Best time to visit Mozambique is the Dry Season
When is the Best Time to Visit Mozambique? That is a very common question and one that is easily answered. The best time to visit Mozambique is in the dryer months between May and November. There is little rain and cooler temperatures for your holiday. Make sure you choose the best time to travel to Mozambique to get more value from your dollar or rand, to see more beauty and wildlife, to enjoy less humidity and to avoid malaria. If you’re planning a holiday to this enchanting African destination, you’re in for a treat. Don’t forget that the dry months are the best for travel to Mozambique and there are various reasons for this.
Before you pack your bags and set off on your Mozambican adventure, it’s crucial to know when it’s the best time to go. Mozambique’s climate is as diverse as its landscapes, and the timing of your visit can significantly impact your experience. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ll dive into the different seasons and highlight the ideal times to explore this captivating country.
Mozambique is a land of stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and remarkable biodiversity, beckoning travellers all year round. Choosing the best time to visit this tropical paradise can greatly enhance your experience. Follow our guide to know which month is best time to go to Mozambique, which season is best and why you should travel to Mozambique at any best time.
The Dry Months: April to November – Best time to go to Mozambique
The ideal window to visit and best time to visit Mozambique falls between April and November. Mozambique’s allure as a beach destination is undeniable, but it’s crucial to consider the impact of the seasons on your adventure. No need to ask this again – when is the best time to visit Mozambique, as all your questions are answered here.
May to October: These months mark the high season when the country enjoys abundant sunshine and minimal rainfall. Coastal resorts are inviting throughout this period, with temperatures remaining comfortable. However, be wary of December, January, and February, as they tend to be exceptionally wet, potentially affecting your beach holiday.
For diving and snorkelling enthusiasts, April to June and September to November offer pristine conditions. Crystal-clear waters, tranquil seas, and excellent visibility make these months the ultimate choice for underwater exploration. Furthermore, wildlife enthusiasts will find July to October particularly enticing, as the bush thins out, drawing animals to the remaining water sources.
The dry weather makes it an excellent time for safaris in Mozambique’s national parks, such as Gorongosa and Niassa. The southern regions, including Maputo and Tofo, experience milder temperatures during this time.
August to October: As spring approaches, the weather becomes even more delightful. Temperatures rise, and the entire country bursts into vibrant colours as flowers bloom. This is a fantastic time to explore Mozambique’s cities and cultural sites, such as the capital city, Maputo, and the historic Island of Mozambique.
The Best Time to Go to Mozambique, Month-by-Month Guide
Best Time (April to November): Abundant sunshine and minimal rain.
High Season (May to October): Most parks are less crowded.
Low Season (November to April): Fewer visitors.
Best Weather (May to October): Cooler and less humid with rare rainfall.
Worst Weather (December to March): Hot and rainy.
January to March
January marks the beginning of the rainy season in Mozambique. Cyclones can occasionally affect the coast, especially in the south. If visiting in January, focus on Ponta do Ouro to Inhaca Island for a beach escape. February and March offer prime snorkelling opportunities with whale sharks and nesting turtles along the coastline from Bazaruto south to Ponta do Ouro.
View our best southern Mozambique accommodation
April to May
April brings pleasant weather as the summer rains dissipate, replaced by sunny days and cool breezes. The lush green landscape and clear, tranquil waters make it ideal for scuba diving and beachfront relaxation. May is renowned for its inviting beaches and World Heritage Sites along the shoreline.
June to August
While June, July, and August evenings can be cooler, they signal the start of the best time to visit Mozambique. Game reserves in the north open, and humpback whale migrations can be witnessed off the coast. These tropical months combine an authentic safari experience with a beach holiday atmosphere.
September to October
For game-viewing enthusiasts, September through November is prime time. The dry season is in full swing, drawing thirsty wildlife to watering holes. September offers humpback whale sightings, while October initiates the turtle breeding season, ideal for diving and snorkelling.
November and December
November boasts sunny days and hot weather but welcomes the start of the rainy season. The humidity is high, but the cool ocean temperatures are perfect for dips from traditional dhows. Birdwatching enthusiasts will thrive in November. Booking a December holiday in advance is advisable, as this is when turtles come ashore for nesting, and marine giants like whale sharks, reef sharks, and manta rays are often spotted.
View the best places to stay in Tofo and Barra Beach here
Best Time for Diving in Mozambique
Scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts should aim for May to September when the waters are perfect, clear and aquamarine. Humpback whales migrate from July to November, while turtle nesting occurs from November to April during the green season. This is also the prime time for whale shark snorkelling off Tofo Beach.
Every season in Mozambique offers unique charm and opportunities for different encounters. Each diving region has its own unique attractions and qualities:
Bazaruto Archipelago
Best time to go: all year
– Humpback whales: June-September
– Whale sharks: October – early December
Ponta do Ouro
Best time to go: beautiful all year, warmer water November-March
– Whales and whale sharks: July-January
– Sharks: September-April
– Dolphins, turtles, and rays: all year
Inhaca Island
Best time to go: all year
– Humpback whales: September and October
– Whale sharks: November-April
Tofo Beach
Best time to go: all year for whale fish and giant oceanic manta rays
– Humpback whales: June-October
View our top Bazaruto island villas here
Best Time for Whales in Mozambique
Combine relaxation with whale watching along Mozambique’s extensive coastline. The best time for whales in Mozambique is whale-watching season, of course, from June to November, coinciding with warm and sunny weather. Don’t miss this extraordinary spectacle of nature. Southern Right Whales can be spotted from June to December near the southern part of the Mozambique Channel.
Humpback Whales can be seen in the Bazaruto and Quirimbas Archipelagos between July and October and in open waters between October and December. Every year, majestic whales embark on one of the world’s longest migrations, from Antarctica to Mozambique’s warm Indian Ocean.
See more about whale season in Mozambique here
Whether you seek pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, or captivating wildlife, Mozambique welcomes you year-round, promising unique holidays in every season. The best time to visit Mozambique depends on your interests and what you hope to experience. The dry season is perfect for beachgoers, divers, and wildlife enthusiasts, while the wet season offers a unique opportunity to witness Mozambique’s natural beauty at its peak.
