Things to Do in Maputo in April

April Weather in Maputo

29°C (85°F) High Temp

19°C (66°F) Low Temp

58 mm (2.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect beach weather - warm 29°C (85°F) days with gentle coastal winds make Maputo Bay and Catembe beaches ideal for swimming and water sports
Post-cyclone season clarity - April marks the end of the rainy season, bringing crystal-clear skies between showers and excellent visibility for photography
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs drop 30-40% compared to peak season (December-February), with beachfront hotels averaging $60-90 instead of $120-180
Festival season begins - Traditional marrabenta music events and local food festivals start appearing as communities celebrate the harvest season

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon showers - rain hits 60% of days between 2-5pm, lasting 20-45 minutes and potentially disrupting outdoor plans
High humidity makes it feel hotter - 70% humidity means 29°C (85°F) feels like 33°C (91°F), requiring frequent hydration and shade breaks
Some island transfers cancelled - rough seas from lingering weather systems can cancel boat trips to Inhaca Island 2-3 times per week

Best Activities in April

Maputo Bay Sunset Cruises

April's post-rain atmospheric conditions create spectacular sunset views over Maputo Bay. The 70% humidity adds dramatic cloud formations while temperatures drop to comfortable 24°C (75°F) by evening. Traditional dhow boats navigate calmer waters as cyclone season ends, offering stable rides perfect for photography.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through waterfront operators near the Fish Market. Tours typically cost $25-45 per person for 2-hour cruises. Look for boats with life jackets and local guides who speak Portuguese and English. Peak sunset time is 5:30-6:15pm.

Inhaca Island Day Trips

When seas permit (check conditions daily), Inhaca Island offers pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling in 26°C (79°F) water. April's clearer post-rain waters provide 15-20m (49-66 ft) visibility for marine life viewing. The 45-minute boat ride is smoothest in early morning before afternoon winds pick up.

Booking Tip: Book same-day at Maputo Marina based on sea conditions - operators typically decide by 7am if trips proceed. Cost ranges $35-60 including boat transfer and snorkeling gear. Trips cancelled due to rough seas are fully refunded.

Polana Cement City Architecture Tours

April's variable weather makes indoor-outdoor cultural activities ideal. The post-independence brutalist architecture and colonial Portuguese buildings are best explored during the 19-24°C (66-75°F) morning temperatures. Rain provides natural air conditioning for afternoon museum visits in the cement city district.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work best - download offline maps as WiFi is spotty. Guided walking tours cost $15-25 and typically run 3 hours with indoor stops planned for afternoon showers. Start at 8am to avoid midday heat.

Mercado Central Food Experiences

April brings seasonal cashew fruits and fresh seafood as fishing resumes post-cyclone season. The covered market provides shelter from afternoon rains while offering authentic peri-peri prawns, matapa (cassava leaf stew), and local ximarrão (bitter mate tea). Morning visits avoid both crowds and humidity peaks.

Booking Tip: Visit independently between 7-10am for freshest produce and cooler temperatures. Food tours through local operators cost $20-35 per person for 2-3 hour experiences. Bring small bills - most vendors don't accept cards or large denominations.

Catembe Beach Resort Day Passes

The ferry ride across Maputo Bay to Catembe Peninsula takes advantage of April's dramatic cloud formations and comfortable 26°C (79°F) water temperatures. Beach resorts offer day passes with pool access, providing indoor dining options when afternoon showers hit the outdoor beach areas.

Booking Tip: Ferry runs every 30 minutes (7am-10pm) at $2 each way. Beach resort day passes cost $15-30 including basic lunch. Book ferry returns before 6pm as evening services can be cancelled in rough weather.

April Events & Festivals

Mid to Late April

Festival da Castanha (Cashew Festival)

Local celebration of cashew harvest season featuring traditional marrabenta music, cashew wine tastings, and street food vendors throughout the Polana and Sommerschield neighborhoods. April marks peak cashew fruit season when the fresh fruits (not just nuts) are widely available.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - afternoon showers last 20-45 minutes and arrive suddenly, umbrella won't help with sideways rain

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index 8 plus reflection off Maputo Bay water increases burn risk significantly

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, synthetic fabrics become uncomfortable quickly

Closed-toe shoes for evening - post-rain streets have standing water and uneven Portuguese stone pavements

Portable phone charger - power outages increase during April storms, lasting 2-6 hours in some neighborhoods

Insect repellent with DEET - standing water from rains increases mosquito activity, especially near the bay

Quick-dry shorts for water activities - cotton takes hours to dry in 70% humidity

Light sweater for air-conditioned spaces - restaurants and hotels over-compensate for humidity with aggressive AC

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat trips and unexpected downpours

Cash in small bills (meticais) - card readers often fail during power fluctuations after storms

Insider Knowledge

Morning activities rule - locals do beach visits, market shopping, and outdoor exercise before 11am when temperatures and humidity are most comfortable

Download offline maps before arrival - cellular data becomes unreliable during afternoon storms and power outages affect cell towers

Book accommodations in Polana or Sommerschield neighborhoods - these areas have backup generators and better drainage than downtown during April rains

Afternoon rain advantage - many restaurants offer 'rainy day' discounts between 2-5pm when outdoor seating empties, savings of 15-25% on meals

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning beach days without backup indoor activities - 60% chance of afternoon rain means you need museum, shopping, or restaurant alternatives

Booking island trips too far ahead - sea conditions change daily in April, book maximum 1-2 days prior or risk cancellations and rebooking hassles

Wearing white or light colors to markets - post-rain streets and market floors create muddy conditions that will stain light clothing permanently