Things to Do in Maputo in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Maputo
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means accommodation costs drop 20-30% compared to peak winter months - you'll find decent beachfront guesthouses for 1,500-2,500 MT that would cost 3,000+ MT in July or August
- Ocean temperatures sit around 26-27°C (79-81°F), which is actually ideal for extended snorkeling and diving sessions without needing a wetsuit - the water's warm enough to stay comfortable for 2-3 hours
- Fewer international tourists means popular spots like Ilha de Mozambique and Ponta do Ouro feel genuinely relaxed - you're not fighting for restaurant tables or beach space, and locals have more time to chat
- The late rainy season brings lush, green landscapes that make the drive north along the coast particularly stunning, plus migratory birds are still around before heading back to Europe
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days typically hit in the afternoon - expect sudden downpours between 2pm-5pm that can last 45-90 minutes and genuinely disrupt beach plans or outdoor activities you've scheduled
- Humidity at 70% combined with 29°C (85°F) highs creates that sticky, uncomfortable feeling by midday - you'll be changing shirts and seeking air conditioning more than you'd expect
- Some island boat operators reduce their schedules in April due to variable weather conditions, particularly for trips to Bazaruto Archipelago - you might find fewer departure options or last-minute cancellations
Best Activities in April
Inhaca Island day trips and marine reserve exploration
April offers excellent visibility for snorkeling around Inhaca's coral reefs - typically 10-15 m (33-49 ft) - before winter winds stir up sediment. The island sits just 32 km (20 miles) offshore and the crossing is usually calmer in April mornings before afternoon breezes pick up. Water temperature around 26°C (79°F) means you can comfortably spend hours exploring the marine reserve without thermal protection. Fewer visitors in April means the reefs feel less crowded and you'll often have entire sections to yourself.
Maputo Central Market and street food exploration
April's the tail end of cashew season, so you'll find fresh roasted cashews everywhere - locals know this is when they're at their best. The Central Market on Avenida 25 de Setembro gets genuinely lively between 7am-11am when produce is freshest and vendors are most energetic. The humidity makes indoor market exploration more comfortable than midday beach time, and April sees fewer tourists crowding the seafood stalls. This is actually when you'll see the most authentic interactions since vendors aren't in high-season hustle mode.
Ponta do Ouro diving and dolphin encounters
April marks the transition period when whale sharks are finishing their season but dolphin activity remains high - you'll often spot bottlenose dolphins during boat rides to dive sites. Water clarity is excellent before winter storms arrive, with visibility often reaching 15-20 m (49-66 ft) at popular sites like Pinnacles. The 26-27°C (79-81°F) water temperature means you can do multiple dives without getting cold. Crowds are noticeably lighter than peak season, so dive boats rarely fill completely and you get more personalized attention from instructors.
Maputo Special Reserve wildlife drives and coastal birding
April's late rains mean the reserve is still lush and green, which makes wildlife spotting more challenging but creates stunning photographic conditions. Migratory birds are still present before their northern journey - you'll see carmine bee-eaters, European rollers, and various waders along the coastal lakes. The cooler mornings around 19°C (66°F) make early game drives genuinely comfortable, and animals are more active before midday heat. Tourist numbers are low enough that you might have entire sections of the reserve to yourself.
Historic Maputo architecture walking tours through Baixa district
April's variable weather actually makes walking tours ideal - you can duck into historic buildings like the CFM Railway Station or Natural History Museum when afternoon showers hit. The humidity softens the harsh light, which creates better conditions for photographing the Portuguese colonial architecture and art deco facades along Avenida Julius Nyerere. Morning temperatures around 22-24°C (72-75°F) between 8-11am are perfect for the 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 mile) walking circuits through Baixa and the Iron House neighborhood. Fewer tourists mean you can actually appreciate the details without crowds blocking your photos.
Tofo Beach surfing and marine megafauna season
April catches the tail end of manta ray season around Tofo - you'll still see them at cleaning stations though numbers are declining as they move offshore. The 480 km (298 mile) journey north from Maputo is worth it for consistent surf breaks that work well in April's variable swell conditions. Water temperature around 24-26°C (75-79°F) means you can surf for hours in just boardshorts or a spring suit. April sees far fewer backpackers than peak winter months, so the laid-back beach town feels genuinely relaxed and accommodation is easier to find.
April Events & Festivals
Maputo International Music Festival
This multi-day festival typically happens in late April and showcases Southern African music - expect marrabenta, Afro-jazz, and contemporary Mozambican artists alongside regional acts from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and beyond. Venues span from the Franco-Mozambican Cultural Centre to outdoor stages at Costa do Sol. It's genuinely one of the best times to experience Maputo's music scene since both established and emerging artists perform. Tickets for individual concerts run 300-800 MT, while festival passes cost around 1,500-2,500 MT.