When is the Best Time to Go to Mauritius?
Wondering when to visit Mauritius for the best possible stay?
Although Mauritius can be visited all year round, there are certain aspects to consider depending on the season.
Whether you decide to go to Mauritius to enjoy the beaches, partake in water sports or prefer hiking, it’s important to choose the right time to benefit from the best conditions.
To help you make the most of your stay in Mauritius, I’ve prepared this guide to the different seasons on the island.
I provide details on the climate, the best activities to do, and the pros and cons associated with each time of the year.
After reading this article, you’ll know the best period to visit Mauritius and you can start planning your trip!
So, without further ado, let’s get right into it!
Sommaire
- When is the Best Time to Go to Mauritius?
- The Seasons in Mauritius
- Travelling to Mauritius During the Austral Summer: November to April
- Visiting Mauritius in Winter: May to October
- When to Go to Mauritius for Swimming?
- When to Go to Mauritius for Hiking?
- When to Visit Mauritius on a Budget?
- What Is the Best Month to Travel to Mauritius?
- Plan Your Trip to Mauritius Easily
- Travel Insurance for Mauritius: My Advice
The Seasons in Mauritius
The Climate in Mauritius
Mauritius enjoys a tropical climate.
In the Indian Ocean, and therefore in Mauritius, there are two major seasons, each lasting six months:
- the Southern Hemisphere summer, spanning from November to April
- the Southern Hemisphere winter, from May to October.
Summer and winter in Mauritius are distinguished by a difference in temperature of a few degrees, and by the frequency of rainfall.
In summer, it’s very hot and the atmosphere is humid. Temperatures often exceed 30°C (86°F) and rainfall is quite common (especially between December and March). The sea is warm, up to 28°C (82°F). If you want to enjoy swimming and water activities, this is the ideal season.
In winter, temperatures are milder, varying between 23 and 26°C (73-78°F) depending on the region. This makes it more pleasant for walking and hiking. As for the sea, it is cooler and thus less conducive to swimming (speaking as someone who gets cold easily, but if you don’t mind, it’s still quite pleasant!).
Despite these two distinct seasons, the weather in Mauritius is more or less constant throughout the year. It is generally warm and sunny from January to December, even though there are periods that are rainier than others.
When is the cyclonic season in Mauritius?
Another very important factor to consider when planning your trip is the cyclone season in Mauritius, which lasts from January to March.
This season is characterized by high rainfall and significant cyclone risks. During a cyclone, winds are strong, the sea is rough, and it’s not possible to leave your accommodation for about 3 to 4 days.
During this particular season, there can be several cyclones in a row, spaced a few weeks apart. Their intensity varies from year to year. It’s also possible for no cyclones to hit Mauritius during the season.
My advice is if you want to explore the island, be active, and not end up stuck in your hotel, January to March is a period to avoid.
That’s more or less the rundown on the climate and seasons in Mauritius!
To sum it all up for you, here’s a quick recap of the Mauritius weather by month:
Tourist Seasons in Mauritius
Wondering when to visit Mauritius based on tourist crowds?
As you might expect, you will encounter more visitors in July-August and during the end-of-year holiday season, although there is a steady flow of tourists all year round.
When it comes to accommodation prices, they of course vary depending on the season and this is also a criterion to consider for your upcoming stay.
Know that the period between October and May is considered the high season in Mauritius (which roughly corresponds to the summer period). This is when prices are at their highest.
The low season ranges from June to September and allows you to benefit from lower hotel rates.
Travelling to Mauritius During the Austral Summer: November to April
Climate and Water Temperature
From November to April, it’s the summer season in Mauritius. The atmosphere is warm and quite humid.
The average temperature varies between 26°C and 28°C, with peaks above 30°C in the hotter regions like the West.
As for the water temperature, it hovers between 26°C and 28°C in the lagoon.
From November to December, the rain is fairly moderate. It’s between January and April when the precipitations are the most frequent and significant. During this period at the start of the year, there’s also a high risk of cyclones.
If you want to visit Mauritius during the summer, the months of November and December are the most suitable: you avoid the heavy rains and enjoy still bearable temperatures.
The months of January, February, and March are the hottest and rainiest. The atmosphere can be stifling, especially on the West coast and in the North where there is little breeze. Avoid this period if you’re sensitive to high heat and the humid tropical climate.
The Best Activities to Do
The Beaches
In Mauritius’ summer, the best thing to do is to enjoy the warm waters of the ocean!
It’s the ideal season to discover the full potential of the most beautiful Mauritian beaches, with their white sand and turquoise sea.
Indulge in swimming in the crystal-clear water at 28°C, and sunbathing on the fine sand in a paradisiacal setting! (But beware, the sun is strong so don’t expose yourself without sun protection).
To not miss any of the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius, I invite you to read my complete article on the subject: Top 11 Dream Beaches to See in Mauritius
Water Sports
During the austral summer, you can also try various water sports offered in Mauritius such as:
- parasailing, especially practiced in the East (notably on Île aux Cerfs)
- kitesurfing, the must-do sport in the Southwest of Mauritius
- seabobbing, for snorkeling in the lagoon like a dolphin!
- kayaking
- towed tubing
- stand-up paddleboarding
- water skiing
Not to forget canyoning! An awesome refreshing activity that combines rock climbing, rappelling, freshwater swimming, and discovering the country’s most beautiful natural wild spots.
You can already book your canyoning session:
- at Tamarin Falls, in the West – Click here to book
- at Eau Bleue, a gorgeous secret spot located in the Southeast – Book now by clicking here
- at Flic-en-Flac, the easiest route, ideal for beginners and families – Details and reservations right here
A perfect fit for your cravings for adventure and adrenaline!
Scuba Diving
Visiting Mauritius in the summer is also the ideal time to go scuba diving! The waters are warm, making them extremely comfortable for exploring the seabed populated with multicolored fish.
If you want to try scuba diving under the best conditions, this is the perfect season and country for your first scuba diving experience.
Several centers and clubs all around the island offer beginner scuba diving sessions for both children and adults.
You simply need to click on one of the links below to book your scuba diving introduction in Mauritius directly:
- Scuba Diving Experience in Tamarin (West) – Only 70€/person
- Scuba Diving in Bellemare (East), including a shipwreck exploration! – 90€/person
And if you’re already an experienced diver (level 1 or above), you’re in for a treat with the opportunity to explore the wonderful underwater flora and fauna of Mauritius during discovery dives:
- From Grand Baie, to discover the most beautiful underwater sites of the northern part of the island – Click here to book your session
- At Blue Bay in the southeast, which I consider the best diving spot in Mauritius – Details and booking here
I tell you more in my dedicated article on scuba diving in Mauritius, which you can read right here: Scuba Diving in Mauritius – Complete Guide
Boat Trips
Another activity idea if you decide to visit Mauritius between November and April: boat excursions!
It’s obviously one of the must-do activities on the island during the summer. If I had to recommend just one, it would be the full-day catamaran cruise that takes you to discover the 3 northern islets.
You can already book your spot by directly clicking the button below:
Among the best boat trips in Mauritius, I also recommend:
- The cruise to Île aux Cerfs departing from Trou d’Eau Douce (click here for details and booking)
- The boat trip to Île aux Bénitiers, with an onboard barbecue lunch (to book, click here)
- The speed boat outing in Blue Bay’s lagoon, with snorkeling breaks and stops on several islands! To book your spot without delay, click here.
Easily organize your summer vacation in Mauritius by selecting from my list of the best activities and boat trips, which I detail for you in these articles:
Visiting Mauritius in Summer: Pros and Cons
The main advantage of visiting Mauritius in November, December, January, February, or March is certainly the delightfully warm water temperatures.
Those who love the heat and wish to swim will appreciate this season where the waters are warm, making swimming and diving all the more comfortable.
During summer in Mauritius, another advantage is that everything is open: the water sports agencies and the sea cruises.
(Except during cyclone periods, of course, when everything is closed until the storm passes. As I mentioned, if you don’t want to risk being stuck indoors for several days, it’s better to avoid Mauritius between January and March.)
Among the main disadvantages of visiting Mauritius in summer, the hot and humid atmosphere can make nature walks challenging. Between the oppressive heat, mosquitoes, and rains that make the trails slippery, it’s not the best time if you want to go hiking in Mauritius.
You should also be aware that in summer, the accommodation prices are higher than the rest of the year and they get booked up quickly. If you plan to visit Mauritius during the southern summer, I recommend that you book your accommodations as far in advance as possible.
To save you some time, I’ve selected the best accommodations on the island, detailed in these articles:
- Where to Stay in Mauritius? – The best accommodations by region and for all budgets
- 4-Star Hotels in Mauritius – My selection of the finest
- 5-Star Hotels in Mauritius – My Top 12
- The Best Luxury Hotels in Mauritius – The 11 most prestigious properties on the island
- All-Inclusive Hotels in Mauritius – The best hotels for an all-inclusive stay
- The Best Guesthouses in Mauritius – My selection for each region
Visiting Mauritius in Winter: May to October
Climate and Water Temperature
In winter in Mauritius, the temperatures are milder and the weather is sunny. The thermometer reads between 22 and 26°C depending on the region, and the atmosphere is much drier than in the height of summer.
From May onwards, there is a noticeable decrease in rainfall. The months of September and October are the driest.
The months of July and August are the coolest of the year, with temperatures fluctuating between 22 and 24°C. In the evenings, it’s nice to have a light sweater or cardigan!
The sea temperature starts to cool down towards the end of April. From an average of 28°C, it drops to 26-27°C in May-June and down to 24°C from July to October. Which is still very pleasant for swimming!
Visiting Mauritius between May and October ensures you enjoy pleasant temperatures, little rainfall, and no excessive heat.
Best Activities to Do
Hiking and Nature Outings
Mauritius is well-known for its beaches but is also an unmissable nature destination. Its tropical forests, wild gorges, and waterfalls are just a few of the wonders to discover during your stay.
The southern winter is indeed the perfect season for hiking and nature walks.
Among the most beautiful hikes to do in Mauritius I recommend:
- The Ascent of Morne Brabant
- The 7 Waterfalls Tour (also known as the Tamarin Falls)
- The Climb to the Island’s Highest Peak: Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire
Mauritius also boasts a number of nature reserves worth exploring through guided tours or leisurely walks:
- Ebony Forest Reserve and its ebony wood forest, located in Chamarel
- Vallée de Ferney, a gorgeous green reserve near Mahébourg
- Bel Ombre Reserve, which you can explore on foot or by buggy
- Black River Gorges National Park, the country’s largest nature reserve
Boat Excursion to Meet Whales
From May to September, it’s the whale-watching season in Mauritius.
During these months, migratory humpback whales gather in the warm waters around the lagoon to breed and give birth before setting off again.
If your trip to Mauritius is scheduled during this period, take the chance to observe these impressive marine mammals on a dedicated boat excursion!
It’s important, of course, to choose a provider who is respectful of these animals, allowing you to observe them without causing disturbance.
The team at Dolswim does just that, offering this speedboat excursion to meet dolphins, whales, and sperm whales starting from Rivière Noire:
Visiting the Picturesque Villages
Another activity to enjoy during a winter stay in Mauritius is visiting towns and villages.
During this season, you will avoid the intense heat and have much more pleasant visits than in the high summer. For example, it is the perfect season to explore Port-Louis, the capital.
What’s great about this type of visit in Mauritius are the guided “food tours” that allow you to discover the picturesque spots of each town while tasting the best local specialties.
Click on one of the links below to book your culinary guided tour in Grand Baie, Port-Louis, or Mahébourg:
- Grand Bay Food Tour, the lively coastal city in the North
- Port Louis Guided Tour, the capital, with a tasting of Mauritian specialties
- Mahébourg Food Tour, the very first village built on the island
Below, I have provided the links to my articles dedicated to the main cities and villages of Mauritius, to make organizing your visits easier:
The Beaches
Of course, between May and October, you’ll also have the pleasure of enjoying the paradisiacal beaches of Mauritius.
It will even be more pleasant than in summer for those who do not like the intense heat. You also avoid the heavy rains and will have a dryer weather.
However, the water is cooler during this season, so those who are sensitive to cold (like me!) might enjoy swimming a little less.
Among the most beautiful beaches to see in Mauritius during your stay, do not miss:
- Cap Malheureux
- Trou aux Biches
- Mont Choisy
- Pointe d’Esny
- Blue Bay
- Morne
- and many others!
Winter in Mauritius: Pros and Cons
Visiting Mauritius between May and October offers the advantage of enjoying ideal weather.
The heat is quite bearable and you avoid the very rainy periods, allowing you to walk and hike in the best conditions.
During this season you also avoid the risk of cyclones.
Personally, I love Mauritius in June and October. Not only are the temperatures mild, but there’s also fewer tourists than the rest of the year. If you want to avoid the crowds, these are the two months to choose for your stay.
Mauritius in July and August is also very pleasant in terms of weather (these are sunny and dry months). But, as you may guess, the beaches and tourist spots are quite crowded.
Another advantage of visiting Mauritius in winter is the savings made on accommodation budget, since lodging prices are lower than in the high summer season.
As for the disadvantages of winter in Mauritius, the main one is that, if you want to swim, you might find the sea a bit cool.
When to Go to Mauritius for Swimming?
In my opinion, November and December are the best months for swimming in Mauritius.
The lagoon waters are deliciously warm and there’s no cyclonic weather yet that could make the sea rough.
Between May and October, you can also enjoy swimming but in slightly cooler waters.
If you want to swim and do some watersports during your stay in Mauritius, avoid the period between January and March.
And if you want to go scuba diving in Mauritius, the recommended time is from September to April.
When to Go to Mauritius for Hiking?
Hiking enthusiasts should travel to Mauritius between the months of May and October to benefit from the ideal climate: mild temperatures and dry weather.
Hiking is a must-do activity in Mauritius to discover its tropical forest, waterfalls, and mountain areas rich in biodiversity.
If you want to enjoy less crowded trails, I recommend avoiding the peak tourist season and favoring the months of May-June or October.
Among the best hiking spots in Mauritius, I recommend:
- Black River Gorges National Park
- Morne Brabant
- Tamarin Falls (the 7 Cascades route)
- Mount Pouce
- Ebony Forest Reserve
- not to forget Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, the highest peak of the island!
When to Visit Mauritius on a Budget?
Wondering what’s the cheapest time to go to Mauritius?
In Mauritius, accommodation prices are lower during the off-peak season, which is between May and October.
If you’re looking to save money during your trip to Mauritius, I recommend traveling in April-May-June or September-October.
It’s best to avoid the July-August period and the Christmas – New Year period, when the prices of hotels, flights, and activities tend to rise.
What Is the Best Month to Travel to Mauritius?
Considering:
- the climate
- the prices of accommodations/activities/flights
- tourist traffic,
the best time to go to Mauritius is during the months of June and October.
More broadly, you can also aim for the period from late April to early November.
Plan Your Trip to Mauritius Easily
Discover all my articles about Mauritius: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mauritius are listed there.
- Best Time to go to Mauritius? – Seasons, weather, activities, prices
The best itineraries for your trip
- Itinerary: 5 days in Mauritius – An amazing itinerary for a short stay in Mauritius
- Itinerary: One week in Mauritius – The perfect itinerary to visit the island in 7 days
- Itinerary: 10 days in Mauritius – The perfect itinerary to visit Mauritius in 10 days
- Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mauritius – The ultimate guide to Mauritius in 15 days
- Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mauritius – Plan your 20-21 day stay in Mauritius easily!
- Road-trip in Mauritius – The 6 best itineraries for your trip!
Places to Visit
- Bellemare: Top 11 places and activities
- Underwater waterfall in Mauritius – How to get there + Tips
- Chamarel: 11 Epic Things to Do
- Flic-en-Flac: Top 10 places to visit and things to do
- Grand Baie: The Ultimate Guide
- Grand Bassin: All the Best Things to Do
- Île aux Bénitiers: How to get there + Tips
- Île aux Cerfs: The Definitive Guide to Plan Your Visit
- Mahébourg: Best Places to Visit + Tips
- Morne Brabant: How to Visit Morne Brabat?
- Black River Gorges National Park: What to See and Do?
- Port-Louis: The ultimate guide
Activities
- The Best Activities in Mauritius – Water sports, cruises, day trips, guided tours…
- The Best Boat Trips in Mauritius – Top 5 + Rates and booking
- Scuba diving in Mauritius: The Definitve Guide
- Swimming with dolphins in Mauritius: Best excursions, Prices + My best Tips
- Seaplane tour in Mauritius: My experience + Prices and Tips
Organize your stay
- Where to Stay in Mauritius: The Definitive Guide – All types of accommodation for all budgets
- 4-Star Hotels in Mauritius: My selection of the best!
- 5-Star Hotels in Mauritius: The Definitive Guide
- All Inclusive Hotels in Mauritius: My top 15 of the best hotels
- The 11 Most Beautiful Hotels in Mauritius – Guide + Tips
- Guesthouses and B&B in Mauritius: My Selection for a perfect stay
- The 11 best nature lodges in Mauritius: The Ultimate Guide
- Renting a Car in Mauritius: Guide + My Best Tips
Travel Insurance for Mauritius: My Advice
Many travelers mistakenly think that healthcare in Mauritius is affordable and that they don’t need travel insurance. However, in reality, the public healthcare system is fragile and even the slightest consultation in a private clinic can be very expensive!
That’s why it is essential to take out travel insurance with good medical coverage before you go.
To ensure your safety while traveling, I recommend the following 2 insurance options (both include epidemic coverage – like Covid-19 – which is very important!)
Signing up is very simple; just click on the links below:
- ACS AMI Globe Partner: Medical insurance and repatriation
- Assur Travel Summum: Premium insurance (medical, repatriation, baggage theft, flight delay, cancellation, and more!)
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