If you’re planning a trip to Maputo during the summer months, you’ll find warm, humid days with lots of sunshine, broken up by bursts of rain. Daytime highs usually reach around 30 °C (86 °F), and nights hover near 23 °C (73 °F), so the warmth sticks around. This blend of heat and humidity really defines summer in the city and shapes what you’ll want to do each day.
Summer in Maputo feels lively and unpredictable, honestly. Sudden showers or thunderstorms often interrupt sunny stretches. The air holds plenty of moisture, and yeah, it can feel heavy, but the coastal breeze and warm ocean water make things more comfortable than you might guess.
This weather makes Maputo inviting for both relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re headed to the beach, exploring the city, or just soaking up the atmosphere, knowing what the summer brings helps you plan your days better.
Maputo’s Summer Climate Overview
Maputo’s summer comes with warm temps, high humidity, and frequent rain. You’ll get long sunny days, but also muggy air and the occasional storm—classic coastal weather.
Savanna Climate Characteristics
Maputo sits in a tropical savanna climate (Aw), so it alternates between wet and dry seasons. Summer, from December through March, lines up with the wet season. During these months, rain picks up, humidity climbs, and the air feels heavier than it does in the cooler, drier winter.
Average highs sit around 28–29°C (82–84°F), with lows near 22–24°C (72–75°F). Nights don’t cool off much, so you’ll notice the warmth sticking around even after sunset.
Rain falls often, usually totaling 90–120 mm per month. Showers pop up in short bursts instead of lasting all day, but storms can get intense. With the high humidity, the air stays muggy almost constantly.
Summer Weather Patterns
Daytime highs usually stay steady, rarely dipping below 23°C (74°F) or topping 33°C (91°F). January tends to be the hottest, peaking around 29°C (84°F).
Humidity really stands out. Muggy conditions can hit 85–90%, especially in February, so the air feels warmer than the numbers suggest.
Rainfall starts high in December and January, then begins to drop off in February and March. On average, you’ll see 3–4 inches (75–100 mm) of rain each month during this stretch.
Winds help out a bit. Breezes, mostly from the east, average 10 mph (16 km/h) and bring some relief from the heat. The nearby Indian Ocean also plays a role, with water temperatures rising from 25°C (77°F) in early summer to about 27°C (81°F) by late February.
Comparison With Annual Weather
Compared to the rest of the year, summer stands out as the wettest and most humid season. Winter (June to August) is much drier and cooler.
In winter, daytime highs settle near 24–25°C (75–77°F), and lows drop to 16–18°C (61–64°F). Rain nearly disappears—less than 20 mm per month—and humidity sometimes drops below 50%.
Maputo’s climate stays warm year-round, with annual averages around 23–25°C (73–77°F). Most of the yearly rainfall—about 700–750 mm—falls during the summer.
So, your experience in Maputo really depends on when you visit. Summer brings lush, warm, and humid days, while winter offers clearer skies and drier air.
Average Summer Temperatures
Summer in Maputo means steady warmth, high humidity, and a noticeable difference between day and night. January and February bring the most heat, while evenings stay warm but a bit more comfortable. Sometimes, temperatures even swing outside the usual range.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
During summer, you’ll see daytime highs of about 29–31°C (84–88°F). January usually leads the pack, with temperatures hovering near the top of that range. The heat feels even stronger because humidity averages around 75–80%.
At night, it cools off just a little. Nighttime lows average 21–23°C (70–73°F). Evenings are mild enough for outdoor plans, though the humidity can still feel a bit much.
High temps and moisture can make days feel sticky. Thunderstorms sometimes break the heat, giving you quick relief before the humidity ramps up again.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Maputo’s summer runs from December through March. The warmest stretch comes in January and February, with average temps around 28°C (82°F). These months also bring the most rain, so expect muggy air.
December and March are a bit cooler, with daily averages closer to 26–27°C (79–81°F). Nights then feel a little more comfortable, often dipping to about 20–22°C (68–72°F).
The temperature pattern doesn’t change much from year to year. You can count on steady warmth all season, though cloud cover and rain might shift a bit each month.
Record High and Record Low Temperatures
Most summers in Maputo are pretty predictable, but sometimes the city sees extremes. The record high hit about 40°C (104°F) during rare hot spells, usually when dry inland winds take over from the ocean breeze.
The record low during summer is much gentler, rarely falling below 18°C (64°F). The Indian Ocean helps prevent sharp drops at night.
These records show how stable Maputo’s climate is compared to inland Mozambique. You probably won’t face dangerous extremes, but it’s still smart to prepare for heat and humidity.
Rainfall and Humidity During Summer
Summer in Maputo means warm weather, frequent rain, and higher humidity. From December through March, you’ll notice wetter conditions, with the most rain falling in January and February when storms are more likely.
Monthly Precipitation Totals
Rainfall in Maputo’s summer really follows a pattern. December usually kicks off the wet season with totals around 100–120 mm. January often brings the heaviest rain, averaging 150–160 mm, and February stays almost as wet at 130–150 mm. By March, rain starts to taper off, dropping to 90–100 mm.
This seasonal spike is classic savanna climate stuff—wet summers, dry winters. Most of the annual rainfall (about 700 mm) falls in just these four months. Heavy downpours can happen fast, so drainage sometimes struggles to keep up.
Number of Rainy Days
Rain doesn’t fall every day, but it’s common enough to impact your plans. December brings 8–10 rainy days, while January and February see the most, with 11–13 days each. March usually has 7–9 days of rain.
Showers usually hit in the afternoon or evening instead of dragging on all day. This means you’ll still get plenty of sunshine between storms. If you’re planning something outside, expect quick, heavy bursts of rain, often with thunder.
With so many rainy days, you’ll want to stay flexible. Light rain gear or backup indoor options can help you handle whatever the weather throws at you.
Humidity Levels
Humidity jumps up during summer. Relative humidity averages 75% to 80%, with January and February feeling the stickiest. Paired with daytime highs of 30–31°C (86–88°F), the air can feel downright heavy.
Mornings tend to be a bit more comfortable, but afternoons bring the most discomfort as both heat and humidity peak. Nights stay warm and humid, which can make sleeping tough if you don’t have air conditioning.
These muggy conditions are pretty standard for coastal cities with a tropical savanna climate. If you’re visiting, light clothes, lots of water, and shady breaks will help you handle the humidity.
Sunshine, Daylight, and Wind Patterns
During summer, Maputo delivers long, bright days and steady warmth. Sunshine, daylight hours, and wind all play a part in how your time outside feels.
Hours of Sunshine
Maputo’s summer gives you loads of sun, with daily averages close to 8 hours of sunshine. January usually gets about 7.9 hours per day, and May can sneak up to just over 8.2 hours.
You’ll see mostly clear skies, though quick showers might break things up. Overall, sunshine sticks around, so you don’t get stuck with gloomy weather for long.
For travelers, these sunny hours mean plenty of time for sightseeing, eating outdoors, or hitting the coast. The warmth and light make summer days feel long and full.
| Month | Average Sunshine (hours/day) |
|---|---|
| January | ~7.9 |
| February | ~8.0 |
| March | ~8.1 |
| May | ~8.2 |
Daylight Duration
Daylight in Maputo doesn’t shift much during summer. You’ll get between 12.5 and 13.5 hours of daylight per day, which is plenty for both exploring and relaxing.
December brings the longest days, while February and March shorten things just a bit. The change is slow, so you probably won’t notice.
This steady daylight lets you plan morning or evening outings without feeling rushed. Beaches, markets, and city walks are all doable in broad daylight, and evenings stay bright until sunset.
Typical Wind Speeds
Summer winds in Maputo usually stay moderate, ranging from 10 to 20 km/h. Breezes blow mostly from the east or southeast, thanks to the Indian Ocean.
You might notice stronger winds along the shore than inland. These breezes help cut the humidity and cool things down, especially in the afternoon.
For outdoor plans, winds rarely get in your way. If you’re by the water, the breeze is good for sailing or light water sports, though storms can kick up sudden gusts.
Sea Temperatures and Outdoor Conditions
Maputo’s sea stays warm all summer, and the air’s usually humid. This combo makes swimming, beach days, and outdoor activities possible almost every day.
Average Sea Water Temperatures
During summer, Maputo’s water warms up from about 25°C (77°F) in early December to around 27°C (81°F) by late February. The warmest water usually shows up in mid or late February.
Because the sea temperature rises slowly, you get comfortable swimming conditions all season. Unlike some places where water temps jump around, Maputo’s ocean stays pretty steady.
| Month | Avg Temp °C | Avg Temp °F |
|---|---|---|
| December | 25 | 77 |
| January | 26 | 79 |
| February | 27 | 81 |
Since the water rarely drops below 25°C, you can count on warm conditions for swimming and water sports.
Comfort for Swimming and Activities
The warm sea and humid air make swimming feel refreshing. No need for wetsuits or special gear—the water stays comfortable all day.
Humidity often climbs above 70%, so the air can feel heavy. Still, the warm ocean gives you a quick way to cool off.
If you’re hitting the beach, mornings and late afternoons usually feel best, since the midday sun can get intense. Winds mostly come from the east and keep things moving, though sometimes they’ll kick up a little chop on the water.
Snorkeling, kayaking, or even just walking the shore—all these activities are easy to enjoy, thanks to the warm sea and long daylight hours.
Travel Tips for Visiting Maputo in Summer
Expect hot, humid days and frequent rain showers if you visit Maputo in summer. Planning ahead helps you stay comfortable and make the most of your trip, no matter how the weather changes.
Best Months to Visit
Summer hits Maputo from December through March. You’ll notice high humidity, with daytime temperatures hovering around 30–31°C (86–88°F), and those frequent afternoon rain showers. February usually feels like the hottest stretch, while January gets the most rain.
If you’re hoping for fewer rainy days, March often works out better, since there’s a bit less rainfall but it’s still warm. Most rain showers don’t last long, so you can squeeze in outdoor activities between them.
Mid-summer can bring cyclones and heavy downpours, especially during January and February. If you stay near the coast, sea breezes make things a little more comfortable, though the sea stays warm and can get rough at times.
Traveling in early summer, like December, or waiting until late summer in March, might give you a better mix of warm weather and less intense storms. You’ll probably find sightseeing a bit easier without as many heavy downpours.
Weather-Related Packing Advice
Pack light, breathable clothes like cotton shirts, shorts, or dresses. You probably won’t need heavy layers since the nights usually stay warm.
I always toss in a light rain jacket or poncho because sudden showers happen a lot.
You’ll want comfortable sandals or airy walking shoes for getting around the city. On wetter days, waterproof shoes really come in handy when the streets flood after heavy rain.
Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat—the sun feels strong, even if it’s cloudy. Those UV levels rarely let up.
Mosquitoes get pretty active during the humid season, so pack some insect repellent. I also like to carry a small umbrella, quick-dry clothes, and a waterproof bag for my electronics, just in case a downpour hits.
The sea usually sits at 26–27°C (79–81°F) in summer. If you’re thinking about hitting the coast, bring your swimwear.