Things to Do in Maputo in February

February Weather in Maputo

31°C (88°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

130 mm (5.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Prime summer season with extended daylight until 7:30pm, perfect for post-work beach visits and evening outdoor dining at venues like Costa do Sol
Cashew season is at its peak - fresh castanha de caju (cashews) are everywhere, and locals celebrate with traditional cashew wine tastings in markets like Xipamanine
Indian Ocean temperatures reach 26-28°C (79-82°F), ideal for dhow sailing trips to Inhaca Island and snorkeling without wetsuits
Maputo Bay breezes intensify during February afternoons, making the 70% humidity more bearable and creating perfect conditions for kitesurfing at Catembe

Considerations

Cyclone season peaks in February - while direct hits are rare, heavy rains can flood Baixa district streets and cancel dhow trips for 1-2 days at a time
European expat community swells with holiday visitors, driving up accommodation prices by 40-60% and making popular restaurants like LM Restaurant require reservations days ahead
Afternoon thunderstorms arrive suddenly around 3-4pm, lasting 45-90 minutes and making outdoor market shopping challenging without proper rain gear

Best Activities in February

Inhaca Island Marine Reserve Snorkeling

February's calm winds and 26°C (79°F) water temperatures make this the year's best month for snorkeling. The marine reserve's coral gardens are most active, with visibility reaching 15-20 m (49-66 ft). Dhow boats run daily departures, and the island's lighthouse offers 360-degree views of Maputo Bay. February's longer daylight allows for full-day trips including lunch at local pousadas.

Booking Tip: Book dhow trips 3-5 days ahead through licensed operators at Maputo Marina. Full-day excursions typically cost 2,500-3,800 meticais including lunch and snorkel gear. Check weather forecasts as afternoon storms can cancel trips. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Maputo Historical Walking Tours

February mornings (8-11am) offer the coolest temperatures for exploring Baixa's colonial architecture and Iron House. The summer light creates perfect photography conditions at Maputo Central Station and Cathedral. Rain typically holds off until afternoon, giving you 5-6 hours of dry exploration. Many buildings have extended hours due to tourist season.

Booking Tip: Start tours by 8:30am to avoid midday heat and afternoon storms. Guided historical walks cost 800-1,500 meticais for 3-4 hours. Book through certified cultural guides at Maputo Cultural Centre. Independent exploration works well with detailed maps from tourism offices.

Maputo Elephant Reserve Game Drives

February's abundant rainfall fills waterholes, concentrating wildlife for easier viewing. Elephants are most active during cooler morning hours (6-9am). The reserve's 1,040 km² (401 sq miles) supports over 200 elephants, plus antelope and bird species. February's green season transforms landscapes, offering dramatic photography with storm clouds as backdrops.

Booking Tip: Book full-day safaris 7-14 days ahead as February is peak season. Tours typically cost 4,500-6,800 meticais including transport from Maputo (120 km/75 miles drive). Morning game drives perform best before 10am heat. Choose operators with covered vehicles for sudden rain showers.

Traditional Dhow Sunset Cruises

February's dramatic afternoon storm clouds create spectacular sunset displays over Maputo Bay. Traditional dhow boats utilize strong seasonal winds for authentic sailing experiences. The bay's protected waters remain calm enough for comfortable cruising even during windy periods. Evening temperatures drop to pleasant 25°C (77°F) after sunset.

Booking Tip: Sunset cruises depart 5:30-6pm from Maputo Marina or Catembe. Prices range 1,200-2,200 meticais for 2-3 hour trips including drinks. Book same-day if weather looks favorable, as operators cancel during storms. See current sunset cruise options in booking section below.

Polana and Sommerschield Art Gallery Tours

February's cultural calendar peaks with new exhibitions opening for tourist season. Air-conditioned galleries provide perfect afternoon refuges during rain showers. The contemporary Mozambican art scene showcases works reflecting the country's recent history and cultural renaissance. Many galleries extend hours and offer guided tours during peak season.

Booking Tip: Gallery tours work perfectly during afternoon rain periods (2-6pm). Many galleries are free, while private guided cultural tours cost 1,500-2,800 meticais. Combine with visits to craft markets like FEIMA for comprehensive cultural experiences. Check current exhibition schedules at Maputo Cultural Centre.

Macaneta Beach and Dune Adventures

February's consistent onshore winds create ideal conditions for sandboarding on Macaneta's 30 m (98 ft) dunes. The beach stretches 25 km (15.5 miles) with excellent swimming conditions and seafood restaurants. Four-wheel drive access allows exploration of remote stretches. February's extended daylight provides time for multiple activities in one day trip.

Booking Tip: Day trips to Macaneta cost 2,800-4,200 meticais including transport, meals, and activities. Book through operators with 4WD vehicles as beach access requires sand driving. Combine beach time with dune adventures and fresh seafood lunches. Distance from Maputo: 35 km (22 miles).

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Maputo Carnival

Mozambique's largest street carnival features elaborate costumes, traditional marrabenta music, and dance competitions throughout Baixa district. Local schools and community groups spend months preparing floats and performances. The celebration blends Portuguese colonial influences with traditional African culture.

Late February

Festival de Artes de Maputo

Annual arts festival showcasing contemporary Mozambican artists, sculptors, and performers. Events take place across multiple venues in Polana and Sommerschield neighborhoods. International visitors can purchase original artwork and attend artist workshops.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with good ventilation - February storms are intense but brief, lasting 45-90 minutes with heavy downpours

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8-9 and reflects strongly off white sand beaches and concrete buildings

Quick-dry clothing in natural fabrics - cotton and linen work better than polyester in 70% humidity conditions

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - sudden afternoon storms can damage electronics caught in the open

Comfortable walking sandals with good grip - Maputo's cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, and beach activities require easy shoe removal

Insect repellent with DEET - standing water after rains increases mosquito activity, especially around sunset

Light evening layer - temperatures drop to pleasant 23°C (73°F) after storms, and air-conditioned restaurants can feel cool

Cash in small denominations - many local markets, dhow operators, and taxi-chapas only accept meticais, and ATMs can run empty during peak tourist periods

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated is crucial in humid conditions, and many hotels offer filtered water refills

Flip-flops for accommodation - useful for shared bathrooms in budget lodging and mandatory for some mosque visits during cultural tours

Insider Knowledge

Local families flock to Costa do Sol beach on February weekends after 4pm when temperatures drop and breezes pick up - arrive early to secure parking and tables at beachfront restaurants

Maputo's chapa (minibus) system runs extended hours during February tourist season, but avoid traveling during afternoon storms (3-5pm) when flooding makes some routes impassable

The Xipamanine Market's second floor food court serves the city's best matapa (cassava leaf stew) and fresh seafood - locals eat lunch there around noon before afternoon rains begin

Book accommodation near Polana or Sommerschield rather than Baixa district - these higher elevation neighborhoods drain better during heavy rains and have more reliable power during storms

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 2pm without rain backup plans - 60% of February days have afternoon thunderstorms that can last up to 90 minutes

Carrying only credit cards - many dhow operators, market vendors, and local restaurants operate cash-only, and tourist season creates higher demand for ATMs

Booking ground transport during peak storm hours (3-6pm) - flooding in Baixa district can delay trips by hours, especially to/from the airport