The dry season, from May to November, is the best time to visit most of Mozambique. Humidity drops, roads are passable, and the Indian Ocean is at its clearest. Temperatures hover between 25°C and 32°C — warm but not punishing. July and August are peak season: South African and European tourists fill the coastal resorts, and prices rise accordingly. If you want good weather without the crowds, aim for May, June, or September.
October and November are particularly good if marine life is your focus. Humpback whale season runs from June to November, peaking in August and September as they migrate north from Antarctica. Whale sharks gather off Tofo and the Bazaruto coast from October through March, drawn by seasonal plankton blooms — you can find yourself snorkelling alongside groups of 30 or more of these gentle giants. Turtle nesting season also runs from November to March.
The rainy season (December to March) brings high heat, humidity, and the risk of cyclones — Mozambique's long coastline makes it vulnerable to Indian Ocean storms, and February is historically the most dangerous month. Flooding can cut roads and disrupt flights. That said, the landscape turns vivid green, prices drop, and the accommodation is much quieter. Diving in the south is difficult in rough weather, but diving in sheltered northern sites can still be excellent.
Inland safaris — Gorongosa National Park, Niassa Reserve, Limpopo National Park — are best done in the dry season (June to October) when animals concentrate around water sources and bush cover is low.
Birdwatching peaks from November to February, when migratory species arrive from the northern hemisphere and resident birds are in breeding plumage. Mozambique has over 600 recorded bird species.
One note: Mozambique is not one climate. The southern coast around Maputo and Inhambane is subtropical. The far north around Pemba and the Quirimbas is tropical. The interior highlands run cooler. Plan your itinerary accordingly.