The enchanting island country of Mauritius is on the bucket list of most travelers around the world. The verdant landscapes dotted with white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters have been a dream holiday destination for many. Mauritius is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely holiday with family and friends. Its dreamy vibe makes Mauritius ideal for honeymooners as well. But before you book your tickets, it is important to know when is the best time to visit Mauritius. Here is a detailed article that will let you know when the ideal time is to visit Mauritius as per your requirements.
What’s Mauritius Like?
Mauritius is nothing less than a paradise, thanks to its magnificent landscapes, ranging from lush green forests to mighty volcanic mountains. This African island country in the Indian Ocean is dotted with dramatic cliffs, breathtaking lagoons, and some of the most pristine beaches in the world.
While the country is mostly known for its breathtaking natural beauty, Mauritius is more than that. You will find some vibrant and happening cities here. Moreover, the country is known for its multicultural society with Indian, African, Chinese, and European influences. The traditions, festivals, and culture of the country are inspired by all of these countries. You can see this diversity in its language and cuisine as well.
Mauritius is also a dream land for adventure enthusiasts. The crystal-clear waters here are not just gorgeous to look at but also hold a whole different world underwater. One of the best things to do in Mauritius is to explore the marine world full of corals and colorful, aquatic life with scuba diving and snorkeling. Apart from these, water sports like kite surfing, big-game fishing, windsurfing, sailing, and parasailing are also popular here. If you are looking for outdoor activities, Mauritius offers you the opportunity for hiking and golfing too.
As Mauritius is mostly known for tourism, the island country is developed to accommodate the growing demand of the tourists. While all kinds of accommodations are available here, resorts with water bungalows giving you a panoramic view of the ocean are the most sought-after here. These private bungalows come in various sizes and are equipped with all kinds of luxurious amenities and facilities.
Mauritius is an impeccable holiday destination for everyone, be it solo travelers, a group of friends, families with children, and couples on a honeymoon or a romantic trip. With so many things to see, do, and enjoy in Mauritius, a holiday in the country is a must. But before that what would be the ideal time for you to visit the place.
Best Time to Visit Mauritius According to Seasons
To know the best season to visit Mauritius, it is important to know all about its weather and seasons. Mauritius has a tropical climate, with two main seasons: summer and winter. The best part about Mauritius is that the temperature in the country is somewhere between 17-degree C and 31-degree C, which means it is never too hot or too cold. Summer in Mauritius is quite humid and rainy as well. Winters are dry and pleasant, without being too cold or chilly. Winter is the tourist season in Mauritius. Let us try to know about these two seasons of Mauritius in detail.
Summer Season (November to April)
Summer season in Mauritius brings a temperature around 30-degree C. Expect very high humidity and high rainfall during this season in Mauritius, especially in January and February. The average rainfall during these months is 253 mm. However, rainfall is not uniformly distributed throughout the island. Most heavy rainfall happens in the central plateau and east coast of the region. The western region of the island remains relatively dry during this season. You can also expect cyclones, especially from January to March. The warm weather brings more marine life to the surface, making it the perfect time to enjoy snorkeling.
Winter Season (May to October)
Summer turns into winter in May. But the winter in Mauritius is not characterized by snowfall or low temperatures. In fact, the average temperature during the winter season is around 22- to 23-degree C. There is no sign of rain during these months. The humidity is also low, and you will get to enjoy the breezy wind during this season. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy a beach holiday in Mauritius. It is a great time for water sports. However, winter is a great time to enjoy hiking, trekking, and other land adventures and activities on the island. You can also indulge in quite a lot of sightseeing without worrying about rain or cyclones in the winter season.
Best Time to Visit Mauritius to Avoid Crowds
If you want to enjoy the beauty of Mauritius without too many people hovering around you, it is best to visit between May and June as well as between September and November. You will see fewer tourists during these months as compared to the peak holiday months like December-January. There are several advantages to visiting during this season. The popular attractions and beaches in Mauritius are less busy. You will get to explore the places without bumping into others or waiting in long queues. Moreover, the temperatures during these months are also pleasant.
Best Time to Visit Mauritius on a Budget
If you want to enjoy a budget-friendly holiday in Mauritius, May to June and September to November are ideal. This period is off-tourist season in the country, and you will find good deals and discounts on flights, accommodations, and even Mauritius tour packages. The months that you should avoid if you want to save money are December and January. These are peak tourist seasons, thanks to school holidays and Christmas and New Year celebrations. As demand is higher, prices are also higher. Similarly, Easter weekends are also to be avoided if you are keen on a budget-friendly holiday.
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Featured Time to Visit Mauritius for Festivals
The festivals in Mauritius are spread all over the year, although the majority is concentrated from January to March and from September to November. Mauritius has a Hindu-majority community, and most the popular festivals are Hindu festivals. If you visit in January or February, you will get to celebrate the Tamil festival of Thaipusam Cavadee. Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated in March. August-September is when the Mauritians celebrate the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, dedicated to the elephant-headed God, Lord Ganesha. One of the most celebrated festivals is Diwali, the festival of lights, firecrackers, and sweets, which usually falls in October or November. Apart from these, Christmas and New Year are also celebrated with great pomp and splendor in Mauritius. You will get to attend lively events and beach parties for these festivals.
Best Time to Visit Mauritius for:
Families
The winter months, i.e., between May and October (even extending to December) is best for family fun in Mauritius. During this season, you can escape the high humidity of the country and enjoy a more pleasant climate. The chances of getting bitten by mosquitoes are also less during this time of the year as compared to the summer or rainy months. There are plenty of activities for families during this month, including exploring wildlife parks, hiking, visiting water parks, watching dolphins, and more.
Solo Travelers
Mauritius is a paradise for solo travelers, as the country is not just beautiful but also safe. Solo travelers should generally avoid the school holiday season (July and August) and schedule their trips between April and June as well as September and November. These months see fewer tourists, giving you the chance to enjoy the numerous attractions in relative solitude. They are great for outdoor activities like hiking, cultural experiences, and more. You can easily find guided tours where you are likely to meet fellow travelers and like-minded individuals.
Friends and Groups
The winter months are perfect for friends and groups to visit Mauritius. The weather is pleasant, and there are plenty of group activities that you can enjoy together. As it is not very crowded during these months, you can easily book group accommodation like villas at great prices. The nightlife of the place is pretty cool, and there are plenty of sunset parties, beach clubs, and beach bars available for you. If you and your friends want to attend grand celebrations and festive events, Christmas and New Years’ time would also be ideal, although visiting Mauritius during this time of the year could be a tad bit expensive.
Honeymooners
If you want to plan a honeymoon in Mauritius, the months between May and December are perfect. The weather is most suitable for indulging in candlelight dinners by the beach and trying out some leisure water activities like private boat trips and more. Resorts are also generally less crowded during this time, so you would get to enjoy your privacy. Most resorts in Mauritius offer exclusive experiences for honeymooning couples like private picnics, couples’ massages, and other spa treatments. Moreover, the scenic landscapes during the winter months make for great backdrops for some romantic photos with your better half.
A Month-to-Month Guide to Visiting Mauritius
Here is a detailed account of Mauritius weather by month and what you can expect in each of them.
January – Average Temperature: 22.6-degree C to 30.3-degree C
January is one of the wettest and the hottest months in Mauritius. However, if you do not mind the heavy showers, you can visit the island country for its lush greenery due to the frequent rains. As the sea temperatures are warm in January, you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving during this month. You will get to attend cultural festivities like Chinese New Year and Thaipusam in this month. Neverthelss, January is also a month where you may face storms.
February – Average Temperature: 22.5-degree C to 30.2-degree C
February is similar to January in terms of the weather. It is still sunny and rainy in Mauritius in February. You will get to admire the verdant landscapes and warm ocean, which makes it ideal for water sports and activities. The warm ocean water attracts several species of marine animals to the surface, making this month perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. There are less crowds during this month, especially towards the end. The threat of storms is still prevalent; hence, it is best to check the forecast before booking.
March – Average Temperature: 22.6-degree C to 29.8-degree C
By March, the chances of rain lessen, although you will still encounter occasional showers. The temperature is more or less the same, and you continue to enjoy the sunshine and the greenery. March is again great for water activities like snorkeling and scuba diving. Tourists are fewer during this month of the year, and you will get to enjoy the place without too much crowd. You are also likely to get good deals on hotels and tour packages this month. However, the chance of cyclones is higher this month.
April – Average Temperature: 21.2-degree C to 28.5-degree C
April marks the end of summer season, although it is still sunny and warm in Mauritius. Rainfall becomes less during this month, although the landscape is still beautiful and verdant. There are fewer tourists in April, although you may find the attractions a little bit crowded during the Easter weekend. During the rest of the month, the beaches and other attractions are relatively less crowded. As the rain is less, April is the month when you can enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities.
May – Average Temperature: 19.1-degree C to 27.1-degree C
May is shoulder season in Mauritius, when the climate transitions from summer to winter. The temperature does not drop drastically, and the water temperature remains considerably warm. In short, May is still a good time to enjoy swimming and other water activities. May is also a good month for budget-friendly tourists. Outdoor activities and attractions like hiking, cycling, and exploring wildlife parks are awaiting you in Mauritius in May.
June – Average Temperature: 17.4-degree C to 25.3-degree C
June marks the beginning of official winter season in Mauritius. The temperature is low, and the humidity is less, making outdoor exploration during the day quite enjoyable. You can go on nature tours, indulge in hiking and biking, and witness gorgeous waterfalls. It is still warm enough for water activities like snorkeling, swimming, and diving. June also brings strong trade winds to the island, making it perfect for kite surfing. This is also the last month when you get to enjoy the place without too many people before the summer crowd enters the picture.
July – Average Temperature: 16.7-degree C to 24.5-degree C
As July marks the beginning of European summer holidays, it gets quite crowded in Mauritius. The weather is perfect for a beach holiday, as the temperature is not too low, and it is not very humid. While you can still enjoy underwater adventures, some may find the water to be too cold. Still, July is a great time for sailing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. Outdoor activities like quad biking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding are also popular in July.
August – Average Temperature: 16.6-degree C to 24.8-degree C
August is pretty much like July. The weather is pleasant with less humidity, and the evenings are a bit chilly. Thanks to the southeast trade winds, you will enjoy windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing. Swimming and underwater adventures are still possible, although you may have to wear a body suit to endure the cold water. Apart from this, you can indulge in land-based adventures like hiking, trekking, biking, and more. August is perfect time to visit Mauritius for families.
September – Average Temperature: 17.3-degree C to 25.9-degree C
The weather starts moving towards summer in September. So, you get to enjoy pleasant temperatures although the days are slightly warmer than the winter months. September is also low-key tourist season, so you can explore the place without worrying about the crowds or the rain. It is a great month to travel to Mauritius if you are on a budget. The best part is that it is an excellent month to revel in both land and water adventures. Sightseeing is also a delight during this month.
October – Average Temperature: 18.4-degree C to 27.4-degree C
October is shoulder season, when the weather changes from winter to summer. The best part about this month is that you get to enjoy the long hours of sunshine and the perfect beach weather without the high humidity of summers in Mauritius. Sea temperatures are ideal for swimming, diving, and snorkeling. You can also go hiking, island hopping, and dolphin watching this month. October is again low-tourist season, ensuring that the beaches and other attractions are less crowded. October also gives you the chance to experience the festival of lights, Diwali, in this island country.
November – Average Temperature: 19.7-degree C to 29.3-degree C
November sees a slight hike in daytime temperature. Humidity also increases, although it is not as high as peak summers. You are likely to experience occasional showers during this month. The month offers great underwater visibility, making it perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. As the humidity is not very high, you can also indulge in outdoor adventures like hiking, trekking, etc., without too much distress. This is also the time when you will get to see seasonal turtles. While November is affordable, you will start seeing a hike in prices at the end of the month.
December – Average Temperature: 21.5-degree C to 30.4-degree C
December is considered peak summer in Mauritius, when you will have to face high humidity and heavy rains as well. But this would not deter your holiday plans. This month is one of the best for scuba diving and snorkeling. You can enjoy boat trips, island hopping, and more here. It is also the liveliest month with plenty of Christmas and New Year celebrations, including fireworks, gala dinners, and beach parties. December is also one of the most expensive times to visit Mauritius, but the vibe of the place makes it worth it.
Conclusion
The best time to visit Mauritius largely depends on your expectations, interests, and budget. We hope that this article would help you to zero in on the best time to visit this beautiful East African island country as per your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Time to Visit Mauritius
1. Which is the cheapest month to visit Mauritius?
2. When is Mauritius least crowded?
3. Which is the warmest month in Mauritius?
4. Which is not a good time to visit Mauritius?
5. What should I pack for my Mauritius holiday?
- Casual clothes made of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen
- Â Light jacket for the chilly winter evenings
- Â Swimwear
- Â Raincoat or umbrella (for summers)
- Â Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing and flipflops for the beach
- Â Sunglasses and hat
- Â Sunscreen
- Â Insect repellent
- Â Lightweight scarf
