Maputo in December

In December, Maputo averages 29°C (85°F) during the day and 22°C (72°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 18 days of the month see precipitation (122 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

December offers comfortable temperatures in Maputo, with some rain to plan around.

29°C
Avg high
22°C
Avg low
18
Rain days
122 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Maputo

3rd
warmest month of the 12
4th
wettest month of the 12
17%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
13 h 45 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the warmest months in Maputo (3rd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (28°C). December runs 1°C warmer than November (29°C) and stays flat into January.

December sunrise & sunset in Maputo

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
4:52 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:37 PM
Day length
13 h 45 min

Times shown for Maputo local time (Africa/Maputo), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Maputo — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Maputo's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
3:52 AM – 4:32 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
4:32 AM – 5:32 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:57 PM – 6:57 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:57 PM – 7:37 PM

📅 When to book — Maputo in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Maputo's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Maputo

Shoulder

Maputo is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Maputo

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
13
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Maputo in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 29°C / 85°F 23°C / 73°F 115 mm 22
February 29°C / 85°F 23°C / 73°F 135 mm 19
March 29°C / 85°F 22°C / 72°F 73 mm 19
April 28°C / 82°F 20°C / 68°F 49 mm 15
May 26°C / 80°F 18°C / 64°F 33 mm 10
June 25°C / 77°F 16°C / 60°F 12 mm 7
July 25°C / 76°F 15°C / 59°F 13 mm 8
August 26°C / 79°F 16°C / 61°F 13 mm 8
September 27°C / 81°F 18°C / 65°F 32 mm 10
October 27°C / 81°F 19°C / 66°F 62 mm 15
November 29°C / 83°F 21°C / 69°F 50 mm 16
December 29°C / 85°F 22°C / 72°F 122 mm 18

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Maputo in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Maputo in December?

In December, Maputo averages a high of 29°C (85°F) and a low of 22°C (72°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Maputo in December?

December is quite rainy in Maputo, with about 18 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Maputo?

December is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Maputo in December?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Maputo for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Maputo on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.