Wondering when is the best time to visit Mauritius Island? This month-by-month guide to Mauritius weather will help you figure out the best and worst time to go to Mauritius!
Mauritius has a tropical climate with hot, humid, and rainy summers (particularly from January to March) and cool, dry winters.
The weather also varies slightly from region to region – the north and west are the sunniest and driest, and the south and east can be quite windy especially during the winter while the center is much cooler.
Since I live in Mauritius, I’ve experienced my fair share of the Mauritius weather and although Mauritius is considered a year-round destination, there are some months that I would recommend avoiding.
So if you’re planning a trip, keep reading to find out what are the best months to visit Mauritius Island.
Mauritius Travel Essentials
Best Tours & Excursions in Mauritius:
- Catamaran Cruise to the Northern Islands + Lunch
- Full-Day Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs + BBQ Lunch
- Guided tour of the Southwest (affordable private tour for up to 4 people)
- Mauritius Guided Street Food Tour
- Le Morne Brabant guided hiking tour
Best places to stay on Mauritius Island:
- Luxury: Paradise Cove and Trou aux Biches Beachcomber
- Mid-Range: Preskil Island Resort and Tropical Attitude
- Budget: Talamba Blue
Planning a family trip? Find the best hotels in Mauritius for families here.
Planning a romantic getaway? Find the best adults-only hotels in Mauritius here.
The best way to explore Mauritius is by car! Book your rental car here to get the best rates.
***This article may contain affiliate links, meaning each time you click through and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps a lot in keeping this website running. Thank you for your support :)
What is the best time of the year to visit Mauritius?
The best time to visit Mauritius actually depends on what you want out of your trip:
Best time to enjoy the beach: April to December
Best time to go hiking: April to December
Best time to see the waterfalls: January to April
Best time to go surfing: June to November
Cheapest time to go to Mauritius: May to October to benefit from cheaper hotel rates
For the absolute best weather, plan your visit to Mauritius in October or November since these are the driest months of the year.
You’ll thus be able to take advantage of all the best things to do in Mauritius! This is by far the best time of the year to go to Mauritius if you want to fully enjoy the beaches, visit the islands, or go hiking. Hotels and tours will also be slightly cheaper.
Related post: 45 things to do on Mauritius Island
What is the worst time to visit Mauritius?
While there isn’t really a bad time to visit Mauritius, I would recommend avoiding the months of January to March since they are the hottest and wettest.
This is also the cyclone season, so the weather can be very unpredictable, although it can still be sunny on certain days.
Overview of the weather in Mauritius
The weather in Mauritius varies slightly from region to region. The north and west coasts are the hottest and experience the least amount of rain. So, if you’re looking for the best regions to stay in Mauritius, I recommend either the north or west.
On the other hand, the weather in the south and the east of Mauritius is slightly cooler.
Just keep in mind that the east and southeast regions can get a bit windy during the winter months, mainly between July and September. If you’d like to do some kitesurfing during your trip, this would be the best time to visit Mauritius.
Finally, the temperature in the center is much cooler compared to other regions since it’s found at a higher elevation. It also rains quite a lot there, so make sure to pack an umbrella or rain jacket if you plan on going there.
Related post: North Mauritius travel guide
Summer in Mauritius
November to April
Average temperature: 24-31°C
During this time of the year, the weather tends to be hot, humid, and rainy. The latter is especially true in January, February, and March, which are considered the cyclone/rainy season. But this doesn’t mean that it will be raining every single day.
You should know that the weather is quite unpredictable in summer, so try to be flexible when planning your Mauritius trip itinerary.
If you want to see the waterfalls of Mauritius, summer would be the best time to go to Mauritius since they would look way more impressive.
Note: Make sure to check the weather forecast beforehand and avoid visiting the waterfalls when it’s raining as the hike could potentially be dangerous.
The average temperature for summer in Mauritius ranges from 24 to 31 degrees Celsius and can sometimes go up to 34°C in the north and west.
Winter in Mauritius
May to October
Average temperature: 15-28°C
The winter months are cooler and relatively dry, although you should expect some rainy days. Winter is the best season to visit Mauritius if you want to enjoy some of the beautiful Mauritius beaches or go on hikes.
Hotel and tours, will also be cheaper, so if you’re planning a budget trip to Mauritius, make sure to visit during winter.
The average temperature for winter in Mauritius ranges from 15 to 28 degrees Celsius. Note that it gets quite cold and wet in the central region, especially around Curepipe and the Black River Gorges National Park while the coastal regions are still warm.
Tip: If you’re only visiting the coastal regions, you can still wear summer clothes but I recommend packing a light cardigan as it gets a bit more chilly in the evenings.
Related post: 29 best Mauritius beaches to visit
Cyclone season in Mauritius
January to March
The cyclone season in Mauritius runs mainly from January to March, although it can sometimes begin in mid-December and end by mid-April.
Cyclones usually last about 3-4 days only, causing severe thunderstorms and torrential rain. Keep in mind that the weather can still be rainy a couple of days after the cyclone has passed.
Mauritius weather by month
Mauritius weather in January
The weather in Mauritius in January can be quite unpredictable since this also marks the beginning of the cyclone/rainy season. Although it can rain non-stop on certain days, it can also be sunny for several days in a row.
For instance, Mauritius was hit by cyclone Belal in January 2024 which caused quite a bit of damage, especially in the capital city.
Don’t be discouraged though as January is the best time to visit Mauritius for those who want to see the waterfalls at their best.
January is also one of the hottest months of the year with temperatures rising to 34 degrees Celsius, particularly along the coast.
Note: January is the peak season in Mauritius, so hotels are usually fully booked and rates are much higher. Don’t forget to book your hotel well in advance if you’re visiting in January!
Mauritius weather in February
Similar to January, February is very hot and rainy. For reference, Mauritius was hit by two tropical cyclones in February 2022 which resulted in heavy rain for several days while there was only one cyclone in February 2023 and February 2024.
Also on certain days, it might be raining in the morning but the weather tends to get better in the afternoon.
Tip: If you’re looking for indoor activities in Mauritius for rainy days, I recommend Chamarel Curious Corner, Natural History Museum, or Chateau de Labourdonnais.
Related post: Top attractions to see in Chamarel
Mauritius weather in March
From what I’ve noticed while living in Mauritius, it will be raining almost every other day so the weather in March isn’t always the best.
In general, the weather is nice in the morning but it usually starts raining at around 12/12:30 p.m.
There’s also a risk of flash floods (which shouldn’t be taken lightly!), so make sure to check the weather forecast before leaving your hotel, especially if you’re planning to go on a hike.
Note: The weather in March has been surprisingly good in March 2023 with plenty of sunny days. But I still recommend having a flexible itinerary if you plan to visit in March.
Related post: 21 unique places in South Mauritius
Mauritius weather in April
While the beginning of the month might still bring some rain, April marks the beginning of sunnier days. It’s one of the best months to visit Mauritius since it’s the perfect time to go to the beach.
The only downside is that hotel rates will be slightly higher due to the Easter holidays. The beaches will also be more crowded, so make sure to go early.
Mauritius weather in May
May is considered one of the cheapest months to go to Mauritius. As the weather gets cooler, the price of hotels in Mauritius starts to drop. Luxury hotels like Dinarobin Beachcomber or Constance Belle Mare Plage will cost only a fraction of their normal price.
You’ll also find fewer crowds at the beach and popular attractions like Chamarel and Ile aux Cerfs.
While the weather in Mauritius in May is cooler compared to the previous months, the average temperature hovers around 23-28°C which is still nice for a dip in the ocean.
Related post: Ultimate guide to the best places to stay in Mauritius
Mauritius weather in June
The weather in Mauritius in June is quite similar to May, although the temperature drops considerably toward the end of the month (it can sometimes drop to 12 degrees Celcius in the central region). Again, you’ll be able to take advantage of cheaper hotel rates.
The weather in June is also great for hiking. Just remember to pack a light cardigan if you’re planning to hike in the central region as it does get a bit chilly and rainy on certain days.
Mauritius weather in July
The weather in July normally offers bright sunny days and a lower chance of rain compared to the summer months although I’ve noticed that it’s been raining a lot more than usual in 2022 and 2023.
2024 update: The weather in July 2024 was the driest on record since 1904 (source).
The east and southeast regions tend to be very windy in winter which is ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Hotels like Preskil Island Resort even offer kitesurfing lessons to beginner surfers.
On the other hand, if you get cold easily, you should avoid staying on the east and southeast coasts. Accommodations like La Mariposa in the west or Trou aux Biches Beachcomber in the north would be much more ideal.
Mauritius weather in August
Similar to the previous months, the climate in Mauritius in August is nice but quite windy in the east and southeast. You’re also more likely to experience rain in these regions compared to the north and west, so keep that in mind when deciding where to stay.
From what I’ve observed, it usually rains in the morning for less than 30 minutes but the weather tends to get better throughout the day.
Mauritius weather in September
The weather in September is cool and sunny on most days (although you might experience light rain on certain days which normally lasts about 30 minutes).
September in Mauritius is also your last chance to take advantage of lower hotel rates before the high season kicks in.
Related post: 10 amazing places to visit in East Mauritius
Mauritius weather in October
If you’re wondering when to visit Mauritius for the best weather, I recommend going in October, especially if you’re planning to spend a lot of time outdoors. It’s definitely the best time to visit Mauritius Island!
As one of the driest months of the year, the weather will be perfect for hiking at Le Morne Brabant, Le Pouce mountain, or Gris Gris beach.
Hotel rates will start to increase slightly but not as much compared to November and December.
What’s also great about visiting Mauritius in October is that you’ll also get the opportunity to experience the Diwali festival (note that Diwali may sometimes take place in November).
Related post: Where to go hiking in Mauritius?
Mauritius weather in November
In terms of weather, November is one of the best months to go to Mauritius. As the temperature starts to rise, you can expect lots of sunny days with minimal rainfall.
Just keep in mind that hotel rates will go up, at times twice as much compared to September and October.
Update: Unfortunately, the weather in November 2023 has been quite bad with lots of rain which is very unusual. Hopefully, November 2024 will be better.
Mauritius weather in December
December is one of the busiest months of the year and hotels are usually filled up. This is why it’s important to book hotels and tours well in advance if you’re planning to visit Mauritius in December.
As the weather gets hotter, you might experience some rain towards the end of the month. Although rare, the country might also be hit by cyclones in December.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a rainy season in Mauritius?
Mauritius experiences the highest level of rainfall between January and March which also coincides with the cyclone/rainy season.
What are the hottest months in Mauritius?
The hottest months are between December and March with temperatures averaging 24-31°C and can sometimes go up to 34°C along the coasts.
When should I go to Mauritius?
For the best weather, the best time to visit Mauritius is in October and November.
What is the coldest month in Mauritius?
July is the coldest month with temperatures averaging 15-22°C in the central region. Note that the coastal regions are still warm in July.
As someone who lives in Mauritius, I’ve experienced the weather first-hand and can say for a fact that the best time of the year to visit Mauritius is toward the end of winter. I hope that you found this guide to Mauritius weather by month helpful. As always, feel free to comment below if you have any questions.
Read more about Mauritius:
- 44 unique attractions in Mauritius
- Where to stay in Mauritius + best hotels
- Top 10 Beaches in Mauritius
- 1 Week Mauritius itinerary guide
- How to save money when visiting Mauritius?
- Complete guide to driving in Mauritius
- How to find the best car rental companies in Mauritius?
- Top 30 Mauritius hikes to do
- 18 breathtaking waterfalls in Mauritius
- Best beaches in Mauritius by region
- Port Louis travel guide
- Chamarel travel guide
- Best locations to take photos in Mauritius
8 comments
Hi Steph,
Thank you for the above information.
We are planning on visiting for our honeymoon between 17 September and 05 October and were considering splitting our stay between either North and South/South West or East and West. Which would you recommend please for nice weather?
Also, how is the weather in Ile aux Cerf and Rodriguez island during this time of year please?
Thank you :)
Hi Dawn,
You’re welcome :)
For the best weather, I recommend staying in the north since the southeast can be a bit windy in September. Right now, the temperature is already starting to rise so by September, the weather will be much nicer with less chance of rain. Ile aux Cerfs is located in the southeast so a bit windy in September but still enjoyable. As for Rodrigues Island, the weather is similar to Mauritius.
You can read this guide to find the best areas to stay in Mauriitus.
Hey Steph :) Thank you for your prompt reply.
Is there a great difference in weather between mid/end of September and October?
And apart from the north, would you also recommend the west?
You’re welcome, Dawn. There isn’t much of difference, except that the temperature gets slightly higher in October. The weather in the north and west is pretty similar. Overall, these two regions have the best weather compared to others.
Thanks Steph :) One last thing, we will be staying in Mauritius, including Rodriguez, for a total of 19 days. Would you recommend to stay at one accommodation? Or suggest to split stay between North and West? And how many days would you recommend at Rodriguez island pls :) ?
You can read this guide (https://www.letsventureout.com/mauritius-itinerary-7-days-2-weeks/) for a suggested itinerary. I recommend splitting your stay between 2 or 3 regions, for example:
Option 1: 7 days in North Mauritius, 8 days in West Mauritius, and 3/4 days in Rodrigues.
Option 2: 4 days in Southeast Mauritius, 6 days in North Mauritius, 6 days in West Mauritius, and 3 days in Rodrigues.
This will mostly depend on what you want to do during your trip. This guide (https://www.letsventureout.com/where-to-stay-in-mauritius/) will walk you through each region of Mauritius, including things to do and where to stay.
WE’re planning a trip to MAuritius 27 Sep for either 8 or 10 nights with small children.
WE are considering these hotels based on price, offering and availability. Long Beach, Shandrani.
Wondering weather to split holiday in half by going to two hotels (west coast and east coast) or staying at one.
I’m just concerned about the wind that everyone speaks of on the East coast. Your advice is valuable.
Also what hotel is fabulous on the west coast but affordable and great for kids?
Hello, the east can be a bit windy between July and September but it’s not super windy like in Iceland for example. If you’re coming from a cold region you should be fine as the temperature along the coast rarely drops below 20 degrees Celcius.
If you’re planning to explore the country extensively, I would suggest staying in two different hotels so you don’t spend a lot of time and money driving around the country. As for hotels along the west, you can either stay at Sugar Beach (https://www.booking.com/hotel/mu/sugar-beach.en.html?aid=1839570&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2) or La Pirogue (https://www.booking.com/hotel/mu/la-pirogue.en.html?aid=1839570&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2). Both are great for kids – they have family/connecting rooms, kids club, kids pool, kids menu etc. You can read this guide (https://www.letsventureout.com/best-family-hotels-in-mauritius-family-resorts/) for family-friendly hotels in Mauritius.