Winter in Maputo feels like a breath of fresh air after the hot, sticky summer. You’ll notice mild days, cool nights, and barely any rain—honestly, it’s probably the best time to be out and about in the city. Unlike places where winter means frigid winds and icy sidewalks, Maputo’s winter gives you gentle warmth with a crisp edge.
Skies usually stay clear, rain is scarce, and the humidity drops off. You get this easygoing vibe whether you’re strolling by the water, checking out the markets, or heading off on a day trip.
The sun sticks around, balancing out the cooler air and making outdoor plans simple and inviting.
If you’re curious about what makes Maputo’s winter stand out, it’s really how the temperatures, rain, wind, and sea all work together. This mix shapes the weather you feel and the city’s slower, drier pace.
Overview of Maputo’s Winter Climate
Winter in Maputo stands out as the coolest and driest stretch of the year. Daytime temperatures stay mild, nights get a bit chilly, and rain is almost a non-issue compared to the muggy summer.
Location and Climate Classification
Maputo hugs Mozambique’s southern coast, right along the Indian Ocean. Its low elevation—somewhere between 22–40 meters above sea level—and coastal spot really shape its weather.
The city falls into the tropical savanna climate (Aw) category, according to Köppen. So you get two big seasons: a wet, steamy summer and a dry, cooler winter.
Since Maputo sits in the Southern Hemisphere, winter runs from June through August. The sun hangs lower, and days shorten to about 10.5–11 hours of daylight.
Humidity drops a bit in winter, usually landing between 65% and 69%, which makes the air feel lighter. Coastal breezes help keep things comfortable too.
Typical Winter Weather Patterns
Maputo’s winter temperatures feel moderate. Daytime highs hover around 24–25°C (75–77°F). At night, it cools off to 14–16°C (57–61°F), especially in July.
Rain barely makes an appearance. Monthly totals usually fall below 20 mm, and August is often the driest. You might see 1–3 rainy days per month, so most days are clear or partly sunny.
Sunshine averages about 8 hours per day. That’s a lot of daylight for exploring. Winds pick up a bit in the dry season, but they don’t really mess with your plans.
Sea surface temps drop to about 23°C (73°F) in June and July. Still, that’s warm enough for a swim, just not as toasty as summer. This combo of mild air, dry days, and steady sun makes winter pretty unbeatable in Maputo.
Average Temperatures During Winter
Maputo’s winter feels pretty mild if you compare it to other places. Days are cooler, nights even more so, and there’s not much drama with temperature swings. Since rain is rare, you mostly get comfortable temperatures instead of sudden changes.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
Most winter days in Maputo reach 24°C to 25°C (75°F–77°F). That’s warm enough to enjoy being outside, but not sweaty like summer. The sun’s out most days, but it doesn’t beat down on you.
At night, you’ll feel a noticeable drop. Lows dip to 14°C to 16°C (57°F–61°F), especially in July. Mornings and evenings can be cool, so you might want a light jacket. The difference between crisp nights and warm afternoons really defines Maputo’s winter.
You skip the summer heat and the rainy season’s dampness, so it’s a great time to hang out outdoors.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Winter lasts from June through August. In June, highs average about 24.6°C (76°F), and lows hit 15°C (59°F).
July, the coldest month, brings highs around 24.4°C (76°F) and lows near 14.2°C (57°F).
August starts to warm up again, with highs at 25.3°C (77°F) and lows just above 15°C (59°F).
Temperatures stay steady across these months. You don’t get wild swings, so it’s easy to plan your days or travel.
Winter Precipitation and Rainfall
Winter in Maputo is when rain almost disappears. You won’t need to worry about soggy days or sudden showers.
Average Rainfall Amounts
From June to August, Maputo hardly sees any rain. The city’s tropical wet and dry setup puts winter right in the dry season. Average monthly rainfall stays under 30 mm (about 1 inch).
For comparison, January often gets more than 150 mm. That’s a huge difference. Winter’s dry stretch is perfect if you want to spend time outside and not stress about rain.
The drier air brings clearer skies and longer sunny spells. Humidity drops, so you’ll notice it feels more comfortable.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| June | ~20 mm |
| July | ~10 mm |
| August | ~15 mm |
These numbers show just how little rain falls in winter compared to the wet months.
Rainy Days Frequency
Rainy days are rare in Maputo’s winter. From June through August, you’ll probably only get 1 to 3 days with measurable rain each month. So, dry and sunny days are the norm.
During the wet season, you might see 10 or more rainy days per month, with heavier showers and more humidity. In winter, if it does rain, it’s usually light and doesn’t last long.
This reliable dryness makes winter a good pick if you want stable weather. You can plan trips, hit the beach, or explore the city without worrying about downpours.
Humidity, Wind, and Sunshine in Winter
In Maputo’s winter, you get lower rainfall, mild temperatures, and steady weather overall. Humidity drops compared to summer, winds stay gentle, and there’s plenty of sunshine for whatever you want to do outside.
Relative Humidity Levels
Winter humidity in Maputo sits between 71% and 74%. That’s lower than the sticky highs of the rainy season. The air feels lighter, especially after a muggy summer.
Mornings can feel a bit humid, but afternoons dry out as it warms up. Sometimes you’ll notice a hint of stickiness, but it’s rarely uncomfortable.
If muggy weather isn’t your thing, winter’s a relief. Walking around, shopping, or hanging by the water feels much nicer.
Humidity stays high enough that the air doesn’t get bone-dry, but it’s still easy to enjoy being outside.
Wind Speeds and Patterns
Winds in Maputo’s winter generally stay light to moderate, around 10–15 km/h. Breezes usually come from the southeast, thanks to the Indian Ocean.
These winds help keep the air fresh and balance out the daytime warmth. You don’t really get strong gusts or dust storms.
If you’re near the coast, expect breezier afternoons. Inland, things are calmer, so outdoor meals or walking around town are comfortable.
Predictable winds also help lower humidity, so winter days feel cooler and clearer than the wetter months.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Maputo’s winter offers long stretches of sunshine, with about 8 to 8.5 hours per day. July is often the brightest month, with clear skies and hardly any clouds.
Daylight lasts 10.5 to 11 hours, which is plenty for sightseeing or day trips. Winter skies are clearer than in summer, so you get crisp, bright days.
This makes winter great for photos, market visits, or coastal walks. You can count on good light most days, with only a few cloudy spells.
Mild temperatures and steady sun mean you can enjoy Maputo’s outdoor spots without worrying about rain or gloom.
Sea Temperatures and Coastal Influences
Maputo’s coastline stays pretty warm, even in winter. The Indian Ocean keeps the city’s weather mild. The steady sea temperatures and ocean-driven humidity really shape how comfortable it feels during the cooler months.
Average Winter Sea Temperatures
In winter, sea temperatures near Maputo sit between 23°C and 24°C (73°F–75°F). That’s cooler than the summer high of about 27°C (81°F), but still good for a swim.
The ocean cools slowly from late May into July, with the lowest readings in June. By August, the water starts to warm up, hinting at spring.
Water temperatures don’t really drop sharply, so you can still swim, snorkel, or walk the beaches without freezing. Locals benefit too, since the ocean’s steady warmth keeps winter air temperatures from getting too cold near the shore.
| Month | Avg. Sea Temp °C | Avg. Sea Temp °F |
|---|---|---|
| June | 23.1 | 73.6 |
| July | 23.3 | 73.9 |
| August | 23.8 | 74.8 |
Impact of the Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean really shapes Maputo’s winter. Its warm waters release heat into the air, which keeps nighttime temps from dropping too low. Even when inland spots get chilly, the coast stays milder.
The ocean also helps balance humidity. Even though winter is dry, humidity usually holds around 65–69%, so the air doesn’t get too dry.
Coastal wind patterns show this ocean influence. Breezes from the southeast bring cooler, drier air, while onshore winds sometimes add a bit of moisture. These shifts help explain why July and August are usually the driest months, with rainfall often below 20 mm per month.
For visitors, this means stable weather and comfortable conditions for exploring or hanging out by the water all season.
Notable Winter Weather Events and Variability
Most winters in Maputo feel mild, but sometimes you get colder snaps or odd weather shifts. These can catch you off guard if you’re not expecting them.
Unusual Cold Spells
Average winter highs land near 24°C (75°F), but some years, colder air from the south sneaks in. These cold spells can push nighttime temps below 10°C (50°F), which feels chilly in a city where homes aren’t really heated.
These drops don’t last long—maybe a few days. Cold fronts from South Africa usually cause them, bringing cooler winds and drier air. They’re rare, but travelers sometimes get surprised by how cool it gets.
Locals pull out jackets and warm clothes during these spells, especially in the mornings and evenings. If you only packed light clothes, you might wish you’d brought a sweater. It’s worth packing a couple of layers, just in case.
Historical Weather Extremes
Maputo sits in a tropical savanna (Aw) climate, so winters usually feel dry and pretty mild. Still, there have been some exceptions. Sometimes, winter temperatures have dropped close to 5°C (41°F)—not exactly the norm, but it has happened.
Rain almost never shows up in winter, but now and then, a stray shower rolls through. These odd rain events usually come from unexpected changes in the wind. They don’t lead to flooding, but they can break up the dry spell for a bit.
Windy days leave their mark too. Occasionally, strong winter gusts sweep across the coast, making sea conditions rougher. If you’re thinking of heading out by boat or just hanging at the beach, it’s smart to check the marine forecast. Those winds can flip the script on your plans before you know it.