Last updated: January 18, 2025
Tete, Mozambique, is characterized by a BSh Köppen-Geiger climate classification, indicative of a tropical savanna. The region experiences a temperature spectrum with a minimum of 13°C (55°F) in July, showcasing a mild winter, while the average temperature hovers around 27°C (81°F). However, temperatures can soar to a scorching 45°C (113°F) in November, marking the peak of the hot season. This diverse temperature range underscores the climatic variability that significantly influences the local environment and agricultural practices.
Tete, Mozambique, exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year, with the warmest months occurring from October to December. During this peak season, average temperatures rise significantly, reaching 31°C (88°F) in November, accompanied by maximum values of 45°C (113°F). Conversely, the cooler months from June to August showcase milder conditions, with average temperatures dropping to around 22-23°C (72-73°F) and minimums reaching as low as 13°C (55°F). The transition between these two periods highlights a noticeable decrease in temperature from the intense heat of late spring to the cooler, more temperate winter months. The overall climate presents a vibrant fluctuation that influences local ecosystems and agricultural practices, particularly during the hotter months when heat stress is prevalent.
Tete experiences a significant temperature range throughout the year, with July marking its minimum at 13°C (55°F) and November soaring to a maximum of 45°C (113°F). This variation highlights the extreme heat that characterizes the region, making it essential for visitors and residents to prepare accordingly. For more detailed information on monthly temperatures, visit monthly temperatures in Tete.
Tete, Mozambique experiences a wet tropical climate marked by a pronounced rainy season, particularly from November through March. January records the highest precipitation levels, with an impressive 206 mm (8.1 in) falling over 17 days, signaling the peak of the rainy season. This is followed by substantial rainfall in February (134 mm or 5.3 in), and March, where totals decline to 96 mm (3.8 in), yet still contribute to the region’s overall lushness during these months. The significant precipitation during this period supports local agriculture and replenishes water sources essential for community sustenance.
As the rainy season concludes, the contrast becomes stark with minimal rainfall recorded from April to October. Notably, April sees a sharp drop to 17 mm (0.7 in) over just 3 days, and May features negligible precipitation at 6 mm (0.2 in), leading to a dry spell characterized by very few rainy days—often less than one per month from May to September. The transition back to increased precipitation begins in October with only 5 mm (0.2 in), before November ushers in rain again, totaling 57 mm (2.2 in) as the cycle starts anew. This seasonal fluctuation in rainfall plays a crucial role in defining Tete's climatic character, impacting both natural ecosystems and agricultural cycles.
In Tete, Mozambique, sunshine duration is characterized by a notable seasonal pattern that aligns with the climatic shifts throughout the year. The peak sunshine months occur in October and November, where residents bask in an impressive 352 hours and 341 hours of sunshine, respectively. This abundance of sunlight during the late spring and early summer months correlates with the transition into the warm, wet season, providing optimal conditions for agriculture and outdoor activities. The trend of increasing sunshine hours begins in March, with 331 hours, gradually climbing as the region moves toward summer.
Conversely, the months of January and February still present substantial sunshine, with 265 hours and 303 hours respectively, but fall slightly short of the peak values observed later in the year. As the year progresses into the cooler months from May to September, sunshine hours remain relatively consistent, ranging between 308 to 334 hours each month. This steadiness reinforces the notion that while the heat might ease during the winter months, Tete continues to enjoy a significant amount of sunlight year-round. The overall trend showcases a gradual ascent in sunshine hours, creating a favorable environment that supports both biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities.
Tete, Mozambique, experiences a remarkably high UV Index, particularly during the peak summer months from January to April. The UV Index reaches extreme levels, with values of 17 in January, 16 in February, and 15 in March. During this period, the recommended burn time is very brief, at just 10 minutes, underscoring the severe risk of overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. As the region transitions into autumn, April also maintains a high index of 12, signifying the ongoing threat of UV exposure, even as temperatures begin to moderate.
The UV Index gradually decreases as winter approaches, dropping to 10 in May and 8 during both June and July, reflecting a slightly lower radiation intensity. However, even during these months, the exposure category remains very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes, indicating that caution is still necessary. By August, the UV Index increases again to 11, and steady values between 12 and 14 persist through September to December. This fluctuation emphasizes the need for year-round sun protection in Tete, particularly during the intense summer months, when the risks associated with UV exposure are at their peak.
UV Risk Categories
In Tete, Mozambique, daylight duration varies throughout the year, predominantly maintaining a steady span of approximately 12 hours during the summer months of January, February, and March. This consistent availability of daylight supports vibrant agricultural activities and outdoor leisure, contributing to the region's dynamic lifestyle. As the year progresses into April, daylight begins to decrease slightly to 11 hours, a trend that continues through the winter months of May to September, highlighting Tete’s relatively stable climate regardless of season.
As spring approaches, daylight duration rebounds in October and November, returning to 12 hours and culminating in a peak of 13 hours in December. This increase in daylight correlates with the onset of the rainy season, which is vital for local crop production. The smooth transition from summer's abundant light to shorter winter days, followed by the gradual return to longer days, illustrates Tete's unique ecological cycle and the rhythms of daily life shaped by natural light patterns.
Tete, Mozambique, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures year-round. The hottest months are November and October, with maximum temperatures reaching 45°C (113°F) and 44°C (112°F), respectively. Rainfall peaks in January with 206 mm (8.1 in) before tapering off in the drier months of May to August. Abundant sunshine is typical, with October receiving the most hours at 352. For more detailed information, visit Tete climate.
In conclusion, Tete, Mozambique, presents a unique climatic profile characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight. The region experiences hot and humid conditions during the peak months, with high UV radiation levels necessitating protective measures. Rainfall patterns are concentrated between November and March, fostering rich agricultural potential, while sunshine hours peak later in the year, coinciding with the transition into the wet season. This interplay of factors influences both the environment and the livelihoods of local communities, underscoring the importance of adaptation and preparedness in response to the dynamic climate of Tete.