Climate and monthly weather forecastMaputo, Mozambique

The climate of Maputo

Being situated in the southern hemisphere, Maputo in Mozambique identifies with the Köppen climate classification, type Aw, known as a Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate. This classification presents a distinct division in weather patterns and temperatures throughout the year, accompanied by noticeable changes in humidity and rainfall.

Analyzing the year-round weather data of Maputo, it becomes evident that temperatures maintain a comforting tropical character throughout the year. High temperatures oscillate from a warmth of 29.9°C (85.8°F) in January, then gradually reducing to 24.4°C (75.9°F) in July, before the upward climb begins again peaking at 29.1°C (84.4°F) in December. The coldest monthly low every year tend to be observed in July, falling to 14.2°C (57.6°F), but this winter coldness does not last long as temperatures start ascending again, reaching a comfortable 21.4°C (70.5°F) in December.

The rainfall pattern reveals a strong tropical trend, with the high rainfall in the humid summer months reducing drastically in the drier winter. Rainfall is high from January at 171mm (6.73"), diminishing to the least rainfall of the year in August at 15mm (0.59"), before it begins to increase again. The number of rainy days follows a similar pattern.

Relative humidity in Maputo remains consistent around 65% to 69%, with minor fluctuations observed throughout the year. In terms of daylight, it varies from a high of 13.7 hours in December to a low of 10.5 hours in June. Sunshine hours also show little fluctuation maintaining around 8 hours daily, throughout the year.

The best time to visit Maputo

Given the nature of Maputo’s tropical wet and dry climate, the best time to visit would be during the cooler, drier months, particularly between June and September. During these months, rainfall averages dwindle down to between 18mm (0.71") and 32mm (1.26"), and the total number of rainy days ranges from 1.8 days to 2.8 days. The temperatures remain comfortable and moderately warm, with high temperatures varying from 24.6°C (76.3°F) to 26.4°C (79.5°F) and low temperatures ranging from 14.2°C (57.6°F) to 19.4°C (66.9°F).

The worst time to visit Maputo

The least ideal time for visiting Maputo would likely be the wet and humid peak summer months, especially January and February. During these months, the city experiences the highest rainfall of the year with 171mm (6.73") and 131mm (5.16") respectively, and the number of rainy days reaches up to 8.1 days and 7.6 days. Moreover, temperatures are highest during this period, with high temperatures reaching up to 29.9°C (85.8°F) and 29.6°C (85.3°F) respectively.

Spring weather in Maputo

Springtime in Maputo is marked by clear skies and moderate temperatures. Running from September to November, temperatures during these months gradually rise from a pleasant 26.1°C (79°F) in September to a slightly more heated 27.4°C (81.3°F) by November. Correspondingly, nighttime temperatures also rise from 17.2°C (63°F) to 19.7°C (67.5°F). Rainfall starts to increase during this period, however, still remains at moderate levels ranging from 44mm (1.73") in September to 82mm (3.23") in November.

Summer weather in Maputo

December to February encompasses the summer season in Maputo and is characterized by high temperatures and humidity. During these months, high temperatures range from 29.1°C (84.4°F) in December to 29.9°C (85.8°F) in January. Correspondingly, low temperatures oscillate from 21.4°C (70.5°F) to 22.3°C (72.1°F). Heavy precipitation is a notable feature of Maputo summers, with rainfall reaching 171mm (6.73") in January before declining slightly to 106mm (4.17") in February.

Autumn weather in Maputo

Autumn in Maputo, observed from March to May, brings a reduction in temperatures and rainfall. High temperatures draw back from a warm 29.3°C (84.7°F) in March to a more moderate 26.4°C (79.5°F) by May. Low temperatures follow a parallel trend reducing from 21.5°C (70.7°F) in March to 16.8°C (62.2°F) in May. The amount of rainfall reduces significantly during these months, tapering from 106mm (4.17") in March to a mere 32mm (1.26") in May.

Winter weather in Maputo

Winter in Maputo, extending from June to August, is characterized by the lowest temperatures and rainfall of the year. The high temperatures drop to 24.6°C (76.3°F) in June and dip further to 24.4°C (75.9°F) in July before rebounding to 25.3°C (77.5°F) in August. Correspondingly, the low temperatures also hit their yearly low, falling to 14.2°C (57.6°F) in July. The months of winter witness the least rainfall in Maputo, dropping to a low of 15mm (0.59") in August, before it begins to rise again in anticipation of incoming spring.

Weather in January

Maputo starts the year with warm, slightly humid conditions. With the highest temperature reaching up to 29.9°C (85.8°F), January is the hottest month of the year in Maputo, Mozambique. This period is characterized by abundant sunshine, bathing the city in around 8 hours of sunlight a day. Weather in January »

Weather in February

The warmth of January runs into February, accompanied by a noticeable drop in rainfall from 171mm (6.73") to 131mm (5.16"). The temperature high remains fairly consistent, with a subtle reduction ensuring the weather stays comfortably warm. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March presents a distinct transition, with both the temperature and humidity tapering off from the highs of the preceding months. Rainfall continues to lessen, reducing to 106mm (4.17") compared to February's 131mm (5.16"). The shift to cooler temperatures doesn't detract from the allure of Maputo — the conditions remain fluid for outdoor activities. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April carries forward the decreasing trend in rainfall and temperature. The mercury begins to drop more significantly, marking the advent of the cooler season. April's weather contributes to a diminishing humidity level, thus lower than the annual average, which contributes to a more comfortable weather environment. Weather in April »

Weather in May

By May, the cool season is well underway in Maputo. Experiencing one of the coolest months of the year, the weather holds steady with a decline in humidity levels. Following the trend, rainfall decreases significantly to 32mm (1.26"), marking a vivid departure from the rain-heavy start of the year. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June signals the beginning of Maputo's winter with a distinctive drop in temperature. The city registers its lowest sea temperature of 23.1°C (73.6°F) in June, reflecting the overall cooling trend. The decrease in humidity level further adds to the city's pleasant winter ambiance. Weather in June »

Weather in July

In July, Maputo settles into a comfortable, dry winter season. Maputo experiences one of the driest months of the year with rainfall measuring at 20mm (0.79"). Lower than average temperatures provide relief to the inhabitants after a hot and humid start to the year. Weather in July »

Weather in August

As August arrives, Maputo begins its transition out of winter. Even though temperatures begin to climb back up, humidity remains moderate, keeping the weather comfortable. August shares the title of the driest month of the year, recording only 15mm (0.59") of rainfall. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September witnesses the resurgence of warm air in Maputo. The city experiences its lowest rainfall average of 44mm (1.73"), marking it as the driest month of the year. The combination of rising temperatures and low rainfall heralds the arrival of spring. Weather in September »

Weather in October

Maputo greets October with a clear uplift in temperature. The early onset of summer gives a noticeable uplift in humidity, hinting at the approaching wet season. October welcomes back an increase in rainfall, from 44mm (1.73") in September to 55mm (2.17"). Weather in October »

Weather in November

The city of Maputo moves further into summer come November. Characterized by an uptick in both temperature and humidity, the wet season begins to set in, as denoted by an increase in rainfall to 82mm (3.23") from October's 55mm (2.17"). Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Maputo celebrates the height of summer, exemplified by increased heat and humidity. Nonetheless, a slight moderation in temperature to 21.4°C (70.5°F) as the low ensures comfort levels are sustained despite the seasonal heat. Weather in December »