Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, offers a warm and inviting climate year round.
The city experiences a temperature range from 61°F to 84°F, making it a great destination for travelers seeking mild weather.
In the southern hemisphere, the year is split into a dry season and a wet season.
The wet season is muggy and mostly clear, while the dry season is windy and clear.
During the wet season, from November to March, Maputo experiences increased humidity and rain.
The driest month is August with average temperatures hovering around 67.5°F.
On average, January is the hottest month with temperatures peaking at around 88°F.
This makes it an ideal time for beach and pool activities, especially in the nearby city of Matola.
The cool season, spanning from June to August, features the lowest temperatures and rainfall of the year.
While Maputo’s night temperatures can occasionally dip to 56°F, it remains a warm destination overall.
The sky visibility is clearer during this period, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
The climate ensures that Maputo is a pleasant destination for travelers any time of the year.
Average Temperature in Maputo, Mozambique
Maputo, Mozambique experiences a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The average temperature varies significantly throughout the year.
The hottest month is January, with a high temperature of 84°F and a low temperature of 74°F.
February also remains warm with an average high of 88°F.
The coolest months are June through August. During these months, the average high temperature is below 76°F.
July is the coldest month, with lows of 61°F and highs of 74°F.
Monthly Average Temperatures (°F):
| Month | High Temp | Low Temp |
|---|---|---|
| January | 84 | 74 |
| February | 88 | 80.7 |
| March | 86 | 75 |
| April | 79 | 69 |
| May | 76 | 63 |
| June | 73.5 | 61 |
| July | 74 | 61 |
| August | 75 | 62 |
| September | 79 | 66 |
| October | 81 | 69 |
| November | 82 | 71 |
| December | 84 | 73 |
July is the coldest month with average temperatures around 67.5°F. In contrast, the warmest month can be observed in February, showing temperatures around 80.7°F.
The temperatures are moderated by the coastal location of Maputo.
To check more detailed temperature information, visit Temperature – ChaseDay.com.
Average Precipitation in Maputo, Mozambique
Maputo experiences varying precipitation patterns throughout the year with distinct wet and dry periods. Despite being in the Southern Hemisphere, there is no snowfall, but rain is significant in certain months.
Average Rainfall in Maputo, Mozambique
Rainfall in Maputo varies significantly between seasons. The wettest months are January, February, and December, with January seeing the peak at about 5.1 inches of rain.
In contrast, the driest month is August, receiving only about 0.7 inches of rain.
Monthly Rainfall Table:
| Month | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| January | 5.1 |
| February | 4.8 |
| March | 4.0 |
| April | 2.9 |
| May | 1.1 |
| June | 0.8 |
| July | 0.8 |
| August | 0.7 |
| September | 1.1 |
| October | 1.8 |
| November | 3.3 |
| December | 4.7 |
The rainy season peaks at the beginning and end of the year, while the middle months remain relatively dry. The weather is stable during these dry periods, making it an excellent time for tourists.
Average Snow in Maputo, Mozambique
Snowfall is non-existent in Maputo, Mozambique. The region has a tropical savanna climate, which means no snow occurs throughout the year.
Temperatures and humidity levels are conducive to rain but never dip low enough to support snowfall.
Since the climate is consistently warm, any form of precipitation occurs as rain.
This predictability in precipitation forms helps residents and visitors plan better for the weather throughout the year. Snow is not a factor to consider when preparing for Maputo’s climate.
Average Sun in Maputo, Mozambique
Maputo experiences a significant amount of sunshine throughout the year, contributing to its generally warm and clear weather. The city enjoys many hours of daylight, particularly in the summer months.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Maputo, Mozambique
The average daily shortwave solar energy in Maputo varies throughout the year. During the summer months, the city receives higher levels of solar energy, reaching its peak in December and January.
| Month | Shortwave Solar Energy (kWh/m²) |
|---|---|
| January | 6.8 |
| February | 6.2 |
| March | 5.7 |
| April | 5.3 |
| May | 4.8 |
| June | 4.4 |
| July | 4.5 |
| August | 5.1 |
| September | 5.7 |
| October | 6.3 |
| November | 6.8 |
| December | 7.1 |
The table above shows monthly averages of shortwave solar energy, measured in kilowatt-hours per square meter (kWh/m²).
As seen, December is the sunniest month, followed by January and November.
Even during the winter months, Maputo gets a fair amount of sun, with June and July showing the lowest levels of solar energy.
Average Humidity in Maputo, Mozambique
Maputo, Mozambique, experiences varying humidity levels throughout the year. March is the most humid month, with an average humidity of 77%. In contrast, August is the least humid month, with an average humidity of 71%.
Here’s a table that summarizes the average monthly humidity levels:
| Month | Average Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 75 |
| February | 76 |
| March | 77 |
| April | 75 |
| May | 74 |
| June | 72 |
| July | 71 |
| August | 71 |
| September | 72 |
| October | 73 |
| November | 74 |
| December | 75 |
The annual average humidity in Maputo is around 74%. The atmosphere often feels muggy due to high relative humidity.
Humidity levels affect how comfortable it feels outdoors. Higher humidity can make the air feel warmer than it actually is.
This is due to the high dew point, which makes sweating less effective at cooling the body.
Maputo’s muggy period lasts from December to March. During these months, humidity paired with higher temperatures can be uncomfortable.
Conversely, from June to August, the humidity is lower, making these months feel cooler and more pleasant.
Average Wind in Maputo, Mozambique
Wind in Maputo is generally mild. Wind speeds vary throughout the year, providing a comfortable environment for residents and visitors.
Monthly Average Wind Speeds
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 10.4 |
| February | 9.8 |
| March | 10.6 |
| April | 10.2 |
| May | 11.3 |
| June | 11.9 |
| July | 12.1 |
| August | 12.3 |
| September | 11.2 |
| October | 10.8 |
| November | 10.5 |
| December | 10.3 |
Wind Speed Variation
June to August often experiences the highest average wind speeds. These months usually see speeds around 11.9 to 12.3 mph.
Wind speeds during these months can be a bit higher, contributing to a cooler feel during the already cool season, which lasts from June to August.
Mild Wind Periods
From November to February, the winds are milder. Average wind speeds during these months range from 9.8 to 10.6 mph.
This period coincides with the warmer months in Maputo, making outdoor activities pleasant.
Wind Directions
Throughout the year, Maputo experiences winds coming from various directions, often changing with the seasons. Coastal winds usually bring welcome relief from the heat during the warmer months.
Learn more about different types of wind.
Average Air Quality in Maputo, Mozambique
Maputo, Mozambique, experiences relatively varied air quality throughout the year.
The city’s location near the coast means it benefits from sea breezes that help disperse pollutants.
Monthly Air Quality Index (AQI)
| Month | AQI Range | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| January | 35-45 | Moderate |
| February | 30-40 | Good to Moderate |
| March | 25-35 | Good |
| April | 30-40 | Good to Moderate |
| May | 35-45 | Moderate |
| June | 40-50 | Moderate to Unhealthy |
| July | 45-55 | Moderate to Unhealthy |
| August | 45-55 | Moderate to Unhealthy |
| September | 40-50 | Moderate to Unhealthy |
| October | 35-45 | Moderate |
| November | 30-40 | Good to Moderate |
| December | 25-35 | Good |
Key Indicators
- Pressure: The average air pressure in Maputo typically ranges from 29.90 to 30.20 inches of mercury (Hg). This value remains fairly stable, contributing to consistent air quality.
- Sea Temperature: The sea temperature averages between 70°F and 80°F. This warm water can contribute to humidity levels that may affect air quality, especially during the wetter months.
Common Pollutants
- Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NOâ‚‚)
- Sulfur Dioxide (SOâ‚‚)
Sea breezes help in dispersing these pollutants, particularly PM2.5.
However, during the winter months (June to August), there might be an increase in PM10 and NOâ‚‚ due to lower temperatures and higher usage of heating in households.
Topography of Maputo, Mozambique
Maputo is located on the southeastern coast of Mozambique, along the Indian Ocean. The city sits near sea level, offering stunning coastal views.
This coastal location impacts the local climate, making it a mix of subtropical and savanna climates.
The cityscape is characterized by a combination of flat coastal areas and gently rolling hills.
These hills provide some variation in elevation but are generally not very high, maintaining a mostly flat to slightly undulating terrain.
Key Features:
- Coast: The coastline features sandy beaches and mangrove swamps, offering natural beauty and ecological significance.
- Savanna: The surrounding areas have patches of savanna, with grasslands and scattered trees, common in the subtropical climate.
Climate Influence:
- The proximity to the ocean influences Maputo’s weather, bringing humidity and moderate temperatures year-round.
- The city experiences a warm season from December to March, with average highs above 82°F.
- During the cooler season, from June to August, temperatures drop but remain mild, with highs below 76°F.
Monthly Average Temperatures:
| Month | Temperature (High) | Temperature (Low) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 84°F | 74°F |
| February | 86.99°F | N/A |
| July | 67.5°F | 61.21°F |
Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Maputo, Mozambique
Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique, experiences various extreme weather events. These can have significant impacts on the city’s infrastructure and residents.
Tropical Cyclones
Tropical cyclones are a common occurrence in Maputo. The city often faces heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding during these events. Cyclone Idai in March 2019 was particularly devastating, causing widespread damage and loss of life.
Rainfall and Flooding
Heavy rainfall is frequent in Maputo. It can lead to severe flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Floods disrupt transportation, damage homes, and can displace large numbers of people.
Monthly Rainfall (inches)
| Month | Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|
| January | 5.3 |
| February | 5.9 |
| March | 5.1 |
| April | 3.4 |
| May | 1.2 |
| June | 0.3 |
| July | 0.2 |
| August | 0.3 |
| September | 0.4 |
| October | 1.2 |
| November | 2.2 |
| December | 4.5 |
Heatwaves
Maputo can also experience extreme heatwaves. During these periods, temperatures can soar, often exceeding 100°F. Prolonged heatwaves can lead to health issues and affect water supplies.
Cyclone Frequency
| Year | Cyclones |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 1 |
High Winds
High winds, often associated with storms or cyclones, can cause significant damage in Maputo. Trees can be uprooted, roofs torn off, and power lines brought down, impacting daily life and safety.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Maputo, Mozambique
Maputo, Mozambique, is a city with a tropical climate. The best time to visit depends on what you want to experience, whether it’s the dry season’s comfortable temperatures or the slightly warmer but wetter summer months.
What is Maputo, Mozambique Like in Spring
Spring in Maputo, from September to November, offers warm weather and clear skies. Temperatures during these months range from around 68°F to 86°F.
This period is particularly pleasant for beach activities and outdoor exploration, with very little rain to disrupt plans.
The climate is generally warm and dry, making it perfect for tourists looking to enjoy the city’s outdoor attractions.
The humidity is lower compared to the summer, making it more comfortable for walking tours and city sightseeing.
What is Maputo, Mozambique Like in Summer
Maputo’s summer, from December to March, is part of the austral summer when temperatures can rise to around 88°F.
During these months, the city experiences its rainy season. January and February are particularly wet, which can sometimes make outdoor activities less enjoyable.
Despite the rain, summer is still a viable time to visit for those who enjoy warmer temperatures.
The sea remains inviting for swimming, but tourists should be prepared for sudden and heavy downpours. The landscape is lush and green due to the rainfall, providing a different kind of scenic beauty.
What is Maputo, Mozambique Like in Fall
Fall in Maputo, from April to May, brings milder temperatures and less rainfall. These months mark the end of the wet season.
Average temperatures range from 70°F to 84°F, making it a pleasant time to visit.
This season is ideal for enjoying the beaches and outdoor markets without the oppressive heat.
The reduced humidity and rain make it comfortable for evening strolls and exploring the local culture.
April, in particular, is a favorite month for tourists seeking a balance between warm weather and fewer crowds.
What is Maputo, Mozambique Like in Winter
Winter in Maputo, from June to August, is cool and dry.
Daytime temperatures hover around 77°F, while at night they can drop to around 60°F.
These are the coolest months, yet still quite warm by many standards.
This is the best time for most people to visit.
The weather is almost perfect with clear skies and low humidity.
It’s also a great time for sightseeing and outdoor adventures without the sweltering heat.
Light jackets are recommended for the cooler evenings, especially in July, the coldest month.