Best Time to Visit Mauritius: Complete Month-by-Month Guide for 2025

Planning a trip to Mauritius but confused about when to visit? You’re not alone. With year-round sunshine, warm temperatures, and two distinct seasons, choosing the perfect time for your Mauritius vacation can be tricky. This comprehensive guide breaks down each month, helping you decide based on weather, activities, prices, and crowd levels.

Understanding Mauritius Weather Patterns

Mauritius enjoys a tropical climate with two main seasons:

Summer (November to April): Hot and humid with occasional rainfall and cyclone risk
Winter (May to October): Cooler, drier, and windier

But here’s what most travel guides won’t tell you – the "best" time depends entirely on what you want to do. Let’s dive deep into each month to help you make the perfect choice.

January – New Year, New Adventures

Weather: Hot and humid (25-33°C), frequent afternoon showers
Rainfall: High (200-250mm)
Crowds: Medium (post-New Year)
Prices: High (until mid-January)

January is peak summer in Mauritius. The island is lush and green, fruits are abundant, and the sea temperature is perfect for swimming (28°C). However, this is also cyclone season, though direct hits are rare.

Best For:

• Tropical fruit lovers (lychees and mangoes in season)
• Warm water swimming and snorkeling
• Experiencing local summer festivals

Avoid If:

• You prefer cooler weather
• You’re planning extensive hiking
• You’re on a tight budget

Insider Tip: Book accommodations in the west or north coast, which receive less rainfall than the east.

February – Romance in Paradise

Weather: Hottest month (26-34°C), very humid
Rainfall: High (200-250mm)
Crowds: Low-Medium
Prices: Medium

February is the hottest month, making it perfect for beach lovers but challenging for active pursuits. The humidity can be intense, but the trade-off is having beaches almost to yourself.

Best For:

• Beach relaxation
• Underwater activities (best visibility)
• Romantic getaways (post-Valentine deals)
• Chinese New Year celebrations

Avoid If:

• You plan extensive sightseeing
• You’re sensitive to heat and humidity
• You want to hike

Insider Tip: Hotels often offer Valentine’s specials that extend throughout the month.

March – The Sweet Spot

Weather: Still warm (25-32°C), humidity decreasing
Rainfall: Moderate (150-180mm)
Crowds: Low-Medium
Prices: Medium

March is a transitional month offering the best of both seasons. The extreme heat starts to subside, but the ocean remains warm. Cyclone risk decreases significantly after March 15th.

Best For:

• Diving and snorkeling (calm, clear waters)
• Photography (lush landscapes)
• Water sports
• Holi festival celebrations

Avoid If:

• You want guaranteed dry weather
• You’re looking for the lowest prices

Special Event: Holi festival brings colorful celebrations across the island.

April – Easter Escapes

Weather: Pleasant (23-30°C), humidity dropping
Rainfall: Moderate (100-150mm)
Crowds: Medium-High (Easter holidays)
Prices: High (during Easter)

April marks the beginning of autumn, offering some of the most comfortable weather conditions. The island is still green from summer rains, but humidity levels are more bearable.

Best For:

• All-around activities
• Family holidays
• Hiking and nature trails
• Cultural exploration

Avoid If:

• You’re looking for budget options during Easter
• You prefer very hot weather

Insider Tip: Avoid Easter week for better prices and fewer crowds.

May – Perfection Arrives

Weather: Ideal (20-28°C), low humidity
Rainfall: Low (60-90mm)
Crowds: Medium
Prices: Medium

May is arguably the best month to visit Mauritius. The weather is near-perfect – warm but not hot, dry but not arid. This is when locals say their island is at its most beautiful.

Best For:

• Everything! Seriously.
• Hiking Le Morne and Piton de la Petite
• Road trips around the island
• Wedding photography
• Golf tournaments

Avoid If:

• You want the hottest beach weather
• You’re looking for off-season prices

Special Consideration: Book early as May is increasingly popular with in-the-know travelers.

June – Winter Begins

Weather: Mild (18-26°C), dry
Rainfall: Low (50-70mm)
Crowds: Medium
Prices: Medium

June marks the start of winter, but don’t let that fool you – it’s still warmer than European summer! The southeast trade winds pick up, making the east coast choppy but the west coast perfect.

Best For:

• Surfing (waves pick up)
• Kitesurfing and windsurfing
• Hiking and outdoor activities
• Exploring the west coast

Avoid If:

• You want very warm sea temperatures
• You plan to focus on east coast beaches

Pro Tip: Pack a light jacket for evenings, especially in the central plateau.

July – Peak Winter

Weather: Coolest month (17-25°C), windy
Rainfall: Low (50-60mm)
Crowds: High (European summer holidays)
Prices: High

July is the coolest and windiest month, but also one of the busiest due to European summer holidays. The east coast can be rough, but the west and north remain protected.

Best For:

• Surfing (best waves of the year)
• Kitesurfing at Le Morne
• Dolphin watching (calmer morning seas)
• Cultural festivals

Avoid If:

• You want hot beach weather
• You’re on a budget
• You prefer empty beaches

Festival Alert: Cavadee festival often falls in July/August.

August – Whale Watching Season

Weather: Cool and dry (17-25°C), windy
Rainfall: Low (60mm)
Crowds: High
Prices: High

August continues the winter pattern but adds whale watching to the mix. Humpback whales migrate past Mauritius, making this special for wildlife enthusiasts.

Best For:

• Whale watching tours
• Surfing and wind sports
• Mountain hiking
• Shopping (winter sales)

Avoid If:

• You want hot weather
• You’re seeking budget options
• Swimming is your main priority

Unique Opportunity: Book whale watching tours in advance as they sell out quickly.

September – Spring Awakens

Weather: Warming up (18-26°C), less wind
Rainfall: Minimal (40mm)
Crowds: Medium
Prices: Medium-Low

September is a transitional month when the island starts warming up but crowds thin out. It’s an excellent time for budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind slightly cool weather.

Best For:

• Budget travel
• Hiking (perfect temperatures)
• Exploring without crowds
• Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations

Avoid If:

• You want guaranteed hot weather
• You prefer summer activities

Budget Tip: Many hotels offer shoulder season rates starting in September.

October – Hidden Gem Month

Weather: Warm (20-28°C), calm
Rainfall: Low (45mm)
Crowds: Low
Prices: Low

October is seriously underrated. The weather warms up, winds calm down, and prices remain low before the high season. Smart travelers know this is one of the best times to visit.

Best For:

• Everything except surfing
• Incredible hotel deals
• Divali celebrations
• Beach activities return

Avoid If:

• You’re a surfing enthusiast
• You enjoy busy atmosphere

Festival Highlight: Divali (Festival of Lights) creates magical atmospheres island-wide.

November – Summer Returns

Weather: Warming (22-30°C), humidity increasing
Rainfall: Moderate (60-80mm)
Crowds: Medium
Prices: Medium

November marks the return of summer with warmer temperatures and occasional rain showers. The island becomes green again, and summer activities resume.

Best For:

• Beach holidays
• Diving (visibility improves)
• Fishing tournaments
• Pre-December travel

Avoid If:

• You prefer cool, dry weather
• You’re prone to heat exhaustion

Planning Tip: Early November offers better weather than late November.

December – Festive Paradise

Weather: Hot (24-32°C), humid
Rainfall: Moderate (100-130mm)
Crowds: Very High (Christmas/New Year)
Prices: Highest

December brings festive cheer and peak season prices. The island is at its most vibrant, with celebrations everywhere, but also at its most expensive and crowded.

Best For:

• Festive celebrations
• Family gatherings
• Beach parties
• New Year’s Eve fireworks

Avoid If:

• You’re on a budget
• You prefer quiet beaches
• You dislike crowds

Booking Essential: Reserve everything months in advance for December.

Activity-Based Recommendations

Best Time for Beach & Swimming:

October to April – Warmest water temperatures and calmest seas (especially on the west coast)

Best Time for Surfing:

June to August – Biggest waves at Tamarin Bay and Le Morne

Best Time for Diving & Snorkeling:

December to March – Warmest, clearest water with best visibility

Best Time for Hiking:

May to September – Cooler temperatures make mountain trails enjoyable

Best Time for Kitesurfing:

June to September – Consistent trade winds at Le Morne

Best Time for Whale Watching:

July to October – Humpback whale migration season

Best Time for Deep-Sea Fishing:

November to April – Blue marlin season

Best Time for Cultural Festivals:

Year-round – Major festivals in every season

Regional Variations

North Coast (Grand Baie, Pereybere):

• Driest region year-round
• Best visited: Any time, but especially May-December
• Protected from winter winds

East Coast (Belle Mare, Île aux Cerfs):

• Windiest in winter
• Best visited: October-May
• Most affected by winter trade winds

South Coast (Souillac, Bel Ombre):

• Wildest and most dramatic
• Best visited: October-April
• Can be rough in winter

West Coast (Flic en Flac, Le Morne):

• Most protected from wind
• Best visited: Year-round
• Ideal for winter visits

Budget Considerations by Month

Cheapest Months:

• September: Shoulder season with good weather
• October: Low season with improving conditions
• Early November: Before high season kicks in
• Late January: After New Year rush

Most Expensive Months:

• December: Christmas and New Year
• July-August: European summer holidays
• Easter Week: Variable dates

Best Value Months:

• May: Perfect weather, moderate prices
• March: Good weather, fewer crowds
• November: Warm weather returning, pre-peak prices

Special Considerations

Cyclone Season (January-March):

• Direct hits are rare (once every 15 years average)
• Hotels are well-prepared
• Travel insurance recommended
• Monitor weather forecasts

Honeymoon Planning:

• Best Overall: May and October
• Most Romantic: February (despite heat)
• Best Value: September

Family Holidays:

• With Young Kids: April-May, October-November
• With Teenagers: December-January (activities and atmosphere)
• Multi-generational: May and October (comfortable for all ages)

Packing Essentials by Season

Summer (November-April):

• Light, breathable clothing
• Strong sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Rain jacket or umbrella
• Mosquito repellent

Winter (May-October):

• Light jacket for evenings
• Long pants for hiking
• Windbreaker for boat trips
• Layers for temperature changes

Year-Round Essentials:

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Snorkeling gear (or rent locally)
• Water shoes for rocky beaches
• Dry bag for boat trips
• Mosquito repellent

Final Recommendations

For First-Time Visitors:

Visit in May or October for the best overall experience with good weather and reasonable prices.

For Beach Lovers:

December to March offers the warmest water and best beach conditions.

For Adventure Seekers:

May to September provides ideal conditions for hiking and land-based activities.

For Budget Travelers:

September to early November offers the best value without sacrificing too much on weather.

For Luxury Seekers:

May combines perfect weather with high-end service without peak-season crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there a rainy season in Mauritius?
A: Yes, January to March sees the most rainfall, but it usually comes in short, heavy bursts rather than all-day rain.

Q: Can I swim year-round in Mauritius?
A: Yes, though the water is coolest (22°C) in August and warmest (28°C) in February.

Q: When are mosquitoes worst?
A: During the humid summer months (December-March). Always use repellent at dawn and dusk.

Q: Should I avoid cyclone season entirely?
A: Not necessarily. Cyclones are rare, and you’ll get better deals. Just ensure you have good travel insurance.

Q: When do hotels offer the best deals?
A: September to November (excluding Divali week) and late January to early February.

Book Your Perfect Mauritius Holiday

Now that you know the best time to visit Mauritius for your interests, let Exotic Vacances help you plan the perfect trip. We offer customized packages for every season, ensuring you experience the best of Mauritius whenever you choose to visit.

Contact Exotic Vacances:

• Phone: +230-52565076
• Email: info@exoticvacances.com
• WhatsApp: +230-52565076

Remember: The best time to visit Mauritius is whenever you can make it here – each season offers its own unique magic!