Mozambique Weather by Month
Mozambique, located in southeastern Africa, has a tropical climate, which is influenced by the Indian Ocean. Its weather is characterized by two distinct seasons: a wet season and a dry season. With a coastline stretching over 2,400 kilometers, the country’s weather patterns can vary widely from region to region.
January: The Height of the Wet Season
General Overview
January is in the heart of Mozambique’s wet season. This month is characterized by high humidity and frequent rainfall, especially along the coast and in the northern parts of the country. Tropical storms are common, and the weather can be unpredictable at times. The combination of heat and humidity can make the weather feel intense, but it is an important period for agriculture in the country, as the rainfall is crucial for crop growth.
Temperature and Rainfall
In January, temperatures in Mozambique are generally hot, with coastal areas experiencing temperatures between 28°C to 33°C (82°F to 91°F). Inland areas can be slightly cooler, but still warm, with temperatures ranging between 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F). The country receives substantial rainfall, particularly in the northern and central regions, where monthly rainfall can exceed 200mm.
Regional Variations
Along the coastline, cities like Maputo, Beira, and Pemba experience frequent afternoon thunderstorms, leading to brief but intense rain showers. The northern and central regions, such as Nampula and Tete, are often hit by larger rainstorms and have a more pronounced wet season. The southern regions, although still wet, may not see as much rain, but the humidity can be overwhelming.
February: Continued Rainfall and High Temperatures
General Overview
February is very similar to January in terms of weather conditions. The wet season continues, with heavy rain showers and high humidity levels. It is still a good time for farmers to take advantage of the rain for crop cultivation, though the intense heat and humidity can make outdoor activities difficult during the daytime.
Temperature and Rainfall
Temperatures in February are consistently high, with coastal regions experiencing 28°C to 33°C (82°F to 91°F), and inland areas seeing temperatures ranging between 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F). Rainfall remains significant, with the central and northern parts of Mozambique receiving the heaviest rain. In some areas, rainfall can exceed 200mm, which can lead to flooding and challenges for transportation.
Regional Variations
Cities such as Maputo and Beira continue to see thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. The central and northern regions of Mozambique, including the cities of Nampula and Pemba, are the most affected by the rain. While the southern regions, such as the capital Maputo, experience less frequent but still significant rain, they can still suffer from occasional downpours.
March: Transitioning Toward the End of the Wet Season
General Overview
In March, the wet season begins to taper off, but the rain is still frequent and intense, especially in the northern and central regions. While temperatures remain high, the storms may become less severe compared to January and February. March marks the final month of the wet season for much of the country.
Temperature and Rainfall
Temperatures in March remain high, ranging from 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F). However, rainfall begins to decrease in intensity, although areas such as Nampula and Tete still experience significant rainfall, often above 150mm. The rain gradually becomes more sporadic as the month progresses, leading to sunnier days by the end of March.
Regional Variations
The coastal cities, like Maputo and Beira, continue to receive heavy rainfall, though the intensity starts to diminish. The northern parts of Mozambique still see the heaviest rainfall, particularly in areas like Pemba and Nampula. The southern regions, including Maputo, begin to see drier conditions towards the end of the month.
April: The End of the Wet Season
General Overview
April signals the official end of the wet season in Mozambique. Rainfall is much less frequent, and the weather begins to transition into the dry season. Temperatures are still relatively high, but the intense humidity begins to subside. This is a transitional month, with varying weather patterns across the country.
Temperature and Rainfall
In April, temperatures start to drop slightly, with the coastal areas seeing temperatures between 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F) and inland areas experiencing temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F). Rainfall decreases significantly, and some regions, especially in the south, may experience very little rain. However, northern Mozambique can still receive sporadic rainfall.
Regional Variations
In Maputo, the capital city in the south, the weather is warm and increasingly dry, with only occasional showers. Beira and the central region also experience a decrease in rainfall, although some rain still falls. The northern regions, including Pemba, continue to experience intermittent showers, but the intensity is lower compared to previous months.
May: Dry Season Begins
General Overview
May marks the official beginning of the dry season in Mozambique. With rainfall becoming a rare occurrence, the weather becomes more comfortable for outdoor activities. The humidity drops significantly, making the climate more pleasant, particularly along the coast. This is a great month for travel, as the rain is minimal, and temperatures are still warm.
Temperature and Rainfall
Temperatures in May range from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F) along the coast and from 16°C to 28°C (61°F to 82°F) inland. Rainfall is minimal in most regions, particularly in the southern and central areas, where it is very rare. The northern regions, such as Nampula, may still see occasional showers, but they are less frequent and less intense.
Regional Variations
Coastal cities like Maputo and Beira experience dry conditions with clear skies and very little rain. Pemba in the north sees a gradual decrease in rainfall, though it still receives a few showers throughout the month. Overall, May is an excellent month to visit Mozambique as the weather is warm but not excessively hot, and rain is scarce.
June: Cool and Dry Weather
General Overview
June is one of the coolest months in Mozambique, marking the heart of the dry season. The weather remains dry, with sunny days and cooler evenings. The southern and central regions experience cooler temperatures, while the northern parts remain relatively mild but less rainy.
Temperature and Rainfall
Temperatures in June range from 17°C to 25°C (63°F to 77°F) along the coast, with inland areas experiencing temperatures between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Rainfall is very minimal, and most regions, including the southern, central, and northern parts of the country, experience dry conditions. The northern parts, such as Pemba, may still see a few showers, but these are rare.
Regional Variations
Cities like Maputo and Beira experience cool, dry weather with clear skies. The northern cities, including Pemba and Nampula, still enjoy warm weather but with significantly less rainfall compared to earlier months. Overall, June offers pleasant conditions for travel and outdoor activities across Mozambique.
July: Peak of the Dry Season
General Overview
July is one of the driest and coolest months of the year in Mozambique. The dry season is at its peak, and temperatures are typically cooler than in other months. The dry conditions continue to dominate, with no significant rainfall expected throughout the country. This is an ideal time for outdoor activities, safaris, and sightseeing, as the weather is mild.
Temperature and Rainfall
Temperatures in July range from 16°C to 24°C (61°F to 75°F) along the coast, with inland temperatures ranging from 14°C to 24°C (57°F to 75°F). There is virtually no rainfall during this time, especially in the southern and central regions. The northern areas, including Pemba, may still receive a small amount of rain, but it is rare.
Regional Variations
Coastal cities like Maputo and Beira experience dry, sunny weather with cool temperatures. In the northern parts of Mozambique, including Nampula and Pemba, the temperatures remain mild, and there are occasional brief showers. Overall, July offers excellent conditions for exploring the country.
August: Warm and Dry
General Overview
August is another dry month, but temperatures start to increase slightly, especially in the northern parts of Mozambique. The dry season continues to dominate, and the weather remains clear and sunny throughout the country. This is a great month for outdoor activities, with the added benefit of comfortable temperatures.
Temperature and Rainfall
Temperatures in August range from 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F) along the coast, with inland areas experiencing temperatures between 16°C and 26°C (61°F to 79°F). Rainfall is minimal, with the dry conditions continuing across the country. Northern Mozambique, including cities like Pemba, still experiences very little rainfall.
Regional Variations
In the southern and central regions, including Maputo and Beira, the weather remains dry and sunny. The northern regions continue to enjoy mild temperatures and minimal rain, although occasional showers are possible in some areas. August is ideal for exploring Mozambique’s national parks and coastal areas.
September: The Onset of Warmer Weather
General Overview
September marks the beginning of the transition into the hotter months of the year. The weather remains dry and sunny, but temperatures start to rise, particularly in the northern parts of the country. This is the ideal month for tourists who want to avoid the intense heat of the upcoming months.
Temperature and Rainfall
Temperatures in September range from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F) along the coast, with inland temperatures ranging from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F). Rainfall is still minimal, although some areas may begin to see the first signs of the coming wet season.
Regional Variations
Southern regions like Maputo remain warm and dry, with minimal rainfall. In the central regions, including Beira, the weather is also dry and sunny. The northern parts, such as Pemba, may experience a slight increase in rainfall as the month progresses, but overall, September is still a dry month.
October: The Start of the Rainy Season
General Overview
October marks the beginning of the rainy season in northern and central Mozambique. While the southern part of the country remains dry, the north begins to experience more frequent rainfall, signaling the shift into the wet season. The temperatures rise significantly, and humidity levels increase as the rains approach.
Temperature and Rainfall
Temperatures in October range from 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F) along the coast, with inland temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Rainfall is still relatively low in the south but begins to increase in the north, where areas such as Pemba and Nampula start seeing regular showers.
Regional Variations
While the southern regions, including Maputo, remain hot and dry, the northern regions, such as Pemba, begin to experience heavier rainfall, which increases throughout the month. The central regions, including Beira, start to see some light showers, but it is the northern areas that are most affected by the change in weather.
November: Full Swing of the Wet Season
General Overview
November is one of the wettest months of the year in Mozambique, particularly in the northern and central regions. The southern regions remain warm and dry, but the rest of the country sees frequent rains. This is the time when the wet season is fully underway, and the temperatures begin to rise, making it a month with both intense heat and heavy rain.
Temperature and Rainfall
Temperatures in November range from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F) along the coast, with inland temperatures reaching between 22°C and 32°C (72°F to 90°F). Rainfall is abundant, particularly in the northern and central regions, where it can exceed 200mm of rainfall in some areas.
Regional Variations
In Maputo, the weather is still dry and hot, with occasional showers. However, Beira and the northern regions, including Pemba, experience frequent rain, with storms and heavy showers becoming more common. The rains can lead to flooding, especially in low-lying areas.
December: Peak of the Wet Season
General Overview
December is the peak of the wet season in Mozambique. The country experiences heavy rainfall, particularly in the northern and central regions, while the southern part of the country sees less rain. The temperatures remain high, and the humidity can make the weather feel hotter than it actually is. Flooding is a concern in many areas, especially in the lowlands.
Temperature and Rainfall
Temperatures in December range from 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F) along the coast, with inland areas experiencing temperatures between 22°C and 32°C (72°F to 90°F). Rainfall is at its peak, particularly in the northern and central regions, where it can exceed 250mm. The wet conditions are ideal for agriculture, although they also pose challenges for transportation and infrastructure.
Regional Variations
In Maputo, the weather is hot and increasingly humid, with only occasional rainfall. In the central and northern parts of Mozambique, including cities like Beira and Pemba, the rains are intense, and tropical storms may occur. December is one of the wettest months, particularly in the northern and central regions.
