How to Plan Your Holiday around Mauritius Weather

With a tropical climate and year-round heat, Mauritius weather is typical of a tropical island paradise. Situated in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is a volcanic island surrounded by clear blue seas and endless beaches, with lush vegetated areas within the mainland. Birdlife is abundant, and leisure pursuits abound, making the most of the warm waters and seemingly endless days of balmy tropical weather. This is what makes Mauritius one of the top travel destinations in the world, bringing many visitors from all over the world to its shores to enjoy laid back culture, beautiful scenery and warm weather. The island is ideal to visit any time of year; however there are two distinct seasons to consider – each offering its own advantages.

When is the Best Time to Travel to Mauritius?

For those asking when is the best time to travel to Mauritius, any time of the year is excellent for travel to the island. With that said, as the tropical climate brings much heat, rainfall and cyclone risk to the island during the summer months from December to April, the cooler months from May to November are often more pleasant for travel. Some other considerations to keep in mind when planning your holiday around the Mauritius weather include the following:

• The peak tropical cyclone months run between January and February. While cyclones do not always hit the island, water sports and diving during these months is dangerous as the sea conditions are a lot stormier. If you are planning to scuba dive or partake in other water sports, then these months are not the best time to visit Mauritius.
• Summer temperatures reach about 31 degrees Celsius on the coast, while winter temperatures reach around 25 degrees Celsius on the coast. Sunblock is essential throughout the year, even during the rainy season that is typical during the hot summer months. Some days may be spent indoors during the hot summer rains, so be prepared for some non-beach days during your holiday if travelling during the summer months
• Winter is ideal for a number of outdoor activities such as hiking, walking, sight-seeing and visiting busier areas such as the city of Port Louis. This is also a more affordable time to visit, as there are less beach activities on offer and the island is less busy than the summer months, while still bringing mild Mauritius weather.
• Deep sea fishing is excellent all year round, with marlin found during the summer months and other fish such as tuna found during both seasons. The months from November to December and throughout March are ideal for scuba diving, as the water is at its clearest during these months.

What to Pack for Different Seasons in Mauritius

With hot, tropical weather that brings summer rainfall along with stormy seas, and cooler, dry winters that still bring plenty of hot days and nights, packing for the different seasons in Mauritius can be a challenge. The best things to take along include swimming costumes, shorts, t-shirts, long pants and a few warm jackets and tops, along with comfortable walking shoes for hikes and walks, flip flops for beaches and leisure pursuits, plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses and sunhat as well as a rain jacket. This will ensure that you are prepared for all Mauritius weather conditions, allowing you to enjoy your holiday whichever season you are visiting the island.