Things to Do in Mozambique in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Mozambique
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak marine visibility for diving and snorkeling - February sits right in the sweet spot before cyclone season when water clarity reaches 20-30 m (65-98 ft) and whale sharks migrate through the Bazaruto Archipelago. Water temps hover around 27°C (81°F), which is warm enough without a wetsuit but cool enough that marine life stays active.
- Green season landscapes without the worst rains - You get the lush, vibrant bush that comes after the December-January downpours, but February typically sees fewer rainy days than January. The 150 mm (5.9 inches) average usually comes in short afternoon bursts rather than all-day washouts, meaning mornings are reliably clear for activities.
- Dramatically lower accommodation costs and tourist numbers - February is solidly low season, which translates to 30-40% cheaper rates at beach lodges compared to June-October peak season. You'll often have entire stretches of beach to yourself, and popular dive sites rarely have more than one or two boats. Worth noting that some higher-end lodges in the Quirimbas close entirely, but mid-range options stay open with skeleton staff.
- Migratory species viewing opportunities - Beyond whale sharks, February brings nesting sea turtles to beaches around Inhambane and Vilanculos, plus excellent birdwatching as Palearctic migrants overlap with resident species. The Gorongosa floodplains are particularly spectacular right now, with massive concentrations of waterbirds taking advantage of the seasonal wetlands.
Considerations
- Genuine cyclone risk that can disrupt plans - Mozambique sits in the Indian Ocean cyclone belt, and February is statistically within the danger window (typically December through March). While direct hits are relatively rare, even near-misses mean cancelled flights, closed boat operations, and 2-3 days stuck indoors. Travel insurance with weather coverage is non-negotiable, and you need flexible booking policies.
- High humidity makes the heat feel more oppressive - That 70% humidity figure is actually the daily average, meaning midday can push 85-90%. The kind of sticky heat where you're damp within five minutes of leaving air conditioning. If you struggle with humidity or have respiratory issues, this might genuinely affect your enjoyment. Coastal areas get some breeze, but inland cities like Tete become genuinely uncomfortable.
- Some tourism infrastructure operates at reduced capacity - Ferry schedules to island destinations often drop to 3-4 trips weekly instead of daily service, and you'll find restaurants in smaller towns closing early or taking random days off because there simply aren't enough tourists to justify staying open. This isn't necessarily bad, just requires more advance planning and flexibility than visiting in peak season.
Best Activities in February
Bazaruto Archipelago diving and snorkeling expeditions
February offers some of the year's best underwater visibility before cyclone season stirs up sediment. Whale sharks migrate through these waters right now, and the coral reefs around Two Mile Reef are at their most vibrant after recent rains have flushed nutrients into the system. Water temperature sits around 27°C (81°F), warm enough for extended dives without thick wetsuits. The low tourist season means dive sites are genuinely uncrowded - you might be the only boat at certain spots. That said, weather can be unpredictable, so operators sometimes cancel trips with 24-hour notice if swells pick up.
Gorongosa National Park wildlife viewing
February catches the park at an interesting transition point - the landscape is lush and green from recent rains, but water sources are starting to concentrate, bringing animals into more predictable viewing areas. The floodplains host spectacular bird concentrations right now, with tens of thousands of waterbirds. Elephants and buffalo herds are easier to spot as they move between remaining waterholes. The heat and humidity mean animals are most active early morning (before 9am) and late afternoon (after 4pm), with midday being genuinely quiet. Roads can be muddy but are generally passable in 4x4 vehicles - the park maintains main routes even during wet season.
Tofo Beach surfing and ocean activities
February brings consistent swells to Tofo, with waves typically in the 1-2 m (3-6 ft) range - perfect for intermediate surfers and learners who've graduated beyond whitewash. The water is genuinely warm at 26-27°C (79-81°F), no wetsuit needed. Manta rays frequent the bay right now, and you can often spot them from shore. The beach scene is relaxed and uncrowded in low season - you'll find maybe 10-15 surfers in the water on a good day versus 50+ in peak months. Afternoon winds can get gusty around 2-3pm, so serious surfers hit the water by 8am. That 70% humidity means you'll want to rinse off frequently.
Ilha de Mozambique historical walking exploration
February's variable weather actually works in your favor here - the UNESCO World Heritage stone town is best explored on foot during cooler morning hours or after afternoon rains have cleared the air. The humidity brings out the weathered textures of 500-year-old Portuguese architecture in ways the dry season doesn't capture. Tourist numbers are minimal right now, meaning you can photograph iconic spots like the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte without crowds. The Fort of São Sebastião is genuinely impressive and offers decent shade. Start early (7-8am) before the heat builds, take a long lunch break during the hottest hours (noon-3pm), then resume exploring as temperatures drop.
Maputo city food and market exploration
February is actually ideal for experiencing Maputo's food scene because the heat drives locals to outdoor evening markets and seafood spots along the Marginal waterfront. The Mercado Municipal is at its most vibrant with seasonal produce - mangoes are starting to appear, and the seafood section has excellent prawns and crab. The city's peri-peri chicken spots and Portuguese-influenced restaurants are less crowded than peak season, and you can actually get tables at popular places without advance booking. Evening temperatures drop to comfortable levels around 7-8pm, perfect for the outdoor dining culture. The humidity does mean food spoils faster, so stick to busy vendors with high turnover.
Quirimbas Archipelago island-hopping and dhow sailing
The northern Quirimbas offer a more remote, less developed alternative to Bazaruto, and February's low season means you'll have these islands largely to yourself. Traditional dhow sailing trips between islands take advantage of February's variable winds - sometimes perfect sailing weather, sometimes requiring motor assistance. The turquoise waters and white sand beaches look spectacular under February's dramatic cloud formations. Snorkeling around Ibo Island and the surrounding coral reefs offers excellent visibility, though some days get cancelled due to swells. The historic Ibo Island itself is fascinating to explore, with crumbling Portuguese colonial architecture and active Swahili culture.
February Events & Festivals
Sea turtle nesting season observation
While not a formal event, February marks peak nesting activity for loggerhead and leatherback turtles along beaches from Inhambane to Vilanculos. Several conservation projects offer guided night walks (usually 8pm-midnight) where you can observe nesting females and occasionally hatchlings making their way to the ocean. These experiences are genuinely special and contribute to conservation funding. Tours are weather-dependent and require advance booking through marine conservation organizations.