Whether you want to scuba dive, enjoy a lazy day, kitesurf or go hiking, choosing the right time to travel to Mauritius essentially depends on what you cherish. We at Le Figaro are here to guide you, providing pointers to help you make the right choice of travel dates and area.
Mauritius has a tropical climate marked by two distinctive seasons: a sultry, muggy summer from November to April and a dry, relatively cool winter from May to October. The trade winds are easing the heat in the east and south, while the thermometer is climbing in the north and west of the island.
This island, steeped in a multitude of influences, vibrates to the rhythm of an abundant and colorful festive calendar throughout the year, reflecting the diversity and joie de vivre of its inhabitants.
When is the best time to travel to Grand Baie and the north of Mauritius?
The enviable north coast of Mauritius, in particular Grand Baie, has a climate that delights sun-lovers, with an average summer temperature of 27°C. This mildness sets it apart from its usually more temperate eastern and southern counterparts. Protected from excessive wind, this area is ideal for scuba diving, offering an exceptional underwater refuge for novices and experienced divers alike. In summer, these underwater explorers can enjoy water temperatures easily topping 28°C, perfect for venturing between the wonderful dive sites of the Northern Islands, Pointe aux Canonniers and the famous Trou aux Biches.
Don’t worry about a sudden drop in the mercury in the austral winter, as temperatures are always friendly. The electrifying atmosphere of the restaurants, nightclubs and bars that brighten up Grand Baie is a delight for entertainment-seeking summer visitors, transforming the town into a veritable festive Eldorado even when the skies become a little less clement.
When is the best time to visit Belle Mare and the east of Mauritius?
Located in the path of the trade winds that cool the atmosphere, the east coast of Mauritius is a paradise for seaside vacations from November to April, a season when the average sea temperature is an attractive 27°C. You’ll have the chance to take full advantage of the magnificent Belle Mare beach, reputed to be one of the most sumptuous in the area, and to put on your flippers, mask and snorkel to explore the splendors of its lagoon.
The summer ocean breezes also make it easy to discover the picturesque fishing hamlets along the coast between Roches Noires and Mahébourg. Golf enthusiasts will love the magnificent Ile aux Cerfs golf course, easily accessible from Trou d’Eau Douce. With the onset of winter, from May to October, the winds increase in strength, causing temperatures to cool both on land and in the water.
When is the best time to visit Flic-en-Flac and the west of Mauritius?
Famous for its breathtaking sunsets, which can be particularly appreciated from the tempting beach of Flic-en-Flac, the western side of Mauritius offers permanently mild climates, reaching an average peak of 30°C between November and March, the hottest season.
This region, which is largely unaffected by the vagaries of the wind, is also ideal for visiting during the southern winter season, with temperatures rarely dipping below 24° during the day. For kitesurfing and windsurfing enthusiasts, the period from April to November is highly recommended, offering the opportunity to explore famous sites such as One Eye. They can indulge in these exhilarating activities, set against the impressive backdrop of Morne Brabant. In the shadow of this slender mountain lies a magnificent 18-hole golf course where green aficionados can optimize their shots.
When to opt for a trip to the heart of Mauritius’s pristine south?
Unspoilt and originally seductive, the southern part of Mauritius proves to be in perfect harmony with travelers during the summer season south of the equator, which runs from November to April. A key period for enjoying all its attractions, without having to face the frequently rough winds of the Mauritian winter. Trekking enthusiasts will have the opportunity to venture amid the region’s sublime panoramas, combining majestic escarpments, verdant valleys, rolling fields of sugar cane and pristine sandy beaches.
With sea temperatures averaging around 26°C and moderate ocean currents, summer is also a great time to explore the treasures of Blue Bay Marine Park. Its diverse coral reefs are among the most dazzling diving and snorkeling spots in Mauritius. At the same time, the southern coast is a marvellous playground for experienced kitesurfers, who will appreciate the winter waves to perfect their techniques on the popular spots of Bel Ombre and Riambel.
When is the best time to plan a trip to Chamarel and the heart of Mauritius?
With nothing to envy of its paradisiacal shores, Mauritius has regained its beauty with a lush green landscape of astonishing variety that can be admired while exploring the heart of the country. With higher rainfall and generally cooler temperatures than its seaside coasts, this part of Mauritius reveals itself in all its splendor during the period from November to March, when the mild climate offers average daily temperatures of 26°C.
This pleasant climate creates the perfect conditions for unveiling the natural gems of central France, including Chamarel’s Land of Seven Colors and the Black River Gorges National Park. The latter, renowned for its madly tangled vegetation, hides superb waterfalls. And no matter what time of year you decide to visit the island, a visit to the park is feasible and highly recommended at any time.
