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Mocímboa da Praia

Weather in Мосимбоа-да-Прая by month: what to expect

Photo: A Verdade from Maputo, Moçambique, CC BY 2.0

Weather overview

The weather in Мосимбоа-да-Прая is warm year-round, with a clear division between the rainy and dry seasons. From January to April, the town experiences its wettest months, with frequent showers and high humidity. The rest of the year is much drier, offering more comfortable conditions for travel.

Temperatures in Мосимбоа-да-Прая remain fairly stable, rarely dropping below 20 °C even at night. The hottest months are November through March, when daytime highs can reach 31 °C, while the coolest period falls between June and August, with averages around 24 °C. The ocean stays warm, making it suitable for swimming almost any time of year.

If you prefer to avoid heavy rain, the best time to visit Мосимбоа-да-Прая is from May to October, when precipitation is minimal and the air feels fresher. The transition months of November and December bring a mix of warmth and occasional showers as the rainy season approaches.

Temperature

In Мосимбоа-да-Прая, temperatures vary modestly throughout the year, with daytime highs typically between 27 °C and 31 °C. The warmest months are December and January, when the mercury can climb to 31.5 °C, while the coolest period is in July, with an average of 24 °C. Nighttime temperatures follow a similar pattern, dipping to around 20 °C in the cooler months.

The ocean near Мосимбоа-да-Прая remains inviting year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 25.8 °C in July to 30.8 °C in December. Even during the coolest months, the sea stays warm enough for swimming, though the air may feel slightly cooler in the evenings. The combination of steady warmth and ocean breezes makes the climate feel more moderate than inland areas.

While Мосимбоа-да-Прая doesn’t experience extreme temperature swings, the shift from the rainy to the dry season brings subtle changes. From May to September, the air feels drier and slightly cooler, with daytime highs around 28 °C. By October, temperatures begin to rise again, leading into the warmer, wetter months of November through March.

Average air temperature °C
Average air temperature
Month Minimum Maximum
January 24.6 31.2
February 24.5 31.2
March 24.2 30.8
April 23.8 29.4
May 22.4 29.1
June 20.9 28.3
July 20.3 27.6
August 20.7 28.4
September 21.3 29.2
October 22.8 30.2
November 24 31.3
December 24.3 31.5

Precipitation

Rainfall in Мосимбоа-да-Прая is highly seasonal, with the heaviest downpours occurring from January to April. During these months, the town receives the bulk of its annual precipitation, with April being the wettest at nearly 244 mm. The rain often comes in short, intense bursts, followed by periods of sunshine, but humidity remains high throughout this period.

From May to October, Мосимбоа-да-Прая enters its dry season, with rainfall dropping dramatically. June, July, and August are the driest months, each receiving less than 13 mm of rain. This makes the dry season the most comfortable time to visit, as the air feels fresher and outdoor activities are less likely to be disrupted by showers.

The transition months of November and December bring a gradual return of rain, though not as heavy as in the peak of the wet season. By December, precipitation increases to around 104 mm, signaling the start of the next rainy period. If you’re planning a trip during these months, packing light rain gear can be useful for occasional showers.

Precipitation amount mm
Precipitation amount
Month Precipitation
January 207.4
February 193.6
March 163.6
April 243.9
May 49.2
June 12.7
July 12.9
August 12.2
September 15.8
October 15.9
November 44
December 104.3

What to pack

When visiting Мосимбоа-да-Прая during the rainy season from January to April, lightweight, quick-drying clothing is essential. A compact umbrella or a waterproof jacket will help you stay comfortable during sudden downpours, while breathable fabrics will keep you cool in the humid conditions. Don’t forget sandals or waterproof shoes for walking on wet surfaces.

For the dry season, from May to October, pack light layers for the warm days and slightly cooler evenings. A light sweater or shawl can be useful for breezy nights, especially if you’re spending time near the water. Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are must-haves year-round, as the sun in Мосимбоа-да-Прая is strong even during the cooler months.

If you’re traveling in November or December, prepare for a mix of warm days and occasional rain. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts can help protect against both the sun and mosquitoes, which may be more active as the rainy season begins. A small backpack or tote bag is handy for carrying essentials like water, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket when exploring Мосимбоа-да-Прая.

Average monthly wind m/s
Average monthly wind
Month Wind speed
January 4
February 3.6
March 3.7
April 4.8
May 6
June 5.3
July 5.6
August 4.5
September 3.8
October 4.4
November 4.2
December 3.5