Austral winter · Peak cetacean season

A trip to Mauritius in August: climate, activities and prices

The peak of humpback whale watching season, with an ideal climate, mild temperatures and a steady wind for kitesurfing and sailing.

17-25°Cair23°Csea65 mm/ 8 daysNonecyclone

August is the month of peak humpback whale watching in Mauritius. Females with their calves are active in the south-west waters, and whale watching trips from Grande Rivière Noire report very high sighting rates. It's also statistically the most popular month of the year for international tourism.

The climate is at its best: 17-25°C during the day, water at 23°C, 65mm of rain over 8 days and a steady trade wind. It's one of the 2-3 best months for kitesurfing at Le Morne (winds regularly reach 25-30 knots), sailing and every technical water sport.

On the budget side, August is the most expensive month of the year in Mauritius, with hotel rates soaring in high season. 5-star resorts can top €600-700/night, while 3-star hotels in the north (Maison du Nord, Toparadis) stay more affordable at €95-130/night. 15 August is a national public holiday (Assumption Day).

Climate in detail

Conditions in Mauritius in August

Air temperature

17-25°C

Average min - max

Sea temperature

23°C

Cool

Monthly rainfall

65 mm

8 days of rain

Cyclone risk

None

Outside cyclone season

Marine wildlife in August · humpback whales spotted on whale-watching trips ( July to October ) + spinner dolphins resident in Tamarin Bay year-round.

To do this month

5 standout activities in August

A selection of the activities best suited to this month's conditions. Prices and availability verified as of the update date below.

Baleine à bosse en saut hors de l'eau lors d'une sortie d'observation des cétacés

Dauphins Maurice

7 sorties nage avec dauphins long-bec et observation baleines à bosse dès 53 € depuis Grande Rivière Noire ( 5/5 sur 11 avis Manawa, Dolswim ). Baleines juillet à octobre.

From €53See

Kitesurfer sur le lagon turquoise de l'île Maurice, voile en hauteur, planche en glisse

Kitesurf Maurice

6 formules de kitesurf au Morne, à Bel Ombre et à Anse la Raie : cours de 2 h dès 85 € ( 2 élèves max par moniteur ), stages, privé, location dès 80 €.

From €80See

Silhouettes de passagers sur le pont d'un catamaran « Sunset Cruiser » au coucher du soleil à l'île Maurice

Catamaran Maurice

5 croisières en catamaran dès 62 € pour l'île aux Cerfs depuis Pointe Jérôme à 282 € en privatisation sunset Rivière Noire. Trou d'Eau Douce 5/5 sur 10 avis Manawa.

From €62See

Hélicoptère survolant Le Morne et le lagon turquoise de l'île Maurice

Hélicoptère Maurice

4 vols hélicoptère dès 729 € en panoramique avec transferts hôtel à 5 516 € en privatisation totale. Vols ciblés cascade sous-marine 1 350 à 3 550 €. 3 hélistations.

From €729See

Sommet rocheux mauricien éclairé par la lumière du lever de soleil, végétation tropicale dense

Randonnée Maurice

17 randonnées guidées sur 6 zones ( Morne Brabant UNESCO, Gorges de Rivière Noire, Le Pouce, Chamarel ) dès 34 € pour les 7 cascades de Tamarin ( 5/5 sur 55 avis Manawa ).

From €34See

See all Mauritius activities

Cultural events

Festivals and events in August

Assumption Day· 15 August

A national Catholic public holiday.

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Mauritius month by month, climate at a glance

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Frequently asked questions

Your questions about Mauritius in August

Is August the best month for whales in Mauritius?

Yes, August is statistically the peak of humpback whale watching in Mauritius. Females with their calves are regularly seen off Tamarin and Grande Rivière Noire, with very high sighting rates on morning trips. A Dolswim trip from Grande Rivière Noire costs €66 (5/5 from 38 Manawa reviews, the most reviewed whale and dolphin trip in Mauritius).

What's the weather like in Mauritius in August?

It's the height of the austral winter. Temperatures range from 17-25°C (cool in the morning, mild during the day), the water is at 23°C, and there's around 65mm of rain over 8 days, often in a few brief spells. A sustained south-east trade wind (20-30 knots) makes for excellent conditions for kitesurfing, sailing, microlight flights and seaplane tours. The sky stays clear almost constantly, with particularly crisp light for photography.

What are hotel rates like in Mauritius in August?

It's the most expensive time of year. 5-star resorts (Anantara Iko, Constance Belle Mare, Long Beach, Hilton) run €500 to €700/night depending on room category and package (all-inclusive is an optional extra at €100-150/day/person). 3-star hotels in the north (Maison du Nord, Toparadis, Résidence Peramal) run €95 to €130/night for two people, 30-50% more than in spring. See my selection of affordable Mauritius hotels for the best budget-friendly options.

What are the top activities in Mauritius in August?

Humpback whale watching from Grande Rivière Noire (€66, 5/5 from 38 Manawa reviews), a kitesurfing lesson at Le Morne (peak wind, €87 for an introduction, €174 for a private lesson), a helicopter flight (€729 panoramic, with clear skies ideal for photographing the famous "underwater waterfall" illusion off Le Morne), an Île aux Cerfs catamaran cruise (€69-74 for a day with a barbecue), a Morne Brabant hike (€44 with Yanature).

Are Mauritius's beaches crowded in August?

Yes, it's statistically the busiest month of the year in Mauritius. The public beaches of Mont Choisy, Pereybere, Flic en Flac and Trou aux Biches see heavy footfall on weekends. The private beaches of 5-star resorts (Belle Mare, Le Morne, Blue Bay) stay quieter. To avoid the crowds, head for the southern beaches (Riambel, Gris Gris) or private boat trips.

Is the sea cold in Mauritius in August?

Not really, but it is the lowest temperature of the year. At 23°C on average, it's still perfectly comfortable for swimming for most travellers (comparable to the Mediterranean in June). For long snorkelling sessions or a discovery dive, a shorty or a 3mm wetsuit is a nice-to-have. Visibility in the Blue Bay marine park regularly exceeds 20m during this period.

Last updated: 23 October 2026 (October 2026). 30-year average climate data, Port-Louis station. Prices and availability verified as of the writing date.