Spring in Pemba, Mozambique, marks the shift from the dry season into a warmer, wetter stretch of the year. You’ll notice rising temperatures, more cloud cover, and a gradual increase in rainfall as the weeks pass.
The average spring weather in Pemba feels warm, humid, and steadily edges toward the peak of the rainy season.
During these months, daytime highs usually hang out in the upper 80s °F (around 30 °C). Nights stay comfortably in the low to mid-70s °F (about 22–25 °C).
Humidity ramps up quickly, and rain showers pop up more often, especially as spring winds down. Sunshine still breaks through a lot, so you’ll get a mix of bright coastal days and those short, heavy downpours.
If you’re planning some time by the coast, you’ll probably notice the Indian Ocean warming up through the season. Swimming and diving get even more inviting. Winds calm down compared to winter, though a steady breeze still drifts in off the water.
This blend of heat, humidity, and shifting skies makes spring in Pemba a lively time to experience Mozambique’s tropical climate.
Overview of Spring Climate in Pemba
Spring in Pemba means warmer temperatures, higher humidity, and a steady move toward wetter conditions. Expect a mix of sunny days and more cloud cover as spring rolls on, with rainfall picking up and the coastal waters staying warm.
Typical Spring Weather Patterns
During spring, daily high temperatures in Pemba climb from about 83°F (28°C) to 88°F (31°C). Nighttime lows rise too, from around 72°F (22°C) to 78°F (26°C).
You’ll usually get warm days followed by mild nights. Cloud cover can change quickly. Early in the season, skies stay pretty clear, but by late spring, the odds of overcast conditions shoot above 50%.
Rainfall shifts too. Early spring barely brings any rain, but by the end, monthly totals approach 2–3 inches (50–75 mm).
Humidity ramps up steadily. At first, about 70% of days feel muggy, but by late spring, almost every day is humid. Winds usually come in from the east at 10–12 mph, though speeds drop a bit as spring goes on.
Spring Climate Classification
Pemba falls under a tropical savanna climate (Aw) in the Köppen system. You get a clear wet and dry season instead of four sharply divided ones.
Spring acts as the transition from the dry months to the wetter summer ahead. The coastal location along the Mozambique Channel shapes the climate here.
Warm ocean waters keep air temperatures steady and add to the rising humidity you’ll feel in spring. Sea surface temperatures usually hover between 78–82°F (25–28°C), which helps with the moist air and frequent cloud buildup.
Pemba rarely gets extreme temperature swings. You’ll mostly notice the changes in rainfall, humidity, and cloud cover. These really define the tropical savanna vibe more than any big temperature shifts.
Comparison to Other Seasons
If you compare spring to other times of the year, it’s really a bridge. Winter months in Pemba come in cooler and drier, with clearer skies and lower humidity. Daily highs then stick closer to 81°F (27°C), and rain barely shows up.
By summer, things get wetter and more humid than in spring. Rainfall peaks in January and February, often topping 10 inches (250 mm) per month. Those months also bring more cloudy days and shorter bursts of sunshine.
Compared to autumn, spring feels warmer and wetter. Autumn brings less rain and slightly cooler nights, while spring signals the buildup toward the wettest part of the year.
Spring Temperature Trends
Spring in Pemba brings a steady climb in warmth, both day and night. Humidity and cloud cover get heavier too, which can make the air feel stickier.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During spring, daytime highs in Pemba usually go from about 83°F (28°C) in early September to around 88°F (31°C) by late November. You won’t see many days below 81°F or above 90°F.
At night, lows rise from 72°F (22°C) to about 78°F (26°C). The gap between day and night isn’t huge, so evenings stay warm and humid.
Thanks to high dew points, the air often feels muggy even when the temperature isn’t too high. If you’re visiting, plan for sticky conditions, especially late in the season when humidity rarely lets up.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Spring temperatures in Pemba shift up gradually.
- September: Average highs near 83–85°F, with cooler nights around 72–74°F.
- October: Daytime highs rise closer to 86°F, nights warm up to about 75°F.
- November: Temperatures peak with highs of 87–88°F and lows of 77–78°F.
You’ll notice a steady warming trend as spring moves forward. The climb in both daytime and nighttime temperatures goes hand in hand with more clouds and rain, which can make the air feel heavier.
If you’re sensitive to heat, early spring feels a bit easier. Later weeks get hotter in the afternoons and the warmth sticks around overnight.
Temperature Extremes in Spring
Spring in Pemba doesn’t really throw wild temperature swings at you, but there are some limits. The hottest days can hit 90°F, while the coolest nights might dip to about 70°F.
These extremes don’t happen often, but they’re possible. The hottest point of the year usually lands in late November, when average highs reach their seasonal max.
The coldest time of year comes in July, well outside of spring, with daytime highs closer to 81°F. So, spring stands out as one of the warmer and stickier stretches on the calendar in Pemba.
Rainfall and Humidity During Spring
Spring in Pemba brings a clear rise in both rainfall and humidity as the region shifts from its driest period to wetter months. You’ll get light showers early on, but by late spring, the air turns heavier and rain shows up more often.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in Pemba during spring starts off pretty light in September, averaging around 0.3 inches (8 mm) in a 31‑day stretch. By November, totals climb closer to 2.8 inches (70 mm).
This uptick signals the wet season getting closer. Rain usually falls in short, intense bursts instead of all-day events.
September often stays dry, October brings more scattered showers, and November ramps up the number of wet days.
The odds of a rainy day go from about 3% in early September to nearly 30% by late November. So, if you’re visiting, you might see mostly dry weather early in spring, but by the end, expect occasional downpours.
Humidity Levels in Spring
Humidity in Pemba rises fast in spring. At the start of September, muggy days show up about 70% of the time. By November, almost every day feels humid, with dew points holding steady above 70°F (21°C).
This steady jump makes the air feel warmer than the thermometer says, with highs already between 83°F and 88°F (28°C–31°C). Evenings stay humid too, with lows around 72°F to 78°F (22°C–26°C).
If you’re not used to tropical climates, the growing humidity can feel intense. Light clothes, plenty of water, and some shade or air movement really help as the season goes on.
Transition from Wet to Dry Season
Spring in Pemba marks the move from the dry season into the wet one. September is usually the driest month, while November brings clear signs that the rainy season’s back.
You’ll spot this shift not just in rainfall, but in the sky too. Early September skies are mostly clear, but by late November, overcast days become common.
The air gets heavier, and winds from the east pull in more moisture. This seasonal change matters if you’re planning outdoor adventures.
Early spring gives you better conditions for diving and beach days, while later spring might bring quick storms and higher humidity that make midday less comfortable.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
In Pemba, spring brings longer days and more sunshine compared to the wetter months. You’ll notice a steady uptick in daylight hours and more sun, which gives this season a bright, open feel.
Average Daily Sunshine
During spring, Pemba enjoys more daily sunshine. In September, you usually get about 9 hours of sun each day. This number ticks up as spring moves on.
By November, sunshine often reaches 9.5 hours or more, so you’ll have plenty of daylight for outdoor plans.
The skies shift too. Early in spring, cloud cover stays pretty low, but by November, the odds of overcast or mostly cloudy skies jump. For example, cloudy days can go from around 12% in September to over 50% by November.
So, while the sun is strong, you should expect more variety in the sky as the rainy season nears.
For planning, spring gives you some of the most balanced weather of the year. You’ll get long stretches of clear mornings, with clouds building up more in the afternoons.
Early hours work well for beach trips, diving, or exploring the city.
Changes in Daylight Length
Daylight in Pemba stretches out slowly but noticeably across spring. In September, days last about 12 hours, while by late November, you get closer to 12.8 to 12.9 hours.
That’s nearly an extra hour of daylight over the season. The change is gradual, just a few minutes more each week, so it’s easy to plan around.
Longer days line up with warmer sea temperatures and rising humidity. Because of that, evenings can stay bright and warm—nice if you like later activities.
The combo of more daylight and steady sunshine hours gives you a solid window for sightseeing, boating, or just enjoying the coast without rushing home before sunset.
Sea Conditions and Coastal Weather
Pemba’s coast gives you warm sea temperatures and steady breezes that shape how the shoreline feels. The water stays welcoming for swimming and diving, and those breezes influence boating and beach days.
Spring Sea Temperatures
During spring, sea temperatures off Pemba stay consistently warm. You’ll usually find water ranging from 28°C to 30°C (82°F to 86°F).
That makes swimming, snorkeling, and diving easy—no wetsuit needed. Warm Indian Ocean currents keep the water stable, with barely any daily changes.
You won’t run into sudden cold patches, so planning water activities is simple.
Here’s a quick look at average spring sea temperatures:
| Month | Avg °C | Avg °F |
|---|---|---|
| September | 27.5 | 81.5 |
| October | 28.5 | 83.3 |
| November | 29.0 | 84.2 |
Because the water’s so warm, visibility for diving is often good, though short rain showers might cloud things up now and then.
The sea usually stays calm, with just the occasional burst of stronger waves.
Coastal Winds and Breezes
Along the coast of Pemba, you’ll feel steady breezes that shift from season to season. In spring, winds usually blow in from the southeast and bring a moderate strength that cools the shoreline.
Even on warmer afternoons, these breezes make the air feel less humid. Honestly, it’s a welcome relief if you’re not a fan of sticky heat.
Typical wind speeds fall between 10 to 20 km/h (6 to 12 mph). Small boats feel the impact of these winds, but larger vessels don’t really have to worry.
The breezes chase away mosquitoes near the beach, making evenings surprisingly comfortable. If you’re planning to sail or fish, you’ll find mornings are calmer, while afternoons sometimes bring a bit more gust.
Since the winds show up like clockwork, you can plan your coastal activities without too much guesswork. You’ll know when to expect calm or breezy hours.
Travel Tips for Visiting Pemba in Spring
Spring in Pemba means temperatures start climbing, days stretch out, and the rains slowly pick up. That mix creates pretty good conditions for outdoor adventures, but you’ll want to plan a bit to stay comfortable.
Best Activities for Spring Weather
Spring in Pemba, Mozambique, feels warm, with daytime highs usually landing between 27°C and 30°C (81°F–86°F). Rainfall starts to pick up in November, but most days still offer plenty of sunshine.
It’s a great time for both land and water activities. You can head out for snorkeling, diving, and boat trips in the Quirimbas Archipelago.
The sea temperature sticks around 26°C to 29°C (79°F–84°F), which is just about perfect for swimming. September and October bring clearer skies, so visibility for underwater exploring is fantastic.
On land, you might wander through Quirimbas National Park or check out local markets in Pemba. The afternoons can get a bit hot, so relaxed activities work best then, while mornings and evenings feel much better for walks or tours.
If you’re after cultural experiences, spring lines up with community events and fishing along the coast. It’s a chance to see daily life in northern Mozambique as the rainy season gently begins.
Packing Suggestions
Spring in Pemba gets pretty hot and humid, so pack lightweight, breathable clothing like cotton shirts, shorts, or dresses. Throw in a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen to keep the strong UV rays at bay.
As November approaches, you’ll notice more rain. A light rain jacket or a compact umbrella can really save the day.
Sandals or water shoes work well for the beach. If you want to explore inland, sturdier walking shoes make things a lot easier.
Don’t forget insect repellent, especially since mosquitoes seem to love the humidity. Snorkeling or diving? You might want to pack your own mask and fins, though you can find rentals around Pemba.
For evenings, toss in a light long-sleeved shirt—it helps with both cool breezes and those pesky insects. A small waterproof bag is also a smart move if you want to keep your electronics dry during sudden showers.