About Mozambique

The typical climate of Mozambique is warm and tropical; however, the climate varies from region to region depending on locality and altitude. The inland regions are vaguely cooler to the climates on the coast which evidently are much more humid, particularly throughout the rainy season. Mozambiqueâs characteristic weather is hot and humid with average annual temperatures lingering at 28ºC throughout the whole country.

Mozambique is one of the largest countries in Southern Africa and includes a coastline that extends for almost 2000km as well as a vastly immense inland environment. The shoreline features a tropical ocean current that flows from north to south along its coast for the whole year. In spite of its variation in Altitude; the entire country generally obtains a typical southern African climatic pattern.

Almost certainly due to Global Warming; climatic patterns across all of Africa; in particular Mozambique has become more and more erratic. Mozambique itself is experiencing severe droughts where rainfall in commonly regular and heavy showers in the inland areas.

Summer (November to March)

These months are characterised by hot, humid and wet weather with common thunderstorms usually taking place in the late afternoons. Rainfall during the long summer months goes well beyond 200mm per month and temperatures typically range from 27ºC to 31ºC on the coast, while it can be cooler inland due to the lower humidity levels.

Winter (April to October)

Wintertime in Mozambique is not as cold as any normal European would expect. Even though it is cooler than the summer months daytime temperatures still average from 24ºC to 27ºC, while again the interior climates are generally five degrees cooler. Throughout these months eight hours of sunshine can be expected as rainfall is very uncommon. Being the driest time of the year, humidity levels are relatively low, however the further north you travel the more the humidity rises.

Coastal and Inland Regions

If youâre planning to travel to coastal areas such as Maputo, you can expect lots of sunshine and warm weather even throughout the middle of winter, which in most European destinations is very chilly. The summer months experience very hot and humid weather, and can at times be extremely rainy. The winter months, however, are more pleasant and bearable as throughout this time the climates are cooler and drier, as a result creating an enjoyable point in time for a vacation. Although the typical climates and precipitation vary a great deal from the coast to the inland; Mozambiqueâs northern coastline tends to the hottest and humid throughout the entire country. The southern coastline features rather low humidity levels which again, ensure an ideal holiday at any time of the year.

The regions of higher altitude such as Nampula and Niassa; although not too cold, provide Mozambiqueâs coolest weather. Since the coastal areas can be very hot and oppressive and at times even intolerable with average daytime climates at 31ºC and night temperature only dipping by a two or three degrees. The inland regions feature temperatures around 27ºC during the day, while nightfall can come as quite a relief as temperatures drop to 14ºC to 17ºC.

Precipitation and Humidity

Mozambiqueâs rainy season corresponds significantly with temperatures and humidity throughout the country and generally begins in October and ends in March. As the inland region much cooler than the coastline, rainfall is also more common as the ground rises. Even though the hottest and rainiest season is considered to range between October to March; rainfall is obtained the most between the months of January to March.

The amount of precipitation acquired also varies tremendously from the north to the south side of the country. Rainfall will typically last three to four weeks longer in the north than the south, but the general pattern stays relatively constant. Humidity throughout the period of the wet season is awkwardly high and can at times be unbearable. But the time April arrives, the rain lessened, therefore also lowering the humidity levels, generally spreading from the south to the north.

The majority of Mozambiqueâs precipitation appears from the moist southeast trade winds, this, however, gives the entire country a comparatively low annual average rainfall. Mean annual rainfall throughout the coastline averages from 800mm to 900mm, whereas in the inland and highland regions the mean annual rainfall can get to as high as 2000mm.

June is October is known as the dry season, which commonly provides perfect tropical weather. This means clear blue skies, long hours of sunshine and rain that is almost non-existent. Rainfall throughout these months normally averages to a minimum of 50mm or sometimes less per month. 

Best months to Visit

The drier and cooler months from April to September are recommended as the most ideal time to visit, especially if you want to benefit from the best wildlife viewing and most supreme weather. Always remember that South African beaches can be overly crowded during the summer months and school holidays, so it may even be best to plan a holiday outside of this time. Generally speaking, the over climate offered throughout the entire country of Mozambique is enough to say that a vacation is suitable at any time of the year.