The best time to go to Mauritius for most British travellers is from May to early December, when the island’s dry, sunny winter and spring bring warm days, low humidity and very little risk of cyclones. But Mauritius is a year-round destination, and the real secret is matching the month to the coast. The east is breezy in winter and glorious in summer; the west and north stay sheltered and sunny when the trade winds blow.
This guide explains the seasons, the cyclone months and the differences between the coasts, then sets out where to stay, coast by coast, with the resorts our Travel Designers know best.
The quick answer
- Best all-round months: May, and September to early December: warm, dry and sunny across most of the island.
- Driest month: October, according to the Mauritius Meteorological Services.
- Hottest and wettest: January to March, which is also when the cyclone risk is highest.
- Winter (June to September): pleasant mid-20s days; stay on the sheltered west or north coast.
- Summer (November to April): the east coast is at its best, cooled by sea breezes.
- Whales: humpbacks pass the island from about July to October.
The seasons in Mauritius
Mauritius lies in the southern hemisphere, just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, so its seasons are the reverse of ours. The Mauritius Meteorological Services describes two main seasons, with short transitions between them.
Summer: November to April
Summer is warm and humid. January and February are the hottest months, with average daytime highs of around 29°C, and the sea is at its warmest. It is also the wetter half of the year: February and March are usually the wettest months, with rain tending to come in heavy tropical bursts, often in the afternoon, rather than all day. Coastal areas still average seven to eight hours of sunshine a day in summer, while the high central plateau is cloudier.
Winter: June to September
Winter is cooler and drier, with comfortable days in the mid-20s on the coast and fresher nights, especially in July and August. The southeast trade winds blow at their strongest, which makes the east and south coasts breezy and the sea choppier there, while the west and north stay calmer and sunnier. For walking in the Black River Gorges, golf and touring, this is the most comfortable time of year.
The transition months: May and October
May and October are the hinge months, and two of our favourites. May brings the end of the humidity and cyclone season with warm seas still lingering. October is officially the driest month of the year, the trade winds start to ease and the sea begins to warm again.
Cyclone season: what you need to know
Tropical cyclones can affect Mauritius during the southern summer, broadly from November to April, with the highest risk from January to March. In most years the island is not hit directly; a passing system usually means a few days of strong wind, heavy rain and rough seas rather than anything worse. Mauritius has a well-practised warning system, issued by the Mauritius Meteorological Services, and resorts are built and run with cyclones in mind.
If you travel in the summer months, we recommend comprehensive travel insurance, a little flexibility in your plans and a resort with good indoor facilities: spa, restaurants, kids’ club. If you would rather avoid the risk altogether, choose May to early December.
Mauritius weather by month
| Month | Weather | Best coast | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Hot, humid, showers; peak cyclone risk | East | Warm sea, beach time |
| February | Hottest and among the wettest; cyclone risk | East | Snorkelling in calm spells |
| March | Hot and humid, heavy showers | East or north | Diving, lush scenery |
| April | Warm, humidity easing | Any | Easter family holidays |
| May | Warm, drier, comfortable | Any | Value, walking, beaches |
| June | Mild winter; trade winds pick up | West or north | Golf, hiking, kitesurfing |
| July | Coolest month; breezy, mostly dry | West or north | Humpback whales, touring |
| August | Cool nights, sunny days | West or north | Whales, family summer holidays |
| September | Warming up, dry, winds easing | West or north | Whales, walking, golf |
| October | Driest month, warm and sunny | Any | Half-term, beaches, diving |
| November | Hot, mostly dry, humidity rising | Any | Honeymoons, warm sea |
| December | Hot, humid, first summer rains | East | Christmas and New Year |
As ever, weather varies from year to year. Treat the table as a guide to the odds.
The coasts compared
Mauritius is small, so you can drive from the north to the south in under two hours, but each coast has its own character and climate. Choosing the right one for your month is the single most useful decision you can make.
The east coast
Long white beaches, a wide turquoise lagoon and some of the island’s grandest resorts around Belle Mare and Trou d’Eau Douce, with boat trips to Île aux Cerfs. In summer the breeze keeps it pleasantly cool; in winter the southeast trade winds can make it blustery, with cooler water and choppier seas. Sunrise views over the ocean.
The west coast
Sheltered from the trade winds, drier and sunnier, with the best sunsets on the island. Flic en Flac, Tamarin and the Black River area are the bases for dolphin trips and whale watching, and the Black River Gorges National Park and the coloured earth of Chamarel are close by. In the south-west, the Le Morne peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has superb beaches and some of the best kitesurfing in the Indian Ocean.
The north coast
Grand Baie and Pereybère are the island’s liveliest corner, with restaurants, shops and boat trips to the northern islets. It is calm and sheltered in winter, close to the botanical gardens at Pamplemousses and Port Louis, and good for families who like a little life beyond the resort.
The south coast
Wild, green and much less developed, with cliffs, sugar cane and estates around Bel Ombre. It is windier and cooler in winter, and the reef breaks closer to the shore, but it has a peaceful, rural feel that many repeat visitors love.
Where to stay: resorts by coast
| Resort | Coast | Style | Best months |
|---|---|---|---|
| One&Only Le Saint Géran | East (Belle Mare peninsula) | Classic grand resort on its own peninsula | October to May |
| Constance Prince Maurice | East | Intimate, all-suite, floating restaurant | October to May |
| Shangri-La Le Touessrok | East (Trou d’Eau Douce) | Island setting with its own private islet | October to May |
| Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita | East | All-villa resort with golf | October to May |
| The Oberoi Beach Resort Mauritius | North-west (Turtle Bay) | Calm, elegant, tropical gardens | All year |
| Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury | North (Grand Baie) | Discreet, service-led, long-standing favourite | All year, ideal in winter |
| LUX* Grand Baie | North | Contemporary design, lively | All year, ideal in winter |
| Paradis Beachcomber and Dinarobin Beachcomber | South-west (Le Morne) | Sister resorts below Le Morne mountain | All year; kitesurfing in winter |
| JW Marriott Mauritius Resort | South-west (Le Morne) | All-suite beachfront resort | All year |
| Heritage Le Telfair | South (Bel Ombre) | Colonial-style resort on a country estate | October to May |
Our rules of thumb
- Travelling June to September? Stay west or north for the calmest water and most sunshine.
- Travelling November to April? The east coast comes into its own, and breezes make the heat comfortable.
- Two weeks? Split your stay between two coasts: a week on the east and a week on the west is a classic combination, and the transfer is short.
- Golfers: the east coast has the island’s best-known courses, including Anahita and Île aux Cerfs, and winter is the most comfortable time to play.
What to do, and when
- Whale watching: humpback whales pass Mauritius on their migration from about July to October, and sperm whales are seen off the west coast for much of the year. Trips leave from Tamarin and Black River; sightings are never guaranteed.
- Diving and snorkelling: possible all year. In winter the sheltered north and west coasts have the calmest conditions; in summer the east coast lagoons are at their best.
- Kitesurfing: Le Morne and the east coast are best from June to September, when the trade winds are strongest.
- Hiking: the Black River Gorges and Le Morne Brabant are most comfortable in the cooler, drier months from May to November.
- Culture: Port Louis, the Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site and the island’s festivals are worth a day whatever the season.
The best time for you
Honeymooners
For a honeymoon, October and November are our first choice: dry, warm weather, a warming sea and the long summer evenings beginning. Spend the first half on the west coast for sunsets and the second on the east for wide beaches and sunrise breakfasts. If you are marrying in the British summer, Mauritius in July or August is a lovely, uncrowded choice, provided you stay on the sheltered side of the island.
Families
Mauritius suits families exceptionally well: short transfers, a small time difference, calm lagoons and excellent kids’ clubs. October half-term is the sweet spot for weather. At Easter, the end of the humid season, any coast works. In the summer holidays, the north and west coasts have the calmest water for young swimmers.
Active travellers and golfers
From May to November the cooler air makes hiking in the Black River Gorges or up Le Morne Brabant a pleasure, and golf is far more comfortable than in the heat of February. Kitesurfers should aim for the windy months from June to September.
Combining Mauritius with a safari
Mauritius pairs naturally with a safari in southern Africa, and the timing works well: the Mauritian winter coincides with the dry season in much of South Africa and Botswana, when game viewing is at its best. A week on safari followed by a week on the beach is one of our most requested combinations.
School holidays and getting there
Christmas and New Year is the busiest and most sought-after time; book a year ahead for the best rooms. Easter and October half-term are also popular, and October in particular is a wonderful time for families, with dry, warm weather. The UK summer holidays fall in the Mauritian winter, so choose the west or north coast and expect pleasant, not baking, days.
Non-stop flights from London Gatwick take around 11 to 12 hours, and most arrive in the morning. Mauritius is four hours ahead of the UK in winter and three hours ahead during British Summer Time, so jet lag is minimal. Check the latest entry requirements on GOV.UK before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to go to Mauritius?
October is hard to beat: it is the driest month of the year, warm and sunny, and outside the cyclone season. May and November are also excellent. For winter sun in the UK’s summer, June to September is pleasant on the sheltered west and north coasts.
When is cyclone season in Mauritius?
Cyclones can affect Mauritius during the southern summer, broadly November to April, with the highest risk from January to March. Most years the island is not hit directly, but a passing system can bring a few days of wind and heavy rain.
Which side of Mauritius is best in winter?
The west and north coasts. From June to September the southeast trade winds make the east and south coasts breezy, with choppier seas, while the west and north stay calmer, sunnier and drier.
Is Mauritius too hot in summer?
January and February are hot and humid, with average highs of around 29°C, but sea breezes on the east coast keep things comfortable, and the sea is at its warmest. Expect tropical showers, often in the afternoon.
Can you see whales in Mauritius?
Yes. Humpback whales pass the island from about July to October, and sperm whales are seen off the west coast for much of the year. Boat trips leave from Tamarin and Black River.
Plan your trip with us
Our Travel Designers will match your dates to the right coast and the right resort, and can split your stay between two sides of the island so you get the best of both. Tell us when you’d like to go.
Keep planning
Updated 31 October 2026. Climate information follows the Mauritius Meteorological Services; seasons and resort details can change, and your Travel Designer will confirm everything for your dates.
