Things to Do in Mozambique in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Mozambique
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Whale shark season peaks in October around Tofo Beach and the Bazaruto Archipelago - water temps hit 24-26°C (75-79°F) making this genuinely one of the best months globally for swimming with these gentle giants without a wetsuit
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in after South African school holidays end mid-September - accommodation rates drop 30-40% compared to July-August peak, and you'll actually get your choice of lodges in places like Vilanculos without booking six months ahead
- The dhow sailing season is in full swing with consistent southeast trade winds averaging 15-20 knots - perfect conditions for multi-day sailing trips through the Quirimbas Archipelago without the choppy seas you get later in summer
- Jacaranda trees bloom across Maputo in late October, turning the capital's avenues purple - locals call it the most beautiful time in the city, and outdoor cafes along Avenida Julius Nyerere are actually pleasant before the December heat arrives
Considerations
- October sits right at the transition between dry and wet seasons, which means weather can be genuinely unpredictable - you might get five perfect days followed by two of overcast skies and drizzle, making it tricky if you're planning specific dive days or island transfers
- Water visibility for diving drops from the crystal-clear 30 m (98 ft) of August-September down to 15-20 m (49-66 ft) as plankton blooms increase - still diveable, but underwater photography isn't as spectacular as earlier in the year
- Humidity climbs steadily through October, reaching that sticky 70-75% range by month's end - the kind where your clothes never quite feel dry and you're showering twice daily, which catches first-timers off guard if they're expecting the crisp dry season
Best Activities in October
Tofo Beach whale shark and manta ray encounters
October is legitimately peak season for whale sharks off Tofo - plankton blooms bring them close to shore, and you're looking at 70-80% encounter rates on any given day. Water temps are warm enough at 24-26°C (75-79°F) that you can snorkel for 2-3 hours without getting cold. The visibility isn't perfect due to the plankton, maybe 12-15 m (39-49 ft), but that's actually what brings the whale sharks in. Manta rays are also around in big numbers. Worth noting that October has lighter crowds than the July-August South African holiday rush, so boats are less packed.
Bazaruto Archipelago dhow sailing expeditions
The southeast trade winds in October are consistently strong at 15-20 knots without being overwhelming - perfect for multi-day dhow trips between islands. You get that classic Mozambique experience of sailing on traditional wooden dhows, stopping at deserted beaches, and camping or staying in basic island lodges. Water is warm for snorkeling, and the winds mean you're actually sailing rather than motoring everywhere. October sits just before the main rains, so you'll likely get mostly sunny days with occasional afternoon clouds.
Gorongosa National Park wildlife viewing
October marks the tail end of dry season in Gorongosa, which means animals are still concentrated around permanent water sources - Lake Urema and the major rivers. Vegetation is starting to green up with early rains, making it easier to spot wildlife than the dense growth you get in January-March. Temps are warm but not brutal, around 28-32°C (82-90°F) during the day. You might catch some afternoon rain, but it actually cools things down and the park is beautifully atmospheric with storm clouds building over the Rift Valley escarpment. Elephant, waterbuck, and bird numbers are excellent.
Quirimbas Archipelago island hopping and snorkeling
October offers ideal conditions in the Quirimbas - seas are calmer than the windy August-September period, water temps are comfortable at 25-27°C (77-81°F), and you're ahead of the December-January peak crowds. The 32 islands scattered along this stretch of coast offer incredible snorkeling with healthy coral reefs, and the dhow transfers between islands are reliable with steady winds. Ibo Island's colonial Portuguese architecture is particularly photogenic in October's softer light. Occasional rain showers cool things down but rarely last more than an hour.
Maputo city exploration and seafood dining
October is genuinely lovely in Maputo before the December heat arrives - daytime temps around 26-28°C (79-82°F) make walking the city comfortable, and late October brings jacaranda blooms turning whole streets purple. The Mercado Central fish market is at its best in October with excellent prawns, crab, and line-caught fish coming in daily. Evenings cool down to 20-22°C (68-72°F), perfect for outdoor dining along the Marginal waterfront. The city feels less frenetic than high summer, and you can actually enjoy walking between the FEIMA craft market, Fortaleza, and downtown cafes without melting.
Ponta do Ouro diving and dolphin encounters
October brings warmer water to Ponta do Ouro at 23-25°C (73-77°F), making dives more comfortable than the chilly July-August period. Visibility ranges 12-18 m (39-59 ft) depending on conditions - not the absolute best of the year, but still good for reef diving and the famous Pinnacles sites. Bottlenose dolphins are active year-round here, and October offers decent encounter rates. The town is quieter than peak South African holiday periods, so dive boats are less crowded and you can usually get on trips with just 1-2 days notice.
October Events & Festivals
Maputo Jacaranda Bloom
Not a formal event, but late October brings the jacaranda trees into full purple bloom across Maputo, particularly along Avenida Julius Nyerere and throughout the Sommerschield neighborhood. Locals treat this as a seasonal celebration, with families picnicking under the trees on weekends. It's genuinely the most photogenic time in the capital, and outdoor cafes are packed with people enjoying the cooler evenings. The bloom typically lasts 2-3 weeks.