Sea temperature in Mozambique
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 5 beaches on the Mozambique coast.
Best time to swim in Mozambique
The sea in Mozambique peaks in February, when the water averages around 25°C.
The main swimming season runs from January – December, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 12 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
The coldest month is typically July at around 20°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Mozambique sits in the Southern Hemisphere, so the warmest sea coincides with the December–February summer and the coolest with July–August.
Mozambique sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Mozambique shows an annual mean sea temperature of 22°C, ranging from 20°C in winter to 25°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 5°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Mozambique, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Mozambique sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Mozambique?
February is the warmest month in Mozambique, when the sea averages about 25°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Mozambique?
The coldest month in Mozambique is typically July, when the water averages around 20°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Mozambique without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Mozambique runs from January – December — about 12 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Mozambique?
Outside peak summer the water in Mozambique drops toward 20°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable. In peak months most swimmers go without.
What is the average sea temperature in Mozambique?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Mozambique is about 22°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Mozambique?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Mozambique, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Mozambique sea temperature by month
Average sea temperatures around Mozambique for every month of the year, based on long-term Open-Meteo marine climatology.
| Month | Average sea | Swimming comfort |
|---|---|---|
| January | 24.0°C | Warm swimming |
| February ⭐ | 25.0°C | Warm swimming |
| March | 24.0°C | Warm swimming |
| April | 23.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| May | 22.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| June | 21.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| July | 20.0°C | Swimmable, refreshing |
| August | 20.0°C | Swimmable, refreshing |
| September | 21.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| October | 22.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| November | 23.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| December | 24.0°C | Warm swimming |
Monthly figures are modelled climatology averages, not live readings. How accurate is our data?
Warmest beaches in Mozambique right now
| Beach | Region | Sea | Swim score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bazaruto Beach | Inhambane | 21.5°C | Excellent |
| Wimbe Beach | Cabo Delgado | 21.5°C | Excellent |
| Tofo Beach | Inhambane | 20.9°C | Excellent |
| Vilanculos Beach | Inhambane | 20.8°C | Excellent |
| Bazaruto Island | Inhambane | 20.7°C | Excellent |
Sea temperature in Mozambique — FAQ
How warm is the sea in Mozambique in September?
The sea off Mozambique averages about 21.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in Mozambique?
Mozambique is warmest in February (around 25.0°C) and coldest in July (around 20.0°C). There are typically 8 months a year when the water sits above 22°C.
What is the average yearly sea temperature in Mozambique?
Across all twelve months, the sea in Mozambique averages about 22.4°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in Mozambique?
In peak season (around February, ~25.0°C) most swimmers are comfortable without a wetsuit. Outside summer, when the water drops toward 20.0°C, a 3/2mm to 5/4mm wetsuit is recommended.