Spring in Maputo really changes up the weather, and it definitely influences daily life and travel plans. You’ll see warm days, with average highs climbing from the upper 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, while nights hang out in the mid to upper 60s.
This mix of comfortable warmth and cooler evenings makes spring one of the nicest times to be outside.
As weeks go by, the sky gets cloudier and rain starts showing up more often, hinting that the wet season isn’t far off. Humidity creeps up too, so the air feels heavier, especially later in the season.
Daylight stretches out, which means you get more hours to wander along the coast, explore the city, or check out the scenery.
The nearby Indian Ocean really shapes how spring feels in Maputo. Sea temperatures keep rising, so the coast becomes perfect for swimming or hopping on a boat.
With all this in mind, you’ll have a good sense of Maputo’s spring climate and how to make the most of your time there.
Overview of Maputo’s Spring Climate
Spring in Maputo brings warmer temperatures, longer days, and a steady increase in humidity and rainfall. You’ll notice a real shift from the dry winter, with spring acting as a bridge toward the hot, rainy summer.
Spring Months in Maputo
Spring here runs from September through November. During these months, daily high temperatures go from about 25°C (77°F) in early September to around 27°C (81°F) by late November.
Nights warm up too, moving from roughly 18°C (64°F) to 21°C (70°F).
Rainfall picks up as spring moves along. Early September gets just about 18 mm of rain in a month, but by late November, it’s closer to 92 mm.
So, at the start of spring, it’s pretty dry, but by the end, you’ll notice wetter days.
Daylight changes fast too. In early September, you get about 11 hours and 36 minutes of daylight.
By late November, that stretches to 13 hours and 38 minutes. Sunrises happen earlier, sunsets push later, and you end up with more daylight to enjoy.
General Climate Patterns
The climate of Maputo in spring shifts quickly, with more clouds and rising humidity. September skies usually stay mostly clear, but by November, you’ll see cloudier days about 41% of the time.
This makes things feel more humid, and the crispness of winter fades away.
Humidity jumps up fast. At the start of spring, only about 14% of days feel muggy, but by late November, it’s over 70%.
You’ll definitely feel the air getting heavier, especially in the evenings.
Winds stay fairly steady, averaging 18–19 km/h. The direction changes from north in September to east by November.
The surface water temperature of the Mozambique Channel warms up too, going from about 22°C (72°F) to 25°C (77°F). That makes the coast even better for swimming as spring goes on.
Comparison to Other Seasons
When you look at spring next to other seasons, the differences are pretty obvious. Winter (June–August) is cooler and dry, with highs around 23°C (73°F) and not much rain.
Spring feels warmer and more humid, and it really marks the move away from dry weather.
Summer (December–February) gets hotter and much wetter. Highs hit 29°C (84°F), and rainfall peaks, often over 150 mm a month.
Spring gets you ready for this, with things getting wetter and stickier as summer comes closer.
Autumn (March–May) cools down a bit and rainfall drops, but it never gets as dry as winter.
Compared to autumn, spring feels like the “build-up” season, with weather patterns intensifying rather than fading out.
That makes spring a real turning point in Maputo’s weather.
Average Temperatures During Spring
Spring in Maputo means a steady climb in warmth, both day and night. Early in the season, mornings and evenings feel mild, but by late November, it’s noticeably warmer.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
During spring, daytime highs in Maputo usually sit around 77°F (25°C) in early September and reach about 81°F (27°C) by late November.
It’s rare for highs to dip below 70°F (21°C) or go above 89°F (32°C), so afternoons are warm but not overbearing.
Nighttime lows climb more sharply. Early spring evenings average around 64°F (18°C), but by late November, nights are milder at about 70°F (21°C).
You might want a light jacket in early September, but by the end of spring, evenings are comfy without extra layers.
The gap between daytime highs and nighttime lows stays pretty moderate.
You won’t get wild swings from day to night, which makes the weather pleasant and easy to plan around.
Temperature Trends from September to November
From September to November, temperatures in Maputo rise gradually as summer approaches. Daytime highs go up about 4°F (2°C), and nighttime lows rise about 7°F (4°C) through the season.
If you visit in September, it feels cooler, with mornings and evenings in the mid-60s °F (around 18°C).
By November, warmer nights and higher daytime averages give the city a more humid, tropical vibe.
The warming trend hits the Indian Ocean too, with sea temperatures moving from about 71°F (22°C) to 77°F (25°C).
Warmer water makes the beach even more inviting and hints that the rainy season is on the way.
So, expect a clear but manageable rise in both air and water temperatures as spring goes on.
Spring Rainfall and Humidity Levels
Spring in Maputo brings more frequent rainfall and steadily rising humidity. You’ll notice wetter conditions than in the dry winter, with real changes in both rain and air moisture.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in Maputo during spring (September to November) increases as the weeks go by. September usually gets only light showers, with 20–40 mm of rain.
By October, totals jump to 50–80 mm, and November often sees the heaviest rainfall of the season, hitting 100–150 mm.
Rainy days become more common too. In September, you might only get 3–5 wet days, but by November, that can climb to 8–12 days.
Rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts, not all-day drizzles.
This seasonal rise in rain marks the move toward the wet summer.
If you’re planning outdoor stuff, November is when storms or afternoon downpours could mess with your plans.
Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
---|---|---|
September | 20–40 | 3–5 |
October | 50–80 | 5–8 |
November | 100–150 | 8–12 |
Humidity Patterns in Spring
Humidity in Maputo climbs as spring goes on. September stays pretty dry, with average relative humidity near 65%.
By October, it bumps up to around 70%, and in November it often reaches 75–80%.
Warm, moist air from the Indian Ocean drives this rise. Cloud cover gets thicker too, and November brings a lot of partly cloudy or overcast days.
You’ll probably notice mornings and evenings getting stickier as the season moves forward.
The higher humidity can make daytime highs, which hover between 25–28°C (77–82°F), feel warmer and a bit less comfortable, especially in November.
If you’re visiting late in spring, it’s smart to pick places with good ventilation or air conditioning.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Spring in Maputo brings a nice stretch of both sunshine and daylight. The city gets steady daily sun, and days slowly get longer as summer approaches.
Average Daily Sunshine
In spring, you’re looking at about 7 to 8 hours of direct sunshine per day. September usually has the clearest skies, so you get more bright days than in the rainy summer.
By November, clouds show up more often, but there’s still plenty of sun for outdoor plans.
Compared to the humid summer, spring has fewer overcast days. Early spring might see as little as 11% cloud cover, but that can rise to around 40% by late spring.
Even as clouds increase, most afternoons still serve up long stretches of sunlight.
This reliable sun makes spring a great time to check out Maputo’s outdoor spots. You can plan walks, visits to the coast, or day trips without worrying too much about rain.
Length of Daylight
Daylight in Maputo during spring goes from about 11.9 hours in September to nearly 13.2 hours in November.
Mornings start earlier, evenings last longer, and days just keep getting longer as spring rolls on.
The shortest day in early spring still gives you over 11 hours of daylight, plenty for sightseeing.
By late spring, days are almost as long as midsummer, so you’ve got lots of time for outdoor activities.
Longer days also help keep things warmer, since the sun’s out more. For travelers, it means you can squeeze more into your day, whether you’re wandering the city, checking out markets, or heading to the beach.
Sea Temperatures and Coastal Conditions
Spring along the Maputo coast brings steady ocean warmth and mild changes in daily conditions. The water stays nice for swimming, and the coast gets fewer rainy days and more sunshine.
Average Sea Temperatures
The Indian Ocean around Maputo stays warm all spring, though the temperature cools a bit as the months go by.
- March: about 81°F (27°C)
- April: about 78°F (26°C)
- May: about 75°F (24°C)
This slow drop matches the move from late summer heat to cooler months. Even as it cools, the water’s still warmer than the nighttime air, which keeps the coast feeling pleasant.
You’ll probably find March’s sea temperature perfect for long swims, while by May it’s just refreshing—not cold.
Most people don’t need a wetsuit, and the water stays comfortable through the season.
Beach and Swimming Conditions
Spring weather in Maputo gives you good beach days. Rain is low, with just a few wet days in March and April, and almost none by May.
That means more sunshine and clearer skies, which makes for better views along the shore.
The mix of warm water, light winds, and long daylight hours makes swimming, snorkeling, and beach visits a pleasure.
You’ll notice calmer seas compared to the stormier summer.
By late spring, the ocean cools a bit, but the lower humidity and stable weather make the beach even more comfortable.
If you love water activities, spring is honestly one of the best times to plan them in Maputo.
What to Expect: Typical Spring Weather Experience
Spring in Maputo means warmer days, higher humidity, and more frequent rainfall as the season moves on. You’ll see a steady rise in both daytime and nighttime temperatures, plus longer daylight hours that make outdoor plans easier to enjoy.
Comfort Levels and Outdoor Activities
In spring, you’ll usually see daily highs between 77°F and 81°F (25°C to 27°C). At night, temperatures climb from 64°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C).
Maputo’s climate stays warm, but as humidity creeps up, afternoons can start to feel pretty muggy, especially by the end of spring.
Rainfall picks up, starting off light in early September and then ramping up by November. Average rainfall jumps from less than 1 inch a month to over 3 inches, so you might run into short, heavy showers, usually in the afternoon.
You’ll spot more clear skies early in the season. Later on, clouds roll in more often.
Sunshine hours tick up too, so there’s more daylight for checking out the sights, heading to the beach, or wandering around the city.
If you’re into outdoor activities like coastal walks, island day trips, or browsing Maputo’s markets, mornings are your best bet. Temperatures feel cooler and the humidity’s not as bad.
By afternoon, things get sticky, so maybe save that time for something more laid-back or duck inside for a bit.
Travel Tips for Spring Visitors
Pack light, breathable clothing so you can stay comfortable in the warm, humid air. Toss in a light rain jacket or an umbrella, too—showers pop up more often as spring goes on.
You’ll want comfortable sandals or walking shoes if you’re planning to explore the city. Trust me, nobody likes sore feet halfway through the day.
Humidity ramps up fast, so bring some water to stay hydrated, especially if you’re outside a lot. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat, either—UV levels stay high even when clouds drift by.
Winds usually blow steadily in Maputo, averaging around 11 mph. That breeze can actually make the heat more bearable, though it feels stronger near the coast.
If you’re thinking about boat trips or a beach day, check local conditions before you head out. Sometimes the wind surprises you.
Daylight stretches from about 11.5 hours in early spring to over 13.5 hours by late spring. That gives you loads of time for day trips or just wandering around.
Early mornings and evenings feel the nicest for walking tours or grabbing dinner outdoors.