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When to visit Mozambique
The best time to go to Mozambique depends on what you want to see, and where you want to go. With a coastline stretching for more than 1,000 miles along the southeast of the African continent, Mozambique has a varied climate, which means the best time to visit the country cannot be narrowed down easily. Our When to Go pages outline the advantages and disadvantages to visiting Mozambique during each month of the year, although bear in mind that it is always best to check the current situation before travel with one of our Destination Specialists.
Despite Mozambique's considerable size - the north and south of the country are separated by over 15 degrees of latitude - the weather patterns here are similar to those in the rest of southern Africa, with rain falling mainly between December and March. However, this rainfall does tend to last a few weeks longer in the north of Mozambique.
Mozambique does have seasons which for some define the time to visit the country. The winter (dry) period lasts between April and November and is considered the best time to visit Mozambique, with the summer (wet) season being between January and March. Although the rains do deter some travellers from visiting during the summer months, this period still has a number of draws for those wishing to experience wildlife events.
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The Best Time to Visit Mozambique
Although January is part of the rainy season in Mozambique, there is still a lot to do and see. The rains bring with it vibrant vegetation, and flowers blooming throughout the country accompanied by stunning butterflies. This month is ideal for those looking to take advantage of the low-season discounts that many of the hotels and lodges offer in this period. However, the low season does mean that some of the hotels and lodges may be operating on reduced staff, or may not be open at all. Also, some of the wildlife reserves and parks may not be open during this time.
February is the peak of the rainy season in Mozambique, and as such travelling to the country at this time is not preferable. The rain can last between a couple of hours to multiple days making travel within the country difficult due to the country’s infrastructure suffering from the conditions. However, the rain also brings renewed life to the landscape, with lush flora flowering across the country, attracting a variety of birds, butterflies and other wildlife.
March is the wettest month in Mozambique, with rivers and low-lying areas occasionally suffering from flooding. There is still enough sporadic sunshine to have an enjoyable trip to the country’s cities, but the less urban areas are harder to access at this time.
Approaching the end of the wet season, April is a good choice for those wanting to visit Mozambique without the crowds. The weather clears up, leaving behind beautiful lush green landscapes. This is the ideal time to visit for anyone interested in birdwatching.
The first month out of the rainy season is a great time to visit Mozambique. The country comes alive with wildlife and city life. Mozambique is known for its fantastic diving locations and May is ideal for water-based activities, the clear and calm waters giving you good visibility beneath the waves.
Once June rolls around, Mozambique's winter is in full swing, bringing with it dry and pleasant weather. This is a great time to visit the Niassa Game Reserve, which opens in June. Although the sea can be slightly windy and choppy, restricting diving, June is still a fantastic time to visit the coastline and enjoy the beaches, vistas and perhaps catch sight of the humpback whale migration.
July is an ideal time to visit Mozambique, as the weather is dry and the temperatures are pleasant, allowing you to experience everything that the country has to offer. There can be a few more visitors to the hotels and lodges than other months due to the summer holidays, but you will always be able to find yourself a space on the extensive collection of beaches.
With the humpback whale migration in full swing, you will now easily be able to spot the whales along the Mozambican coast. Although present all year round, dolphins are also often more favourably sighted during this month. Why not take a boat trip out and get closer to the action.
During the month of September, clear weather mixed with increasing heat means that plant life and water sources begin to diminish. This does, however, make it an ideal time to spot animals as they congregate at waterholes in the country’s national parks.
October is a good choice for those interested in the incredible flora that Mozambique has to offer. The weather is dry and pleasant, with a wide variety of plants beginning to bloom throughout the month. These conditions are also ideal for travel, regardless of where your favoured destination lies.
Marking the end of the dry season, November is a fantastic time to visit Mozambique if you are interested in birdwatching. The landscape will begin to return to a lush green colour and with it comes an array of birds and insects.
With the rainy season now in full swing, the month of December is not a popular month to visit Mozambique, although it does have its benefits. Reduced off-season rates mean that accommodation is often cheaper than in high season, and the country is covered with lush green foliage bringing a variety of birdlife and wildlife out.
January - March
Mozambique’s rainy season occurs between January and March, with cyclones occasionally affecting the coastal areas. Although it is not ideal to travel in these months, the summer also offers a number of benefits, such as turtles coming ashore to nest and lay their eggs - a rare and wonderful experience to witness.
June - July
The months of June through to October are considered the best time to visit Mozambique for wildlife safaris. During these months the weather is warm with clear skies, allowing for fantastic inland game viewing at the many national parks and protected areas. During these months the air is clear in many of the cities, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and exploring urban cultural sites.
September – October
A short rainy period, these months can also be great for birding, as trees and plants are flowering and visible birdlife is prolific, and it is even possible to enjoy specialist birding trips (specifically late November/early December or late May). Green seasons also make for excellent photography conditions, with rains tending to be quick and heavy before clearing to blue skies – ideal for capturing scenery.
Safaris & Planning
When to Visit Mozambique
The best time to go to Mozambique depends on what you want to see, and where you want to go. With a coastline stretching for more than 1,000 miles along the southeast of the African continent, Mozambique has a varied climate, which means the best time to visit the country cannot be narrowed down easily. Our When to Go pages outline the advantages and disadvantages to visiting Mozambique during each month of the year, although bear in mind that it is always best to check the current situation before travel with one of our Destination Specialists.
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Wildlife & Wilderness: Gorongosa Safari
Known in Mozambique as the ‘Park for Peace’, Gorongosa is one of Africa’s last true wild places with the greatest wildlife restoration story. When the war ended in 1992, the landscape was devastated and more than 90% of Gorongosa’s large mammals had disappeared. Efforts were made to rehabilitate Gorongosa after the war but it wasn’t until 2004, when American philanthropist Greg Carr partnered with the Mozambican government to restore the park, that it started coming back to life. The Gorongosa Restoration Project has worked with the Government of Mozambique for the past 20 years to restore wildlife to the Gorongosa National Park, in what is perhaps the greatest restoration success in Africa.
Things to do in Mozambique
If you want to go snorkelling and diving
April to June and September to November are the best months for experiencing the incredible marine life the country has to offer. The water during these periods is calm and clear, creating the perfect conditions for getting up close to the wildlife. Divers may explore colourful coral reefs abounding with marine life, such as manta rays, whale sharks, and several varieties of colourful fish. Dive shops with PADI certification are accessible in coastal communities.
If you want to travel by dhow
February to December is the ideal time to explore Mozambique's beautiful Quirimbas archipelago on a dhow. Snorkel, swim and enjoy the stunning turquoise ocean and marine life along the way.
If you want to go on a game safari
June to October is considered the ideal time to visit Mozambique for game viewing, as the weather offers clear visibility and the chance to watch animals congregate at watering holes as water becomes scarcer. For a chance to see a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, zebras, and many bird species, visit national parks like Gorongosa and Niassa Reserve. Boat excursions on the Zambezi River provide exceptional chances to see animals.