Which season is best for you depends on your planned activities. Winter is particularly suitable if you want to see whales or go on long hikes. Activities such as sightseeing, beach holidays, and kitesurfing are also highly recommended in winter.

In summer, you can expect warmer temperatures, but also high humidity. The summer months see the most rainfall, and cyclones can hit the island between November and April. We were on the island at exactly this time (November to March) and experienced neither cyclones nor much rain.

Climate table for Mauritius

Weather in Mauritius

Mauritius is located in the Indian Ocean in the southern hemisphere. The seasons on the island are opposite to ours. Especially since it must be said that there is, of course, no European winter on the island. Instead, a distinction is made between the dry winter and the wetter summer. Generally, you can visit the island all year round, although some months are simply better than others.

The climate in the mountains differs from the coastal region. It can be said that it is 5°C colder in the mountainous region than on the beaches and coastal areas. Humidity is also 90 to 100% at higher altitudes, which is why it rains much more frequently there. On the coast, humidity is “only” around 70%.

The good thing about the mountains is that they influence the weather on the coasts. They protect the west coast from rain, while the east coast sees a little more rain. A beach holiday on the west coast is often windier and warmer. The water and currents are also often calmer in the west.

Rainy Season in Mauritius

The rainy season in Mauritius mainly falls in the summer months from November to April. This period is characterized by warm temperatures and higher humidity. But what does “rainy season” actually mean?

1. More Frequent Showers: During this time, there are more frequent tropical rain showers, which are usually short but heavy. Typically, they don’t last long and often allow the sun to shine through quickly. However, there can be more intense rainfall, especially in the months January to March.
2. Cyclone Season: The months of November to April fall within the cyclone season. While it is rare for a cyclone to make direct landfall in Mauritius, weather conditions can be changeable, and strong winds and heavy rain can lash the island.
3. Lush Nature: The rainy season ensures that nature in Mauritius is at its peak. The landscape is lush and green, a real highlight for nature lovers and photographers.
4. Warm Water Temperatures: The sea is particularly warm during this time, providing ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling. Visibility underwater is often very good for divers, too, although temporary restrictions may occur during peak season.
5. Pleasant Mornings: Temperatures are often somewhat cooler in the morning, making it pleasant for excursions or hikes. Humidity can rise slightly in the afternoon, but there is usually a light breeze near the coast, providing some cooling.

Dry Season in Mauritius

The dry season in Mauritius lasts from May to October and brings pleasantly warm, but less humid conditions. But what does “dry season” actually mean?

1. Low humidity and little rain: During the dry season, the weather is much more stable and drier than in the summer months. The humidity is pleasantly low, and rain showers are rare.
2. Cooler Temperatures: Temperatures are somewhat cooler and usually range between 18 and 25°C. The evenings, in particular, can be a bit cooler, especially at higher altitudes and in the south of the island. The north and west coasts generally remain warmer and drier.
3. Best Conditions for Activities: The dry season is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, sightseeing, and sports. Hikes in the Black River Gorges National Park or on Le Morne Brabant are particularly recommended.
4. Ideal Time for Water Sports: For surfers and kitesurfers, the dry season, especially from June to September, offers perfect wind conditions. The constant southeast trade winds create ideal conditions on beaches like Le Morne, considered one of the best kitesurfing spots in the world.
5. Whale Watching: During the dry season, especially from July to October, humpback whales can be observed off the coast of Mauritius. Special tours are offered where you can see these impressive marine mammals in the wild.
6. Pleasant Sightseeing Weather: The milder temperatures and dry conditions make this time of year ideal for exploring the island. Sights such as the capital, Port Louis, the tea fields, and the Chamarel region with its famous colorful soils can be visited without the oppressive heat.

The Best Time to Travel to Mauritius

A look at the climate tables reveals a few conclusions regarding the best months to travel to Mauritius. In May, you can expect temperatures of up to 28°C, an average water temperature of 26°C, 8 hours of sunshine per day, and a maximum of 5 rainy days. June is similar, with temperatures only cooling down to 26°C in July and August. The water temperature drops by a maximum of 2°C.

In September and October, it rains on average only two days per month. The thermometer climbs back up to 27 to 29°C, the water temperature to 25°C, and you can expect a brisk 8 to 9 hours of sunshine per day. These months are therefore the best months for a trip to Mauritius, purely in terms of temperature.

If you want to catch the best time to travel to Mauritius, you should choose the dry months between April/May and October/November. Temperatures aren’t quite as hot, and it also rains significantly less than in other months. The east coast is usually a bit windier and cooler, making it ideal for kitesurfing.

Best Time to Visit for a Beach Holiday

If you want to fully enjoy Mauritius’s beautiful beaches, consider the months from May to December. During this time, the weather is pleasantly warm, humidity is low, and rain is less frequent. The sea is calm, offering ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing days on the beach.

• May to October: Dry and pleasantly warm months, ideal for seaside activities and exploring the coast. It’s also less humid during this time, making excursions much more pleasant.
• November and December: Temperatures rise, but it’s still a great time for beach days. The water is particularly clear. Popular travel time with Europeans (especially Christmas and New Year).

Best time for diving & snorkeling

Mauritius is known for its fascinating coral reefs and colorful marine life. The months November to April are considered the best time for diving and snorkeling. During this period, the water is at its warmest and underwater visibility is excellent. Turtles, tropical fish, and occasionally dolphins can also often be seen at this time of year.

If you definitely want to go snorkeling and diving, you should visit the north and west coasts. The water is calmer and warmer. On the east coast, the waves can be quite high, and dangerous currents can develop. Generally, however, you can do these activities year-round.

• December to February: These months are particularly attractive for experienced divers, as many fish and other marine life are more active then. However, it is also cyclone season, so keep an eye on the weather forecast.

Best Time for Surfing & Kitesurfing

Mauritius is a popular place for windsurfing. You’ll find many kitesurfers, especially in the south of the island. The spot around Le Morne is very popular. The ideal months for this are between June and October. The waves are higher during this time, and the pleasant temperatures make surfing and kitesurfing even more enjoyable. We ourselves have always seen kitesurfers there between November and March.

• Windy months: July and August in particular often offer constant winds, which kitesurfers and windsurfers appreciate.

Best time for hiking & nature

Mauritius not only has dreamy beaches, but also beautiful nature and exciting hiking trails. Nature is best explored during the dry months of May to October. The lower humidity and mild temperatures ensure that hiking tours are less strenuous, allowing you to fully enjoy the impressive landscape.

• Hiking in the Black River Gorges National Park: The drier months offer the perfect opportunity to explore this magnificent national park, where you’ll encounter a variety of native plants and animals and marvel at impressive waterfalls.

Best time to travel for whale watching

If you’d like to watch whales, you can book a special tour for that. The best time to experience these giants live is between July and November. At this time, whales give birth to their calves in the calm, warm waters. During these months, you have a particularly good chance of seeing these impressive marine mammals in the wild.

Cyclone Season on the Island

The cyclone season in Mauritius officially runs between November and April (peak season: January – March). During this time, tropical storms can hit the island, occasionally causing heavy rain and wind. While Mauritius is not directly hit by a cyclone every year, weather conditions can be changeable.

Many hotels are prepared for such weather conditions, and travel is possible even during this time – although there may occasionally be restrictions on outdoor activities. If you plan to visit the island during cyclone season, we recommend considering flexible travel planning and travel insurance to cover weather-related changes.

Mauritius’s Major Holidays

Mauritius is a melting pot of cultures and is shaped by the island’s various religions. Mauritius’s many holidays showcase Mauritius’s cultural diversity and offer insights into the traditions and rituals of the island’s various communities. The major holidays in Mauritius are:

Thaipusam (between January and February): A Tamil holiday during which Hindu devotees make a pilgrimage to the temple in a colorful procession. Many participants wear a flower-decorated cavadee (a bow), and some practice ritual body piercings as a sign of devotion.

Chinese New Year: This festival is usually celebrated in January or February, depending on the Chinese lunar calendar. It is one of the most important festivals for the Chinese community in Mauritius.

Maha Shivaratri (February or March): An important Hindu holiday dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pilgrims walk in a multi-day procession to Grand Bassin, a sacred lake, where they offer prayers and sacrifices. The holiday is marked by festive ceremonies and prayers.

Independence Day (March 12): The most important national holiday in Mauritius. It celebrates independence from Great Britain, achieved in 1968. There are parades, fireworks displays, and cultural events that highlight Mauritian culture.

Eid al-Fitr (variable, depending on the lunar calendar): The end of the holy month of Ramadan is celebrated by the Muslim community in Mauritius. It is a day of gratitude, where people celebrate breaking the fast with family and friends.

Ganesh Chaturthi (August or September): A Hindu festival honoring the god Ganesha, who represents good luck and prosperity. Devotees prepare Ganesha statues, which are immersed in rivers and the sea after several days of prayer and celebration.

Divali (October or November): The Festival of Lights is one of the most famous Hindu holidays and is also celebrated in Mauritius. Houses and streets are decorated with lights, and there are plenty of traditional sweets and fireworks. Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness.

Christmas (December 25): Christmas is not only celebrated by Christians in Mauritius – many other communities also participate in the festive activities.

New Year’s Eve and New Year (January 1 – January 3): Since Mauritius is a multicultural society, New Year’s Eve and New Year are celebrated in their own way by different communities. These days are public holidays.

Our conclusion on the best time to travel to Mauritius

As you have now read, you can generally travel to Mauritius all year round. There is basically no ideal and best time to travel to Mauritius. Some months are simply better than others. If you don’t want to melt in the summer heat, we recommend the months between April and October. The temperatures are significantly more pleasant than in the hot summer months between November and March.

You should definitely remember: Summers in Mauritius are hot and humid, while winters are drier and cooler. A beach holiday is possible year-round. If you want to come to the island in December or January, you should book your accommodation well in advance. During these months (especially around Christmas and New Year), the island attracts a particularly large number of tourists.

Our tip: The weather is usually not the same across the island. If it rains and there’s no sun in sight, simply drive your rental car to another region. When it rained here in the west, we simply drove a little further north or south. The sun really always shone there.