Mozambique Weather

'Mozambique climate information of the seasons for the informed traveler including what to pack and when to visit this African paradise'

SUMMER: October - March
WINTER: April - September

Mozambique Weather from April to September:
Cool and dry, a little rain is received in these months (less than 50mm a month for Maputo) and daytime temperatures on the coast range around 24° - 27° C, while in the interior temperatures are generally cooler (around 5° C lower). You can expect around 8 hours of sunshine a day with around 60% - 70% humidity for Maputo, the further north you travel you can expect these figures to increase. This is the best time to visit mozambique....

Mozambique Weather from December to March:
Hot, sticky and rainy with electrical storms usually in the afternoons, preceded by humid build-ups in the mornings. Rainfall of well over 200mm a month can be received. Temperatures generally range from 27° - 31° C while again it's less humid and cooler in the interior. The northern coastline areas tend to be hotter still, sometimes soaring into the high 30°'s C.

Please note that most Island lodges close over February as this is generally cyclone/ hurricane season....

Best months to visit:
The cooler dry months April to September to benefit from the best wildlife viewing and excellent weather. November to December is normally best for birding activities. Remember summers are humid to very humid (tropical) in the north
The southern beaches can be crowded during South African school holidays (Dec, Jan, early April, July, late September) so avoid those periods if you can.

When traveling in Mozambique what to pack in you suitcase can be quite confusing, below are the basics. Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year.

The most practical items to pack are: remembering that the weather in Mozambique is a warm destination
» Light cotton tops and cotton trousers/shorts in summer, hat/ cap and light shoes
» Long-sleeved blouses/shirts for game drives/ boat cruises, which will protect you from mosquitoes and the sun
» Safari trousers, jeans or casual pants for evenings and cooler days. A fleece or sweater is required for those cool winter evening and mornings
» Swimwear, snorkel, mask, fins (most lodges have these for hire or included in daily rate - if you have you own you are more than welcome to bring them)
» A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen (a tanning lotion and a high factor sunscreen for your face, neck, feet and hands
» Sandals, especially to protect feet against razor clams on Bazaruto Archipelago
» Comfortable walking shoes, sandals for when swimming in the sea as razor clams can cause nasty damage to your feet
» Camera film, extra memory cards and batteries, these are near impossible to find in Mozambique and should they be available they will cost you a arm and a leg. Remember not to process your film in Mozambique rather trust your holidays photos to your photo lab when you get home or in South Africa.