Weather & Climate in Mtwara, Tanzania
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Mtwara has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 79°F (26°C). Winters average 81°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. Annual precipitation totals 42.7 inches. The city sits at an elevation of 69 feet.
Temperature
81°F Jan (27°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 79.2°F |
| 47% above US avg | |
| January Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 69 ft (21 m) |
| Area | 313.4 sq mi (811.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 449/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 10.2667°S, 40.1833°E |
| Timezone | Africa/Dar_es_Salaam |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
14 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M5.3.
| Aug 3, 2010 | 56 km N of Mbekenyera, Tanzania | M5.3 | 149 km | 10 km |
| Apr 12, 2016 | 127 km ESE of Madimba, Tanzania | M5.2 | 148 km | 10 km |
| Jan 4, 2005 | 74 km E of Madimba, Tanzania | M5.0 | 91 km | 10 km |
| Mar 29, 2017 | 86 km ENE of Mocímboa, Mozambique | M5.0 | 122 km | 10 km |
| Jan 4, 2005 | 127 km E of Madimba, Tanzania | M5.0 | 144 km | 29 km |
| Sep 1, 1991 | 110 km ESE of Madimba, Tanzania | M4.8 | 132 km | 29 km |
| Feb 4, 1995 | 110 km ESE of Madimba, Tanzania | M4.6 | 132 km | 10 km |
| Jun 9, 2015 | 109 km E of Madimba, Tanzania | M4.6 | 125 km | 10 km |
| May 18, 2025 | 119 km ESE of Madimba, Tanzania | M4.4 | 140 km | 10 km |
| Jun 17, 2023 | 116 km E of Madimba, Tanzania | M4.4 | 133 km | 10 km |
| Apr 30, 2019 | 17 km ENE of Nachingwea, Tanzania | M4.3 | 139 km | 10 km |
| Jan 2, 2023 | 139 km NNE of Mtwara, Tanzania | M4.3 | 140 km | 10 km |
| Jul 5, 2008 | 106 km ENE of Mocímboa, Mozambique | M4.1 | 146 km | 10 km |
| Jul 25, 2002 | 122 km ESE of Madimba, Tanzania | M4.0 | 142 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Hurricane History
3 hurricanes (Category 1+) recorded within 500 km since 1980. Strongest on record: Category 4.
| Year | Name | Category | Max Wind | Closest |
| 2024 | Hidaya | Category 1 | 92 mph | 264 km |
| 2019 | Kenneth | Category 4 | 132 mph | 218 km |
| 1996 | Doloresse | Category 1 | 60 mph | 243 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Category 1+, 1980-2026).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 81°F (27°C) | 6.6 in | |
| February | 82°F (28°C) | 6.0 in | |
| March | 81°F (27°C) | 7.7 in | |
| April | 81°F (27°C) | 8.0 in | Wettest |
| May | 79°F (26°C) | 3.0 in | |
| June | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 in | |
| July | 76°F (24°C) | 0.8 in | Coldest |
| August | 76°F (24°C) | 0.5 in | Driest |
| September | 77°F (25°C) | 0.6 in | |
| October | 79°F (26°C) | 1.0 in | |
| November | 81°F (27°C) | 2.5 in | |
| December | 82°F (28°C) | 5.3 in | Warmest |
Mtwara has a seasonal temperature swing of 6°F / from 76°F in July to 82°F in December. Total annual precipitation is 42.7 inches, with April being the wettest month (8.0") and August the driest (0.5").