When is the best time to visit Mauritius? Weather month by month
The short answer: the best time to visit Mauritius is from May to November. From May to October it is the southern winter: the air is drier, coastal temperatures range from 22 to 27 °C and the cyclone risk is close to zero. November opens the summer gently, before the heavy rains. The most pleasant months are May, September, October and November. From December to April it is the height of summer: hotter and more humid, with tropical showers and a cyclone risk mainly from January to March. But the sea stays above 22 °C all year round: there is no truly bad season for a trip to Mauritius, only months that suit what you want to do more or less well.
The two seasons in Mauritius
Mauritius is in the southern hemisphere, so its seasons are the reverse of Europe's and North America's.
Southern summer (November to April)
Southern summer is hot and humid. Days often exceed 30 °C on the coast, the sea reaches about 28 °C and rain is more frequent, usually as short thunderstorms late in the day. It is also cyclone season, with the risk concentrated from January to March.
Southern winter (May to October)
Southern winter is drier and cooler. Days are around 24 to 27 °C, nights drop to 16 to 18 °C and the sea is between 23 and 26 °C. The south-east trade winds blow harder, especially on the east coast and in the south.
The weather also varies by coast
The north and west (Grand Baie, Trou-aux-Biches, Flic-en-Flac) are the warmest, driest and most sheltered from the wind.
The east (Belle Mare, Trou d'Eau Douce, the Anahita estate) is breezier: a pleasant breeze when it is hot, and a sometimes choppier lagoon in midwinter.
The south is wilder, windier and slightly wetter.
The central plateau (Curepipe, Black River Gorges) is 3 to 5 °C cooler than the coast and much rainier.
Mauritius weather month by month: the table
Indicative coastal averages (Port Louis readings, west coast). On the east coast, allow about 1 °C less, a little more wind and a little more rain.
Month | High | Low | Sea | Rain | Our view |
January | 30 °C | 22 °C | 28 °C | High | Hot, humid, cyclone risk |
February | 30 °C | 22 °C | 28 °C | Highest | Wettest month |
March | 30 °C | 22 °C | 28 °C | High | Hot, less rain late in the month |
April | 29 °C | 21 °C | 27 °C | Moderate | Good shoulder month |
May | 27 °C | 19 °C | 26 °C | Low | Excellent |
June | 25 °C | 17 °C | 25 °C | Low | Very good, windier |
July | 25 °C | 17 °C | 24 °C | Low | Coolest month, in high demand |
August | 25 °C | 16 °C | 23 °C | Low | Cool and dry, in high demand |
September | 26 °C | 17 °C | 23 °C | Very low | Excellent |
October | 27 °C | 18 °C | 24 °C | Lowest | Excellent, the driest |
November | 29 °C | 20 °C | 25 °C | Low | Excellent, summer begins |
December | 29 °C | 21 °C | 27 °C | High | Hot, festive season in high demand |
May to November: the best season
May
The start of the southern winter is one of the loveliest times of year. The humid summer heat eases, skies are clear, the sea is still 26 °C and rain becomes rare. Beaches are quieter than in July and August. An excellent month to combine beach, golf and excursions.
June
Days are mild (around 25 °C) and sunny. The trade winds strengthen: the east coast and the south become windy, which kitesurfers love, while the west stays sheltered. Evenings are cool, so bring a jumper. It is also a very good time for hiking (Le Morne, Black River Gorges).
July
The coolest month of the year, with 24 to 25 °C by day and 16 to 17 °C at night. The sea drops to around 24 °C, still fine for swimming. It is European school holiday time, so one of the busiest periods. From about July to October, humpback whales pass off the west coast.
August
The same weather as July: dry, sunny, cool in the evening, with a steady wind on the east coast. Demand stays very high until the end of the month: this is when you need to book earliest.
September
One of the best months. It is dry, temperatures rise again (26 °C), there are fewer visitors once schools go back and the light is superb. The sea is still cool (23 °C) but pleasant on a sunny day. Ideal for golf, hiking and whale watching.
October
The driest month of the year. Days reach 27 °C, the wind eases and the sea warms up. One of the most pleasant times for a beach holiday, with the French autumn half-term at the end of the month. Depending on the year, Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated in October or November.
November
Southern summer begins gently: 29 °C, sea at 25 °C, still little rain in the first half of the month. The perfect balance between heat and dry weather, before the festive rush. Cyclone season officially starts, but the risk remains very low at this time.
December to April: the southern summer
December
Hot (29 °C), with the sea at 27 °C and more frequent showers in the second half of the month. Christmas and New Year are the busiest time of the year: villas are booked 6 to 9 months ahead.
January
The height of summer: 30 °C, sea at 28 °C, high humidity and thunderstorms, often short. The cyclone risk is real from January to March. After the first week, demand drops sharply. For those who love heat and very warm water.
February
The wettest month and the one with the highest cyclone risk. There are also beautiful days, but it is best to stay flexible and take out cancellation insurance. Chinese New Year (late January or February) and Maha Shivaratri (February or March, depending on the year) are two major festivals of this period.
March
Still hot and humid, with a lingering cyclone risk. Rain eases towards the end of the month. The sea is at its warmest, around 28 °C.
April
A good shoulder month: rain decreases, the heat becomes more bearable (29 °C) and the sea stays warm (27 °C). The Easter holidays make it a fairly busy period.
Cyclones in Mauritius: what you need to know
The official cyclone season runs from November to mid-May, with the risk concentrated from January to March. Cyclones that hit the island directly are rare: most pass offshore and bring a few days of wind and heavy rain. The Mauritius Meteorological Services issue warnings by alert level, and hotels and villas have their own procedures. If you travel between January and March, keep your plans flexible and take out travel insurance.
When to go, depending on your plans
Beach and swimming: October, November, April and May, for warmth without the heavy humidity.
Golf: May to November, when it is dry and less hot. The Anahita estate is right next to Anahita Golf and 10 minutes by boat from Île aux Cerfs Golf. See also our 7-day golf holiday at Anahita.
Kitesurfing: June to September, when the trade winds are most consistent. See our best kitesurfing spots in Mauritius.
Diving and snorkelling: October to December and April-May, for warm water and good visibility. See the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius.
Whales: July to October, off the west coast.
Families: Easter, autumn half-term and the Christmas holidays for the heat; July-August for mild, dry weather.
To avoid the crowds: May, June, September and early November.
When to book your villa in Mauritius
Villas go faster than hotel rooms, because each one is unique. For Christmas, New Year and European school holidays (Easter, July-August, autumn half-term), book 6 to 9 months ahead. The rest of the year, 2 to 4 months is usually enough. Prices vary with the season: book early to have your pick of dates and villas.
On the Anahita estate at Beau Champ, on the east coast, two villas are rented directly from the owner, with no commission for the renter:
Villa Anahita Plénitude: 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6, 200 m², private pool, view of the 9th hole of Anahita Golf. From €500 to €1,400 per night depending on the season.
Villa Anahita Timautine: 8 bedrooms, sleeps 20, 630 m², private pool, cook and butler. From €1,200 to €2,200 per night depending on the season, available from January 2028.
The estate gives access to the beaches, restaurants and spa of The Bay Club at Anahita, and to Île aux Cerfs by boat. See all our villas: Anahita villa rental, villas on the east coast and villas in Grand Baie. To check availability: contact@villas-luxe-maurice.com.
FAQ – When to go to Mauritius
What is the best month to visit Mauritius?
May, September, October and November are the best months: the weather is fine and dry, 25 to 29 °C on the coast, the sea is pleasant and the cyclone risk is close to zero. October is the driest month of the year.
When should you avoid going to Mauritius?
February is the wettest month and the most exposed to cyclones. From January to March it is very hot and humid, with a cyclone risk. No month is really to be avoided, but you should then stay flexible.
When is cyclone season in Mauritius?
The official cyclone season runs from November to mid-May, with the risk concentrated from January to March. Cyclones that hit the island directly are rare; most pass offshore.
Can you swim in Mauritius in July and August?
Yes. The sea stays between 23 and 24 °C in the southern winter, and the air reaches 24 to 25 °C during the day. Evenings are cool and the east coast is windier; the west and north are more sheltered.
What is the weather like on the east coast and at Anahita?
The east coast is cooled by the trade winds: pleasant in summer, when it is hot, and windier in winter. It is a little cooler and slightly wetter than the west. May to November is the ideal season to enjoy Anahita Golf and Île aux Cerfs.
How far ahead should you book a villa in Mauritius?
6 to 9 months ahead for Christmas, New Year and European school holidays; 2 to 4 months the rest of the year.
What is the sea temperature in Mauritius?
From 23 °C in August-September to 28 °C from January to March. You can swim all year round.