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Home / Destinations / Maputo

Maputo

Mozambique · Coast · MZN · -25.969200, 32.573200
Family friendly 7.4/10 · Rank 429 of 2 709
Best season: May-October

Best for

Suitable for urban tourism, history, culture, gastronomy, and nightlife

Best season

May-October

Daily budget
$92.00 (≈ 7 721 ₽)
For 7 days
$644.00 (≈ 54 044 ₽)
Maputo is the vibrant capital of Mozambique, located on the southern coast of the Indian Ocean, considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Africa. The city charms with its Art Deco architecture, colonial buildings, and the picturesque train station designed by Eiffel. Travelers can explore lively markets, museums, and excellent seafood restaurants, as well as enjoy proximity to the beaches of the Machutu Peninsula.
Summer
31.0°C
Winter
14.0°C
Sea
29.2°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

moderate

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Friendly, hospitable, with rich cultural heritage

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Rich history and culture
  • Excellent seafood
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Affordable prices
  • Visa-free entry for Russians up to 30 days
  • Good base for trips to Ponta do Ouro and Maputo Special Reserve

Cons

  • No direct flights from Moscow
  • High crime rate in some areas
  • Rainy season from November to March
  • Traffic congestion
  • Caution needed after dark
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
30.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
29.7°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
31.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
25.5°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
25.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
14.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
27.5°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
29.2°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
November-March
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
moderate
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
moderate
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Praia do Miru Mar
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
Yes
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
moderate
Note

Indian Ocean waters near Maputo can have strong currents. Swimming on guarded beaches and caution recommended

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins found on rocky bottom areas near rocky shores
  • Water shoes recommended

Corals and reefs — details

  • Indian Ocean coral reefs — found in coastal waters of Maputo Bay, can cause cuts on contact
  • Fire corals (Millepora) — common in shallow waters, cause burning when touched

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish may appear in warmer months, especially late summer
  • Check with locals about jellyfish

Sharks — details

  • Bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) — found in Mozambican coastal waters, large and potentially dangerous, but attacks are rare
  • Grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) — inhabits reefs, shy but can be aggressive if provoked
  • Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) — found in the Indian Ocean, harmless to humans, feeds on plankton
Attractions

Iron House

Unique iron building designed by Eiffel's workshop, symbol of Maputo

Central Market

Colorful market with local products, spices, and crafts

Maputo Railway Station

One of the world's most beautiful railway stations with dome and columns

National Art Museum

Museum with contemporary Mozambican art collection

Independence Square

Historic square with monuments and colonial architecture

Best areas

Bairro Central

Central area with hotels, restaurants, and nightlife

Polana

Residential area with hotels and restaurants, popular for families

Sommerschield

Prestigious area with hotels and restaurants

Must-try food

Piri-Piri Prawns

Prawns cooked with spicy piri-piri sauce, Mozambique specialty

Matapa

Stewed cassava leaves with coconut milk and peanuts, traditional dish

Feijoada

Stewed beans with meat, popular dish

Caldeirada

Stewed fish with vegetables, traditional dish

Roscas

Festive bread with coconut and peanuts

Where to go next

Ponta do Ouro

Scenic beach resort with diving, 1.5 hours away

Maputo Special Reserve

Reserve with elephants and wildlife, 1 hour away

Inhaca

Island with beaches and restaurants, accessible by boat

Machakelen

Town with beaches and market, 1 hour away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
medium
Getting there
Nearest airports
Maputo International Airport (MPM).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required (up to 30 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
May-October
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$180.00
≈ 15 106 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.80
≈ 67 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Maputo: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is May-October. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Maputo: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +31.0°C, during the day — up to +29.7°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Maputo: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +14.0°C, during the day — up to +25.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Maputo: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +29.2°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Maputo: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on November-March. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Maputo: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, golden sand, moderate water. The most popular beaches: Praia do Miru Mar. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Maputo: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as high — swimming is only recommended in specially designated areas. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Maputo: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, jellyfish. Indian Ocean waters near Maputo can have strong currents. Swimming on guarded beaches and caution recommended. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Maputo: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $92.00 (≈ 7 721 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Maputo: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $18.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $60.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $100.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $180.00 per night, an apartment — $60.00 per night, a villa — $150.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Maputo: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $10.00, dinner at a restaurant — $20.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.00, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.80. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Maputo: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $15.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.50, a short taxi ride — $5.00, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Maputo: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Iron House — Unique iron building designed by Eiffel's workshop, symbol of Maputo; Central Market — Colorful market with local products, spices, and crafts; Maputo Railway Station — One of the world's most beautiful railway stations with dome and columns; National Art Museum — Museum with contemporary Mozambican art collection; Independence Square — Historic square with monuments and colonial architecture. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Maputo: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Piri-Piri Prawns — Prawns cooked with spicy piri-piri sauce, Mozambique specialty; Matapa — Stewed cassava leaves with coconut milk and peanuts, traditional dish; Feijoada — Stewed beans with meat, popular dish; Caldeirada — Stewed fish with vegetables, traditional dish; Roscas — Festive bread with coconut and peanuts. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Maputo: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Bairro Central — Central area with hotels, restaurants, and nightlife; Polana — Residential area with hotels and restaurants, popular for families; Sommerschield — Prestigious area with hotels and restaurants. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Maputo: is a visa required?
Visa: not required (up to 30 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Maputo: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Maputo International Airport (code MPM). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $15.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Maputo: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — MZN. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $92.00 (≈ 7 721 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Maputo: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Maputo: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as medium. There is a good choice of bars and restaurants, but without excessive noise.
Maputo: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Ponta do Ouro — Scenic beach resort with diving, 1.5 hours away; Maputo Special Reserve — Reserve with elephants and wildlife, 1 hour away; Inhaca — Island with beaches and restaurants, accessible by boat; Machakelen — Town with beaches and market, 1 hour away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.4/10
Overall rank: 429 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 297

Best season

May-October

Useful information

Currency: MZN
Coordinates: -25.969200, 32.573200