When is the Best Time to Visit the Quirimbas Archipelago?
The best time to visit the Quirimbas Archipelago is in the winter months between May and September when both rainfall and temperatures are at their lowest. These Mozambique islands have a tropical climate with average temperatures of around 30°C/86°F, which means that this is a year-round tropical, sun-swept, holiday destination.
Many people choose to take a Quirimbas holiday during Mozambique’s hotter and more humid summer. The rainiest months are January and February with brief but intense showers, after which the sun comes out again. Monsoons only tend to affect the southern regions of Mozambique and not the Quirimbas.
Month by Month Guide for Travelling to Quirimbas Archipelago:
Travelling to the Quirimbas Archipelago from January to April
January is the hottest, wettest and most humid month. The rain falls mostly as tropical downpours in the late afternoon and early evening, with the rest of the time being sunny. Diving is generally good in January with excellent visibility, and it’s usually a quieter month after the busy Christmas/New Year period.
The hot and wet weather continues in February. Although the ocean is wonderfully warm, beaches are much windier during this month and diving can be challenging with choppier waters.
March is a very exciting time off the coast of Mozambique, as this is hatching season for sea turtles. The northern coast is an important feeding and nesting ground for the Green Hawksbill turtle, and the Quirimbas is home to many of them. This is the best time to visit the Quirimbas Archipelago to view the nesting process and the hatchlings making their mad dash to the ocean.
April is the best time to visit the Quirimbas Archipelago for scuba diving, kayaking, and relaxing on the beach soaking up the sunshine. The summer rains have passed, leaving clear skies and perfect underwater conditions.
Visiting Quirimbas Archipelago from May to August
May is the best time to visit the Quirimbas Archipelago if you’re in search of perfect tropical island weather. Days are sunny and warm, with blue skies and light breezes. Diving continues to improve with good visibility and calm waters.
The good weather continues into June and July, and diving conditions are near perfect. Southern right whales start appearing along the coastline and you can expect to see some dhow races, as well as experience an ambience of traditional music and dance. Plus, humpback whales begin making their long annual migration from Antarctica to calve in the warmer waters.
August is another sunny month, making it one of the best times to visit the Quirimbas Archipelago. Whale numbers increase and whale sharks may start to appear from this month, although it’s not common. The month of August does have slightly chillier evenings and can be a bit windier.
Travelling to the Quirimbas Archipelago in September & October
The cool winds from August begin to fade away and things really start to heat up during September. Diving conditions are still ideal during this period, and this month is regarded as the best time for snorkelling on the Quirimbas Archipelago – as well as having the best dolphin sightings.
October is the hottest of the dry months and with the heat building, the rains begin right at the end of the month. The fishing is particularly good in October, especially for bigger game fish like marlin.
Visiting Quirimbas Archipelago in November & December
As the dry season ends and the rainy season starts, the weather becomes more unpredictable. Days are hot and humid, but rainfall is still fairly low. November is when the turtles come ashore to nest and lay their eggs, and you still have a chance of seeing humpback whales before they head off towards the end of the month. It’s no longer high season and prices start to come down.
Accommodation does fill up in advance in Mozambique over the Christmas period and the Archipelago is no different. It’s best to book well in advance for December and although it’s the rainiest month, you can expect short sharp thunderstorms and not lengthy periods of rainfall.
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