Things to Do in Maputo in March

March Weather in Maputo

30°C (87°F) High Temp

21°C (70°F) Low Temp

125 mm (4.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

End of rainy season means lush green landscapes and cleaner air, with rainfall dropping to just 10 days compared to 15+ in January-February
Tourist crowds are at their lowest before Easter holidays begin - you'll have Maputo's beaches and attractions mostly to yourself
Perfect temperature balance at 21-30°C (70-87°F) - warm enough for beach activities but not the scorching heat of May-September
Fresh seafood season peaks as fishing conditions improve after the rains, with prawns, crab, and line fish at their best quality and lowest prices

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms still occur 30% of days, typically lasting 45-60 minutes between 2pm-5pm, potentially disrupting outdoor plans
High humidity at 70% makes it feel hotter than actual temperature, especially during midday activities
Some roads to remote beaches may still have puddles or minor flooding from recent rains, requiring 4WD vehicle for certain areas

Best Activities in March

Maputo Bay Island Hopping

March offers calm seas and excellent visibility for visiting Inhaca and Portugese Islands. Water temperature reaches 26°C (79°F) and storms have cleared the water of sediment. Morning departures avoid afternoon rain patterns that start around 2pm.

Booking Tip: Book dhow trips 5-7 days ahead through waterfront operators near Maputo Fish Market. Expect to pay 1,500-2,500 MZN for full-day trips including lunch. Always choose morning departures (8am-9am) to avoid weather. See current island tour options in the booking section below.

Maputo Central Market Food Tours

March is harvest season for cashews, mangoes, and coconuts - markets overflow with fresh produce at peak flavor. Lower tourist numbers mean authentic interactions with vendors, and morning tours (7am-10am) avoid both crowds and afternoon heat building up.

Booking Tip: Join guided market walks through Mercado Central or Xipamanine markets. Tours typically cost 800-1,200 MZN and include tastings. Book 2-3 days ahead through cultural tour operators. Morning slots fill fastest due to weather patterns.

Maputo National Elephant Reserve Safaris

Post-rain March brings animals to water sources and creates excellent game viewing. Vegetation is lush but not overgrown, and morning temperatures of 21°C (70°F) mean active wildlife. Afternoon storms actually improve next-day viewing as animals emerge to drink.

Booking Tip: Book 2-week advance for 4WD safari vehicles, especially for overnight stays. Day trips cost 3,000-4,500 MZN, multi-day packages 8,000-12,000 MZN per person. Choose operators with park permits and emergency communication equipment.

Maputo Bay Sunset Sailing

March offers the most dramatic sunsets as post-storm skies create spectacular cloud formations. Calm evening waters and gentle 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) winds provide perfect sailing conditions. The bay is at its most beautiful after the rains have settled.

Booking Tip: Evening sails depart 4pm-5pm to catch optimal light and avoid morning fishing boat traffic. Expect 1,200-2,000 MZN for 2-3 hour trips. Book directly at Maputo Marina or through waterfront operators. Cancellation policies essential due to weather.

Southern Mozambique Cultural Villages

March harvest celebrations showcase traditional Tsonga and Ronga cultures at their most vibrant. Villages are accessible after road improvements post-rain, and community tourism programs are fully active. Cooler mornings make walking tours comfortable.

Booking Tip: Community-based tourism visits cost 600-1,000 MZN per person including traditional lunch. Book through Maputo cultural centers 1 week ahead. Transport to villages 50-80 km (31-50 miles) from city requires organized tours with reliable vehicles.

Maputo Bay Scuba Diving

March delivers the year's best underwater visibility at 15-20 m (49-66 ft) as storm runoff clears and water temperatures hit ideal 26°C (79°F). Whale shark season begins, and reef fish activity peaks with post-spawn feeding patterns.

Booking Tip: Two-tank dives cost 2,500-3,500 MZN for certified divers, including equipment. PADI operators require advance booking due to limited capacity. Best dive sites are 45-60 minutes by boat from Maputo Marina. Morning dives offer superior conditions.

March Events & Festivals

Early March

Mozambican Women's Day Cultural Festival

National celebration featuring traditional dance performances, craft markets, and cultural exhibitions across Maputo. Local women's cooperatives showcase traditional capulana fabric, pottery, and basket weaving techniques passed down through generations.

Mid to Late March

Maputo Cashew Season Harvest Festival

Community celebrations in markets and rural areas around Maputo marking peak cashew harvest. Fresh cashew fruit (castanha) is available everywhere, and traditional cashew wine (ukanyi) flows freely at neighborhood gatherings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry clothing in natural fabrics - 70% humidity makes synthetic materials uncomfortable and slow to dry

Lightweight rain poncho or compact umbrella - afternoon storms arrive suddenly and last 45-60 minutes

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index of 8 burns skin in 15 minutes, reapply every 2 hours

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - humidity and sudden rain showers pose electronics risks

Closed-toe water shoes for rocky beaches and reef walking - many Maputo Bay islands have coral and sharp shells

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - post-rain mosquito activity peaks, especially at dawn and dusk

Lightweight long pants and sleeves for evening - protection from mosquitos and cultural sensitivity in local areas

Cash in small Metical denominations - many local operators, markets, and transport don't accept cards or large bills

Portable phone charger/power bank - humidity can drain batteries faster and power outages occasionally occur

Basic first aid supplies including anti-diarrheal medication - street food adventures may require stomach preparation

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in Maputo's Polana or Costa do Sol neighborhoods by mid-February - March is when South African families start booking Easter holidays, driving up prices from April onwards

Exchange money at banks or official cambios rather than street dealers - counterfeit Metical notes are common, and banks offer better rates than hotels or tourist areas

Eat at local 'barracas' (beach restaurants) between 11am-1pm when food turnover is highest and freshest - avoid seafood after 3pm as refrigeration may be inconsistent

Use registered taxi apps like Uber or Bolt after dark rather than street taxis - Maputo's evening traffic patterns and occasional road flooding make local knowledge essential for safety

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning beach activities after 2pm - afternoon storms roll in suddenly from the Indian Ocean and can trap visitors on islands or remote beaches for hours

Wearing heavy or dark clothing - March's 70% humidity and strong UV makes cotton and light colors essential, while synthetic fabrics become unbearably hot and sticky

Booking accommodation only 1-2 weeks ahead - March marks the start of South African school holiday bookings for Easter, creating unexpected competition for quality lodging