Fall in Maputo feels like a relief after the hot, sticky summer. Temperatures drop into more comfortable ranges, and rainfall tapers off, so getting outside becomes a lot easier.
You’ll notice warm days, cooler nights, and humidity that’s much lower than the peak of summer.
During fall, the climate sits right between the tail end of the wet period and the arrival of the dry winter. Highs stay pleasantly warm, never really overwhelming, and evenings cool down just enough to feel refreshing.
Rain showers don’t show up as often, so you get more chances to enjoy the city and its coastline without the constant threat of getting soaked.
If you’re thinking about exploring Maputo in fall, you’ll find a climate that really supports sightseeing and laid-back afternoons. The moderate temperatures, lighter rainfall, and steady daylight make it a reliable season for travel.
Whether you’re after cultural landmarks or just some time by the water, fall gives you a good shot at both.
Overview of Maputo’s Fall Climate
Maputo’s fall climate feels like a classic tropical savanna, with steadily cooling temperatures, less rain, and clearer skies. You’ll notice shorter days, lower humidity, and calmer weather compared to the muggy summer.
Savanna Climate Characteristics
Maputo sits in a tropical savanna climate (Aw), which means it stays warm all year but has obvious wet and dry seasons. In fall, you move into the drier stretch of the year.
Average highs drop from about 83°F (28°C) in early March to 76°F (24°C) by late May. Nights cool off too, from around 73°F (23°C) to 63°F (17°C).
These changes mean evenings feel a lot more comfortable than they do in summer.
Rainfall falls off sharply in fall. Early March might still bring about 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain over a month, but by late May, you’re looking at less than 1 inch (25 mm).
Humidity drops too—muggy days are common in early fall but pretty rare by the end.
The Indian Ocean nearby keeps temperatures from swinging too wildly, though the water cools from about 81°F (27°C) to 74°F (23°C).
If you swim or hang out by the coast, you’ll probably notice the difference.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Skies clear up as fall goes on. Cloud cover drops from around 23% of days being mostly cloudy in March to just 9% by May.
By the end of fall, most days are sunny or at least partly cloudy.
Daylight hours get shorter—almost two hours less from March to May.
Sunrise shifts from about 5:43 AM in early March to 6:28 AM in late May, and sunset moves earlier too, from 6:19 PM down to 5:06 PM.
Winds change up as well. March breezes usually blow in from the east, but by April and May, they come more from the south.
Wind speeds average around 9–10 mph. Early fall feels a bit breezier than late fall.
Humidity drops fast. At the start of fall, most days feel muggy, but by May, only about 12% of days get that sticky.
Late fall really feels like the best time to be outdoors.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Fall acts as the bridge between hot, rainy summer and cool, dry winter.
Summer days can reach 84°F (29°C), with high humidity and regular afternoon rain. Fall cools things off and brings steadier weather.
Winter is cooler and drier than fall.
From June to August, highs average closer to 74°F (23°C), and rainfall is at its lowest. Fall still has a few early showers, but they fade pretty quickly.
Spring and fall feel like opposites.
Spring brings back the heat and humidity, while fall steadily dials both down. That’s why fall ends up being one of the most comfortable times of year.
For visitors, fall means mild temperatures, less rain, and clearer skies.
It’s just easier to plan outings without worrying about sudden storms or chilly nights.
Temperature Trends During Fall
Temperatures in Maputo during fall start off warm and humid, then shift to cooler and drier by the end.
Both day and night temps drop steadily, and the most comfortable weather usually shows up in late May.
Average Daytime Temperatures
Daytime highs in Maputo drop as the season rolls on.
Early fall brings average highs around 83°F (28°C), but by the end, they’re down to about 76°F (24°C).
Afternoons feel warm in March, but more mild by late May.
It’s rare for temperatures to go above 89°F (32°C), so you don’t really have to worry about extreme heat.
The cooling trend makes being outside a lot more pleasant, especially later in fall.
Travelers get a nice mix of warmth and lower humidity, which makes sightseeing and walking tours easier.
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average High (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| March | 83°F | 28°C |
| April | 79–80°F | 26–27°C |
| May | 76°F | 24°C |
Nighttime Temperature Changes
Nights get cooler through fall.
In early March, average lows are close to 73°F (23°C), but by late May, they drop to around 63°F (17°C).
That’s a 10-degree swing, so evenings and mornings feel much fresher.
Nights don’t usually fall below 59°F (15°C), so it never feels cold, but you might want a light sweater or jacket by late fall.
Humidity drops too, cutting down on that muggy feeling from earlier in the year.
Sleeping gets easier without needing heavy cooling. If you’re near the coast, the ocean breeze can make nights feel even cooler.
Temperature Variation by Month
The fall months show a clear, steady transition.
- March: Warmest, with highs around 83°F (28°C) and lows near 73°F (23°C).
- April: Temperatures moderate, highs near 79–80°F (26–27°C), lows around 68°F (20°C).
- May: Coolest, with highs about 76°F (24°C) and lows close to 63°F (17°C).
This drop from March to May signals winter’s approach.
You’ll notice the biggest cooling between April and May, both day and night. Keeping an eye on this helps if you’re planning outdoor stuff or packing clothes for changing conditions.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Maputo’s fall months bring a steady drop in rainfall compared to the peak wet season.
You’ll notice both less rain and fewer rainy days as the city heads for its dry stretch.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall drops a lot during fall.
March often brings higher totals, close to 100–120 mm, since it follows the rainy season peak. April drops to around 60–80 mm, and May usually dips below 40 mm.
This steady decline marks the end of the wet season.
May feels much drier, with lighter, less frequent rain. Less rain means fewer puddles and almost no heavy downpours compared to earlier in the year.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| March | ~100–120 |
| April | ~60–80 |
| May | ~20–40 |
These averages show just how much drier it gets as fall moves along.
Number of Rainy Days
Rainy days follow the same downward trend as total rainfall.
March still brings 8–10 days with measurable rain. April usually sees 5–6 days, and May drops to about 2–3 days.
Rain comes in quick bursts, not long storms.
This makes fall a better season if you want to be outside without rain messing up your plans.
Shorter rain spells also mean less humidity and more sunshine.
By late April and May, clearer skies feel almost like the norm.
Transition From Wet to Dry Season
Fall in Maputo clearly marks the shift from wet to dry.
March still feels the effects of summer rains, but by April, things start to settle. Showers lose their punch, and May often feels much drier.
This shift matters if you’re traveling.
Roads and rural areas that might be muddy in March usually dry out by May, and the lower rainfall cuts down the risk of flooding, which sometimes hits earlier in the year.
By late fall, the dry season is in full swing, setting up for the cooler, clearer winter months.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity in Maputo drops as fall goes on, and you’ll notice the difference between early and late season.
Comfort levels improve as the city moves from the last of the wet months into the cooler, drier stretch.
Relative Humidity Trends
Maputo’s relative humidity usually sits between 71% and 77% during the year.
In fall, it lands closer to the middle. March often peaks near 77%, while May drops to about 72–73%.
This slow decline means the air feels lighter as the season goes on.
You might still get some muggy days early, especially if rain lingers, but by late fall, things feel much more comfortable.
Humidity changes how temperatures feel.
A day at 27°C with 75% humidity can feel a lot warmer than the same temp with only 70% humidity. If you’re planning to be outside, even small drops in humidity can really help.
Humidity Variation Throughout Fall
The shift from March through May is steady, not dramatic.
March still feels like part of the wet season, so you get higher humidity and more rain. April is the turning point, with humidity easing as rain drops off.
By May, the dry season takes over.
Humidity hits its lowest for fall, usually around 71–72%. Nights cool down, mornings don’t feel sticky, and it’s just a nicer time for walking or exploring.
To sum it up:
- March: Higher humidity, muggy days still common.
- April: Humidity drops, air gets more comfortable.
- May: Lowest humidity, drier, and great for outdoor plans.
This steady shift helps you plan, especially if you’re not a fan of sticky weather.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Fall in Maputo brings a steady shift in sunshine and daylight.
The pattern gradually moves from the brighter winter months toward the longer, cloudier days of late spring. You’ll notice changes in how much direct sun you get and how long the sky stays light.
Average Daily Sunshine
In September, you get about 7 hours and 36 minutes of sunshine each day.
That’s less than the clear winter months, but still gives you a decent stretch of bright daylight.
By October, sunshine dips to around 6 hours and 46 minutes daily, as cloud cover starts to build.
November sees the lowest fall average with 6 hours and 36 minutes of sunshine per day. Humidity rises and rain picks up, so there’s less direct sun.
Here’s a quick look at the numbers:
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours/Day | % of Daylight Sunny |
|---|---|---|
| September | 7h 36m | 64% |
| October | 6h 46m | 54% |
| November | 6h 36m | 50% |
You’ll notice skies get cloudier as fall goes on, especially compared to the dry months earlier in the year.
Daylight Duration in Fall
Daylight in Maputo actually gets longer through the fall, since the Southern Hemisphere heads toward summer. In September, you get about 11 hours and 59 minutes of daylight.
By October, the days stretch out to roughly 12 hours and 45 minutes.
November tops things off with the longest fall days—about 13 hours and 24 minutes of daylight.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Avg. Daylight Duration |
|---|---|
| September | 11h 59m |
| October | 12h 45m |
| November | 13h 24m |
You’ll notice longer days, but the weather starts to shift. More clouds roll in, and the sun feels a bit less direct. That’s just part of moving from the dry season to a wetter, stickier summer.
Travel Tips for Visiting Maputo in Fall
Maputo’s fall brings warm days, cooler nights, and mostly dry weather. These changes affect what you’ll want to do outside and what you should pack.
Best Activities for Fall Weather
During fall, Maputo usually sees daytime highs around 27–29°C (81–84°F). Nights cool off to about 17–19°C (63–66°F).
Skies tend to stay pretty clear, so it’s a solid time for outdoor exploration.
You can wander through the city’s markets, like the Mercado Central, without sweating through heavy summer humidity. Cooler evenings make outdoor dining by the waterfront way more pleasant.
If you love the ocean, October’s calm seas offer great diving and snorkeling, especially near the islands.
Wildlife fans might catch whale migration along Mozambique’s coast—boat tours often spot them this time of year.
National parks near Maputo, such as Maputo Special Reserve, become easier to reach since drier roads make for smoother trips. You’ll find animals gathering near water, making wildlife viewing more reliable.
Packing Recommendations
Get ready for warm days, but don’t forget that nights can cool off quickly. I’d go for light, breathable clothes during the day, and toss a light jacket or sweater in your bag for the evenings.
You’ll want comfortable walking shoes—Maputo’s streets and markets are best explored on foot. Planning a trip to the coast or maybe the islands? Be sure to pack swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, and your own snorkeling gear if you’re picky about what you use.
Mosquitoes might still bug you, so bring some insect repellent. Long sleeves at night can help too. A hat and sunglasses will save you from the midday sun, which honestly still feels pretty intense in the fall.
Heading out to reserves or rural spots? Take a reusable water bottle and a small daypack. They really make longer outings in Maputo’s warm, manageable fall weather a lot more comfortable.