Things to Do in Maputo in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Maputo
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect beach weather with comfortable 28°C (82°F) highs and minimal rainfall - only 33mm (1.3 inches) across 10 days means brief afternoon showers that clear quickly
- Peak season for whale watching off Inhambane - southern right whales migrate through Mozambican waters from April to October, with May offering excellent visibility and calm seas
- Ideal conditions for Bazaruto Archipelago visits - calm winds averaging 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) create perfect sailing and snorkeling conditions with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility
- Shoulder season pricing begins - accommodation rates drop 20-30% compared to April peak season while weather remains excellent
Considerations
- Evening temperatures drop to 17°C (62°F) requiring light layers for sunset dhow cruises and beachfront dining
- Brief afternoon thunderstorms occur 60% of days between 2-4 PM, potentially disrupting outdoor lunch plans
- Some dhow operators reduce sunset cruise schedules due to earlier darkness at 5:30 PM compared to summer months
Best Activities in May
Bazaruto Archipelago Marine Safaris
May offers the year's calmest seas for reaching the pristine islands 30 km (18.6 miles) offshore. Water visibility reaches 25-30m (82-98 ft) for snorkeling with dugongs, whale sharks, and tropical fish. The 70% humidity and 28°C (82°F) temperatures create comfortable conditions for full-day island hopping without the oppressive heat of summer months.
Inhambane Whale Watching Expeditions
May sits perfectly within southern right whale migration season (April-October). Morning departures at 7 AM take advantage of calmer seas before afternoon storms. The 17°C (62°F) early morning temperatures require light jackets, but conditions warm quickly for comfortable whale observation. Success rates exceed 80% in May.
Maputo Culinary Walking Tours
May's moderate temperatures make 3-4 hour walking food tours comfortable, avoiding the intense heat of summer months. The brief afternoon rains create perfect timing for market visits in the morning (7-11 AM) followed by restaurant stops during potential shower periods. Local seafood is at its peak with recent prawn season catches.
Gorongosa National Park Wildlife Drives
May marks the end of rainy season, leaving landscape lush but roads accessible. Wildlife concentrates around permanent water sources as seasonal pools dry up. The 28°C (82°F) daytime temperatures and lower humidity make full-day safaris comfortable compared to the oppressive summer heat. Elephant, lion, and antelope sightings peak in May.
Maputo Bay Sunset Dhow Cruises
Despite earlier sunset at 5:30 PM, May offers spectacular dhow sailing with comfortable temperatures and dramatic cloud formations from afternoon weather patterns. The 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) winds provide perfect sailing conditions without the choppy seas of windier months. Traditional peri-peri prawns and R&R beer complete the experience.
Tofo Beach Surf and Dive Combinations
May delivers Tofo's most consistent conditions - 1.5-2m (5-6.5 ft) swells for surfing and 20-25m (65-82 ft) underwater visibility for diving. Water temperature holds at 24°C (75°F), comfortable for extended sessions. Manta ray encounters peak in May as plankton blooms attract feeding activity to cleaning stations.
May Events & Festivals
Maputo Music Festival
Annual celebration of Mozambican marrabenta, jazz, and contemporary African music featuring local and regional artists. Venues include the historic Fortaleza da Maputo and modern Costa do Sol beachfront. Three-day festival showcases both established and emerging Mozambican talent with food vendors and craft markets.
Festa da Cidade (City Festival)
Maputo's founding celebration with street parades, traditional dance performances, and local food festivals throughout Baixa district. Historic walking tours, art exhibitions, and live music performances highlight the city's Portuguese colonial and African heritage blend.