The Seasons, Weather and Climate in Mauritius

The idyllic island of Mauritius is set in the southwest Indian Ocean, and due to its mild, tropical climate, it enjoys warm, incredible sunny days practically year round,which makes it perfect to try various activities. That’s not to say that wind, rain and even the rare tropical cyclone can’t surprise you on your trip, or that when you go you’ll be guaranteed fabulous weather. As with all places in the world, the seasons, weather and climate in Mauritius should be treated as guidelines, and really, the ‘ideal’ time to visit the island will depend on your preference and what you plan on doing during your stay. Here’s a more detailed look at the seasons, weather and climate in Mauritius:

The tale of two seasons

In Mauritius the seasons are simple. The year is divided into two seasons only: summer and winter.

Summer
Summer in Mauritius typically runs from November to April, during which the average temperature is 27ºC on the coast and 22ºC in the central regions with beautifully long daylight hours with the sun rising at approximately 5:30 am and setting around 7:00 pm. Over this period, visitors can generally expect warm, humid weather, with the hottest months running from December to February (expect temperatures of 28ºC or higher in the coastal regions during these months). Summer (specifically December) is a great time to do deep sea fishing or diving, when the visibility is clear. The central plateau which is generally cooler tends to have a lot of rain in summer, with the highest rainfall usually taking place in February and March.

Due to the subtropical weather and climate, the cyclonic and rainy season tends to take place from November to April, but full cyclones only actually hit land every five or so years (with February being the month they are most likely), many of them merely passing Mauritius by. Don’t let this deter you, as they often only last for a few days and the resorts are well equipped to manage cyclonic weather and many will plan indoor activities and entertainment accordingly.  

Winter
The mild winter months tend to be from May to October with cooler temperatures averaging 22ºC on the coast and 19ºC in the central regions. July is typically the coldest month of the year, with temperatures of approximately 20ºC-21ºC. During the winter months, the winds tend to be strong in the east and southeastern parts of the island, but there is not much rainfall. Sunrise is usually at 6:45 am, which makes it perfect to try sunrise activities and sunset around 5:45 pm.

June and August are some of the best months for surfing and in case you are wondering what to do in Mauritius in winter, the cooler months, in general, are an excellent time to do activities such as hiking, cycling or quad biking. Day trips taken in and around the island, to Chamarel and the Seven Coloured Earths or the tea plantations, for example, are also very pleasant during the milder winter months.

Depending where in the world you are travelling from, the winter temperatures in Mauritius may resemble your summer temperatures, the wild winter making it an excellent destination throughout the year. October and May are very much seen as shoulder months in Mauritius, where the weather is in a state of transition. The winter months are seen as ‘low season’ in Mauritius and might make for a great option for those who prefer a quieter environment, as the island is not as busy as it is in summer.

The tropical weather
Because of the varying terrain in Mauritius, the weather and climate varies slightly from one side of the island to the other, and from the inland areas to the coast. On the central plateau, the temperatures are typically three to five degrees lower than at the coast—you could be totally surprised to see how a day at the beach could be sweltering and yet a short drive away it could be raining on the central plateau, which sits approximately 600m above sea level. Generally, the southern and eastern parts of the island are slightly cooler and wetter than those in the north and west. Being a tropical island, it’s important to understand that the weather can change quite quickly, and occasionally be a little unpredictable especially in the winter months.

The maritime climate
Generally speaking, the seasons, weather and climate in Mauritius are wonderfully mild, with very little variation in temperatures from month to month which means that you can’t go too wrong when choosing when to visit Mauritius. Even the sea temperature ranges from 23ºC-29ºC, which means that it’s possible to enjoy pretty much everything on the island—including the pristine beaches and crystalline waters—throughout the year.

Regardless of when you choose to visit Mauritius, one thing is certain: where you stay will make all the difference. If you would like to ensure your stay is sensational, then a stay at Sunlife is an absolute must. From daily activity programs and excellent staff to phenomenal food and live entertainment, you can rest assured that your holiday will be memorable, come rain or shine.