Things to Do in Maputo in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Maputo
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak mango season means incredible fresh fruit everywhere - street vendors sell perfectly ripe mangas for 30-50 MZN (US$0.50-0.80) each, and locals pile them high at Mercado Central. You'll see varieties you've never encountered elsewhere.
- Ocean temperatures hit 27-28°C (81-82°F), which is genuinely perfect for swimming without a wetsuit. The Indian Ocean is calmer than December-January, making it ideal for snorkeling around Inhaca Island and stand-up paddleboarding along the Marginal.
- February sits right at the end of school holidays, so after the first week you'll find beaches and restaurants noticeably quieter than January. Accommodation prices drop 15-20% after February 10th once South African families head home.
- The jacaranda trees are finishing their bloom cycle, leaving carpets of purple flowers along Avenida Julius Nyerere and around the Fortaleza. It's visually stunning for photography, particularly in early morning light before 8am when the streets are quieter.
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms are genuinely unpredictable - they typically roll in between 2pm-5pm and can be intense, with heavy downpours lasting 30-90 minutes. You'll need to plan morning activities for anything you absolutely cannot miss, and have indoor backup options ready.
- The humidity sits around 70% consistently, which feels oppressive if you're not used to tropical climates. That combination of 31°C (88°F) and high humidity means you'll be sweating through clothes quickly, and air conditioning becomes non-negotiable for comfortable sleep.
- Cyclone season technically runs through March, and while direct hits on Maputo are rare, the tail end of systems passing Madagascar can bring 2-3 days of sustained rain and rough seas. Worth checking forecasts in the week before travel, as this can shut down island boat transfers entirely.
Best Activities in February
Inhaca Island day trips and overnight stays
February offers the best visibility for snorkeling around Inhaca - typically 8-12 m (26-39 ft) compared to 5-6 m (16-20 ft) in December. The water is warm enough that you genuinely don't need a wetsuit, and the coral reefs on the eastern side are teeming with tropical fish. Morning departures from Maputo Marina work best, as afternoon storms can make the 32 km (20 mile) boat crossing choppy. The island itself is wonderfully low-key, with beach lodges that fill up on weekends but stay quiet midweek.
Baixa walking food tours and market exploration
The heat and humidity actually work in your favor for food tours - locals eat lighter, fresher dishes in February, with amazing seafood coming in daily from the fishing boats at Catembe. Morning tours between 8am-11am let you experience Mercado Central before the midday heat becomes brutal. You'll find grilled prawns, matapa (cassava leaf stew), and fresh coconut water that tastes completely different from anywhere else. The downtown architecture tour combined with food stops makes sense in February because you can duck into cafes and markets when rain threatens.
Maputo Special Reserve wildlife drives
February brings lush green vegetation after the rains, which makes the reserve absolutely beautiful but slightly harder for wildlife spotting - animals blend into the thick bush more easily than in dry season. That said, elephants are more active and visible near water sources, and the birdlife is exceptional with migratory species still present. The reserve is 80 km (50 miles) south of Maputo, making it a full-day commitment. Early morning drives starting at 6am offer the best wildlife activity before temperatures climb, and you'll typically be back by 2pm before afternoon storms roll in.
Ponta do Ouro beach and diving excursions
The 120 km (75 mile) drive south to Ponta do Ouro is worth it in February specifically because whale sharks and manta rays are still around from summer migration patterns. Water visibility averages 15-20 m (49-66 ft), and the ocean is genuinely calm most mornings. The beach town itself is wonderfully undeveloped compared to other Southern African coastal spots. February sees fewer crowds than December-January, but the weather is equally good. Plan to stay overnight rather than day-tripping - the drive takes 2.5-3 hours each way on roads that get muddy after rain.
Fortaleza and Museu de Historia Natural cultural tours
February's afternoon rain pattern makes cultural sites perfect for midday and early afternoon visits when you'd otherwise be melting on the beach. The Fortaleza de Maputo offers genuine historical context about Portuguese colonial history and Mozambican independence, with excellent views over the bay. The Natural History Museum is wonderfully quirky with its famous elephant collection. Both have limited air conditioning, but the thick stone walls keep things relatively cool. Combined, you're looking at 3-4 hours of exploration, which is ideal when you need a break from heat and humidity.
Sunset dhow cruises in Maputo Bay
Evening cruises work brilliantly in February because the dramatic storm clouds create incredible sunset photography opportunities - think deep purples and oranges reflecting off the water. The traditional dhow boats are genuinely atmospheric, and the bay is typically calm enough in late afternoon that even seasick-prone travelers do fine. You'll sail past the port, see the city skyline from the water, and usually spot dolphins if you're lucky. Departures around 4:30pm-5pm catch the best light and return before dark around 7pm.
February Events & Festivals
Maputo Carnival
This moves around slightly each year based on the Catholic calendar, but typically falls in late February or early March. When it does hit February, you'll see street parades through Baixa with samba-influenced music, elaborate costumes, and neighborhood groups competing. It's not Rio-scale, but it's genuinely fun and offers authentic local culture rather than tourist performance. The main parade route runs along Avenida 25 de Setembro, and neighborhoods throw their own smaller parties.