Knowing when to go in Mauritius comes down to one core distinction: the dry cool season (May–October) versus the warm wet season (November–April). Both periods allow for beach holidays and excursions — but they offer different experiences. The dry season delivers the most reliable sunshine and the lowest humidity; the warm season brings warmer sea temperatures, lush green landscapes, and lower hotel rates. This guide tells you exactly when to go in Mauritius depending on your priorities: weather, budget, specific activities, or where you’re travelling from. Once you know your dates, book your Mauritius airport transfer in advance — peak season fills up quickly.
May – October
Dry season. Cooler temperatures (20–26°C), minimal rain, and consistent sunshine. Best for outdoor activities.
November – April
Warm season. 26–32°C, higher humidity, occasional tropical rains. Water sports and beach days are still excellent.
Best Overall
May and October offer dry-season comfort at shoulder-season prices — the sweet spot for value and weather.
Mauritius has two main seasons. The dry season runs from May to October, driven by the south-east trade winds. Temperatures range from 20–26°C on the coast, rainfall is sparse (typically under 50mm/month), and sunshine averages 7–8 hours per day. The wet season runs from November to April, with temperatures of 26–32°C, higher humidity, and afternoon rain showers that are usually brief. January and February are the most likely months for tropical cyclones, though direct hits on Mauritius are rare — the island receives a storm warning and shuts down for 24–48 hours, then resumes normal operation. According to Mauritius Tourism, visitor arrivals peak in August and December–January.
For the best combination of good weather and comfortable conditions, May and October are the ideal months to visit Mauritius. They sit at the shoulders of the dry season — temperatures are pleasant (22–26°C), rain is minimal, trade winds are moderate rather than strong, and hotel rates are 20–30% lower than July–August peak. June and July also offer superb dry-season weather, with the added bonus of humpback whale sightings off the west coast (June–September). September remains dry and uncrowded. If you want the most reliable sunshine with the fewest crowds, aim for May or October. If you want peak weather regardless of price or crowds, July–August is the choice.
Mauritius is a good destination year-round, but the best time for specific activities varies. Whale watching: June–September (humpback and sperm whales, west coast). Kite surfing and windsurfing: July–September (strongest trade winds, Le Morne). Hiking (Black River Gorges): May–October (cooler temperatures, lower humidity). Snorkelling and diving: year-round, visibility best May–October. Underwater waterfall optical illusion (submarine tours): best in calm conditions May–October. Dolphin watching: year-round but most reliable November–May (spinner dolphins, west coast mornings). Deep-sea fishing: October–April (sailfish, marlin season). Choose your activity first, then match the month — and book your excursions early during peak months.
Peak season in Mauritius runs July–August (European summer holidays) and mid-December to early January (festive season). During these periods hotel prices reach their annual highs — typically 40–60% above shoulder-season rates. Flights from Europe and South Africa book out weeks in advance. Beaches at Grand Baie and Trou aux Biches become noticeably busier. The low season (February–April) offers the lowest prices but comes with higher heat, humidity, and the small risk of a cyclone in January–February. For value, shoulder months May–June or September–October offer dry-season weather without peak-season pricing.
South Africa to Mauritius is a 4-hour direct flight, and Mauritius sits in the same time zone (UTC+4) — making it one of the most convenient tropical destinations for South African travellers. The best time to visit Mauritius from South Africa aligns with the South African school holidays: July (dry season, peak prices) and the end-of-year December–January period. For South Africans travelling outside school holidays, May–June is the optimal window: South Africa’s autumn and early winter align perfectly with Mauritius’s dry season. October is another strong option, coinciding with the brief October school holiday and offering dry-season conditions at moderate prices.
There is no month when Mauritius is genuinely bad to visit. Even January and February — the hottest and wettest months — still offer warm seas, lush vegetation, and beach holidays interrupted at most by a few hours of afternoon rain each day. A tropical cyclone affects Mauritius roughly once every few years, and the island is experienced at managing them safely. The main reasons to avoid January–February are the heat (up to 34°C on the coast) and the small cyclone risk, not the holiday experience itself. If budget is the deciding factor, February and March offer the lowest hotel rates of the year with still-warm seas ideal for diving and fishing.
May–October for the most reliably dry and comfortable weather. Within that window, May, June, and October offer the best value — dry conditions at lower prices than July–August peak. July and August deliver the most consistent sunshine but at the highest prices and largest visitor numbers.
Peak season runs July–August (European summer) and mid-December to early January (festive holidays). These months see the highest hotel rates, most visitor numbers, and least availability. Book accommodation, excursions, and your airport transfer at least 3 months ahead during these periods.
January and February carry the highest cyclone risk and the highest heat and humidity. Direct cyclone hits are uncommon, but the risk is real. If this is a concern, avoid January–February. Otherwise, there is no month when Mauritius is fundamentally unsuitable for a holiday.
Deciding when to go in Mauritius becomes much clearer when you look at what each month offers. January and February are the hottest and wettest months, averaging 30°C and 200+ mm of rainfall — these are cyclone season months and generally recommended for travellers who want lower prices and are comfortable with the possibility of tropical weather disruptions. March and April see conditions improving rapidly, with Easter often bringing good beach weather.
May is the start of the dry season: temperatures drop to a comfortable 25–28°C, seas calm, and the landscape remains green from winter rains. June, July, and August form the core of Mauritian winter — cool (20–24°C), very dry, and ideal for outdoor activities. This is also the best period for whale watching and kite surfing. September and October are transition months with rising temperatures and still-reliable dry conditions. November marks the onset of the warm, humid wet season, building toward the December–January peak.
The answer to when to go in Mauritius also depends on what you plan to do. Beach lovers get the most from May–October when seas are calm, skies are clear, and water visibility for snorkelling and diving is at its best. Families with young children often prefer October–November when temperatures are warm (28–30°C) but rainfall is still low. Honeymooners seeking a romantic atmosphere typically enjoy April–May or October when the island is less crowded than the July–August peak.
Water-sports enthusiasts — particularly kitesurfers and windsurfers — target July and August for the strongest trade winds. Scuba divers favour November–April when water temperatures peak at 28–29°C and specific dive sites host whale sharks and manta ray encounters. Budget-conscious travellers will find the best deals in January–March and June–July (mid-season), when hotel rates are 20–40% lower than the December and August peaks. Check the Mauritius Meteorological Services website for monthly climate statistics before booking.
Regardless of when to go to Mauritius, your airport transfer is always the first logistical step. Taxis Mauritius offers fixed-price airport transfers year-round, with prices unaffected by season, time of arrival, or demand. Our vehicles are fully air-conditioned, allowing you to travel in comfort whether it is the humid December heat or the breezy June chill. Book in advance online and your driver will be at the arrivals hall holding a name board.
For day tours, the best time to explore inland Mauritius — the Chamarel waterfall, the Seven Coloured Earths, and the Black River Gorges — is during the dry season when roads are reliable and the scenery is at its most dramatic. The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority publishes a seasonal events calendar that can help you align your visit with festivals such as Divali (October–November), Chinese New Year (January–February), and the Tamil fire-walking ceremony of Thaipusam (January).
If you can only visit once and want the ideal balance of weather, activities, and value, the clear recommendation for when to go in Mauritius is May or October. Both months offer dry conditions, comfortable temperatures, moderate crowds, and mid-range hotel prices. Families benefit most from October’s warmth; hikers and water-sports enthusiasts favour May’s cooler, breezier conditions. For honeymoons, April combines warm sea temperatures, lush post-rain scenery, and the first quiet weeks before the European summer rush. Whatever month you choose, a pre-booked airport transfer from Taxis Mauritius ensures a smooth, stress-free arrival.
NOW YOU KNOW WHEN
Whatever month you visit, we have a tour for it. Hotel pickup included, English-speaking driver, fixed prices from €70.
See All Day Tours →