Spring in Maputo signals a change from the cooler, dry winter into warmer, stickier weather. You’ll notice the days stretch out, the air gets heavier, and rain chances creep up.
On average, spring temperatures in Maputo run from the mid-60s°F at night to the low 80s°F during the day. Humidity and cloud cover climb as the season moves along.
September usually feels mild and breezy. By October and November, things heat up, and rain showers pop up more often.
The sea along the coast warms too, so beach trips sound more tempting, though the wind can sometimes get feisty. This blend of sun, humidity, and ocean breeze gives spring a vibe that’s both comfy and lively.
If you’re thinking of exploring Maputo in spring, you’ll catch the city in a moment of change. Outdoor conditions stay pleasant, but you’ll start to sense the wet season peeking in.
It’s a good time to soak in the city’s coastal energy, check out cultural spots, or wander the beaches before heavier rains show up.
Overview of Spring Weather in Maputo
Spring in Maputo means steady warming, more clouds, and a jump in rain. You’ll get longer daylight, higher humidity, and warmer ocean water, all shaping the city’s spring weather.
Spring Months and Seasonal Timing
Spring in Maputo runs from September through November, bridging the dry winter and the wet summer.
During these months, daily highs climb from about 77°F (25°C) in early September to 81°F (27°C) by late November. Nights warm up too, with lows moving from 64°F (18°C) to around 70°F (21°C).
Daylight hours stretch out quickly. Early September gives you about 11.5 hours of sunlight. By late November, you’re looking at nearly 13.5 hours.
Sunrise comes earlier by over an hour, and sunsets linger later. You’ll feel the difference.
At the start of spring, humidity levels aren’t too high. By November, though, most days feel humid or even a bit oppressive.
You can tell the rainy summer is on its way.
Key Weather Patterns in Spring
Clouds roll in fast during spring. Early September skies stay mostly clear, but by late November, about 40% of days are cloudy or overcast.
That shift makes things feel less dry and a bit more tropical than in winter.
Rain picks up speed too. Early in spring, average monthly totals stay under 1 inch (25 mm). By November, it often tops 3 inches (75 mm).
Showers come quick and heavy, but you don’t usually get all-day rain.
Winds change direction as the season goes. In September, breezes blow from the north, but by late spring, they swing around to the east.
Average speeds hover near 11–12 mph (18–19 km/h), so the city keeps that fresh, breezy feel.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Spring feels warmer, wetter, and more humid than winter (June–August). Winter days stay mild and dry, with barely any rain and chilly nights, but spring brings warmer temps and the first real showers.
Summer (December–February) is the rainiest, with heavy downpours and thick humidity. Spring acts as a ramp-up, with rain and humidity building but not peaking yet.
Autumn (March–May) cools and dries off after summer. Spring, on the other hand, steadily warms and gets wetter.
If you’re planning a trip, spring offers pleasant temps and longer days before the rainy season really kicks in.
Average Temperatures During Spring
Maputo’s spring brings a gentle warming trend, with mild nights and comfortable days. The change isn’t dramatic, but it’s enough to make spring one of the nicer times to experience the city.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
During spring, daytime highs usually sit between 77°F (25°C) and 81°F (27°C). It’s rare for afternoons to get hotter than 89°F (32°C), so things stay warm but not sweltering.
Nights warm from about 64°F (18°C) in early spring to 70°F (21°C) by late November. It’s pretty rare for nights to dip below 59°F (15°C), so you won’t need heavy clothes.
This balance of warm days and cool nights makes spring great for being outside or taking evening walks. You probably won’t need much air conditioning, unlike in the hotter summer.
| Period | Average High | Average Low |
|---|---|---|
| Early Spring | 77°F (25°C) | 64°F (18°C) |
| Late Spring | 81°F (27°C) | 70°F (21°C) |
Temperature Trends from September to November
From September to November, you’ll notice a gradual warming. September starts off with cool mornings and highs in the upper 70s°F.
By November, both day and night temps rise, with evenings hovering near 70°F.
Daytime highs go up about 4°F, but nighttime lows jump around 7°F over the season. That’s a bigger change than you might expect.
Late November feels especially warm and humid at night. If you’re visiting, September gives you the crispest air, while November feels more tropical, even though temps stay pretty comfortable.
Rainfall and Humidity in Spring
Spring in Maputo brings a steady climb in both rain and humidity. You’ll notice wetter days compared to the dry winter, and the air feels heavier as the season moves on.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in Maputo during spring ramps up from September through November. September usually brings light showers, averaging 30–40 mm.
By October, totals climb to 50–70 mm, and November often sees 100–120 mm.
Showers are usually brief but can get intense, especially late in spring. Rain falls on more days as you move toward November, which brings the most rainy days.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| September | 30–40 | 3–4 |
| October | 50–70 | 5–6 |
| November | 100–120 | 8–10 |
If you’re heading outside, be ready for sudden downpours. Roads might get slick, and November’s frequent showers can throw off travel plans.
Humidity Levels and Comfort
Maputo’s humidity goes up steadily in spring. September feels fairly dry, with average humidity around 65%—comfortable for most people.
By October, it’s closer to 70%, and in November, it often hits 75–80%.
That makes the air feel heavier, especially during warm afternoons when temps top 27°C (81°F). Nights stay humid too, which can make sleeping without a fan or AC a bit tough.
November feels the muggiest, with heat and moisture combining for a sticky atmosphere. Light clothes, shade, and plenty of water help as the season edges into summer.
Travelers should prep for both damp weather and high humidity, especially if you’re exploring the city or coast in late spring.
Sunshine, Daylight, and UV Index
Spring in Maputo means longer days, steady sunshine, and a pretty noticeable UV index. These factors shape how comfy it feels outside and how careful you should be in the sun.
Average Hours of Sunshine
Spring brings reliable sunshine to Maputo. Most days, you get 7 to 8 hours of direct sun, pretty consistent across September, October, and November.
Clouds show up a bit more as spring goes on, but the city still gets plenty of bright hours.
Compared to the rainy summer, spring has clearer skies and fewer washouts. It’s a good time for outdoor plans, sightseeing, or hanging out by the coast.
If you’re outside for long stretches, keep in mind that Maputo’s sun feels stronger than in many temperate spots. Even when it’s a little cloudy, UV rays can burn your skin.
Daylight Duration in Spring
Daylight hours in Maputo stretch out through spring. In September, you get about 12 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 5:45 a.m. and sunset at 5:45 p.m.
By November, days reach nearly 13.5 hours, and sunset pushes later into the evening.
Those longer evenings make it easier to enjoy the city, markets, and beaches without rushing. The pace feels a bit more relaxed than in winter.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Daylight Hours |
|---|---|
| September | ~12.0 hrs |
| October | ~12.7 hrs |
| November | ~13.3 hrs |
If you’re staying a few weeks, you’ll see the evenings stretch out as spring rolls on.
UV Index and Sun Protection
The UV index in Maputo during spring usually ranges from 7 to 10, which is solidly high to very high. Your skin can burn pretty fast, even on cooler or cloudy days.
To stay safe, use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or more), sunglasses with UV protection, and light but long clothing if you’re out for a while.
A wide-brimmed hat helps too.
UV peaks between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you can, try to plan outside time for early mornings or later afternoons. That way, you dodge both the hottest sun and the highest temps.
Even if you’re used to tropical weather, Maputo’s spring sun can surprise you. Consistent protection keeps you comfortable and sunburn-free.
Sea Temperatures and Coastal Conditions
Maputo’s coastal waters warm up steadily through spring. You’ll notice the sea gets more inviting for swimming as the weeks go by.
Average Sea Temperatures in Spring
During spring, the sea surface temperature near Maputo climbs from about 71°F (22°C) in early September to around 77°F (25°C) by late November.
That’s a nice jump, making the water more pleasant as summer approaches.
Compared to winter lows near 72°F (22°C) in August, spring marks the start of a warmer swimming season. By January and February, water temps often go above 81°F (27°C).
Here’s a snapshot:
| Month | Approx. Sea Temp (°F) | Approx. Sea Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| September | 71–73 | 22–23 |
| October | 74–75 | 23–24 |
| November | 76–77 | 24–25 |
These gradual changes make spring a time of transition, shifting from cool winter waters to the warmer, humid summer seas.
Beach and Swimming Conditions
As the sea warms up, swimming gets a lot more comfortable, especially from mid-October onward. Early spring feels a bit cool for longer swims, but by November, most visitors find the water mild enough.
The coastline around Maputo usually stays calm. Winds from the north in September and from the east later in the season sometimes stir up the surface a bit, but they rarely make the surf unsafe.
Humidity jumps up fast in spring. That makes beach days feel hotter, even when the air temperature seems moderate.
By late November, you’ll probably notice more clouds and occasional rain showers, but most days still give you several hours of sunshine. That’s plenty of time for outdoor activities.
Beaches near the city draw crowds for swimming, walking, and fishing. The warming seas and longer daylight hours make spring a great time to enjoy the coast before the summer rush.
Travel Tips for Visiting Maputo in Spring
Spring in Maputo brings warm weather, moderate humidity, and a higher chance of short rain showers. If you plan well, you’ll find lively city life, outdoor events, and a mix of cultural and coastal activities.
Best Activities and Events
Maputo gets busy with tourists in spring. The weather stays warm, with daily highs around 28–30°C (82–86°F), so walking tours and outdoor dining feel comfortable.
You can check out the Maputo Central Market for crafts and fresh produce. Take a walk along the Marginal waterfront road for views of Maputo Bay, or head to Maputo Special Reserve to spot elephants, hippos, and birds.
Art galleries like the Núcleo de Arte let local artists show off their work. Music and dance events pop up in spring, and you might catch small festivals or live performances in restaurants and bars.
If you’re into history, visit the Maputo Fortress or the Natural History Museum. Mornings are quieter at these spots, so you get time to explore before the afternoon heat or rain.
Packing Recommendations
Spring weather in Maputo is warm but not too intense, so lightweight clothing is your best bet. Pack breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. A light jacket or sweater comes in handy for cooler evenings, especially near the water.
Rain showers happen more often in this season. Bring a compact umbrella or a light raincoat to stay dry. Comfortable walking shoes make city exploring or day trips much easier.
For sun protection, toss in sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat. The UV index can get high, even if it looks cloudy. A reusable water bottle helps you stay hydrated while you’re out and about.
If you plan to visit nature reserves or beaches, pack insect repellent and swimwear. Many hotels have pools, and the coastline gives you plenty of chances for a swim when the conditions are right.
Health and Safety Considerations
When you visit Maputo in spring, keep both health and safety in mind. Rainfall brings more mosquitoes, so don’t forget your repellent. If your doctor thinks it’s necessary, you might want to take anti-malarial medication too.
The tap water in Maputo isn’t always safe for drinking. Stick with bottled or filtered water. I’d skip ice in your drinks unless you know where it comes from.
Street food is everywhere and honestly, some of it smells amazing. Just pick vendors who seem to care about cleanliness.
Traffic gets pretty hectic, and you’ll notice not many pedestrian crossings. Be careful when you cross the street. For longer trips, taxis or ride apps are probably your best bet.
Spring draws a lot of tourists, which means higher prices and bigger crowds. If you want a specific hotel or tour, book ahead, or you might miss out.
Keep your valuables close, and it’s better not to carry too much cash around.
If you need emergency services, you’ll find them in the city, but outside the center, help might take longer to arrive. Before you go, save your hotel’s contact info and the local emergency numbers—just in case.