Austral summer · Peak festive season

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

Hot summer weather, Christmas and New Year celebrations in the resorts, the year's highest prices, and the cyclone season getting going.

22-30°Cair27°Csea145 mm/ 11 daysModeratecyclone

December in Mauritius means Christmas and New Year. European school holidays bring a big tourist peak, and hotel prices hit their highest point of the year (5-star resorts top €700-900 a night, with compulsory festive packages). It's properly summery, at 22-30°C by day with the sea at 27°C, but rainfall picks up again to 145mm over 11 days and the cyclone season officially begins.

Mauritius goes all out for Christmas and New Year's Eve. Resorts lay on gala dinners, beach fireworks and full programmes for children. It's a popular month with well-off families and honeymooners (see my guide to luxury 5-star hotels in Mauritius, including Anantara Iko, Constance Belle Mare, Long Beach and Hilton).

If your dates are flexible, go in early December, before the 20 December-5 January peak: you get summer weather without the very highest prices. The first half of December is one of the best-value times of the hot season.

Climate in detail

Conditions in Mauritius in December

Air temperature

22-30°C

Average min - max

Sea temperature

27°C

Great for swimming

Monthly rainfall

145 mm

11 days of rain

Cyclone risk

Moderate

Keep an eye on the forecast

Marine wildlife in December · spinner dolphins resident in Tamarin Bay year-round.

To do this month

4 standout activities in December

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

Deux plongeurs sous-marins encadrés en eaux turquoise de l'île Maurice

Plongée Maurice

12 formules plongée à l'île Maurice dès 50 € en exploration et 80 € en baptême, sur 4 spots ( Blue Bay, Grand Baie, Tamarin, Belle Mare ) via Manawa.

From €50See

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

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

Vue aérienne du parc marin de Blue Bay à l'île Maurice : lagon turquoise, barrière de corail au large

Blue Bay Maurice

13 activités sur la zone de Blue Bay au sud-est dès 20 € en VTT électrique à 90 € pour le quad le plus testé du panel ( 5/5 sur 31 avis ). Parc marin classé depuis 1997.

From €20See

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Frequently asked questions

Your questions about Mauritius in December

Is December a good time to visit Mauritius?

Yes, if you have a generous budget. You get proper summer weather (22-30°C, sea at 27°C), festive entertainment in the resorts and a family, celebratory atmosphere. The downsides: it's the most expensive time of year (5-star hotels at €700-900 a night), rainfall picks up (145mm) and the cyclone season begins. For the best balance of weather and price, go in the first half of December, before the 20 December peak.

What's the weather like in Mauritius in December?

The southern summer is in full swing: 22-30°C by day and the sea at 27°C (perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving), with 145mm of rain over 11 days on average (often towards the end of the month). The cyclone risk becomes moderate in the second half of the month. The weather is generally settled, but expect the odd tropical shower in the afternoon.

How much does Mauritius cost at Christmas and New Year?

It's the most expensive time of year. 5-star resorts (Anantara Iko, Constance Belle Mare, Long Beach, Hilton) charge €700-1,200 a night for the week of 25 December to 1 January (with a compulsory festive package including a gala dinner and New Year's Eve). 3-star hotels in the north (Maison du Nord, Toparadis, Résidence Peramal) cost €120-180 a night for two. See my guide to cheap hotels in Mauritius for budget options.

What are the best things to do in Mauritius in December?

Diving at Blue Bay (€50 for an exploration dive, €80 for a first dive, in 27°C water), a catamaran day trip to Île aux Cerfs (€69-74 with a barbecue), swimming with spinner dolphins (€53 with Dolswim, resident all year), a Blue Safari submarine trip at Trou aux Biches (€126, no diving kit needed, ideal for families) and snorkelling in the Blue Bay marine park (€24, the cheapest option).

Is there a cyclone risk for Christmas in Mauritius?

There's a moderate risk in the second half of December. The cyclone season starts on 15 November, and the first alerts usually come between mid-December and mid-January. The chance of a class 2-3 alert over Christmas isn't negligible, but it's low (about 1 alert every 3-4 years on average over the festive period). All the activities listed on Manawa and GetYourGuide come with flexible cancellation.

What is there to do in Mauritius at Christmas and New Year?

5-star resorts put on festive gala dinners and New Year's Eve beach parties (buffet, live entertainment, fireworks at midnight). Mauritian villages hold midnight mass in their Catholic churches. On 31 December, the public beaches at Mont Choisy, Pereybere and Flic en Flac take on a party atmosphere. For a romantic sunset before the gala dinner, a private sunset catamaran cruise from Rivière Noire (€282 for the whole group, 5/5 from 1 review) is a memorable choice.

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