep humidity from dropping too low. Cooler nights help too, making evenings feel more comfortable even if the numbers are still high.
Humidity Levels by Month
Humidity shifts a bit each month in fall. Here’s how it looks:
| Month | Average Relative Humidity |
|---|---|
| March | ~77% |
| April | ~75% |
| May | ~73% |
| June | ~71% |
March tops the charts, so afternoons can feel muggy. By April, things ease up, and outdoor activities feel nicer.
May and June are the driest months. You’ll get clearer skies and more comfortable evenings, which is why a lot of people prefer to travel then.
Sunshine and Daylight in Fall
Sunshine and daylight hours change quite a bit from March to May in Maputo. Days get brighter in April, but by May, daylight hours shrink as winter approaches.
Average Sunshine Hours
Maputo’s fall brings a gradual shift in sunshine hours. March has about 7.5 to 8 hours per day. April gets a bit sunnier with clearer skies, and May averages around 8 hours too.
Clouds thin out from March to May, so afternoons feel a lot sunnier. Early fall might still feel humid, but by April and May, the drier air makes the sunshine way more pleasant.
If you’re planning to spend time outdoors, April and May are your best bet. Fewer clouds and steady sunshine mean you can count on bright days.
Daylight Duration
Maputo’s spot in the Southern Hemisphere means daylight hours shift through the fall. March gives you about 12 hours of daylight—pretty much even day and night. By April, it drops to 11.5 hours, and May brings it down to around 11 hours.
Evenings arrive a little earlier as the season goes on. If you love sightseeing or outdoor trips, you might want to start your days earlier by late May.
The change isn’t sudden, but the shorter days and moderate sunshine create a calmer rhythm than summer’s long, hot days.
How Fall Weather Compares to Other Seasons
Fall in Maputo brings cooler temperatures, less rain, and clearer skies than the wetter summer months. It’s also warmer and sunnier than the brief winter, making it a comfortable time for outdoor activities.
Transition from Winter to Spring
Winter in Maputo stays mild, with daytime highs between 70–74°F (21–23°C) and not much rain. Nights cool off, but frost doesn’t happen here.
Fall brings slightly higher temperatures, with daytime averages from 76–83°F (24–28°C).
Humidity changes too. Winter air feels pretty dry, while fall starts off muggy but dries out as the months go by. Rainfall is scarce in both seasons, but in fall, it drops from about 3.3 inches in early March to 0.6 inches by late May.
Skies clear up noticeably in fall. Cloud cover drops, so you’ll enjoy more sunshine than in winter, when overcast days pop up now and then. Days also get shorter by almost two hours from early March to late May, which is a bigger shift than you’ll notice during winter.
Comparison with Summer Conditions
Summer in Maputo gets hot, sticky, and pretty wet. Daytime highs usually hit 84–89°F (29–32°C). Nights don’t cool off much, often staying around 73–77°F (23–25°C).
January brings the most rain, and storms can roll in often. There’s about a 40% chance of wet days during this time, so you’ll probably need an umbrella.
Fall shows up and everything changes. Temperatures drop, and the air feels much drier. The chance of rain slips from 33% in March to just 8% by late May.
People find it way more comfortable for walking, sightseeing, or grabbing a meal outside.
The ocean cools down too, going from 81°F (27°C) early in the season to about 74°F (23°C) by the end of May.
Winds shift as well. They start blowing from the east at the beginning of fall, then swing south later on. You’ll probably notice the difference if you’re hanging out by the bay.