Climate of Tete
7 day weather forecast for Tete
Tropical Influence
Tete, a city in northwestern Mozambique located along the Zambezi River, experiences a tropical climate with semi-arid characteristics, distinct from the coastal regions. Unlike Mozambique's coastal cities, Tete's inland position results in less moderation from the Indian Ocean, leading to hotter and drier conditions. The Zambezi River provides some local moisture, but the region's climate is heavily influenced by its interior location and seasonal monsoon systems, creating a landscape of savanna and sparse vegetation.
Seasonal and Tropical Climate
Tete's climate is marked by two primary seasons: a wet season from November to March and a dry season from April to October. The wet season, influenced by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and weaker monsoon effects compared to coastal areas, brings warm, moist air and moderate rainfall. Tropical cyclones rarely affect Tete due to its inland location, but heavy rains can still cause flooding along the Zambezi River. The dry season is characterized by high-pressure systems, minimal rainfall, and significantly warmer days, with an extended dry period that challenges water availability.
Temperature Variations
Tete is one of the hottest regions in Mozambique, with temperatures reflecting its inland tropical climate. During the wet season (November to March), daytime temperatures typically range from 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F), often peaking above 38°C (100°F) in October and November before rains arrive. In the dry season (April to October), temperatures remain warm, averaging 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), with cooler nights dropping to 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F). Tete's lack of coastal moderation results in greater temperature extremes compared to cities like Maputo or Beira.
Humidity and Precipitation Levels
Humidity in Tete is lower than in coastal cities, particularly during the dry season, when levels can drop to 30–40%. During the wet season, humidity rises to 60–70%, driven by seasonal rains and the Zambezi River's influence. Annual precipitation in Tete is relatively low, averaging 500–700 mm, significantly less than coastal regions like Beira. The wet season accounts for nearly all rainfall, with short, intense showers common in January and February. The prolonged dry season, often spanning seven to eight months, sees virtually no precipitation, contributing to semi-arid conditions.
Precipitation Distribution
Rainfall in Tete is unevenly distributed, with the wet season (November to March) delivering the majority of precipitation. January and February are the wettest months, when ITCZ-driven rains bring moderate downpours, occasionally leading to flooding along the Zambezi River. The dry season (April to October) is marked by negligible rainfall, with months like June to August receiving little to no rain. This stark seasonal contrast impacts agriculture, with crops like maize and sorghum reliant on the short wet season, while irrigation or drought-resistant varieties are necessary during the dry months.
Drier Conditions
Tete is one of Mozambique's drier regions, with semi-arid conditions prevailing due to its inland location and low annual rainfall of 500–700 mm. The dry season, extending up to eight months, combined with high evaporation rates, leads to significant water scarcity, particularly in rural areas surrounding the city. Seasonal rivers and groundwater are critical, but prolonged droughts, worsened by climate change, increase vulnerability to food insecurity and water shortages. Tete's infrastructure, including dams along the Zambezi, helps manage water resources, but challenges remain in sustaining agriculture and urban needs during extended dry periods.