Climate of Quelimane in Zambezia Province

7 day weather forecast for Quelimane

Tropical Influence

Quelimane, the capital of Zambezia Province in central-eastern Mozambique, experiences a tropical climate strongly influenced by its coastal location along the Indian Ocean. Positioned near the mouth of the Bons Sinais River, the city benefits from the moderating effects of the warm Agulhas Current, which contributes to its humid, warm conditions. Quelimane's climate is shaped by monsoon systems, fostering a lush, tropical environment while exposing the city to significant seasonal weather variations and occasional extreme events.

Seasonal and Tropical Climate

Quelimane's climate is divided into two main seasons: a wet season from November to March and a dry season from April to October.  The city is particularly vulnerable to tropical cyclones between January and March, which can bring intense rain, strong winds, and flooding, impacting infrastructure and agriculture. The dry season, influenced by high-pressure systems, is cooler and sees minimal rainfall, providing stable, sunny conditions.

Temperature Variations

Quelimane experiences warm temperatures year-round, characteristic of its tropical coastal setting. During the wet season (November to March), daytime temperatures average 27°C to 32°C (81°F to 90°F), with peaks occasionally exceeding 34°C (93°F). The dry season (April to October) is milder, with averages ranging from 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 81°F). Nighttime lows in the dry season can drop to 17°C to 20°C (63°F to 68°F), offering cooler evenings. The coastal influence moderates temperature extremes, ensuring more stable conditions compared to inland regions.

Humidity and Precipitation Levels

Humidity in Quelimane is consistently high, especially during the wet season, when levels frequently exceed 75–85% due to its coastal proximity and monsoon influence. The dry season brings slightly lower humidity, around 55–65%, improving comfort. Annual precipitation is significant, averaging 1,300–1,600 mm, among the highest in Mozambique due to Quelimane's central coastal location. The wet season accounts for the vast majority of rainfall, with heavy, short bursts common in January and February, while the dry season, particularly June to August, sees negligible precipitation.

Precipitation Distribution

Rainfall in Quelimane is unevenly distributed, with the wet season (November to March) receiving the bulk of precipitation. December to February are the wettest months, driven by monsoon flows and the ITCZ, with tropical cyclones occasionally causing extreme rainfall and flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. The dry season (April to October) is largely rain-free, with clear skies dominating, especially in June and July. This seasonal contrast impacts agriculture, with crops like rice and cassava thriving in the wet season, while irrigation is often necessary during the dry months to sustain farming.

Drier Conditions

Quelimane is wetter than southern Mozambique but experiences a pronounced dry season lasting up to seven months, particularly from May to October. With annual rainfall of 1,300–1,600 mm, the city avoids the aridity of inland regions like Tete, but prolonged dry spells can still strain water resources in surrounding rural areas. The coastal location mitigates extreme drought, but high evaporation rates during the dry season challenge water availability. Infrastructure, including drainage systems, is critical for managing wet-season floods, while water conservation measures are increasingly important to address climate change-induced dry-season shortages.