If you’re planning a trip to Maputo around Christmas, you’ll get a mix of warm summer weather and the start of the rainy season.
Expect daytime temperatures near 29°C (84°F), nighttime temperatures around 23°C (73°F), and frequent, short bursts of rain. This combo creates a humid, lively atmosphere that shapes the holiday vibe in Mozambique’s capital.
December days feel long and bright, with plenty of sunshine popping out between showers.
The coastal setting brings a steady breeze, and the Indian Ocean stays warm enough for swimming. Sometimes the rain comes down hard, but it usually clears up fast, leaving behind fresh air and vivid skies.
You’ll notice the balance of heat, humidity, and tropical showers makes Christmas in Maputo feel unique.
Whether you want to relax by the sea, explore the city, or plan outdoor adventures, knowing what the weather brings helps you make the most of your time.
Overview of Maputo’s Climate in December
December in Maputo is warm and humid, with lots of rainfall and long hours of sunshine.
You’ll get both tropical downpours and hot daytime temperatures, so you should prepare for both sun and rain.
Savanna Climate Characteristics
Maputo sits in a tropical savanna climate zone, with distinct wet and dry seasons.
December marks the wet season, so rainfall climbs higher compared to mid-year months.
Temperatures stay warm, rarely dropping below 22°C (72°F) at night and often hitting 29–31°C (84–88°F) during the day.
Humidity hangs around 70–75%, which can make the heat feel even stronger.
The savanna environment supports lush greenery during this time.
Rain showers, though sometimes brief, show up often enough to keep the landscape green.
The mix of heat, moisture, and sunlight really defines Maputo’s seasonal rhythm.
Typical December Weather Patterns
December brings a blend of hot afternoons, humid nights, and regular rainfall.
On average, expect about 100–115 mm of precipitation spread across 10–12 days.
Rain usually arrives in short, heavy bursts, often in the late afternoon or evening.
You’ll still get plenty of sunshine—roughly 220 hours for the month.
Many days start bright before clouds build up.
The sea temperature averages around 25°C (77°F), so coastal activities feel comfortable.
Here’s a quick overview of December in Maputo:
| Weather Element | Average Value |
|---|---|
| Daytime High | 29–31°C |
| Nighttime Low | 22–23°C |
| Rainfall | 100–115 mm |
| Rainy Days | 10–12 days |
| Humidity | ~74% |
| Sunshine Hours | ~220 hours |
December stays lively and unpredictable, with sunshine often giving way to showers.
Comparison to Other Months
If you look at December next to the dry months of May through September, the difference jumps out.
Those months feel cooler, drier, and less humid, with highs closer to 25°C and barely any rain.
November starts the shift into the wet season, but December sees a sharper rise in both rain and humidity.
January and February push this trend further, often recording even higher rainfall totals.
For travelers, December is warmer and wetter than the middle of the year, but not as intense as the peak rainy months that follow.
You’ll see greener landscapes and more vibrant conditions compared to the dry season, but you’ll also need to watch out for afternoon storms.
Temperature Averages Around Christmas
In late December, Maputo stays warm and humid with only slight differences between day and night.
Temperatures remain steady, but humidity and cloud cover can make the air feel hotter than the numbers suggest.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
Daytime highs around Christmas in Maputo usually hit 82–85°F (28–29°C).
The sun is strong, and humidity makes it feel even warmer.
Afternoons can get muggy, especially with partly cloudy skies.
At night, temperatures stay mild.
Lows typically sit between 70–73°F (21–23°C), so evenings feel comfortable but rarely cool.
You won’t need heavy clothing, and most nights are warm enough for outdoor plans.
Here’s a quick reference:
| Time of Day | Average Temp |
|---|---|
| Daytime High | 82–85°F (28–29°C) |
| Nighttime Low | 70–73°F (21–23°C) |
Temperature Fluctuations During the Holiday
You won’t see big swings between morning and night.
The difference between the afternoon high and the overnight low usually lands at 10–12°F (5–6°C).
This kind of stability is pretty typical for coastal cities with tropical climates.
Humidity plays a big part in how you feel.
Even when the thermometer reads 82°F, the heat index can make it seem closer to 90°F.
Afternoon breezes from the Indian Ocean offer some relief, especially along the waterfront.
During Christmas week, cloud cover is common, and short rain showers might cool the air briefly.
Temperatures rebound quickly after rainfall, so the overall vibe stays warm and humid.
Historical Record Highs and Lows
Maputo has seen some extremes in December, though they’re rare.
The record high for the month comes close to 95°F (35°C).
That kind of heat doesn’t happen often, but it’s possible when dry winds cut down the coastal cooling.
On the cooler side, the record low in December has dipped to about 63°F (17°C).
Nights that cool are unusual and usually come from odd weather patterns.
Most years, Christmas temperatures stay well within the normal range.
Extremes are outliers, but they show how Maputo’s tropical climate can still throw a curveball with unexpected heat or a cool night.
Rainfall and Humidity Levels in Late December
Late December in Maputo brings the wet season of its tropical savanna climate.
You’ll get frequent rain showers, high humidity, and warm temperatures that shape how comfortable your stay feels.
Average Precipitation
Rainfall in Maputo jumps in December compared to drier winter months.
By late December, the city usually records between 120 mm and 150 mm of rain for the month.
This rain spreads across several days, often showing up as short, heavy showers in the afternoon or evening.
Storms can get intense, but they usually move on quickly instead of sticking around all day.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, it’s smart to prep for sudden downpours.
Carrying light rain gear or having indoor options helps you stay flexible.
Even with the rain, skies often clear up enough for sunshine during parts of the day.
Humidity Trends
Humidity stays high in late December, thanks to both frequent rain and warm sea breezes from the Indian Ocean.
Average relative humidity usually ranges from 75% to 85%.
This kind of humidity makes the air feel warmer than the actual temperature, especially in the afternoon when highs hit around 29°C.
Nights remain humid too, with only a small drop in moisture levels.
You might find the air sticky, especially if you’re not used to tropical weather.
Staying hydrated and picking light, breathable clothes makes it easier to adjust.
Rainy Day Frequency
Rain doesn’t fall every day in late December, but the odds of catching a shower are high.
On average, 7 to 10 days during the month see measurable rainfall in Maputo.
Rainfall patterns usually involve scattered showers instead of long, drawn-out storms.
You often get dry mornings before showers build up later in the day.
Since rain is common but not constant, you can still plan sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Scheduling excursions earlier in the day lowers your chances of getting caught in afternoon showers.
This rhythm of weather is pretty typical for the wet season in a savanna climate like Maputo’s.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
December in Maputo brings steady sunshine and reliable daylight, even though it’s the wet season.
You can expect bright conditions for much of the day, with only short breaks for passing clouds or showers.
Average Daily Sunshine
Around Christmas, Maputo averages about 7.5 to 8 hours of sunshine per day.
That’s a bit less than the sunniest months, but it still leaves you plenty of time for outdoor activities.
The summer rains usually show up in short bursts, often in the afternoon or evening.
These showers can cut the sunshine for a while but rarely block it all day.
Compared with winter months, December’s sunshine duration is just a little lower.
You’ll still find the city bright and warm for most of the day.
Length of Daylight
December gives you some of the longest days of the year in Maputo.
Around Christmas, daylight lasts about 13 to 13.5 hours.
Sunrise happens early, often before 5:00 a.m., and sunset lands close to 6:30 p.m.
This extended daylight gives you more freedom to plan sightseeing, beach visits, or day trips without feeling rushed.
The difference between summer and winter day length is big.
In June, daylight just tops 10 hours, but in December it stretches out by almost three extra hours.
This seasonal swing is pretty noticeable and makes late December especially nice for outdoor travel.
Cloud Cover Patterns
Cloud cover in December is more common than in the dry season, but skies rarely stay overcast all day.
You’ll often see a mix of sun and clouds, with clear mornings giving way to cloudier afternoons.
Rain clouds tend to build later in the day.
You can usually enjoy sunny weather during the first half of your activities before showers pop up.
Even with higher humidity, visibility generally stays good.
Cloud cover offers some relief from the strong summer sun, making outdoor conditions a bit more comfortable despite the heat.
Most days, you’ll still get long stretches of clear skies between passing clouds.
Sea and Coastal Weather Conditions
Maputo’s coastal setting gives you warm sea temperatures and steady breezes in December.
Conditions stay good for swimming and outdoor activities, though humidity and rain showers might affect comfort sometimes.
Sea Surface Temperatures
Around Christmas, the sea off Maputo’s coast usually sits between 26°C and 28°C (79°F–82°F).
That feels warm and comfortable for swimming—not too hot, not too cold.
The Indian Ocean helps shape the coastal climate, keeping water temperatures steady.
Unlike inland areas, the sea keeps temperature swings small, so you won’t notice big changes between day and night.
December brings more rain, but it rarely cools the sea.
Even on wetter days, water temperatures stay stable, so the ocean remains inviting for most beachgoers.
| Month | Avg. Sea Temp. | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Nov | 25–27°C | Warm, rising |
| Dec | 26–28°C | Peak warmth |
| Jan | 27–29°C | Very warm |
Beach Weather Suitability
December falls in the wetter season in Maputo, so you’ll get short rain showers mixed with long stretches of sunshine.
On average, the city logs about 10–12 wet days in the month, but rain usually comes in bursts, not all-day storms.
Daytime highs near the coast average 82°F (28°C), and humidity adds to the warmth.
Breezes off the ocean help take the edge off, especially during the afternoon.
UV levels run high, so you’ll want sun protection even on partly cloudy days.
Beach conditions are generally safe, with calm to moderate surf.
The mix of warm water, steady daylight of about 13 hours, and manageable winds makes swimming and snorkeling a good bet during the holidays.
Extreme Weather and Notable Events
Christmas in Maputo usually means warm temperatures and seasonal rains, but some years bring unusual conditions.
Most Decembers follow a predictable pattern, but a few events stand out for their intensity or for breaking long-term weather records.
Unusual Weather Occurrences
December in Maputo is usually hot and humid, with frequent afternoon showers.
Still, some years bring unexpected twists.
For example, stronger-than-normal coastal winds sometimes disrupt holiday activities along the beaches.
These winds often arrive with passing tropical systems in the Mozambique Channel.
Heavy rainfall can also make an impact.
While December rain is typical, isolated storms have dumped more than 100 mm of rain in a single day.
Such downpours can cause short-term flooding in low-lying neighborhoods and make travel tricky.
Less common, but still worth mentioning, are cooler mornings that dip closer to 20°C.
These brief drops stand out since Maputo generally stays warm at night.
When you mix cooler nights with high humidity, it can get a bit uncomfortable indoors if you’re relying only on natural ventilation.
Record-Breaking Christmas Weather
Historical records show Maputo’s December temperatures usually fall between 22°C at night and 29°C during the day. Still, some years during Christmas week, temperatures shot past these averages.
The record high for December actually climbed above 35°C. Locals and visitors scrambled for shade or tried to hide out indoors, just to escape the heat.
On the flip side, December’s record lows dipped just under 20°C. Sure, that’s not cold by most standards, but for Maputo, it feels oddly chilly—especially if you only expect heat.
Rainfall can get wild too. A few Christmas periods brought totals that doubled the usual monthly average of about 100 mm.
When that kind of rain hits, streets flood fast. Outdoor holiday events? Sometimes they just get canceled.
Honestly, these records really show how unpredictable Maputo’s Christmas weather can be, even though it’s usually warm.