Summer in Maputo means warm days, sticky air, and sudden rain showers that really shape the city’s rhythm. Daytime highs usually reach about 82–84°F (28–29°C), while nights stay comfortable near 73–74°F (23°C). This mix of heat and humidity creates a subtropical climate that feels lively, and honestly, sometimes a little unpredictable.
You’ll notice the rain doesn’t fall all day. Instead, short, heavy bursts come and go, leaving the city green and fresh. The Indian Ocean is always close by, adding to the humidity and bringing in breezy air along the coast.
If you’re thinking of spending time outside, summer offers long days and warm sea temperatures, so beach and pool time are pretty tempting. Still, the humidity and rain patterns keep things interesting, giving you a real taste of Maputo’s seasonal rhythm.
Overview of Maputo’s Summer Climate
Maputo’s summer climate comes from its spot on the coast, its tropical savanna label, and seasonal winds off the Indian Ocean. You’ll get warm or even hot days, high humidity, and plenty of rain—very different from Maputo’s cooler, drier winters.
Geographical Location and Climate Classification
Maputo sits in southern Mozambique, right on the Indian Ocean and just above the Tropic of Capricorn. The coast really does influence the weather, pulling in moist air that fuels summer rain.
The city sits low, only about 20–25 meters above sea level. This flat coastal plain lets warm ocean air move inland easily, so temperatures stay up.
According to Köppen-Geiger, Maputo falls under the tropical wet and dry (savanna) climate known as Aw. That means hot, humid, and wet summers, with winters that are cooler and dry.
The annual average temperature hits about 22–25°C (72–77°F), but summer pushes it up a bit. Rainfall averages 700–750 mm per year, and most of that comes between November and March.
General Weather Patterns in Summer
Summer in Maputo runs from November through March. During these months, you’ll feel daytime highs of 28–30°C (82–86°F), with January usually topping the charts. Nights rarely get chilly, hovering between 20–23°C (68–73°F).
Humidity sticks around, often at 75–80%, which definitely makes the heat feel heavier. Afternoon thunderstorms pop up a lot, especially in January and February, when monthly rain can top 200 mm. These storms don’t last long—they hit hard, then move on, letting the sun back out.
Cloud cover changes, but you’ll see more clouds than in winter. Mornings often start clear, then clouds build up later. Winds from the southeast bring in humid ocean air, and sometimes tropical systems boost the rain totals.
Even with all that, you still get 7–8 hours of sunshine per day. So, outdoor plans are possible if you dodge the showers.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Summer stands out compared to the rest of the year. Winter, from May to August, feels much drier and cooler. Daytime highs sit at 20–25°C (68–77°F), and nights can dip to 10–16°C (50–61°F).
Winter barely sees any rain—often less than 10 mm per month—and the skies stay clearer. If you like dry air and cooler weather, winter’s your best bet.
April and September bring a mix of both worlds. You’ll get moderate rain and temperatures around 24–27°C (75–81°F), with less humidity than summer.
So, summer is the wettest and most humid season, while winter is the driest and mildest. This contrast really shapes how people live and travel in Maputo.
Average Summer Temperatures
Summer in Maputo means steady warmth, with daytime highs rarely straying from the mid-80s °F and nights that stay mild. Humidity sticks around, and cooler air doesn’t offer much relief after sunset.
Typical Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
In summer, average daytime highs in Maputo hover around 82°F (28°C). Highs rarely drop below 74°F (23°C) or climb above 91°F (33°C). Late January usually brings the hottest days, peaking near 84°F (29°C).
Nights stay warm and humid. Average lows hit about 72°F (22°C), with only small changes. The coolest nights may touch 66°F (19°C), while the warmest don’t go much above 77°F (25°C).
You probably won’t need extra layers. Light, breathable clothes keep you comfortable day and night.
Monthly Temperature Variations
From December through February, temperatures don’t change much. December starts off a bit cooler, with highs near 81°F (27°C) and lows at 71°F (22°C).
January is the hottest, with highs at 84°F (29°C) and nights around 74°F (23°C). Humidity also peaks, making the warmth feel stronger.
February cools just a touch. Highs drop back to 82°F (28°C), and lows average 73°F (23°C). You might notice clearer skies and a little less rain compared to January.
Historical Extremes: Record Highs and Lows
Maputo’s summer weather doesn’t swing wildly, but there have been record highs and lows. The record high just tips over 91°F (33°C), usually during late January heat waves.
On the flip side, the record low for summer nights is around 66°F (19°C). Even then, the air stays humid—so it never really feels cold.
Because extremes are rare, you get a pretty reliable climate. Planning outdoor activities or trips is easier since the weather doesn’t throw many surprises.
Rainfall and Humidity During Summer
Maputo gets its heaviest rain and highest humidity in summer. Expect regular showers, sticky air, and a noticeable jump in moisture compared to the dry season.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rain peaks between December and March, right in the heart of summer. Monthly totals usually hit 120 mm to 160 mm, with January as the wettest.
Rain falls hard and fast, not as gentle drizzles. That’s typical for a savanna climate, where short, intense storms are the norm.
The city averages about 700 mm of rain each year, and nearly two-thirds of that falls in summer. So, this season is much wetter than the rest.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Summer doesn’t mean it rains all the time, but wet days are much more common than in winter. You can expect 9 to 12 rainy days per month from December through February.
Most rain comes in the afternoon or evening, so mornings are usually dry. This gives you a chance to plan outdoor stuff early in the day.
Storms hit hard but don’t last long, often with thunder and heavy downpours. They might slow things down for a bit, but they also cool things off after hot, muggy mornings.
Humidity Levels and Comfort
Humidity climbs in summer, averaging 75% to 80%. Combine that with daytime temperatures around 30–31 °C (86–88 °F), and you get a sticky, sometimes uncomfortable atmosphere.
Nights stay humid too, and you won’t feel much relief until the dry season comes back. If you’re sensitive to high humidity, this can be a tough stretch.
All that moisture keeps the city and coastline lush. For visitors, it’s smart to pack light clothes, drink plenty of water, and look for places with good ventilation or air conditioning.
Sunshine, Daylight, and Wind Patterns
Maputo’s summer brings long hours of sunshine, steady daylight, and a mix of gentle to moderate coastal breezes. These factors really shape how the weather feels and when it’s best to head outside.
Average Hours of Sunshine
Summer days in Maputo are reliably sunny. On average, you’ll get 7 to 8 hours of sun per day. December usually offers the most sunshine, while January has a bit less.
Even when rain comes, it’s usually brief, so most of the day stays clear. That means you can plan outdoor activities and not worry too much about losing a whole day to clouds.
The combo of sunshine and quick rain keeps the air warm, but rarely too hot. If you like sightseeing, beach days, or city walks, summer’s steady sunshine makes it a great time.
Day Length Changes
Maputo’s location near the Tropic of Capricorn means daylight hours don’t change much. In summer, you typically get about 13 to 13.5 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 5:00–5:30 a.m. and sunset near 6:30–7:00 p.m.
Unlike places farther from the equator, day length doesn’t swing wildly. This makes it easier to plan your day without worrying about sudden changes in light.
The long days let you move at your own pace. You can fit in both morning and evening plans, which is handy if you want to mix city exploring with time by the water.
Wind Speeds and Directions
Maputo’s summer winds come mostly from the east and southeast, thanks to its coastal location. These breezes bring in moist ocean air.
Average wind speeds range from 10 to 20 km/h. That’s enough to cool things down a bit without being disruptive. On especially hot days, the breeze helps take the edge off the humidity.
Winds usually pick up a bit in the afternoons, especially along the coast. They make outdoor activities more comfortable, and they’re great for sailing or fishing.
Sea Temperatures and Coastal Influences
Maputo’s spot on the Indian Ocean affects both the sea’s warmth and the air’s comfort. You’ll find the ocean stays pretty steady, making it good for swimming, boating, and just soaking up the coastal vibe.
Average Sea Surface Temperatures
In summer, sea temperatures near Maputo usually sit between 68°F and 72°F (20°C to 22°C). In June, the water averages about 70.5°F (21.4°C), dips to 68.6°F (20.3°C) in July, and climbs back up to 69.4°F (20.8°C) in August.
These are cooler than the warmest ocean temps in February, when water can top 81°F (27.7°C). So, summer waters feel refreshing but not cold—perfect for a swim or other coastal fun.
You might notice a slight chill in the water early in the morning or on breezy days. Still, the steady temperatures mean you can count on comfortable conditions for most plans.
Impact of Ocean Proximity on Weather
Living or visiting near Maputo’s coast means the ocean shapes the daily weather. The sea keeps summer days warm but not scorching. Daytime highs usually stick to the mid to upper 70s°F (24–26°C), and nights stay mild in the low 60s°F (16–18°C).
Humidity shows the ocean’s influence, adding moisture to the air but not always bringing heavy rain. June through August are especially dry, with less than 0.5 inches of rain in the whole season.
The steady sea breeze helps cool things down inland, making the climate more comfortable for outdoor activities. This coastal effect keeps Maputo’s summer weather more stable and less unpredictable than places farther from the ocean.
Notable Weather Events and Historical Extremes
Maputo’s summer usually stays warm and humid, but the city has seen some unusual weather. These include record-setting temperatures and rare shifts in rainfall that stand out from the normal seasonal patterns.
Record Highs and Lows in Summer
In summer, Maputo usually sees daytime highs between 29°C and 32°C (84°F to 90°F). Sometimes, though, the temperature shoots past 35°C (95°F) during rare heat spikes.
Dry winds blowing in from inland areas often cause these sudden jumps in heat. They push the temperatures higher than what most folks expect.
At night, Maputo’s summer temperatures almost never drop below 20°C (68°F). The lowest summer readings have dipped just a bit under that, but honestly, true cold snaps just don’t happen here.
You won’t need to worry about frost or freezing like in other parts of southern Africa. That’s one thing I really appreciate about Maputo’s climate.
Quick reference:
- Typical summer high: 29–32°C (84–90°F)
- Record high: Above 35°C (95°F)
- Typical summer low: 20–23°C (68–73°F)
- Record low: Slightly below 20°C (68°F)
Unusual Weather Patterns
Summer in Maputo usually brings the most rain, but honestly, the rainfall doesn’t always show up on schedule. Some years, heavy downpours hit in December and January, and those storms can flood low-lying neighborhoods in a matter of hours.
Travel gets tricky during these floods, and honestly, beach plans often get canceled.
Other summers feel different, with the rain showing up late. When that happens, January and February can feel even hotter and stickier, since the early rains aren’t there to cool things down.
This delay messes with local plants and puts a strain on water supplies.
Sometimes, strong winds show up too. They’re not common, but when summer storms roll in, gusts can slam the coast and push sea levels up for a bit.
Honestly, Maputo’s weather usually follows a pattern, but every now and then, it throws in a surprise just to keep you guessing.