Things to Do in Mozambique in December

December Weather in Mozambique

32°C (90°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

180 mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

80% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak marine life season - whale sharks, manta rays, and humpback whales migrate through Mozambique waters, with visibility up to 25 m (82 ft) at Tofo and Inhambane
Cashew fruit harvest season creates unique culinary experiences - locals make cashew wine (sura) and the sweet cashew apples are everywhere at markets for 15-20 MT per kg
Cyclone season hasn't peaked yet - December has lower storm risk compared to January-March, with most rain coming as brief afternoon downpours rather than sustained weather systems
Green season transforms landscapes - the normally dry interior becomes lush, waterfalls at Chimanimani reach full flow, and baobab trees fruit, creating stunning photography opportunities

Considerations

Intense humidity makes 32°C (90°F) feel like 38°C (100°F) - outdoor activities become uncomfortable between 11am-3pm, limiting prime sightseeing hours
Road conditions deteriorate rapidly - the 480 km (298 mile) drive from Maputo to Vilanculos can take 8-10 hours instead of the usual 6 due to flooding on EN1 highway
Accommodation prices spike 40-60% during Southern Hemisphere summer holidays, particularly December 15-January 15 when South African families vacation here

Best Activities in December

Tofo Beach Whale Watching and Diving

December is peak season for humpback whale migrations and whale shark encounters. Water temperature reaches 26°C (79°F) with 20-25 m (65-82 ft) visibility. The northeast monsoon creates calmer conditions on the Indian Ocean side, perfect for diving. Book morning departures (6-7am) to avoid afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: Reserve 2-3 weeks ahead during December peak season. Full-day whale shark tours typically cost 4,500-6,500 MT ($70-100). Look for operators with marine biologist guides and hydrophones for whale listening. See current diving packages in the booking section below.

Bazaruto Archipelago Sailing and Snorkeling

Trade winds are consistent in December, creating ideal sailing conditions to the sand dunes of Bazaruto Island. The channels between islands have crystal-clear water perfect for snorkeling with dugongs - December is mating season so sightings increase 300%. Dhow trips avoid the worst afternoon heat by departing at sunrise.

Booking Tip: Multi-day dhow charters range from 8,000-15,000 MT ($125-235) per person for 2-3 days. Book through licensed operators in Vilanculos marina. Traditional dhow trips fill up fastest - reserve minimum 10 days ahead. Current sailing options available in booking section.

Gorongosa National Park Wildlife Viewing

December's rains create temporary waterholes, concentrating animals in predictable locations. Young animals are born during green season - expect elephant calves, antelope kids, and active predator behavior. Early morning game drives (5:30am start) avoid both heat and afternoon storms while maximizing wildlife activity.

Booking Tip: Park entry 500 MT ($8) per person per day. Guided walking safaris cost 2,000-3,500 MT ($30-55). Book accommodation within park boundaries to access exclusive dawn drives. Wet season discounts of 20-30% apply. Check current safari packages in booking widget below.

Maputo Cultural and Market Tours

December brings the Festival of the Southern Cross and New Year celebrations. The Central Market overflows with seasonal produce - cashew apples, mangoes, and holiday specialties like bolo de coco. Museum visits during afternoon storms provide perfect indoor timing. Evening temperatures drop to comfortable 24°C (75°F) for walking tours.

Booking Tip: Half-day cultural tours typically 1,500-2,500 MT ($23-40). December festival season creates special evening programs costing 500-1,000 MT extra. Book guides who speak Portuguese and local languages. Current city tour options in booking section below.

Pemba and Quirimbas Archipelago Diving

December offers Mozambique's clearest water with 30+ m (98+ ft) visibility and 27°C (81°F) water temperature. The Quirimbas islands have pristine coral reefs with minimal cyclone damage. Afternoon storms stay inland, leaving coastal waters calm. This is peak season for rare nautilus sightings in deeper waters.

Booking Tip: Liveaboard diving packages range 12,000-25,000 MT ($190-390) for 3-5 days. Single dives cost 2,200-3,000 MT ($35-47). Book certified PADI operators with Nitrox capabilities. December books out early - reserve 6 weeks ahead. See current diving options in booking section.

Chimanimani Mountains Hiking and Waterfalls

December rains create spectacular waterfalls impossible to see in dry season. The Bridal Veil Falls reaches full 85 m (279 ft) flow, and natural rock pools fill for swimming. Morning hikes (6am start) avoid afternoon storms and offer cool temperatures of 18-22°C (64-72°F) at altitude.

Booking Tip: Mountain guides cost 800-1,200 MT ($12-19) per day with 2-day minimum. Camping permits 200 MT per person. Pack waterproof gear - afternoon storms arrive suddenly. Book guides in Chimanimani village the day before. Current hiking packages in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Late December

Maputo New Year Street Festival

Three-day celebration combining Portuguese colonial traditions with Mozambican music and dance. Street vendors sell traditional December foods like bolo de coco and cashew wine. Live marrabenta music performances happen nightly at Praça da Independência starting December 29th.

Mid December

Ilha de Moçambique Dhow Regatta

Traditional dhow sailing competition during northeast monsoon season when winds are most favorable. Local craftsmen showcase boat-building techniques unchanged for centuries. Visitors can join crew teams or watch from Stone Town waterfront.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight quick-dry clothing only - cotton stays wet in 80% humidity and takes 6+ hours to dry

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches dangerous 11+ levels and many marine areas prohibit chemical sunscreens

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - afternoon storms arrive within 10 minutes and dump 25-40 mm (1-1.6 inches) rapidly

Electrolyte supplements - you'll lose significant salt through constant sweating in high humidity conditions

Insect repellent with 25%+ DEET - December rains create ideal mosquito breeding conditions, especially in coastal areas

Lightweight rain jacket with ventilation zippers - plastic ponchos become unbearable in humid heat

Waterproof hiking boots for any inland activities - red clay soil becomes slippery mud after minimal rain

Anti-fungal powder for feet and clothes - high humidity creates perfect conditions for skin issues

Portable fan or cooling towels - accommodations may have power outages during storms

Ziplock bags for electronics and documents - humidity can damage items even without direct water exposure

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights for morning departures - afternoon thunderstorms regularly delay or cancel LAM flights between cities, especially Maputo-Vilanculos route

Carry small denomination meticais (50-100 MT notes) - December markets are busy and vendors often lack change for large bills, plus tips for boat crews and guides

Download offline maps before traveling - cell towers lose power during storms and GPS becomes essential for navigation on flooded roads

Pack a sarong or kikoy - essential for mosque visits, beach coverage, and as emergency towel when caught in rain storms

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking outdoor activities for afternoon hours - storms hit between 2-5pm almost daily, ruining snorkeling trips and game drives

Underestimating travel times in December - what Google Maps shows as 3-hour drives can take 6+ hours due to flooded sections of major highways

Not bringing enough cash - ATMs frequently run out of money during holiday season and many lodges/operators still don't accept cards