Things to Do in Mozambique in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Mozambique
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means you'll find accommodation rates 20-30% lower than peak July-August, with beachfront lodges in the Bazaruto Archipelago typically running $150-250 per night instead of $300+
- Ocean conditions are actually excellent - the cyclone season is winding down by March, seas are calmer than January-February, and water visibility for diving reaches 20-25 m (65-82 ft) as storm sediment settles
- Green season landscapes are stunning right now - the rains have transformed the bush into proper African savanna, wildlife congregates around water sources making game viewing surprisingly good, and migratory birds are still present in huge numbers
- Fewer tourists means you'll have beaches nearly to yourself - major spots like Tofo and Vilanculos see maybe 30-40% of their peak season crowds, and you can actually negotiate dhow trip prices down by 15-20% because captains want the business
Considerations
- Rain happens, usually as afternoon thunderstorms that roll in around 3-5pm and last 45-90 minutes - you'll get caught in downpours about every third day, and dirt roads in places like Inhambane Province turn to proper mud requiring 4x4
- Some island lodges in the Quirimbas Archipelago actually close during March or run on skeleton staff, and boat transfers to islands can be cancelled with 6-12 hours notice if swells are too big - flexibility is essential
- Humidity sits around 70-75% most days, which means that sticky, clothes-never-quite-dry feeling, and mosquitoes are more active than dry season months - malaria prophylaxis is absolutely non-negotiable right now
Best Activities in March
Tofo Beach Diving and Snorkeling
March is actually one of the better months for manta ray and whale shark encounters at Tofo - water temps hover around 26-28°C (79-82°F), visibility improves as the rainy season tapers off, and plankton blooms attract the big stuff. The humidity makes surface intervals sweaty, but underwater conditions are genuinely excellent. Manta cleaning stations are active, and you're looking at 60-70% chance of whale shark sightings on any given dive trip. Morning dives typically have the best visibility before afternoon winds pick up.
Bazaruto Archipelago Island Hopping
The Bazaruto islands are magnificent in March - yes, you might get a rainy afternoon, but the trade-off is having these pristine beaches almost empty and lodge rates at their lowest. Water is warm enough for extended snorkeling without a wetsuit, and the dhow sailing conditions are actually ideal with consistent southeast winds. Two-Island Beach and Pansy Island are accessible, and the coral reefs have recovered well from recent bleaching events. Pack a dry bag because sudden squalls do happen, but they pass quickly. The light after rain creates incredible photography conditions.
Maputo City Cultural Tours
March is perfect for exploring Maputo because the heat isn't oppressive yet - you can actually walk the downtown grid comfortably in the mornings before humidity peaks around 2pm. The city's art scene is thriving, with galleries in the Baixa district showcasing contemporary Mozambican artists. Mercado Central is at its most vibrant with seasonal produce, and the Casa de Ferro (Iron House) and Fortaleza da Nossa Senhora da Conceição are best visited early when light is softer. Rain usually holds off until late afternoon, giving you solid exploration time. The peri-peri prawns at waterfront restaurants are in season and genuinely spectacular.
Gorongosa National Park Safari
Gorongosa is honestly underrated in March - the park is lush, waterholes are full, and animals haven't dispersed yet like they do once dry season hits. You'll see elephant herds, waterbuck, reedbuck, and if you're lucky, the recovering lion population. The bird diversity is exceptional right now with migrants still present. Morning game drives (5:30-9am) offer the best wildlife viewing before heat builds, and the afternoon drives (3:30-6:30pm) catch animals emerging after the day's warmth. Roads are passable with decent 4x4, though some loop routes might be closed after heavy rain. The mountain rainforest hikes are spectacular when everything is green.
Inhambane Dhow Sailing and Snorkeling
Traditional dhow trips out of Inhambane Bay are magical in March - the wooden sailboats catch consistent winds, and you'll visit sandbars and reefs with virtually no other tourists around. Water clarity is good (15-20 m or 50-65 ft visibility), and you're likely to see dolphins, turtles, and reef fish. The dhows themselves are beautiful - proper lateen-rigged vessels that have been sailing these waters for centuries. Trips typically include grilled fish lunch on a sandbar, and the crew knows exactly where to find the best snorkeling spots based on current conditions. Bring reef-safe sunscreen because the UV is intense even on cloudy days.
Vilanculos Beach and Water Sports
Vilanculos is the gateway to Bazaruto but worth exploring on its own in March - the main beach stretches for kilometers, kitesurfing conditions are excellent with steady winds, and stand-up paddleboarding in the calm bay waters is ideal in early mornings. The town itself has decent restaurants, a lively market, and that authentic Mozambican coastal vibe without being overly touristy. Sunset dhow cruises are popular and genuinely beautiful, especially after afternoon storms clear out and leave dramatic cloud formations. Water temps are comfortable at 26-27°C (79-81°F), and you can snorkel right off the beach at low tide to see small reef fish and occasional rays.
March Events & Festivals
Mozambique Independence Day Celebrations
March 7th is when Mozambique celebrates independence from Portugal (achieved in 1975), and it's a proper national holiday with parades, music, and street celebrations especially vibrant in Maputo. You'll see traditional dance performances, hear live marrabenta music, and the atmosphere is genuinely festive. Government buildings display flags, and there are often cultural exhibitions at venues like the National Art Museum. It's worth experiencing if you're in the country, though expect government offices and some businesses to close.