Things to Do in Mozambique in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Mozambique
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Green season transforms the landscape - December sits right at the start of the rains, meaning everything is lush and vibrant without the landscape being completely waterlogged yet. The bush comes alive, migratory birds arrive in massive numbers, and you'll see baby animals everywhere from November births.
- Significantly fewer tourists than June through October - you'll have beaches and dive sites largely to yourself. Accommodation prices drop by 30-50% compared to the dry season peak, and you can actually negotiate rates at mid-range properties. The Bazaruto Archipelago in particular feels like your private playground.
- Marine life peaks for specific species - whale sharks congregate around Tofo and Inhambane in December, with sighting rates around 60-70% on dedicated trips. Manta rays are also highly active. The water temperature sits around 25-27°C (77-81°F), which is genuinely comfortable for extended snorkeling or diving without a thick wetsuit.
- Mangoes and cashews are in season - December is peak harvest time, and you'll find the best, cheapest fruit you've ever tasted at roadside stalls. Fresh cashew fruit juice (the pseudo-fruit, not the nut) is everywhere, and if you're lucky, you'll encounter locals making cashew wine. It's one of those seasonal experiences that actually defines Mozambican December.
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms disrupt beach time - typically between 2-5pm, storms roll in quickly and can last 30-90 minutes. They're usually spectacular to watch but mean you need to plan morning beach sessions and keep electronics protected. Some days you'll get lucky with just cloud cover, other days it's a proper deluge.
- Road conditions deteriorate rapidly - unpaved roads, which are most roads outside major cities, become challenging after rain. The 470km (292 miles) drive from Vilankulo to Tofo that takes 6-7 hours in dry season can stretch to 9-10 hours in December. Some remote lodges in places like Quirimbas become genuinely difficult to reach without 4x4 vehicles.
- Some island resorts close or operate on limited schedules - particularly smaller operations in the Quirimbas Archipelago shut down completely from mid-November through March. Even places that stay open might have reduced boat transfers or canceled activities on rough weather days. You need to confirm operational status when booking, not just assume availability.
Best Activities in December
Whale shark snorkeling expeditions from Tofo Beach
December is legitimately one of the two best months for whale shark encounters off Tofo and Inhambane, with the other being November. The plankton blooms that follow the first rains draw these massive filter feeders close to shore. Tours typically run 3-4 hours, departing around 7-8am to catch calmer morning seas before afternoon weather builds. The water visibility ranges from 10-20m (33-66 feet) depending on recent rainfall, which is actually decent for whale shark spotting since you're looking for large shapes anyway. You'll also likely see manta rays, dolphins, and occasionally humpback whales passing through on their southern migration.
Bazaruto Archipelago island-hopping by dhow
The traditional wooden dhow sailboats are the iconic way to explore Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, and Santa Carolina islands. December weather is variable but manageable - you'll want morning departures before winds pick up and storms potentially roll in. The advantage this time of year is having pristine beaches almost entirely to yourself. Two Island Dhow trips typically visit Magaruque for snorkeling and Bazaruto's massive sand dunes, covering about 30-40km (19-25 miles) of sailing. The turquoise waters are genuinely that color, not photo editing, and December's recent rains mean freshwater springs on the islands are flowing.
Maputo city food and market exploration
December is actually perfect for exploring Maputo since afternoon rains give you a natural break from the heat and humidity. The Mercado Central and Mercado do Peixe (Fish Market) are at their most vibrant in the morning hours from 7-11am. You'll find December's seasonal produce - mangoes, litchis, cashew fruits - at ridiculous prices, typically 20-50 meticais per kilo. Maputo's peri-peri prawn scene is legendary year-round, but prawns are particularly good in December. The restaurant strip along Avenida Marginal comes alive in the evenings once the heat breaks. Walking the baixa (downtown) area covers about 3-4km (1.9-2.5 miles) and takes 3-4 hours with food stops.
Gorongosa National Park wildlife drives
Gorongosa is experiencing one of Africa's most remarkable conservation comebacks, and December green season is when the park truly shines for certain experiences. Yes, thick vegetation makes big cat spotting harder than dry season, but bird diversity peaks with hundreds of migratory species, waterholes are full and surrounded by lush growth, and baby animals are everywhere. The park sits at 20-150m (66-492 feet) elevation in the valley with Mount Gorongosa rising to 1,863m (6,112 feet) as a dramatic backdrop. December temperatures reach 32-35°C (90-95°F) during midday, making early morning drives from 5:30-9am and late afternoon drives from 3:30-6pm the comfortable options.
Quirimbas Archipelago diving and snorkeling
The far north Quirimbas islands offer Mozambique's most pristine coral reefs and the best chance of seeing dugongs in the wild. December sits right at the edge of accessibility - some resorts close, but those that remain open offer incredible value and empty dive sites. Water visibility ranges from 15-25m (49-82 feet), which is slightly reduced from peak dry season but still excellent. The coral spawning that happens around December full moons creates incredible underwater scenes. Ibo Island, with its crumbling Portuguese colonial architecture, makes a fascinating cultural addition to diving trips. The islands stretch across about 250km (155 miles) of coastline from Pemba north to the Tanzania border.
Inhambane historic town walking and dhow sailing
Inhambane town, just across the bay from Tofo, is one of Mozambique's oldest settlements with 500 years of Swahili, Arab, and Portuguese influence visible in its architecture. December's afternoon rains actually enhance the experience - the old cathedral and governor's palace look even more atmospheric under dramatic storm clouds, and you can duck into local cafes serving proper Mozambican coffee and pastéis de nata when downpours hit. Traditional dhow building still happens along the waterfront where you can watch craftsmen using techniques unchanged for centuries. The town covers about 2-3km (1.2-1.9 miles) of walkable area, taking 2-3 hours to explore properly.
December Events & Festivals
Christmas and New Year beach celebrations
Mozambican Christmas blends Portuguese Catholic traditions with local culture, creating something unique. Beach communities from Ponta do Ouro to Pemba host celebrations that are more about communal meals and music than commercial excess. New Year's Eve sees bonfires on beaches, particularly popular spots being Tofo, Vilankulo, and Ponta Malongane. Expect drumming, dancing, and grilled seafood rather than organized fireworks displays. It's genuinely participatory if you're respectful and friendly.
Cashew harvest season celebrations
While not a single organized event, December marks peak cashew harvest across southern and central Mozambique. Rural communities celebrate with cashew wine tastings and traditional dances. If you're driving between destinations, roadside stalls sell fresh cashews roasted over open fires, and you'll often encounter impromptu celebrations in villages, particularly on weekends. The cashew fruit juice sold at markets is a December-specific treat that most tourists never try.