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Humpback whale off the coast of Mozambique

When is the best time to visit Mozambique?

The best time to visit Mozambique is between September and November, when you can witness the whale migration and the weather is calm and warm, between 27°C to 32°C.

Mozambique has a subtropical climate. The dry season lasts from April to December, with temperatures between 25°C and 32°C. The rainy season lasts from January to March, with temperatures slightly higher at 30°C to 32°C.

The beaches on the Bazaruto Archipelago are stunning throughout the dry season. However, the winter months (June to August) can be breezy, especially in the north.

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Month-by-month guide for travelling in Mozambique

Hawksbill sea turtle

Visiting Mozambique in January

January is the beginning of Mozambique's rainy season and cyclones occasionally affect the coast; especially in the south. This month is therefore best avoided.

Events & Festivals

  • Turtles come ashore to nest (November to March): Five species of turtles nest along Mozambique's coast, coming ashore to lay eggs in the sand, and they have been protected in the country for decades.
The Niassa Reserve, Mozambique

Visiting Mozambique in February

February is still the rainy season and the cyclone season and is best avoided.

Events & Festivals

  • Turtles come ashore to nest (November to March): Five species of turtles nest along Mozambique's coast, coming ashore to lay eggs in the sand, and they have been protected in the country for decades.
Sunset Dhow Cruise, Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

Visiting Mozambique in March

By March, the rains ease, especially on the coast, and by the second half of the month the boutique lodges on the archipelagos begin to fill quickly. Temperatures are hot, 28-32°C (82-90°F) but the humidity eases, making it feel very pleasant.

Events & Festivals

  • Turtles come ashore to nest (November to March): Five species of turtles nest along Mozambique's coast, coming ashore to lay eggs in the sand, and they have been protected in the country for decades.
Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

Visiting Mozambique in April

Following the summer rains, April is a wonderful month to visit Mozambique, offering clear, sunny days and light winds. The scenery is lush and green and the snorkelling and diving possibilities are superb. Temperatures are still hot: 28-32°C (82-90°F).

Events & Festivals

  • Spectacular diving opportunities (April to June and September to November): The water is clear and calm during these months, creating superb conditions for diving and getting close to the fascinating marine life.
Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

Visiting Mozambique in May

May is one of the very best months for visiting the coast, with day temperatures hovering around 28°C (82°F) accompanied by clear blue skies and light winds. This makes it the perfect month for exploring the spectacular World Heritage Sites such as Ibo Island, as well the stunning beaches on the Bazaruto Archipelagos.

Events & Festivals

  • Spectacular diving opportunities (April to June and September to November): The water is clear and calm during these months, creating superb conditions for diving and getting close to the fascinating marine life.
  • Stunning sightseeing weather (May to September): During these months the air is clear and pleasant in Ibo, Ilha de Mozambique and Maputo, making it an excellent time to do some sightseeing.
Elephant, The Niassa Reserve

Visiting Mozambique in June

The spectacular and remote Niassa Game Reserve, in the north of Mozambique, opens up in June. The weather is warm and sunny and the whale migration can be viewed off the coast for the first time. Temperatures average 26-28°C (79-82°F).

Events & Festivals

  • Spectacular diving opportunities (April to June and September to November): The water is clear and calm during these months, creating superb conditions for diving and getting close to the fascinating marine life.
  • Stunning sightseeing weather (May to September): During these months the air is clear and pleasant in Ibo, Ilha de Mozambique and Maputo, making it an excellent time to do some sightseeing.
  • Humpback whale migration (June to November): Whale watching opportunities abound during these months as humpback whales make their epic annual migration from Antarctica to warmer waters off East Africa to have their young.
Ilha de Moçambique, Mozambique

Visiting Mozambique in July

July is winter in Mozambique and the heart of the dry season, which brings clear, warm and sunny days. This is also a very pleasant month for sightseeing at Ibo or in the country's vibrant capital, Maputo. It can be windy on the northern beaches.

Events & Festivals

  • Stunning sightseeing weather (May to September): During these months the air is clear and pleasant in Ibo, Ilha de Mozambique and Maputo, making it an excellent time to do some sightseeing.
  • Humpback whale migration (June to November): Whale watching opportunities abound during these months as humpback whales make their epic annual migration from Antarctica to warmer waters off East Africa to have their young.
Local ladies, Quirimbas Archipelago

Visiting Mozambique in August

August is another clear, sunny and beautiful month for sightseeing and game viewing, or relaxing on white sandy beaches. Temperatures average around 25°C (77°F) in the south and 28°C (82°F) in the north.

Events & Festivals

  • Stunning sightseeing weather (May to September): During these months the air is clear and pleasant in Ibo, Ilha de Mozambique and Maputo, making it an excellent time to do some sightseeing.
  • Humpback whale migration (June to November): Whale watching opportunities abound during these months as humpback whales make their epic annual migration from Antarctica to warmer waters off East Africa to have their young.
Vervet Monkey, Vilanculos Coastal Reserve

Visiting Mozambique in September

In September, temperatures start to climb and the weather stays sunny. This is one of the very best months for snorkelling, diving and viewing Mozambique's incredible marine life, including the humpback whale migration. Meanwhile on land, animals are having their young and gathering around the waterholes in Niassa, making game viewing superb.

Events & Festivals

  • Spectacular diving opportunities (April to June and September to November): The water is clear and calm during these months, creating superb conditions for diving and getting close to the fascinating marine life.
  • Stunning sightseeing weather (May to September): During these months the air is clear and pleasant in Ibo, Ilha de Mozambique and Maputo, making it an excellent time to do some sightseeing.
  • Humpback whale migration (June to November): Whale watching opportunities abound during these months as humpback whales make their epic annual migration from Antarctica to warmer waters off East Africa to have their young.
The Niassa Reserve, Mozambique

Visiting Mozambique in October

October is one of the very best months for visiting Mozambique as the game viewing in the reserves is at its best, this being the end of the dry season, and weather at the coast is sunny, dry and hot, 30-34°C (86-93°F). The humidity does start to rise later in the month.

Events & Festivals

  • Spectacular diving opportunities (April to June and September to November): The water is clear and calm during these months, creating superb conditions for diving and getting close to the fascinating marine life.
  • Humpback whale migration (June to November): Whale watching opportunities abound during these months as humpback whales make their epic annual migration from Antarctica to warmer waters off East Africa to have their young.
Fishermen, Ilha de Mocambique, Mozambique

Visiting Mozambique in November

November is a hot and humid month in Mozambique. There is abundant sunshine but also the risk of a few thunderstorms, and temperatures peak in the mid to high 30°Cs (80-90°Fs). The water temperature in the Indian Ocean is perfect for cooling off from the heat.

Events & Festivals

  • Spectacular diving opportunities (April to June and September to November): The water is clear and calm during these months, creating superb conditions for diving and getting close to the fascinating marine life.
  • Humpback whale migration (June to November): Whale watching opportunities abound during these months as humpback whales make their epic annual migration from Antarctica to warmer waters off East Africa to have their young.
  • Turtles come ashore to nest (November to March): Five species of turtles nest along Mozambique's coast, coming ashore to lay eggs in the sand, and they have been protected in the country for decades.
Quirimba Archipelago, Mozambique

Visiting Mozambique in December

Hotels fill up well in advance for December as the Christmas season approaches. Game viewing is not as good at this time as the rainy season approaches, although at the coast this usually starts as nothing more than a few thunderstorms and the weather is usually hot and sunny.

Events & Festivals

  • Turtles come ashore to nest (November to March): Five species of turtles nest along Mozambique's coast, coming ashore to lay eggs in the sand, and they have been protected in the country for decades.

Mozambique Climate Guide

Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Bazaruto Archipelago 31°C 164mm 31°C 167mm 30°C 98mm 30°C 49mm 28°C 41mm 26°C 31mm 26°C 20mm 26°C 25mm 27°C 19mm 29°C 26mm 30°C 74mm 31°C 149mm
Maputo 30°C 158mm 31°C 133mm 30°C 91mm 29°C 56mm 27°C 29mm 25°C 18mm 25°C 20mm 26°C 16mm 27°C 38mm 28°C 63mm 29°C 75mm 30°C 87mm

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Travel advice

Practical tips for travelling to Mozambique, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest FCDO travel advice.

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