Mauritius
Mauritius · Africa
The best time to visit Mauritius is September, October, November, and December. In summer, daytime highs average 30°C (86°F), with peaks around 32°C (90°F); in winter, nights average 20°C (68°F), dropping to around 16°C (61°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 9 hours per day — ideal for beach and outdoor activities.
Mauritius – What you should know
Mauritius in the Indian Ocean has a tropical island climate with two seasons: a warm, humid summer from November to April and a cooler, drier winter from May to October. The water around the island is warm year-round (typically 23–28°C (73–82°F)) and invites snorkelling, diving and water sports.
The best travel time for Mauritius is September to December: the transitional period brings pleasant temperatures of typically 22–27°C (72–81°F), increasing sunshine and still little rain — before the cyclone season begins from January. The west coast remains calmer and more sheltered year-round than the wind-exposed east coast.
From January to March there is cyclone risk: tropical storms form in the Indian Ocean and can hit Mauritius, although direct hits are comparatively rare. The rainy season brings intense showers, often in the evening or at night, so the days remain largely sunny. Those who travel at this time benefit from lower prices and lushly green landscapes.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 30° (86°)27– (81–)33 (91) | 30° (86°)27– (81–)32 (90) | 30° (86°)27– (81–)32 (90) | 29° (84°)26– (79–)30 (86) | 28° (82°)25– (77–)29 (84) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)27 (81) | 25° (77°)23– (73–)26 (79) | 25° (77°)22– (72–)26 (79) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)27 (81) | 27° (81°)24– (75–)28 (82) | 28° (82°)25– (77–)30 (86) | 30° (86°)27– (81–)31 (88) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 25° (77°)21– (70–)26 (79) | 25° (77°)22– (72–)27 (81) | 25° (77°)21– (70–)26 (79) | 24° (75°)20– (68–)26 (79) | 22° (72°)18– (64–)24 (75) | 21° (70°)17– (63–)23 (73) | 20° (68°)16– (61–)22 (72) | 20° (68°)16– (61–)22 (72) | 20° (68°)17– (63–)22 (72) | 22° (72°)18– (64–)23 (73) | 23° (73°)18– (64–)24 (75) | 24° (75°)21– (70–)26 (79) |
☀️Sunshine | 8h | 8h | 8h | 8h | 8h | 8h | 8h | 8h | 9h | 9h | 9h | 9h |
🌊Water Temp | 28° (82°) | 28° (82°) | 28° (82°) | 28° (82°) | 27° (81°) | 25° (77°) | 24° (75°) | 24° (75°) | 24° (75°) | 24° (75°) | 26° (79°) | 27° (81°) |
🌧Rain Days | 14d265mm (10.4") | 14d243mm (9.6") | 14d275mm (10.8") | 12d181mm (7.1") | 10d125mm (4.9") | 10d103mm (4.0") | 10d76mm (3.0") | 9d70mm (2.7") | 7d58mm (2.3") | 6d54mm (2.1") | 6d106mm (4.2") | 8d112mm (4.4") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
May offers great weather in Mauritius with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Mauritius
May – October
Mauritius in the dry season: cool (20–25°C (68–77°F)), little rain, crystal-clear sea — the best conditions for diving and snorkelling. Diwali in October/November lights up the whole island with oil lamps.
November – April
Summer season with cyclone risk: warmer and more humid (27–30°C (81–86°F)), with occasional tropical cyclones between December and March. Thaipoosam Cavadee in January/February is one of the island's most intense religious processions.
Events & Festivals
January
- Thaipoosam Cavadee· varies (January or February, Tamil lunar calendar)
Tamil festival in honour of the god Murugan: devotees carry flower-decked arches (cavadees) and pots of cow's milk barefoot to the temples — some pierce their skin and tongue as a sign of devotion.
November
- Diwali – Festival of Lights· varies (October or November, Hindu calendar)
On Mauritius, where Hindus form the largest religious group, Diwali is a national festival: homes glow with thousands of oil lamps, rangoli patterns decorate the entrances, and traditional sweets are shared everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Mauritius?
- The best time to visit Mauritius is September, October, November, and December. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Mauritius?
- In summer, daytime highs in Mauritius average 30°C (86°F), with peaks around 32°C (90°F); in winter, nights average 20°C (68°F), dropping to around 16°C (61°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Mauritius get?
- Mauritius has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 10 rain days per month. The driest months are August, September, and October.
- How warm is the water in Mauritius?
- Water temperature in Mauritius ranges from 24°C (75°F) (August) to 28°C (82°F) (February). During the best travel months (September, October, November, and December), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
OctNovDec
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
AugSepOct
