Last updated: January 18, 2025
Maputo Province, Mozambique, showcases a diverse climate characterized by two prominent Köppen-Geiger classifications: BSh (tropical savanna) and Aw (tropical wet and dry). The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, with minimum temperatures dropping to a cool 9°C (48°F) in June. In contrast, the average annual temperature hovers around a warm 23°C (74°F), peaking dramatically at an extreme 42°C (108°F) during the month of October. This climatic variability plays a crucial role in shaping the ecological landscape and agricultural practices within the province.
In Maputo Province, Mozambique, temperature patterns exhibit a distinct seasonal rhythm influenced by tropical savanna and wet-dry climate dynamics. The year begins with warm, summer-like conditions from January to March, where average temperatures reach around 25-26°C (78-79°F), complemented by maximums often hitting 38°C (101°F). As the season transitions into autumn during April and May, a noticeable cooling trend is evident, with average temperatures dipping to 21-24°C (71-75°F) and minimums lowering to 10-13°C (51-56°F). The winter months of June and July usher in cooler weather, with averages around 19-20°C (67-68°F) and minimum temperatures reaching the cooler end of the spectrum at 9°C (48°F). As spring approaches in August and September, temperatures gradually rise again, peaking in October at an intense 42°C (108°F). The year concludes in December with temperatures returning to warmer averages of 26°C (79°F), creating a cycle of warmth and coolness that defines the region's climate.
Ressano Garcia experiences a minimum temperature of 9°C (48°F) in June and can reach a maximum of 42°C (108°F) in October, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Ressano Garcia. In nearby Manhica, temperatures range from a minimum of 11°C (51°F) in July to a maximum of 39°C (103°F) in December, highlighted in the monthly temperatures in Manhica. Matola has minimum temperatures of 12°C (54°F) in August, peaking at 38°C (101°F) in November, as shown in the monthly temperatures in Matola.
Maputo Province experiences a pronounced wet season primarily from November to March, marked by substantial rainfall that significantly contributes to the province's hydrology. January and February are typically the wettest months, receiving 130 mm (5.1 in) and 177 mm (7.0 in) of precipitation, respectively, and averaging around 10-15 rainy days. This peak in rainfall supports the lush vegetation and agricultural productivity vital to the region. As the wet season transitions to cooler months in March, April, and May, precipitation declines sharply, with amounts falling to 57 mm (2.2 in), 55 mm (2.2 in), and 21 mm (0.8 in), respectively.
The drier months of June and July see minimal rainfall, with averages of just 22 mm (0.9 in) and 7 mm (0.3 in), and only a few rainy days—just 1 day in July. As the region enters spring in August, precipitation begins to gradually increase, but remains low at 14 mm (0.5 in) for the month. By October, the province anticipates the onset of the next rainy season with an uptick to 59 mm (2.3 in), followed by 71 mm (2.8 in) in November, and 86 mm (3.4 in) in December, as the cycle of moisture and drought continues to shape the climate dynamics of Maputo Province.
In Maputo Province, Mozambique, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, characterized by longer hours of daylight during the warmer months. The year begins with a robust amount of sunshine, peaking in December with an impressive 361 hours. This period of abundant sun is reflective of summer's arrival, where sunlight availability supports outdoor activities and agricultural productivity. The months leading up to December, including November with 331 hours and October with 323 hours, show a steady rise in sunshine hours, indicating that the transition from spring to summer is marked by increasingly bright days.
As the seasons shift toward winter, a slight dip in sunshine hours occurs, with June recording the lowest at 295 hours. The months of April and May maintain a moderately high level of sunshine—316 and 312 hours respectively—before the annual sunshine maximum is reached in December. Interestingly, even during the winter months of June and July, Maputo Province remains relatively sunny, with 311 hours in July. Overall, the data illustrates a clear upward trend in sunshine duration from winter to summer, enhancing the region's appeal as a vibrant destination throughout the year.
In Maputo Province, Mozambique, the UV Index presents a significant seasonal fluctuation that reflects the region's tropical climate. The summer months from January to March are marked by extremely high UV levels, with values peaking at 15 in January and gradually declining to 12 by March. During this period, the exposure category remains classified as "extreme," with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes, signaling the need for diligent sun protection to prevent skin damage. As the seasons transition into autumn, April sees a decline to a UV Index of 10 (very high), allowing for slightly longer safe exposure times of 15 minutes before moving into the cooler months.
As winter sets in, the UV Index significantly drops, reaching a moderate level of 5 in June, which increases to a high of 6 in July. This indicates a reduced risk of harm from UV radiation, with increased allowable burn times of 25-30 minutes. However, as spring arrives, values rise once again, with August recording a UV Index of 8 (very high), tapering back to 10 in September and regaining extreme levels in October and November. Overall, the data reveals the importance of monitoring UV exposure throughout the year, particularly during the high-risk summer months when protective measures are crucial.
UV Risk Categories
In Maputo Province, Mozambique, daylight duration exhibits a seasonal rhythm that closely aligns with the southern hemisphere's climatic cycles. During the peak of summer in January and December, residents experience approximately 13 hours of daylight, providing ample sunlight for outdoor activities and vibrant ecosystems. This extended daylight gradually tapers off in the autumn months, with February and March offering 12 hours each, and further decreasing to 11 hours in April, showcasing the transition towards shorter days as winter approaches.
As the cooler winter months unfold, daylight duration stabilizes around 10 hours from May through July, suggesting a period of relative uniformity in sunshine exposure. However, as spring arrives in August, daylight begins to lengthen again, returning to 11 hours and eventually reaching 12 hours in October. The cyclical pattern culminates in November, where daylight stretches back to 13 hours. This variation in daylight duration highlights the importance of seasonal changes in daily life, influencing everything from agriculture to recreation in Maputo Province.
Manhica, Mozambique experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The warmest months are November and December, with average temperatures reaching up to 26-27°C (79-80°F), while temperatures can peak at 39°C (103°F). Rainfall is heaviest in January and February, with 143 mm (5.6 in) and 193 mm (7.6 in) respectively, followed by a drier season from May to July. Sunshine is plentiful throughout the year, particularly in March and December, with hours exceeding 300. For more information, visit Manhica climate.
Matola, Mozambique experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. January and February are the hottest months, with average temperatures around 26°C (79°F) and maximums reaching up to 36°C (97°F). Rainfall varies significantly, peaking in February at 177 mm (7.0 in), while July remains the driest month with only 6 mm (0.2 in). The region enjoys considerable sunshine, especially in December, which boasts up to 360 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Matola climate.
Ressano Garcia, Mozambique experiences a warm climate characterized by high temperatures throughout the year, peaking in January and February with maximums reaching 38°C (101°F). The cooler months are from May to August, where average temperatures drop to around 19–21°C (67–70°F). Precipitation is highest from January to February, with February receiving approximately 159 mm (6.3 in), while the dry season from June to September sees minimal rainfall. Sunshine hours are abundant, particularly in December with 355 hours, making it a predominantly sunny region. For more detailed information, visit Ressano Garcia climate.
In conclusion, Maputo Province, Mozambique, presents a dynamic interplay of climatic conditions characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, and UV Index. The region’s warm temperatures and substantial rainfall during the wet season foster lush landscapes and agricultural vitality, while the significant sunshine hours throughout the year emphasize its appeal as a vibrant destination. Additionally, the UV Index fluctuations highlight the importance of sun safety measures, particularly during the peak summer months when UV exposure risks are highest. Understanding these climatic trends is essential for residents and visitors alike, as it informs decisions related to health, agriculture, and outdoor activities, ultimately enhancing the quality of life in this captivating province.