Things to Do in Maputo in November

November Weather in Maputo

29°C (84°F) High Temp

19°C (67°F) Low Temp

81 mm (3.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Prime whale watching season - Southern right whales migrate through Maputo Bay with 80% sighting success rates from November through December
Jacaranda blooming season transforms the city into purple canopies along Avenida Julius Nyerere and residential neighborhoods, peaking mid-November
Pre-holiday pricing on accommodations - November rates are 30-40% lower than December-January peak season before European holiday influx
Ideal diving conditions with water temperatures at 24°C (75°F) and visibility up to 25m (82 ft) at Inhaca Island before cyclone season

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms occur 10 days of the month, typically 2pm-5pm, disrupting outdoor activities and beach time
High humidity at 70% makes midday exploration uncomfortable - locals retreat indoors between 11am-3pm
End of dry season means dusty conditions on unpaved roads in Catembe and outlying areas before rains settle the dust

Best Activities in November

Inhaca Island Marine Reserve Diving

November offers pristine diving conditions with 24°C (75°F) water temperatures and exceptional 25m (82 ft) visibility before cyclone season muddles the waters. The coral reefs are at their most vibrant, and whale song acoustics underwater are at peak intensity during migration season.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through PADI-certified operators. Day trips typically cost 2,500-3,200 MZN including equipment and boat transfer. Morning departures (7am) avoid afternoon storms. Reference booking widget for current certified dive operators.

Maputo Bay Whale Watching Expeditions

Southern right whales migrate through Maputo Bay from September-December, with November offering 80% sighting success rates. Early morning departures (6am-10am) provide calm seas and optimal viewing before afternoon weather builds. Mothers with calves are commonly spotted 5-8 km (3-5 miles) offshore.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead with operators using GPS tracking and hydrophones. Tours cost 1,800-2,800 MZN for 3-4 hour expeditions. Choose boats with shade canopies for UV protection. See current whale watching options in booking section below.

Jacaranda Photography Walks in Polana District

November is peak jacaranda season when purple blooms create natural canopies throughout Polana and Sommerschield neighborhoods. Early morning light (6am-9am) provides ideal photography conditions before heat builds. The contrast between Portuguese colonial architecture and purple blooms is most dramatic mid-November.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks are free, but photography tours with local guides cost 800-1,200 MZN for 2-3 hours. Book cultural walking tours through registered guides. Morning tours avoid afternoon storms and harsh midday light. Check booking widget for current photography tour options.

Feira de Artesanato Cultural Market Visits

November's lower tourist numbers mean better prices and more personal interactions with artisans. The covered market structure provides refuge during afternoon storms while maintaining cultural atmosphere. Local woodcarvers and textile artists have fresh stock prepared for December tourist season.

Booking Tip: Visit early morning (8am-10am) for best selection and cooler temperatures. Cultural tours with market visits cost 600-1,000 MZN for 2 hours. Bring cash in small denominations. Independent exploration is free. Reference booking section for cultural tour options including market visits.

Catembe Ferry and Coastal Village Tours

The 20-minute ferry crossing provides relief from city humidity with ocean breezes, and November's moderate crowds mean shorter wait times. Coastal villages showcase traditional fishing techniques, and local restaurants serve freshly caught prawns at peak quality before spawning season.

Booking Tip: Ferry tickets cost 15 MZN each way, running every 30 minutes 6am-10pm. Village tours with local guides cost 800-1,500 MZN including traditional lunch. Book return ferry before 4pm to avoid afternoon storm delays. See current Catembe tour options in booking widget.

Maputo Special Reserve Wildlife Viewing

November marks the beginning of nesting season for marine turtles, with leatherback and loggerhead preparation activities visible. The 2-hour drive from Maputo is dusty but manageable, and afternoon storms create dramatic photography opportunities over the coastal reserve landscape.

Booking Tip: Full day tours cost 3,500-4,800 MZN including transport and park fees. Early departure (5am) allows full day exploration before afternoon weather. 4WD vehicles essential during rainy periods. Book through licensed operators with reserve permits - see current safari options in booking section.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Festival de Marrabenta

Annual celebration of Mozambique's signature music genre featuring local and regional artists performing at Fortaleza da Maputo and various city venues. Street food vendors serve traditional cuisine, and the festival showcases traditional dance alongside contemporary interpretations.

Late November

Maputo International Film Festival Screenings

Documentary and feature film screenings focusing on African cinema, held at Centro Cultural Franco-Moçambicano and outdoor venues. Evening screenings provide cultural immersion while avoiding afternoon heat and storms.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - afternoon storms last 30-45 minutes but can be intense

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which becomes unbearable in 70% humidity

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflection from Maputo Bay intensifies exposure

Insect repellent with 20% DEET minimum - mosquito activity increases with November rains

Waterproof phone case or dry bag for ferry crossings and unexpected downpours

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - afternoon rains make streets slippery

Light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces and early morning ferry rides

Quick-dry shorts and swimwear - opportunities for water activities are optimal

Small backpack or day bag with waterproof zippers for daily excursions

Portable umbrella - more practical than rain jacket for quick market visits

Insider Knowledge

Locals schedule outdoor activities between 6am-11am and after 5pm to avoid humidity peaks - follow this pattern for comfortable exploration

November prawns are at their largest and most flavorful before spawning season - restaurant prices are 20-30% lower than December holiday rates

Book accommodations with backup power - November storms occasionally cause brief outages, and hotels with generators maintain comfort

The 2025 Maputo-Catembe bridge opening has reduced ferry dependency, but ferry rides offer better bay views and whale spotting opportunities during migration season

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning beach activities for 12pm-4pm when afternoon storms and humidity make conditions uncomfortable for most visitors

Underestimating storm intensity - November thunderstorms can flood streets within 20 minutes, stranding tourists in inappropriate locations

Overpacking winter clothes - November temperatures rarely drop below 19°C (67°F) even at night, making heavy layers unnecessary weight