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Mozambique - Things to Do in Mozambique in May

Things to Do in Mozambique in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Mozambique

27°C (81°F) High Temp
20°C (68°F) Low Temp
40mm (1.6 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

  • Excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling - May marks the tail end of the dry season with water clarity at 20-30m (65-98 feet) around the Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos, before winter winds stir up sediment in June
  • Whale shark season peaks in Tofo and Inhambane - May through July offers the most reliable sightings as these giants migrate north following plankton blooms, with success rates around 70-80% on dedicated tours
  • Comfortable temperatures for safari activities in Gorongosa and Niassa - daytime highs around 27°C (81°F) make game drives and walking safaris far more pleasant than the sweltering 35°C (95°F) you'd face in November through March
  • Lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds - May sits in shoulder season after South African Easter holidays but before European winter sun-seekers, meaning you'll pay 20-30% less than peak July-August rates and have beaches largely to yourself

Considerations

  • Ocean temperatures start dropping to 23-24°C (73-75°F) - while still swimmable, you'll want a 3mm wetsuit for extended snorkeling or diving sessions, especially in southern Mozambique where the Agulhas Current brings cooler water
  • Evenings get genuinely chilly in higher elevations - if you're heading to Chimanimani Mountains or inland areas like Gorongosa, temperatures can drop to 12-15°C (54-59°F) at night, catching travelers off guard who packed only beach gear
  • Some lodges in remote areas close for maintenance - particularly in the Quirimbas Archipelago, smaller island lodges use May as their annual closure period before peak season, limiting accommodation options on islands like Medjumbe and Quilalea

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Best Activities in May

Tofo Beach whale shark encounters

May hits the sweet spot for whale shark sightings in Tofo - the water is still clear from dry season but plankton blooms are starting to attract these 6-8m (20-26 foot) filter feeders. You'll typically spend 2-3 hours on the water with multiple sightings likely. The 23°C (73°F) water temperature is cool enough to keep you alert but comfortable with a shorty wetsuit. Morning departures around 7am offer the calmest conditions before afternoon winds pick up around 2pm.

Booking Tip: Tours typically cost 2,500-3,500 meticais per person. Book 5-7 days ahead through operators with spotter planes or drones - success rates jump from 60% to 80% with aerial spotting. Look for operators limiting groups to 10 people maximum. Most include snorkel gear but verify wetsuit availability. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Bazaruto Archipelago sailing and diving

The five islands of Bazaruto offer spectacular diving in May with 25-30m (82-98 feet) visibility before winter swells arrive in June. Two Mile Reef is particularly productive this month with manta ray cleaning stations active and healthy coral gardens. The southeast trade winds are still gentle at 10-15 knots, making dhow sailing trips comfortable rather than the rough crossings you'd experience July through September. Water temperature hovers around 24°C (75°F) - bring a 3mm full wetsuit for multiple dives.

Booking Tip: Multi-day packages from Vilankulo typically run 8,000-15,000 meticais depending on accommodation level. Book 14-21 days ahead for May as South African school holidays sometimes extend into early May. Insured operators with PADI certification are essential. Day trips cost 3,500-5,000 meticais but the 2-hour boat crossing each way makes overnight stays more sensible. Check current availability in the booking widget below.

Gorongosa National Park safari drives

May offers exceptional game viewing as animals concentrate around remaining water sources before winter rains potentially arrive. The 27°C (81°F) daytime temperatures make the 4-5 hour game drives genuinely pleasant, and the vegetation is still relatively low from dry season, improving sightings. Lion prides are particularly active around Chitengo Camp area, and the elephant herds - now numbering over 650 - are reliably found near Lake Urema. Early morning drives departing 5:30am offer the best predator activity, while afternoon drives from 3pm catch elephants coming to water.

Booking Tip: Park entry is 600 meticais per person per day. Guided drives through camp operators cost 2,000-3,000 meticais for 3-4 hours with professional guides who know current animal movements. Self-driving is possible with 4x4 rental from Beira at 4,000-6,000 meticais daily, but guided drives vastly improve wildlife encounters. Book accommodation 3-4 weeks ahead as the park has limited beds. See tour options in the booking section.

Ilha de Mozambique cultural walking tours

The 27°C (81°F) May temperatures make exploring this UNESCO World Heritage island far more comfortable than the 32-35°C (90-95°F) heat of summer months. The 3km (1.9 mile) stone town is best explored on foot over 4-5 hours, visiting the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte from 1522, the Palace and Museum of Sao Paulo, and the crumbling colonial mansions. May typically sees only 2-3 rain days, so you can plan full-day explorations without weather disruptions. The afternoon light around 4-5pm is spectacular for photography of the weathered facades.

Booking Tip: Licensed cultural guides cost 1,500-2,500 meticais for half-day tours and provide crucial historical context you'd miss exploring independently. Book guides through your accommodation or at the museum entrance. Entry fees to museums total around 500 meticais. The island is connected by bridge, accessible by chapa from Nampula for 150 meticais or private transfer for 2,500-3,500 meticais. Avoid midday heat by starting tours at 8am or 2pm. Current tour availability in booking widget below.

Quirimbas Archipelago island hopping

May offers the last month of prime conditions before winter winds make boat transfers choppy. The 32 islands stretching 250km (155 miles) along the northern coast offer deserted beaches, excellent snorkeling, and traditional fishing villages. Ibo Island's colonial ruins are particularly atmospheric in the soft May light. Water visibility reaches 20-25m (65-82 feet) for snorkeling around Quilalea and Medjumbe. Dhow trips between islands take advantage of gentle southeast winds. Note that some exclusive lodges close for annual maintenance in May, but this means you'll have popular snorkel sites nearly to yourself.

Booking Tip: Multi-day island hopping packages from Pemba typically cost 12,000-25,000 meticais depending on accommodation level and number of islands. Budget travelers can arrange dhow transport independently from Quirimba Island for 2,000-4,000 meticais per day, staying in basic guesthouses for 1,500-3,000 meticais. Book 3-4 weeks ahead and confirm which lodges are open in May. Snorkel gear rental is 500-800 meticais daily. See current island tour options below.

Maputo city food and market tours

May's comfortable 27°C (81°F) temperatures make walking Maputo's markets and neighborhoods far more pleasant than the humid 32°C (90°F) summer heat. The Mercado Central and Feira de Artesanato are at their most vibrant mid-morning around 9-11am. May brings excellent seafood as the prawns from Inhambane reach peak season - you'll find them at Mercado do Peixe for 800-1,200 meticais per kilogram. The city's Portuguese-African fusion cuisine shines at outdoor restaurants along Avenida Marginal, where evening temperatures around 20°C (68°F) make al fresco dining comfortable with a light jacket.

Booking Tip: Walking food tours typically cost 2,500-4,000 meticais for 3-4 hours including tastings at 5-7 stops. Morning tours starting 9am avoid afternoon heat and catch markets at peak activity. Independent exploration is straightforward - Maputo is Mozambique's safest city for walking, though stick to main areas and avoid displaying valuables. Budget 1,500-2,500 meticais per person for a substantial meal at mid-range restaurants. See current Maputo food tour options in booking section.

May Events & Festivals

May 1

International Workers Day celebrations

May 1st is a public holiday across Mozambique with parades and gatherings in major cities, particularly Maputo. Expect government buildings and many businesses to close. The waterfront along Avenida Marginal in Maputo fills with families and food vendors. Not a tourist-focused event, but offers authentic insight into local culture if you happen to be in cities on this date.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

3mm full wetsuit or at minimum a shorty - water temperatures drop to 23-24°C (73-75°F) in May and you'll get genuinely cold during 2-3 hour snorkeling sessions without thermal protection
Lightweight fleece or sweater for evenings - temperatures drop to 18-20°C (64-68°F) after sunset, especially in coastal areas with ocean breezes, catching beach-focused travelers off guard
SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index hits 8 and the slightly cooler temperatures trick people into underestimating sun exposure during full-day boat trips
Long lightweight pants and long-sleeve shirt in neutral colors - essential for safari activities in Gorongosa where tsetse flies are active and light-colored clothing attracts them
Waterproof phone case or dry bag - even though May is dry season, boat spray during island transfers and occasional brief showers mean electronics need protection
Headlamp or small flashlight - power outages are common outside major cities and many beach lodges run on generators that shut off at 10pm or 11pm
Cash in small denominations - ATMs in Maputo, Vilankulo, and Pemba work reliably, but rural areas and islands operate cash-only with limited ability to make change for large notes
Basic first aid including antihistamines - jellyfish are less common in May than summer months but Portuguese man o' war occasionally drift into swimming areas
Insect repellent with 30% DEET minimum - mosquitoes are less aggressive in May's drier weather but malaria risk remains year-round, particularly in northern regions and Gorongosa
Comfortable walking sandals with back straps - you'll be in and out of boats constantly during island activities, and flip-flops are impractical for the rocky beaches common in the archipelagos

Insider Knowledge

The Mozambican metical fluctuates significantly - as of 2026, exchange rates hover around 63-65 meticais per US dollar, but you'll get better rates exchanging dollars or euros in Maputo or Pemba than at resort areas where rates can be 5-8% worse. Bring clean, newer US dollar bills as torn or pre-2006 notes are often rejected.
Domestic flights are essential for covering distances - the 2,500km (1,550 miles) from Maputo to Pemba takes 24+ hours by bus versus 3 hours flying. LAM Mozambique Airlines is the main carrier, but book 4-6 weeks ahead in May as South African tourists extend Easter holidays and flights fill up. Expect to pay 8,000-15,000 meticais for domestic routes.
May is actually when locals head to beaches - Mozambican families from inland cities like Nampula and Tete take advantage of school holidays in early May, so popular spots like Wimbi Beach in Pemba see more domestic tourists than you'd expect during supposed shoulder season. This is wonderful for authentic experiences but means beachfront restaurants are busier than guidebooks suggest.
Bring prescription medications and basic medical supplies - pharmacies in Maputo stock most medications, but outside the capital, availability is unpredictable. Antimalarials, pain relievers, antihistamines, and any prescription drugs should come from home. The nearest reliable medical facilities to popular tourist areas are often 3-4 hours away by road.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating travel times between destinations - roads outside main routes are rough dirt tracks where 100km (62 miles) can take 4-5 hours. The 470km (292 miles) from Vilankulo to Inhambane looks manageable on a map but takes 7-8 hours with current road conditions. Factor in full travel days rather than trying to squeeze in sightseeing on transfer days.
Not bringing enough cash - credit cards work only in upscale hotels in Maputo, Vilankulo, and Pemba. Everything else is cash-only meticais. ATMs exist in these cities but are unreliable elsewhere. Bring at least 40-50% more cash than you think you'll need, particularly if visiting islands or remote areas where there are zero banking facilities.
Booking accommodation too last-minute - while May is shoulder season, the limited number of quality lodges means popular spots like Tofo, Vilankulo, and Pemba fill up 3-4 weeks ahead, especially early May when South African holidays extend. Budget guesthouses have availability, but mid-range and upscale options book out faster than you'd expect for low season.

Explore Activities in Mozambique

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April

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June

Travel guide for June

Climate Guide

Weather and seasonal patterns for Mozambique

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