Average Winter Weather in Maputo, Mozambique: Key Insights & Data

When you think of winter, you might imagine icy winds and heavy coats. But Maputo? It’s a whole different story.

Winter in Maputo brings mild temperatures, low humidity, and the driest months of the year, making it one of the most comfortable times to experience the city. Instead of harsh cold, you get pleasant days—perfect for being outside.

Daytime highs usually stick around the mid-70s Fahrenheit (about 24–25°C). Nights cool off, dipping into the upper 50s (14–15°C).

Rain barely makes an appearance, so you can leave the umbrella behind. This mix of warmth and dryness lets you wander Maputo’s streets, peruse markets, and stroll the coastline without sweating through your shirt or dealing with muggy air.

Winter sunlight keeps shining, with about eight hours of sunshine each day. Sure, the days are a bit shorter than in summer, but there’s still plenty of time to hit the city or the beaches.

With calm weather both on land and at sea, winter in Maputo feels pretty relaxed. It’s a great time to visit if you ask me.

Maputo’s Climate Overview

Maputo has a tropical climate, with clear wet and dry seasons. Temperatures stay warm year-round, though rainfall and humidity swing a lot depending on the month.

If you get a handle on these patterns, planning outdoor adventures becomes a lot easier.

Geographical Location and Climate Classification

Maputo sits right on Mozambique’s southern coast, facing the Indian Ocean. Its spot near the Tropic of Capricorn puts it firmly in the southern hemisphere, so seasons run opposite to what you’d find in Europe or North America.

The city fits the Köppen classification Aw, a tropical savanna climate. That means a pronounced wet season and a clear dry season, with warmth all year.

Sea breezes from the coast usually keep extreme heat in check. The ocean brings in moist air during the summer, which bumps up humidity and rainfall.

Maputo sits low, just about 22 meters above sea level. Because of that, you won’t notice big temperature drops at night like you might inland.

The climate stays warm and steady, but never gets too wild.

Seasonal Patterns in Maputo

Maputo’s year splits into two main seasons: wet summer and dry winter.

• Summer (December–March): Hot, humid, and rainy. January gets the most rain, with over 150 mm on average. Daytime temps often hit 29–30°C.
• Autumn (April–May): Temps ease up, and the rain lets off. Travel feels more comfortable.
• Winter (June–August): Dry and mild. Highs hover at 24–25°C, nights drop to 14–16°C. Rainfall is low—usually under 20 mm per month.
• Spring (September–November): Temperatures climb again, and rain starts picking up, hinting at summer’s return.

These predictable shifts make it easy to pick your ideal travel window, whether you prefer it cool and dry or warm and wet.

Annual Weather Averages

Maputo keeps a warm annual average temperature, usually 24–25°C (76–77°F). January and February feel hottest, while July brings the coolest stretch.

Rainfall sits between 800–1,000 mm per year, but most of that falls from November to March. July and August often see less than 20 mm of rain.

Humidity usually stays between 65–70%, but it feels stickier in the wet season. Even during rainy months, you’ll still get about 8 hours of sunshine a day.

Daylight ranges from about 10.5 hours in June to nearly 13.5 hours in December. With warm coastal water, Maputo feels inviting for outdoor and beach activities almost any time.

Typical Winter Temperatures in Maputo

Winter in Maputo brings mild, steady temps. Days feel comfortable, and nights cool off but never get too cold.

It’s honestly one of the best times to be outside.

Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures

During winter, daytime highs usually land in the mid-70s °F (about 23–25°C). That’s perfect for walking, sightseeing, or just hanging out outdoors—no heavy jackets needed.

At night, temps drop to the low 60s °F (16–18°C). It’s cooler, sure, but still mild compared to winter elsewhere. A light sweater or jacket should do the trick.

You’ll notice a difference between day and night, but it’s never dramatic. Weather patterns stay steady, so you won’t get caught off guard by sudden swings.

Quick reference:

• Daytime highs: ~74–75°F (23–24°C)
• Nighttime lows: ~61–62°F (16–17°C)

Monthly Temperature Variation

Maputo’s winter runs from June through August. Temperatures don’t shift much from month to month.

• June: Highs around 75°F (24°C), lows near 62°F (17°C).
• July: Slightly cooler, with highs near 74°F (23°C) and lows around 61°F (16°C).
• August: Warming up again, highs back to 75°F (24°C), lows near 62°F (17°C).

July typically brings the coolest weather, but honestly, the difference is barely noticeable. You’ll probably pack the same clothes all season.

Record Highs and Lows During Winter

It’s rare for winter highs in Maputo to go above 85°F (29°C). On the flip side, lows almost never dip below 56°F (13°C).

The coldest day usually falls in mid-July, when you might see 61°F (16°C) at night and 74°F (23°C) during the day. Even then, it’s nothing compared to harsher climates.

You won’t see frost, and extreme cold just doesn’t happen here. Sometimes, you might notice more of a change in wind or humidity than in temperature.

Winter extremes:

• Highest highs: ~85°F (29°C)
• Lowest lows: ~56°F (13°C)

That narrow range really shows how mild Maputo’s winter can be.

Winter Rainfall and Humidity Levels

Winter in Maputo? It’s the driest time of year. Rainfall drops way off compared to summer, and humidity goes down, so the air feels clearer and more comfortable.

Monthly Precipitation Totals

From June through August, Maputo sees the lowest rainfall of the year. Monthly totals usually run from about 10 mm to 40 mm, while the wet season can easily top 100 mm.

June often gets the least rain—sometimes just a few millimeters. July and August stay dry too, though you might catch a stray shower.

Here’s a quick look at the averages:

With so little rain, you can pretty much count on dry days for your plans.

Humidity Trends in Winter

Humidity drops during winter, making the air feel lighter than in the sticky wet season. Average relative humidity hangs around 65% to 70%, while summer can push it above 80%.

Lower humidity means clearer skies and better visibility. Mornings start off cool and crisp, and afternoons warm up without feeling muggy.

If you’re sensitive to humidity, winter is definitely the most comfortable time to be outside in Maputo.

Rainy Days Frequency

You’ll only get 1 to 3 days with measurable rain per month between June and August. Most showers are light and don’t last long.

The wet season, by contrast, can bring over 10 rainy days a month. Winter’s predictability makes it easy to plan tours, beach trips, or city walks without worrying about rain.

Sunshine, Daylight, and Wind in Winter

Winter in Maputo feels cool but comfortable. Sunshine sticks around, daylight hours shorten a bit, and winds pick up compared to summer.

Average Sunshine Hours

Winter skies in Maputo are among the clearest all year. July gets about 8.5 hours of sunshine per day, making it the sunniest month.

June and August aren’t far behind, averaging 7.5 to 8 hours daily. That much sun keeps afternoons pleasantly warm, even when the air is cooler.

Since winter rain is rare, clouds hardly ever block the sun. You can expect most days to be bright and dry, which is great if you like knowing what to expect.

Daylight Duration

Daylight shrinks a bit in winter, but you still get enough for sightseeing. June, the shortest month, offers about 10.5 hours of daylight.

By August, you’re up to 11.5 hours. The sun rises around 6:15–6:30 a.m. and sets between 5:15–5:45 p.m., depending on the month.

Unlike higher latitudes, daylight doesn’t swing wildly from month to month. Your daily schedule can stay pretty steady.

Wind Speed and Patterns

Winds pick up during the dry winter months, usually blowing in from the east or southeast. Average speeds range from 12–18 km/h.

These breezes help keep humidity down, making the air feel fresher than in summer. Along the coast, gusts can get stronger in the afternoons, especially on open beaches.

If you’re traveling, light winds rarely disrupt plans. They might make the sea a bit choppier for boat trips, but for most folks, the breeze just cools off the warm afternoons.

Sea Temperatures and Coastal Conditions

Maputo’s coast stays warm through winter, and the sea remains comfortable for swimming. The Indian Ocean’s seasonal patterns shape shoreline conditions, bringing warm currents and the odd bit of rain.

Average Sea Temperatures

From June to August, sea temperatures off Maputo average 22°C to 24°C. That’s cooler than summer, when the water can hit 26°C or higher, but it’s still mild compared to other places at this time of year.

By late August, as spring approaches, the water starts to warm again. Day and night water temperatures don’t fluctuate much, so the ocean feels stable for swimming.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

You almost never run into really cold water here. Even in July, the sea usually stays above 21°C.

Swimming and Water Activities in Winter

You can swim comfortably in Maputo during winter, although the water feels cooler than in summer. Many visitors still go snorkeling or just take a casual swim, especially on those sunny days when the air warms up to about 24°C.

The cooler sea temperatures might feel refreshing, but if you want to stay in the water for a while, a light wetsuit helps a lot. Early mornings or windy weather make this even more useful.

Rainfall drops to its lowest in winter, so you’ll often find calmer seas and not many interruptions from storms. It’s honestly one of the better times for a beach walk, boating, or fishing along the coast.

Tides and currents usually stay moderate, so most public beaches offer safe conditions. Still, it’s a good idea to check local advisories before heading out, because coastal winds can change fast.

Comparing Maputo’s Winter to Other Seasons

Maputo’s climate clearly shifts between wet and dry periods. Winter brings mild, dry conditions. Summer gets hotter and wetter, and the months in between act as a transition, balancing out rainfall and temperature changes.

Key Differences Between Winter and Summer

Winter in Maputo (May–October) feels dry, sunny, and mild. Daytime highs usually sit between 20–25°C (68–77°F), while nights cool off to 10–16°C (50–60°F). Rain barely shows up, often less than 10 mm per month, and humidity drops to about 60–70%, so the air feels more comfortable.

Summer (November–April) turns hot, humid, and rainy. Temperatures often climb to 29–31°C (84–88°F), and humidity goes above 75%. Rainfall peaks in January and February, often shooting past 200 mm per month, and thunderstorms pop up pretty often.

You’ll notice the biggest contrast in rainfall and humidity. Winter skies usually stay clear, but summer skies get cloudier and storms show up more often.

Transitional Weather in Autumn and Spring

Autumn (April) and spring (October) really act as bridge months between the extremes. In April, you’ll notice temperatures start to dip from those summer highs, averaging around 25–28°C (77–82°F).

Rainfall drops off pretty sharply then. By May, the dry season feels like it’s taken over.

Spring, especially in October, brings the first hints of summer back. Humidity creeps up, and average highs edge toward 28–30°C (82–86°F).

Rain comes more often, and you might even get an early thunderstorm or two.

These months can be a bit unpredictable. One day might be dry and sunny, then suddenly you’re caught in a quick shower.

If you’re traveling, you’ll get more variety in the weather and probably a bit more flexibility for outdoor plans, at least compared to the heavy rains right in the middle of summer.

Autumn and spring really show how fast Maputo’s climate can shift. There’s a clear line between the dry winter and the wet summer.

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