Things to Do in Mozambique in February

February Weather in Mozambique

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

180 mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak marine life season - whale sharks arrive at Tofo Beach and manta rays gather at Inhambane from late January through March, offering 80% sighting rates compared to 30% in dry season
Lush landscapes and waterfalls at full flow - Pemba's waterfalls and Gorongosa National Park are spectacular with vibrant green scenery that disappears during dry months
Fewer tourists despite rainy season - accommodation prices drop 30-40% and popular spots like Vilanculos have half the crowds of June-September peak season
Perfect diving conditions - water visibility reaches 25-30 m (82-98 ft) and water temperature stays at comfortable 26-28°C (79-82°F) with minimal wind

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms - daily downpours lasting 1-3 hours between 2-5pm can disrupt beach activities and require flexible scheduling
High humidity makes 30°C (86°F) feel like 36°C (97°F) - even locals retreat indoors during midday heat and visitors often underestimate the discomfort
Cyclone risk increases - while rare, February sits within cyclone season and can bring travel disruptions or resort closures with little advance notice

Best Activities in February

Tofo Beach whale shark and manta ray encounters

February is prime time for marine megafauna as whale sharks migrate through Inhambane Bay and manta rays congregate for feeding. Water temperature at perfect 27°C (81°F) and visibility reaches 25 m (82 ft). Morning trips (7-10am) avoid afternoon storms and offer calmest seas. Success rates exceed 80% for whale shark sightings versus 30% in dry season.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through PADI-certified operators for safety standards. Half-day trips typically cost $45-65 USD including snorkel gear. Morning departures essential - afternoon storms make sea conditions dangerous. Look for operators with marine biologist guides and small group sizes (maximum 8 people).

Gorongosa National Park wildlife viewing

Rainy season transforms the park into a wildlife paradise with lush green landscapes and active waterfalls. Animals concentrate around permanent water sources, making sightings more predictable. Early morning game drives (6-9am) and late afternoon sessions (4-6pm) avoid midday heat and storms. February brings newborn animals and peak bird migration with over 400 species present.

Booking Tip: Book accommodations 3-4 weeks ahead as only two lodges operate inside the park. Safari packages range $180-280 USD per day including meals and guided drives. Self-drive requires 4WD vehicle due to muddy conditions. Wet season rates are 25% lower than dry season pricing.

Bazaruto Archipelago sailing and snorkeling

Protected marine sanctuary offers exceptional visibility and calm waters between morning and afternoon storm patterns. Dugong sightings peak during February feeding season on seagrass beds. Traditional dhow sailing takes advantage of consistent trade winds. Islands are less crowded with 40% fewer tourists than dry season peak.

Booking Tip: Full-day island hopping tours cost $85-120 USD including lunch and snorkel equipment. Book through Vilanculos operators 3-5 days ahead. Choose trips with morning departures (8am) and afternoon returns (4pm) to avoid storm windows. Look for operators including Benguerra Island stops and Two Mile Reef diving.

Maputo cultural and culinary exploration

February coincides with cashew harvest season, bringing fresh cashew wine and roasted nuts to local markets. Indoor cultural activities perfect for afternoon storm breaks. Mercado Central bustles with seasonal produce including fresh mangoes and cashew fruit. Art galleries and museums offer air-conditioned retreats during humid midday hours.

Booking Tip: Walking food tours range $25-40 USD and typically run 3-4 hours including market visits and restaurant stops. Book morning tours (9am-1pm) to avoid afternoon storms. Look for guides familiar with Portuguese colonial history and local Shangaan culture. Private tours cost $60-80 USD and offer flexible scheduling around weather.

Pemba and Quirimbas Archipelago diving

February offers world-class diving conditions with 28°C (82°F) water temperature and 20-25 m (66-82 ft) visibility. Coral spawning events create exceptional underwater photography opportunities. Remote islands accessible only during high tide seasons provide untouched dive sites. Afternoon storms rarely affect underwater visibility or safety.

Booking Tip: Liveaboard trips cost $150-220 USD per day including meals and 3-4 dives. Shore-based diving ranges $45-65 USD for two-tank dives. Book through PADI Gold Palm operators for safety standards. Advanced Open Water certification required for deeper sites. Equipment rental adds $15-25 USD per day.

Inhambane historical town walks and architecture tours

Portuguese colonial architecture best appreciated during cooler morning hours before humidity peaks. February brings fewer crowds to historical sites like the 200-year-old cathedral and governor's palace. Afternoon storms provide natural breaks for museum visits and indoor cultural centers. Local guides offer insights into liberation war history and Swahili trading heritage.

Booking Tip: Guided historical walks cost $15-25 USD for 2-3 hour tours including major monuments and market visits. Self-guided exploration works well with printed maps from tourism office. Combine with dhow harbor trips for $8-12 USD. Morning tours (8-11am) essential before midday heat becomes uncomfortable.

February Events & Festivals

Throughout February

Cashew Harvest Festival celebrations

Local communities celebrate cashew harvest with traditional music, fresh cashew wine tastings, and cultural performances. Most prominent in northern provinces where cashew farming dominates. Markets overflow with fresh cashews, cashew fruit juice, and traditional crafts made from cashew wood.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket with full coverage - afternoon storms bring heavy downpours lasting 1-3 hours with little warning

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen in large quantities - UV index reaches 11 and reflection from white sand beaches intensifies exposure

Moisture-wicking synthetic clothing, avoid cotton - 85% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable and slow to dry

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - unexpected rain showers can damage electronics within minutes

Breathable hiking boots for wet conditions - flip-flops are inadequate for muddy trails and rocky coastlines after rain

Insect repellent with 25-30% DEET - increased mosquito activity during rainy season requires stronger protection

Lightweight long-sleeved shirts for evening - protection from mosquitoes and cool air-conditioning indoors

Waterproof day pack for boat trips - essential for keeping belongings dry during whale shark tours and island hopping

Probiotics and anti-diarrheal medication - increased food safety risks during humid conditions and frequent power outages

Portable phone charger/power bank - afternoon storms cause frequent power cuts lasting 2-6 hours

Insider Knowledge

Local fishermen know storm patterns better than weather apps - ask boat operators about morning conditions rather than checking forecasts, as micro-weather varies dramatically along the 2,500 km (1,553 mile) coastline

Afternoon siesta culture intensifies in February - most businesses close 1-4pm during peak heat and humidity, plan accordingly and embrace the slower pace like locals do

Cashew season brings dramatically cheaper accommodation outside tourist areas - local guesthouses in cashew farming regions offer rooms for $8-15 USD versus $40-80 in coastal resorts

February is mango season throughout the country - street vendors sell perfectly ripe mangoes for $0.25-0.50 each, providing natural electrolyte replacement better than sports drinks in high humidity

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating afternoon storm intensity - many tourists plan beach activities for 2-5pm not realizing daily thunderstorms make outdoor activities dangerous with lightning and flash flooding

Packing only lightweight clothing - air-conditioned restaurants and hotels can feel uncomfortably cold after humid outdoor activities, requiring light layers for temperature transitions

Booking flights during potential cyclone windows - February cyclones can cause 3-5 day airport closures with little advance notice, leaving tourists stranded without travel insurance coverage