Things to Do in Mozambique in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Mozambique
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season means virtually guaranteed sunshine - June typically sees only 2-3 rainy days across the entire month, making it the most reliable month for beach activities, diving, and island hopping without weather disruptions
- Humpback whale migration is in full swing along the southern coast from Tofo to Ponta do Ouro - June through September offers the best whale watching in the Indian Ocean, with mothers and calves passing close to shore during their northward journey
- Comfortable temperatures between 18-25°C (64-77°F) make this the best month for active travelers - you can hike, snorkel, and explore without the oppressive heat of November through March when temperatures regularly exceed 35°C (95°F)
- Water visibility peaks at 25-30m (82-98 ft) in the Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos during June - the calmest ocean conditions of the year make this the absolute best month for diving, with manta rays, whale sharks, and reef fish all highly active in the clear water
Considerations
- This is peak season pricing territory - accommodation rates are typically 40-60% higher than March or November, and popular lodges in Vilanculos, Tofo, and the Quirimbas book out 8-12 weeks ahead, especially for the mid-June school holiday period
- Evenings get genuinely cool, especially in the south - temperatures can drop to 15°C (59°F) after sunset in Maputo and Inhambane, which catches people off guard since Mozambique has a tropical reputation. You'll actually want long sleeves for dinner
- Strong southeast trade winds pick up along the coast, particularly mid to late June - while great for kitesurfing, these winds can make beach days less pleasant at exposed beaches and occasionally force dive operators to cancel trips to outer reefs
Best Activities in June
Tofo Beach whale watching excursions
June is the peak month for humpback whale sightings off Tofo Beach - you'll see mothers teaching calves to breach, males competing for attention, and entire pods passing within 100m (328 ft) of shore. The calm, clear conditions in June mean success rates hover around 95% for boat trips, compared to 60-70% in shoulder months. Water temperature is still comfortable at 23-24°C (73-75°F), and the lack of plankton blooms means you get crystal-clear views underwater if you're doing the snorkel encounters. Early morning departures around 7am catch the whales when they're most active.
Bazaruto Archipelago diving and snorkeling
The Bazaruto islands offer the best diving conditions of the entire year in June - water visibility reaches 25-30m (82-98 ft), ocean temperatures sit at a comfortable 24°C (75°F), and the calm seas mean even the outer reefs are accessible most days. You'll see manta rays at cleaning stations, reef sharks, turtles, and massive schools of kingfish. The lack of rain means no river runoff clouding the water. June is also when dugongs are most active in the seagrass beds - Bazaruto has one of the last viable dugong populations in the western Indian Ocean. The southeast winds that affect the mainland coast are actually blocked by the islands themselves, creating protected diving conditions.
Gorongosa National Park wildlife safaris
June is actually one of the best months for Gorongosa despite being winter - the dry conditions concentrate wildlife around permanent water sources, making animal spotting significantly easier than in the wet season. You'll see large herds of waterbuck, reedbuck, and buffalo around Lake Urema, and the lion prides are more active during the cooler daylight hours. The park has made an incredible recovery since the civil war, and June's dry grasslands offer excellent visibility. Mornings can be chilly at 12-15°C (54-59°F) for early game drives, but by mid-morning it warms to a perfect 22-24°C (72-75°F). The lack of rain means all roads are accessible, unlike February through April when sections get flooded.
Quirimbas Archipelago island hopping and dhow sailing
The Quirimbas islands in far northern Mozambique see their best weather in June - completely dry, calm seas, and comfortable temperatures. This is peak season for exploring islands like Ibo, Quilalea, and Medjumbe by traditional dhow sailboat. The coral reefs here are pristine compared to the more visited southern islands, and June's clear water means you'll see incredible marine life while snorkeling straight off the beaches. Ibo Island's Portuguese colonial ruins are fascinating to explore, and the lack of crowds (compared to Bazaruto) gives it a more authentic feel. The southeast trade winds are actually perfect for dhow sailing - consistent 15-20 knot winds without being overwhelming.
Maputo city cultural tours and markets
June's comfortable temperatures make Maputo much more pleasant to explore on foot than the sweltering summer months. The city's mix of Portuguese colonial architecture, art deco buildings, and bustling markets is best experienced through walking tours of the baixa (downtown) area. The FEIMA craft market operates year-round but is far more comfortable to browse in June's 20-25°C (68-77°F) temperatures rather than January's 35°C (95°F) heat. The Central Market (Mercado Central) is fascinating for seeing local life, and the waterfront area along Avenida Marginal is perfect for evening strolls when temperatures cool to 18°C (64°F). June also sees various cultural events at the Franco-Mozambican Cultural Center.
Ponta do Ouro diving and dolphin encounters
The southernmost tip of Mozambique offers world-class diving in June with the added bonus of regular dolphin encounters. Bottlenose and humpback dolphins are extremely active in the clear winter waters, and you'll often see them bow-riding boats on the way to dive sites. The rocky reefs here are different from the coral systems further north - you'll see ragged-tooth sharks, potato bass, and massive groupers. Water temperature is the coolest in Mozambique at 21-22°C (70-72°F), so you'll want a 5mm wetsuit, but visibility is outstanding at 20-25m (65-82 ft). The proximity to South Africa means this area sees more development and better dive infrastructure than remote northern sites.
June Events & Festivals
Maputo International Music Festival
This multi-day festival typically runs in mid-June at various venues around Maputo, featuring Mozambican marrabenta music, South African jazz, and artists from across southern Africa. It's one of the few times you can catch traditional timbila performances alongside contemporary fusion acts. Venues include the Gil Vicente Theatre and outdoor stages at Praca dos Herois. Evening shows benefit from June's cool weather - much more comfortable than standing in summer heat.