Portuguese Island, or Ilha de Moçambique, is a small island situated off the coast of Mozambique in the Indian Ocean. It is located approximately two kilometers from the mainland and is connected to the mainland by a bridge. The island is roughly 2.5 km long and 1 km wide, and is the largest offshore island in Mozambique.
The island has a long and varied history, having been occupied by the Portuguese since the 16th century. During this time, the island was used as a trading post and a center of Portuguese colonial administration. It was also an important center of the slave trade, and a number of forts were built on the island to protect it from attack. In 1898, the island was declared a Portuguese protectorate.
In the late 19th century, the island was developed as a trading port and a center for education and culture. It became a major center for the production of sugar, cotton, and copra, and a number of industries were established. In 1942, the island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it remains a popular tourist destination.
Today, the island is home to a number of historical sites, including the Church of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte, a 15th-century Portuguese fort, and the Nossa Senhora do Rosario Cathedral, which was built in the 18th century. There are also a number of museums and galleries, as well as a vibrant nightlife.
The island is also renowned for its beautiful beaches, and is a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, and sailing. It is also home to a number of marine species, including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles.
Overall, Portuguese Island is a beautiful and historically significant destination in Mozambique, and one that is well worth visiting.
Experience Portuguese Island with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Portuguese Island. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.
The climate in Portuguese Island in Mozambique is tropical, with hot and humid weather throughout the year. During the summer months, temperatures average between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius, with high levels of humidity. During the winter months, temperatures average between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius, with less humidity. The rainy season is from October to March, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in January and February. The dry season is from April to September, with the driest months being July and August. Overall, Portuguese Island has a tropical climate with warm temperatures and high levels of humidity throughout the year.
Our weather forecast for Portuguese Island helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.
| Date | Icon | Temperature | Wind speed/gusts | Cloudiness/Visibility | Air humidity/pressure | Sunrise/Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May. 17th 2026 May. 17th 2026 | max: 25.9 °C min: 19 °C |
27.7 m/s 37.8 m/s |
35.6 % 15.9 m |
73.4 % 1,024 hPa |
06:20:12 17:09:15 |
|
| May. 18th 2026 May. 18th 2026 | max: 23.4 °C min: 21.1 °C |
21.6 m/s 21.2 m/s |
0.4 % 24.1 m |
72.4 % 1,022 hPa |
06:20:44 17:08:48 |
|
| May. 19th 2026 May. 19th 2026 | max: 23.4 °C min: 21.3 °C |
16.6 m/s 16.2 m/s |
27.9 % 22.4 m |
69.1 % 1,022 hPa |
06:21:15 17:08:22 |
|
| May. 20th 2026 May. 20th 2026 | max: 23.1 °C min: 21.8 °C |
24.1 m/s 25.2 m/s |
28.4 % 24.0 m |
67.5 % 1,023 hPa |
06:21:47 17:07:58 |
|
| May. 21st 2026 May. 21st 2026 | max: 22.9 °C min: 20.5 °C |
19.8 m/s 18.4 m/s |
81.6 % 24.1 m |
72.6 % 1,022 hPa |
06:22:18 17:07:35 |
|
| May. 22nd 2026 May. 22nd 2026 | max: 24.2 °C min: 21.1 °C |
29.2 m/s 34.2 m/s |
93.5 % 24.1 m |
73.8 % 1,019 hPa |
06:22:49 17:07:13 |
|
| May. 23rd 2026 May. 23rd 2026 | max: 24.0 °C min: 21.8 °C |
26.8 m/s 31.8 m/s |
80.8 % 24.1 m |
72.3 % 1,021 hPa |
06:23:20 17:06:52 |
|
| May. 24th 2026 May. 24th 2026 | max: 23.8 °C min: 21.4 °C |
24.5 m/s 27.7 m/s |
4.6 % 22.5 m |
79.6 % 1,023 hPa |
06:23:50 17:06:33 |
|
| May. 25th 2026 May. 25th 2026 | max: 23.2 °C min: 21.5 °C |
26.3 m/s 29.9 m/s |
9.1 % 22.9 m |
79.6 % 1,023 hPa |
06:24:20 17:06:14 |
|
| May. 26th 2026 May. 26th 2026 | max: 24.1 °C min: 21.4 °C |
38.5 m/s 51.1 m/s |
2.0 % 24.1 m |
80.5 % 1,018 hPa |
06:24:51 17:05:57 |
|
| May. 27th 2026 May. 27th 2026 | max: 26.7 °C min: 22.7 °C |
36.7 m/s 56.2 m/s |
27.7 % 24.1 m |
70.4 % 1,014 hPa |
06:25:20 17:05:41 |
|
| May. 28th 2026 May. 28th 2026 | max: 23.4 °C min: 22.2 °C |
33.5 m/s 37.3 m/s |
34.4 % 23.7 m |
77.3 % 1,019 hPa |
06:25:50 17:05:27 |
|
| May. 29th 2026 May. 29th 2026 | max: 23.1 °C min: 20.9 °C |
28.1 m/s 28.4 m/s |
5.1 % 22.7 m |
73.2 % 1,023 hPa |
06:26:19 17:05:14 |
|
| May. 30th 2026 May. 30th 2026 | max: 23.0 °C min: 20.5 °C |
24.1 m/s 24.5 m/s |
14.8 % 22.8 m |
76.1 % 1,025 hPa |
06:26:48 17:05:02 |
|
| May. 31st 2026 May. 31st 2026 | max: 23.4 °C min: 20.9 °C |
29.2 m/s 29.9 m/s |
4.0 % 24.1 m |
75.8 % 1,024 hPa |
06:27:16 17:04:51 |
Would you like to travel to Portuguese Island on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Portuguese Island.
| Date | Ship | Passaengers (min - max) | Arrival | Departure | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 28th 2026 Saturday, 28th of Nov. 2026 | MSC Armonia | 1950 - 2340 | 11:00 am | 08:00 pm | |
| Dec. 12th 2026 Saturday, 12th of Dec. 2026 | MSC Armonia | 1950 - 2340 | 10:00 am | 08:00 pm | |
| Dec. 19th 2026 Saturday, 19th of Dec. 2026 | MSC Armonia | 1950 - 2340 | 10:00 am | 08:00 pm | |
| Dec. 24th 2026 Thursday, 24th of Dec. 2026 | MSC Armonia | 1950 - 2340 | 09:00 am | 06:00 pm | |
| Jan. 6th 2027 Wednesday, 6th of Jan. 2027 | MSC Armonia | 1950 - 2340 | 08:00 am | 03:00 pm | |
| Jan. 16th 2027 Saturday, 16th of Jan. 2027 | MSC Armonia | 1950 - 2340 | 10:00 am | 08:00 pm | |
| Jan. 23rd 2027 Saturday, 23rd of Jan. 2027 | MSC Armonia | 1950 - 2340 | 10:00 am | 08:00 pm | |
| Feb. 9th 2027 Tuesday, 9th of Feb. 2027 | MSC Armonia | 1950 - 2340 | 07:00 pm | 12:00 am | |
| Feb. 10th 2027 Wednesday, 10th of Feb. 2027 | MSC Armonia | 1950 - 2340 | 12:00 am | 08:00 pm | |
| Feb. 17th 2027 Wednesday, 17th of Feb. 2027 | MSC Armonia | 1950 - 2340 | 09:00 am | 06:00 pm | |
| Mar. 6th 2027 Saturday, 6th of Mar. 2027 | MSC Armonia | 1950 - 2340 | 10:00 am | 08:00 pm | |
| May 10th 2028 Wednesday, 10th of May 2028 | MS Amadea | 508 - 624 | 07:00 am | 08:00 pm |
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.| Port | Distance |
|---|---|
| Maputo in Mozambique | 32,01 km |
