Things to Do in Maputo in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Maputo
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Late summer warmth without the February peak crowds - accommodation prices drop 15-20% compared to high season while the Indian Ocean is still bath-warm at 27°C (81°F) for swimming and diving
- Green season brings afternoon rains that clear the air and cool things down - the city actually looks its best with jacaranda trees in bloom and everything lush after the wet months
- Fresh seafood season peaks in March as fishing conditions improve after cyclone season - local markets like Mercado do Peixe have incredible prawns, crab, and line-caught fish at half the price you'd pay in restaurants
- Cultural calendar heats up with local music festivals and art events as the city transitions into autumn - you'll catch authentic Mozambican culture without the tourist-focused programming of peak season
Considerations
- Humidity sits consistently around 70% which makes the 30°C (87°F) feel closer to 35°C (95°F) - that sticky, energy-sapping kind of heat that has you changing shirts twice a day
- Afternoon thunderstorms hit about 10 days during the month, typically between 3-6pm, which can disrupt beach plans and outdoor dining - though they're usually quick 30-45 minute downpours rather than all-day affairs
- Tail end of cyclone season means there's still a small chance of tropical storm activity affecting the coast, particularly early March - worth checking forecasts if you're planning island excursions to Inhaca or Portuguese Island
Best Activities in March
Inhaca Island Marine Reserve Snorkeling
March offers some of the clearest water visibility of the year at 15-20 m (49-66 ft) as the rainy season winds down but before winter sediment stirs up. The coral reefs around Inhaca are warming up, bringing increased fish activity including reef sharks, rays, and seasonal turtle sightings. Water temperature at 27°C (81°F) means you can snorkel comfortably for hours without a wetsuit. The island sees maybe 30% of the December-January crowds, so you'll actually have sections of reef to yourself.
Maputo City Walking Food Tours
March is prime time for Mozambican street food as vendors take advantage of the comfortable evening temperatures after the day's heat breaks. The humidity actually enhances flavors - particularly grilled prawns, peri-peri chicken, and matapa (cassava leaf stew). Walking tours typically run 6-9pm when the city comes alive, covering 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 miles) through neighborhoods like Polana and Baixa. You'll hit family-run spots that tourists miss and learn why Mozambican cuisine blends Portuguese, Indian, and indigenous influences.
Maputo Special Reserve Safari Day Trips
The reserve sits about 80 km (50 miles) south and March marks the transition period when animals congregate around remaining water sources, making wildlife spotting easier than the wet months but with greener landscapes than dry season. You'll see elephant, giraffe, zebra, and warthog against a backdrop that's actually photogenic rather than parched. Morning temperatures around 24°C (75°F) mean animals are active early, and afternoon storms usually hold off until you're back in the vehicle. The reserve gets a fraction of Kruger's crowds.
Ponta do Ouro Diving Expeditions
March offers the last window of warm-water diving before autumn cooling begins - water temps around 26-27°C (79-81°F) with visibility pushing 20 m (66 ft) on good days. The big draw is manta ray and whale shark possibilities as they migrate through, plus healthy populations of reef fish, turtles, and occasional dolphins. The 2.5-hour drive south to Ponta puts you at some of Southern Africa's best diving with far fewer divers than South African sites. Two-tank dives typically run morning to early afternoon, avoiding storm windows.
Fortaleza da Nossa Senhora da Conceição Historical Tours
The 18th-century fortress offers Maputo's best historical perspective and March's variable weather makes indoor museum exploration appealing when afternoon storms roll through. The fort's elevated position provides panoramic bay views that are particularly dramatic with March's cloud formations. Guided tours cover Portuguese colonial history, the independence struggle, and current archaeological work. Morning visits around 9-11am avoid both the midday heat and afternoon rain - temperatures inside the stone structure stay surprisingly cool even when it's 30°C (87°F) outside.
Maputo Bay Sunset Dhow Sailing
Traditional dhow boats offer the most atmospheric way to experience Maputo's waterfront, and March provides ideal conditions - warm evenings around 25°C (77°F), dramatic cloud formations from afternoon storms clearing out, and calm bay waters. Two-hour sunset sails typically run 5:30-7:30pm, catching golden hour light on the city skyline and Maputo-Katembe bridge. You'll often see dolphins feeding in the bay during March as fish populations are active. The wooden dhows are the same design Swahili traders used for centuries along this coast.
March Events & Festivals
Azgo Festival
Maputo's premier music and arts festival typically happens in late March, showcasing Mozambican marrabenta, Afro-house, and contemporary artists alongside regional acts. The multi-day event draws crowds to venues around the city with both ticketed concerts and free street performances. It's your best chance to experience authentic Mozambican music culture rather than tourist-focused entertainment. Past years have featured artists like Stewart Sukuma and Neyma, plus art installations and food vendors representing all of Mozambique's provinces.