Winter in Pemba, Mozambique feels calm and comfortable, making outdoor activities easy to enjoy. You’ll usually get mild temperatures around 26°C to 27°C (about 80°F), barely any rain, and a whole lot of sunshine.
The air isn’t as humid as in the wetter months, so it’s a great time for both relaxing and exploring. Some of the sunniest days of the year show up in winter, with long stretches of blue sky and just a hint of breeze.
The sea stays warm enough for swimming and diving. Drier weather makes it a top choice if you want to explore the coast or try maritime adventures.
This season really stands out as the most stable time of year in Pemba. When other months bring heavy rains or sticky humidity, winter gives you pleasant weather that feels warm but comfortable.
You can discover the region without worrying about storms or intense heat.
Overview of Winter in Pemba
Winter in Pemba, Mozambique brings cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall compared to the rest of the year.
Expect drier days, lots of sunshine, and calm seas. It’s a big change from the hotter, wetter months.
Winter Months and Calendar
In Pemba, winter runs from June through August. This matches the Southern Hemisphere’s dry season.
Daytime temperatures usually hit 26°C to 27°C (79°F to 81°F). Nights feel cooler, dropping closer to 21°C (70°F).
Rain barely makes an appearance, often just a few millimeters each month. The sea temperature dips a bit, averaging 25.7°C (78°F) in July, which is about as cool as it gets.
Even then, the water stays comfortable for swimming and diving. Sunshine is everywhere, with around 9 to 9.5 hours daily.
Winter is one of the brightest times in Pemba, with clear skies almost every day. Winds stay moderate and steady, so you get a nice breeze without it messing up your outdoor plans.
Seasonal Climate Patterns
Winter in Pemba means dry and stable conditions. With rain at its lowest, the landscape shifts from lush green to something more like savanna.
That’s typical for tropical places with a savanna (Aw) climate. Humidity drops to about 71–73%, so the air feels lighter than in summer.
There aren’t many cloudy days, so you get great visibility along the coast and ocean. Wind speeds stick between 12–21 km/h (7–13 mph), with the occasional gust.
These breezes help keep the days comfortable and the evenings cool. Because the weather stays so steady, winter is often the best time for exploring outside, hitting the beach, or getting on the water in Pemba.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Winter in Pemba is cooler, drier, and less humid than summer (December–February). Summer dumps over 250 mm of rain in the wettest months, while winter barely tops 10 mm.
Autumn (March–May) still brings some leftover rain, but things dry out by late May. Spring (September–November) means rising temps and rain creeping back in.
Winter brings the least rain, lowest humidity, and the most sunshine all year. That makes it the easiest season to plan a trip.
While the greener months have their own charm, winter’s reliable weather is hard to beat for comfort and outdoor fun.
Average Temperatures During Winter
Winter in Pemba, Mozambique isn’t cold—it’s just mild and steady. You’ll notice only small shifts between day and night, with July usually being the coolest month.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
During winter, daytime temperatures in Pemba usually sit between 27°C (81°F) and 29°C (84°F). It’s warm, but not uncomfortable.
At night, things cool off a bit, down to 20°C (68°F) to 22°C (72°F). That’s enough to feel a little relief from the day’s warmth.
You probably won’t need more than a light layer in the evening. The gap between day and night temperatures is small, averaging around 6–8°C (10–14°F).
This kind of consistency keeps things pleasant for everyone, whether you live there or are just visiting.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Winter includes June, July, and August in Pemba. Each month only changes a little in terms of average temperature.
- June: Daytime highs reach about 27.6°C (81.7°F), with nights at 21.1°C (70°F).
- July: This is the coldest month, with days near 23.3°C (73.9°F) and nights around 20.2°C (68.4°F).
- August: Temperatures climb a bit, with highs of 27.7°C (81.8°F) and lows near 20.3°C (68.5°F).
You won’t see big swings in weather—just steady, warm days. July is the mildest spot in the season.
Temperature Extremes in Winter
Pemba doesn’t really get extreme cold in winter. The lowest averages hover near 20°C (68°F), which is pretty mild for a “winter.”
Even in July, the coldest month, daytime highs hardly ever drop below 23°C (74°F). That makes Pemba’s winter one of the most comfortable in Mozambique for outdoor activities.
Freezing temperatures or sudden cold snaps just don’t happen here. The winter season keeps things stable, so you can plan your days without worrying about wild changes.
Average Rainfall in Winter
In winter, Pemba, Mozambique sees the lowest rainfall of the year. You’ll mostly get dry weather, with only a few light showers here and there.
That makes this season the most reliable for outdoor plans and travel.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rain in Pemba during winter is minimal. June averages about 15 mm (0.59 in), and July gets close to 10 mm (0.39 in).
By August, rain drops even more, down to 2–5 mm (0.08–0.20 in). Compare that to the wet season, when totals can soar past 250 mm in just one month.
This dry pattern happens because of steady trade winds and less tropical moisture.
| Month | Avg Rainfall (mm) | Avg Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|
| June | 15 | 0.59 |
| July | 10 | 0.39 |
| August | 2–5 | 0.08–0.20 |
These numbers really show how dry winter gets in this part of northern Mozambique.
Rainy Days Frequency
You’ll barely see rainy days in Pemba during winter. June brings about 3–4 days with some rain.
In July, that drops to 2–3 days, and August sometimes only has 1 day of rain—or none at all.
Most days are clear or partly cloudy. It’s easy to make plans for the beach or outdoor trips without worrying about the weather turning on you.
With so little rain, travel delays are rare, unlike the wet summer months.
Humidity and Precipitation Patterns
Humidity in Pemba during winter is lower than in the wet season, but it’s still pretty high because of the tropical climate.
You’ll usually get average humidity around 71–74%, compared to 78–80% in the rainier months.
The reduced rainfall and lower humidity make things more comfortable. The air stays warm and a bit moist, but it’s not as heavy as in January or February.
This mix of mild humidity, little rain, and steady sunshine makes winter one of the best times for visitors who want dry weather in northern Mozambique.
Sea Temperature in Winter
During winter in Pemba, Mozambique, the sea stays warm enough for swimming and water sports. The temperature dips a little, but not by much, so the coast stays inviting all season.
Average Sea Temperature by Month
Winter in Pemba runs from June through August. The sea temperature during this time ranges between 25.7°C (78.3°F) and 27.2°C (81°F).
That makes winter the coolest period for ocean water, but it’s still warmer than a lot of tropical places during their cold months.
- June: ~27.2°C (81°F)
- July: ~25.7°C (78.3°F)
- August: ~26.0°C (78.8°F)
The lowest point comes in July, when the water is at its coolest. By August, the sea starts to warm up again as spring gets closer.
Even with the small dip, the water stays comfortable for most people.
Swimming Conditions
You can swim in Pemba’s waters all winter. The sea temperature stays in a range that feels good, especially compared to other places that get chilly.
Even at its coolest in July, the water is still nice for swimming or snorkeling. The dry season also means clearer skies and calmer water.
With so little rain, visibility in the water gets better, making winter a great time for diving. Winds might pick up now and then, but they usually don’t take away from the fun.
If you’re sensitive to cooler water, July might feel a bit brisk, but it’s never cold. Most travelers call the experience refreshing.
Sea Temperature Compared to Air Temperature
In winter, Pemba’s air temperature averages around 26°C to 27°C (79°F to 81°F).
That’s just a touch warmer than the sea, which sits between 25.7°C and 27.2°C. Because the difference is so small, you won’t feel a big change moving from the beach into the water.
This balance helps make outdoor activities easy. You can swim, relax, and move between the sea and shore without ever feeling chilled.
The mild air and warm sea really combine to make winter the best time for enjoying the coast.
With lower humidity in winter, the warmth feels more manageable. The sea just fits right in with the rest of the climate, keeping things steady and predictable.
Wind Speed and Conditions
In winter, Pemba, Mozambique gets wind speeds that rise compared to the wetter summer.
The region feels steady breezes that shape the daily weather and affect your comfort outdoors.
Average Wind Speed in Winter
Pemba’s windier months stretch from mid-April through late November. Winter falls right in this window, so you’ll notice stronger and more consistent winds.
Average wind speeds in winter usually range 10–13 miles per hour (16–21 km/h). That’s enough for a noticeable breeze, but not enough to ruin your plans.
The wind cools things off, especially in the evenings, which is a nice break from the tropical heat. Wind speed stays pretty steady throughout the season, with only small changes day to day.
You might feel a bit more wind along the coast than inland, thanks to Pemba’s open shoreline facing the Indian Ocean.
| Month (Winter) | Avg. Wind Speed (mph) | Avg. Wind Speed (km/h) |
|---|---|---|
| June | 11.0 | 17.7 |
| July | 11.5 | 18.5 |
| August | 12.0 | 19.3 |
Prevailing Wind Directions
In winter, winds in Pemba mostly come from the southeast. The seasonal monsoon system drives this pattern.
You’ll often notice these winds blowing in straight from the ocean, carrying drier, cooler air. It’s a big contrast to the sticky, humid air of summer.
The southeast trade winds show up almost every day. Sometimes local weather systems shake things up, but those changes don’t usually last long.
Because of this, you can count on the wind direction when planning things like sailing or fishing.
Pemba Bay’s coastal geography shapes the wind flow too. Narrow inlets and wide stretches of water can make breezes feel stronger in certain places.
You’ll really feel it in exposed spots near the beaches.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
Steady winter winds in Pemba shape most outdoor plans. Water sports like kitesurfing, windsurfing, and sailing get a boost from the reliable southeast winds and steady speeds.
On land, the breezes help take the edge off the tropical heat. Sightseeing and walking feel more comfortable.
Evenings get cooler, so it’s smart to bring a light layer if you’re eating outside.
Fishing trips also line up with the wind. Local boats usually set their routes and departure times based on which way the wind’s blowing, making travel smoother.
If you want to swim or snorkel, keep in mind that stronger winds can make the coastal waters choppier.
Additional Winter Weather Factors
Winter in Pemba, Mozambique, is about more than just cooler air and less rain. Sunshine, humidity, and forecast consistency all shape what you’ll experience and how you plan your days.
Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover
Pemba’s winter brings some of the sunniest weather all year. Usually, you get 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sunshine per day—more than in the wet season.
The skies stay mostly clear, with only the occasional thin cloud drifting by.
That’s great news for outdoor activities like diving, fishing, or heading out to the Quirimbas Archipelago.
Bright, clear skies also make maritime travel easier, which matters in a coastal city like Pemba.
Cloud cover is usually minimal, with just a handful of overcast days each month.
With fewer clouds, the midday sun feels stronger, so it’s wise to use sun protection even if the air is cool.
Relative Humidity
Humidity drops in Pemba during winter compared to the wet season. You’ll usually see readings between 71% and 75%, quite a bit lower than the 80% you get earlier in the year.
This makes the climate feel more comfortable, even when daytime highs reach around 27°C (81°F).
Nights get cooler and less muggy, which can help you sleep better, especially if your place doesn’t have air conditioning.
The lower humidity clears up the air too. You might notice sharper horizons and less haze, especially in the mornings.
That’s a bonus for photography, sightseeing, or just enjoying the view along the coast.
Weather Variability and Forecast Reliability
Winter weather in Pemba usually stays pretty stable compared to those unpredictable rainy months. Rainfall is quite low—just 2 to 15 mm per month—and honestly, it only rains on a few days here and there.
Winter forecasts are generally more reliable, which is a relief. If you’re planning a trip that lasts a few days, you can mostly count on the weather not changing much.
That kind of consistency matters, especially if you’re booking outdoor tours or hoping to get out on the water.
Wind speeds do shift around, though. You’ll see averages between 12 to 21 km/h, but now and then, gusts can get close to 30 km/h.
These breezes make the temperature feel nicer, though sometimes they mess with small boat travel.