Maputo

Visit Mozambique’s coastal capital for Portuguese-era landmarks, modernist architecture and cultural influences from across the Indian Ocean.

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Maputo is Mozambique’s capital and largest city, on the country’s far south coast beside Maputo Bay. In Baixa, the historic downtown, older colonial buildings sit alongside art deco, Bauhaus and modernist designs. See the Central Railway Station, built from 1913 to 1916, then visit Independence Square, Maputo Fortress and the central market. Tunduru Gardens are a green space in the city center, and wide avenues are lined with jacaranda and acacia trees.

Maputo’s culture draws on Bantu and Portuguese roots, with Arab, Indian, Chinese and South African influences. Its history as a port and colonial capital is visible in the city’s architecture. Artists’ exhibitions and small pshikelekedana wood carvings offer other ways to encounter local culture. Inhaca Island, at the eastern end of Maputo Bay, is a possible day trip. The cooler, drier period runs from May to October; rain falls mostly from November to March. Maputo is a good fit for travelers interested in architecture, history and city life.

Maputo in five

Carry meticais for small purchasesMozambique’s currency is the metical (MZN). Chapas carry most trips in Maputo and may not follow fixed routes or timetables.
Allow flexibility when using chapasMinibus taxis carry most city trips but can be overcrowded at rush hour. They may not follow fixed timetables or routes.
Plan around wet-season floodingRain falls mostly from November to March, and poor drainage makes flooding worse. Check local conditions before crossing the city in heavy rain.
Choose a season around the rainMay to October is the cooler, drier period. November to March is hot and rainy, with cyclone and flood risks.
Check local advice during severe weatherCyclones and flooding are serious risks in Maputo. Follow local instructions if severe weather affects your plans.

Things to do in Maputo

See all attractions in Maputo

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Need to know

Currency: Mozambican metical (MZN)
Entry: Check visa and entry requirements for your passport
Emergency: Check local emergency numbers before travel
Tipping: Not specified
Time: UTC+2

Weather by month

Rainy days

Best
Good
Mixed

JanuaryRain15 rainy daysHigh30°Low22°Hot, rainy
FebruaryRain15 rainy daysHigh30°Low23°Hot, rainy
MarchPartly cloudy12 rainy daysHigh30°Low22°Hot, rainy
AprilPartly cloudy9 rainy daysHigh28°Low20°Rain easing
MayClear4 rainy daysHigh26°Low18°Cool, dry
JuneClear3 rainy daysHigh25°Low16°Cool, dry
JulyClear2 rainy daysHigh25°Low15°Cool, dry
AugustClear3 rainy daysHigh26°Low17°Cool, dry
SeptemberClear5 rainy daysHigh28°Low18°Cool, dry
OctoberClear8 rainy daysHigh28°Low19°Cool, dry
NovemberPartly cloudy10 rainy daysHigh29°Low21°Rainy season
DecemberRain14 rainy daysHigh30°Low22°Rainy season

Average daily high and low in Maputo, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Maputo

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 25°
Humidity: 76%
Wind: 13 km/h
Chance of rain: 99%

Maputo

10:36 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT+2

Today27°22°99%Monday: Rain. High 27°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 99%.
Tue29°22°31%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 29°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 31%.
Wed28°23°10%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 28°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 10%.
Thu29°23°4%Thursday: Cloudy. High 29°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 4%.
Fri33°24°4%Friday: Cloudy. High 33°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 4%.
Sat31°23°20%Saturday: Cloudy. High 31°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 20%.
Sun26°19°55%Sunday: Drizzle. High 26°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 55%.

Updated 07:25 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 63.66 MZN

Amount

Converted to

MZN · Mozambican Metical

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

Inhaca IslandCheck current transportAn island at the eastern end of Maputo Bay and a possible day trip from the city.
KaTembeCheck current ferry timesWeekday ferries cross the bay and carry about 20 vehicles per trip.

Before you go to Maputo

Phones and eSIMConnectivity planningRead the guide

Travel insuranceCover for a Mozambique tripRead the guide

Money and costsMoney planning for your tripRead the guide

Where to stayCompare places to base yourselfRead the guide

Rules for Maputo, checked

Check visa and entry requirements for your passport with the relevant official government source before travel.
Chapas can be overcrowded and may not follow fixed routes or timetables. Confirm your destination before boarding.
Cyclones and flooding are serious risks in Maputo. Follow local instructions during severe weather.

Plan around Maputo

Mozambique travel guide

Plan a wider trip beyond the capital.

Read the guide Visas and entry

Check entry requirements for your passport.

Read the guide Getting around

Plan transport for your trip.

Read the guide Where to stay

Compare places to base yourself.

Read the guide

Maputo FAQ

How many days do you need in Maputo?

Plan time for Baixa, Maputo Railway Station, Tunduru Gardens and the central market. Inhaca Island is a possible additional day trip.

Is Maputo worth visiting?

Maputo suits travelers interested in architecture and city life. Baixa has older colonial buildings, and the city also has art deco, Bauhaus and modernist architecture.

What is Maputo known for?

Maputo is known for its varied architecture, central market and railway station. Pshikelekedanas, small sculptures carved from soft wood, are a local craft.

When is the best time to visit Maputo?

May to October is the cooler, drier period. Rain falls mostly from November to March, when flooding and cyclones are risks.

How do you get around Maputo?

Chapas are the main form of public transport, but they can be crowded and may not follow fixed routes or timetables. Tchopelas, three-wheeled taxis, also operate.

Can you take a day trip to Inhaca Island from Maputo?

Inhaca Island is at the eastern end of Maputo Bay and is a possible day trip. Check current transport arrangements before setting out.