Climate of  Cabo Delgado

7 day weather forecast for Pemba in Cabo Delgado Province

Tropical Influence

Pemba, the capital of Cabo Delgado Province in northern Mozambique, experiences a tropical climate strongly influenced by its coastal location along the Indian Ocean. Situated on a peninsula with a natural harbor, Pemba benefits from the moderating effects of the warm Agulhas Current, which contributes to its warm, humid conditions. The city's proximity to the ocean and monsoon systems fosters a lush, tropical environment with coral reefs and mangroves, though it is also exposed to significant seasonal weather variations.

Seasonal and Tropical Climate

Pemba's climate is characterized by two distinct seasons: a wet season from November to March and a dry season from April to October.  Tropical cyclones frequently impact the region between January and March, causing intense rain, strong winds, and potential flooding, which can disrupt infrastructure and coastal communities. The dry season, dominated by high-pressure systems, is cooler and nearly rain-free, offering stable, sunny conditions.

Temperature Variations

Temperatures in Pemba are warm year-round, typical of its tropical coastal setting. During the wet season (November to March), daytime temperatures average 28°C to 33°C (82°F to 91°F), with peaks occasionally exceeding 35°C (95°F). The dry season (April to October) is milder, with averages ranging from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F). Nighttime lows in the dry season can drop to 18°C to 21°C (64°F to 70°F), providing cooler evenings. The coastal influence moderates temperature extremes, ensuring more stable conditions compared to inland regions like Tete.

Humidity and Precipitation Levels

Humidity in Pemba is consistently high, particularly during the wet season, when levels often 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 substantial, averaging 1,300–1,600 mm, among the highest in Mozambique due to Pemba's northern coastal location. The wet season accounts for nearly all 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 Pemba is unevenly distributed, with the wet season (November to March) delivering the majority of precipitation. December to February are the wettest months, driven by monsoon flows and the ITCZ, with tropical cyclones often amplifying rainfall and causing flooding in low-lying coastal areas. The dry season (April to October) is largely rain-free, with clear skies dominating, especially in June and July. This seasonal contrast supports agriculture, with crops like cassava and cashew thriving in the wet season, while irrigation is necessary during the dry months to sustain farming.

Drier Conditions

Pemba is one of Mozambique's wetter regions due to its northern coastal location, with annual rainfall of 1,300–1,600 mm, but it still experiences a pronounced dry season lasting up to seven months, from April to October. While not as arid as southern provinces like Gaza, prolonged dry spells can strain water resources in rural areas surrounding the city. 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 vital to address climate change-induced dry-season shortages.