Mauritius is a picturesque island located in the Indian Ocean and is considered one of the world’s best resorts. Its main advantages are its unique nature, clean beaches with colored sands, and luxurious hotels that offer year-round vacations. Indeed, due to the fact that the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” is located at the southernmost latitude, Mauritius offers a variety of seasons for tourists to choose from.
The tropical climate of this resort does not have significant temperature fluctuations. The calendar year is divided into two seasons: a hot and humid summer (November to April) and a relatively cool and dry winter (June to September). Although the weather can change several times a day, the overall climate is favorable (there are no active volcanoes, no tsunamis, and the prevailing cyclones are relatively mild).
High season
When is the best time to go on vacation to Mauritius? The highest number of tourists (up to 1 million) is observed from mid-autumn to mid-spring. However, the peak of the high season occurs during the New Year. There are so many people who want to celebrate the New Year under the hot tropical sun that the airport and hotels are operating at full capacity. This is despite the occasional rainfall and the significant increase in prices. The western and northern regions of the island are the most popular destinations, as they offer the best hotels and sunshine throughout the year.
Another tourist boom falls on April-May (again holidays, but already May holidays). The air temperature at this time continues to remain at +30-33ºC, the water in the Indian Ocean warms up to +26-27 ºC.
Then winter comes, and with it comes a slight decline. June and July are considered the winter months. During this period, the temperature drops slightly (air temperature to +25ºC, water temperature to +23ºC), but the humidity increases. If this doesn’t scare you, feel free to embark on your journey.
When deciding to go on vacation, take into account not only the weather by month and the water temperature in Mauritius, but also the purpose of your trip. Yes, yes, each of us may have a different purpose: some will spend all 6 days quietly lying on the beach, while others cannot imagine their lives without active entertainment.
Best time for guided tours
In Mauritius, the best season for excursions is autumn and the second half of spring, when the temperature is comfortable. Despite its small size, exploring the island’s attractions can take several days. Ancient castles, protected areas, Hindu temples, the famous tropical botanical garden, colorful churches, and the ruins of ancient structures are just a few of the many attractions available.
In addition, you can visit a reed plantation, a rum factory, explore mountain routes, zip-line between mountain peaks, visit a sacred Hindu lake, and explore the lands of Chamarel. For those who prefer more active vacations, there are opportunities to interact with wildlife, ride horses, helicopters, ATVs, and underwater scooters.
To make your visit to the main tourist attractions as comfortable as possible, bring water, a hat or cap, and comfortable shoes with thick soles.
Beach Season in Mauritius
When is the best time for a beach holiday in Mauritius? Thanks to the high temperatures and the extensive coral reefs that protect the coast from strong waves, swimming is possible all year round. However, the best months for lounging in the sun are November-January and April-May. During these months, the weather is hot but not oppressive.
By the way, the local beaches deserve special praise. They are regularly cleaned of seaweed and coral debris, and in some places, the sand is also sifted. When choosing the best season to visit Mauritius, keep in mind that each coast has its own unique features.
| Coast | Best places to visit | Why should you take a break? |
|---|---|---|
| North | The bays of Mont-Choisy, Trou-au-Bich, Pereybere, and Grand Baie (the latter two are the center of nightlife, with clubs, discos, and 24-hour shops). | There is no strong wind, always clear weather, white and soft sand, and a long coastline. |
| Western | Flick-en-Flack | The warmest area of Mauritius, it is distinguished by beautiful landscapes (ocean + mountains), the presence of shallow reefs that give the waters a blue tint, and the proximity of such famous attractions as Tamarin Bay (you can swim with dolphins) and the Black River Gorge National Park. There are also many diving sites in the vicinity. |
| South-western | Le Morne Peninsula (UNESCO World Heritage Site) | Soft powder-like sand, clear coral lagoons, and exotic nature. You can go fishing, scuba diving, surfing, kitesurfing, and boating. |
| Eastern and South-eastern | Belle Mare, Deer Island, Blue Bay | Many high-level hotels, white sand, turquoise water, changing terrain, and excellent conditions for surfers. |
| Yuzhnoye | Swimming is not allowed here due to the windy weather and the lack of protection provided by the coral reefs. The waves in this part of Mauritius are very strong. |
For those who prefer peace and quiet, we recommend booking your tickets for the first half of autumn or the last few days of spring. During the high beach season, you are unlikely to find any semblance of privacy.
Best months for diving
When is the best time to visit Mauritius to explore its rich underwater world? The diving season on the island lasts throughout the year and peaks in early winter. During these months, the water temperature is excellent (between 23°C and 27°C), and visibility is around 20 meters. Occasionally, December and March are included in this period, but storms are more common during these months.
The waters of the Indian Ocean hide a huge number of inhabitants, so such a walk will leave a lasting impression. Here you can see sea eagles, marlins, barracudas, turtles, white-finned sharks, coral gardens, garghonaria thickets and other representatives of flora and fauna.
Beginners are advised to dive in safe lagoons formed by reefs. Diving is possible not only during the day, but also at night. If you are an experienced diver, feel free to venture beyond the “perimeter.” On the other side of the coral walls, you will find large marble grottoes, underwater caves, and rocky plateaus, but the currents are so dangerous that you will need an instructor. Fortunately, there are about three dozen diving centers on the island, so you will not be left without assistance.
Surfing season
When is the best time to go to Mauritius for surfing, windsurfing, or kiting? The best conditions for these sports are during the winter, when there are large waves. However, beginners can go at any time of the year, as the “training” waves are not dangerous. Additionally, during high tides and when there are no strong underwater currents, surfing is quite safe.
There are many surfable areas in this resort. The most famous of them is Tamarina Bay, which is located in the southwest of the island and is open to the winds.
You will need a wetsuit for active water sports.
Fishing season
Holidays in Mauritius: when is the best time to go on vacation if you like fishing? Deep-sea fishing is the second most popular activity. In principle, it can be done at any time of the year, but the best fishing is from September to April or May.
The catch promises to be exotic – if you are lucky, you will catch tuna, shark and other fish. Gambling anglers can take part in amateur tournaments for the fastest fishing. Usually 4-5 teams are collected for it. In addition, during the period from December to March, the island hosts the “Marlin World Cup”, a prestigious competition of anglers of international level.
Rainy season
Officially, the rainy season in Mauritius lasts from November to May (i.e., during the peak tourist season), but most of the rainfall occurs in January and February. However, this does not pose a significant inconvenience for tourists. Firstly, the island is largely protected from strong winds, and the coral reefs provide a reliable barrier against high waves. Secondly, the tropical rains typically last no more than two hours. Lastly, the rains are localized, meaning that it may rain in one area but be dry in another.
The weather pattern changes every year, so it is very difficult to predict the exact number of sunny and wet days. In any case, the risk of bad weather preventing you from having a good vacation is low.
The most rainfall falls in the central part of Mauritius, the least in the north and west. Usually, a tropical downpour begins after 2 p.m., so active recreation, walks and swimming should be planned for the morning and the first part of the day.
When is the best time to visit Mauritius?
Mauritius: Which season is the best for a vacation? There is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on the purpose of your vacation.
Summer months are ideal for swimming in the ocean, while winter months are perfect for active tourism. Financial capabilities also play a significant role. During the so-called low season (European summer), hotels tend to lower their prices, and there are fewer tourists during this time.
