Mozambique is famous for its amazing landscapes and beautiful scenery. Bordered by the Indian Ocean on one side and southern Africa on the other side, this country is truly blessed by mother nature. Mozambique has two distinct seasons known as dry and wet seasons but the coast experiences sunny and warm weather all year round. Here is a breakdown of what to expect in terms of weather in the beautiful country.
January
January is one of the rainiest months in Mozambique. The landscape is mostly filled with green and lush vegetation. It is not a great time to visit the beaches but it is a great month for birdwatchers and Mozambique is home to over 600 bird species. The highland forests of Gorongosa, the woodlands of Panda and around the coast of Inhimbane, Vilanculos and Barazuto Islands are some of the best places to catch sight of these exotic and migratory bird species. Also you can go fishing at the coastlines in this period.
Average Temperatures: 22°C – 31°C
Average Rainfall: 159mm
February
In February the nights are warm and wet and temperatures can reach up to 35°C in the coast but there’s regular rainfall in the north which can sometimes be torrential. This is a great time to visit Vilanculo which can have a lot of sunny days in this time. February is a great month to see nesting turtles found at the beaches south of Bazaruto to Ponta do Ouro. Tofo is also an excellent location to visit in this period.
Average temperatures: 22°C – 35°C
Rainfall: 138mm
March
March is the final month of the rainy season and with the rainfall and wetness reducing, this is a great time for birdwatching and also spotting turtles. The warm coastal waters are in excellent conditions for snorkeling and diving. It is best you visit the south of the country in this month; From Vilanculo to Bazaruto Archipelagos, as far as Porto do Oura. If seclusion is what you’re after then visit the Manchangulo Peninsula, south of Inhaca Island where you’ll find plenty of isolated resorts.
Average Temperatures: 21°C – 35°C
Rainfall: 90mm
April
April ushers in the end of the rainy season with a lot less rainfall and humidity. In this time, you can now begin to entertain thoughts about visiting the beaches. Days are clear and sunny with the occasional winds passing through and the nights are warm. Since the coastal waters are calm and clear in this period, it is a great time to go diving and snorkeling. Ensure you get your bookings on time as April marks the beginning of Easter breaks for schools and Porto do Ouro, Tofo Beach and Vilanculo experience swarms of visitors. Gorongosa National Park also opens in this month.
Average Temperatures: 19°C – 29°C
Rainfall: 40mm
May
The dry season begins proper in May and it is an excellent time to visit Mozambique. The occasional rainfall may appear here and there but by the end of the month you should be expecting clearer skies. The beauty of the beaches is more noticeable now and this month provides great conditions for diving and snorkeling. Visit Maputo to partake in the Azgo Festival which is Mozambique biggest arts and cultures festival. The beaches across Bazaruto and Quirimbas are mostly in the best conditions in May providing the best photo opportunities.
Average Temperatures: 16°C – 27°C
Rainfall: 30mm
June
June is an excellent month for wildlife viewing and beach activities. This is a gret time to catch sight of the humpback whale as migration season begins. With clear and sunny days, June presents great opportunities to catch shots of wildlife and beaches too. Go fishing this month and expect catch like barracudas, tunas, sailfish and wahoos. Join in the celebrations of St. John the Baptist on the 24th of June on the Quirimbas Island of Ibo where you can witness traditional dance, music and dhow racing. Mozambique’s summer holidays begin late June so visitors are advised to reserve their bookings on time.
Average Temperatures: 13°C – 25°C
Rainfall: 18mm
July
Mozambique is warm and pleasant all through July. Most days are bright and clear which is a great time to visit anywhere in the country. Maputo is warm and sunny creating ideal conditions for hiking. Humpback whales can be sighted from Quirimbas to Ponta do Ouro. Tofo, Vilanculo and Bazaruto are particularly great locations to spot them. July is one of the best months for anglers with the earlier part of the season ideal for sailfish off Bazaruto.
Average Temperatures: 13°C – 25°C
Rainfall: 18mm
August
This month is a dry season month and ideal for quality wildlife viewing and visiting beaches. Take boat trips to sight dolphins as they swim off the coast. The warm waters off the coast hosts humpback whales migrated from Antarctica to East Africa. Go sightseeing on Ilha de Moçambique and Ibo Island, and within capital city, Maputo. The Quirimbas Archipelago is particularly windy in August and some nights can be pretty chilly.
Average temperatures: 15°C – 26°C
Rainfall: 15mm
September
Mozambique experiences warmer days and nights in September. The northern coastline is usually marginally hotter than the south. September is usually dry across the country but along the southern coast clouds begin to build up with very short spells of rainfall. Pemba and the Quirimbas are picture perfect locations. The weather is still great for the beach with diving and snorkeling still major activities. Go on a safari at the Gorongosa National Park. Tours can be arranged from most major coastal resorts where you can spot humpback whales.
Average Temperature: 17°C – 27°C
Rainfall: 41mm
October
In October, the end of the dry season is gradually approaching and temperatures are at their hottest. If you can take the heat then it’s a great time to enjoy the bush and the beach in Mozambique. October is an excellent time to travel around the country with the occasional sight of humpback whales migrating from Antarctica to East Africa. The calm and clear water are excellent for diving and snorkeling. With clear weather conditions, this time is excellent for taking great pictures.
Average Temperatures: 18°C – 17°C
Rainfall: 57mm
November
The rainy season in Mozambique begins in November, starting in the south and gradually moving upwards to the north. In this month the rainfalls are hardly predictable and mostly irregular; with hot humid days mixed with dramatic thunderstorms. Pemba and Quirimba Archipelagos are usually very dry in November and the beaches dry and sunny and light sea winds in the evenings. You can go diving and fishing at the islands of Vilanculo and Bazaruto. In Tofo, catching sight of whale sharks returning.
Average Temperatures: 20°C – 29°C
Average Rainfall: 77mm
December
This is the second month of the rainy season and birdwatching is superb this period. Diving and snorkeling are particularly enjoyable this month with great opportunities to see some exotic marine species as well. Watch turtles waddle to their nests across the coastlines of Mozambique. With plush greenery and stormy skies, the photographing opportunities here are incredible.
Average Temperatures: 20°C – 32°C
Rainfall: 70mm
