Air and sea temperatures, rainfall, cyclone season, whales and festivals: everything you need to pick the right time for your trip to Mauritius, whatever your priority (budget, weather, activities or local festivals).
This site is first and foremost about Reunion Island, Mauritius's neighbour, which has the same southern-hemisphere seasons (see my Best Time to Visit Reunion Island guide). This Mauritius guide draws on official climate data (30-year averages from the Port Louis weather station) and my 15 activity pages and 3 hotel pages to pinpoint the best time to visit depending on what you're after.
Mauritius lies in the southern hemisphere, at around 20° south, and has a tropical climate with a dry and a wet season, reversedcompared with Europe and North America. When it's summer in the north, Mauritius is in its southern winter (June to September), the driest and most settled time of year. When it's winter in the north, Mauritius is in its southern summer (December to March): hot, humid and exposed to cyclones.
Three questions will help you choose: (1) the weather (rain, temperature, wind), (2) what the trip is for (relaxing, diving, whales, kitesurfing, hiking, a honeymoon, festivals) and (3) your budget (prices peak over Christmas and New Year and in July-August; low season is February-March and the second half of September). This guide gives you the facts to decide.
Click on a month to see its weather and my verdict, with a link to the full month guide for the best activities, festivals and hotel prices.
Peak austral summer, sea at 28°C, but an active cyclone season and frequent afternoon rain.
The dry southern winter: clear skies and a steady trade wind. Light rain (35-95mm a month) and no cyclone risk. The most reliable weather of the year, ideal for a first trip to Mauritius or if your dates are fixed.
Humpback whales come to Mauritian waters to give birth. Sightings peak in August-September, with trips from Grande Rivière Noire (Dolswim, €66, 5/5 from 38 Manawa reviews). Book 2-3 weeks ahead in high season.
A steady trade wind averaging 15-25 knots and flat water in the 'kite lagoon'. August-September brings the strongest wind (25-30 knots) for experienced riders, while May-June is ideal for beginners (lessons €87, 5/5 from 2 Manawa reviews).
The height of the southern summer: hot (28-30°C) with warm water (28°C), but it's peak cyclone season, with 200-230mm of rain a month. Unsettled weather and a real risk of disruption, so only go if your plans are fully flexible.
If January to March is still your window, a cyclone can genuinely upend the trip, so keep every booking as flexible as you can. Most car hire deals listed on Discover Cars come with free cancellation: when you view the hire cars on offer, just check that the deal you choose includes it.
| Month | Air | Sea | Rain | Cyclone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23-30°C | 28°C | 220mm, 15 days | high |
| February | 23-30°C | 28°C | 230mm, 14 days | high |
| March | 22-30°C | 28°C | 200mm, 13 days | high |
| April | 21-29°C | 27°C | 130mm, 10 days | moderate |
| May | 19-27°C | 26°C | 95mm, 8 days | low |
| June | 17-25°C | 25°C | 75mm, 7 days | none |
| July | 17-24°C | 24°C | 75mm, 8 days | none |
| August | 17-25°C | 23°C | 65mm, 8 days | none |
| September | 17-25°C | 23°C | 35mm, 5 days | none |
| October | 18-27°C | 24°C | 35mm, 4 days | none |
| November | 20-28°C | 25°C | 60mm, 7 days | low |
| December | 22-30°C | 27°C | 145mm, 11 days | moderate |
Last updated: 13 November 2026. Climate data: 30-year averages from the Mauritius Meteorological Services, Port Louis weather station.