Mauritius Weather and Climate: What to Expect and What to Pack
Mauritius has a warm tropical climate with two main seasons, a steady sea breeze and very different weather from one side of the island to the other. Here is what to expect, region by region, and how to pack so you are ready for sun, showers and cool evenings.
How the climate works
Mauritius sits in the south-west Indian Ocean, just north of the Tropic of Capricorn. The south-east trade winds blow across the island for most of the year, and the central mountains catch the moisture. That is why the east and south are greener and wetter, while the west is drier and sunnier.
The result is a handful of microclimates in a small area. It can be dry and bright in Flic en Flac while the plateau above Curepipe sits in cloud.
The two seasons
Summer, November to April
Hot and humid, with coastal highs around 29 to 32°C. This is the time of warm sea, long evenings and sudden showers. Afternoons can feel heavy, so plan active excursions for the morning.
Winter, May to October
Drier, breezier and noticeably more comfortable, with highs around 24 to 27°C and evenings of 18 to 20°C. Skies are often clear, and the light is excellent for photography.
Weather by region
| Region | Rain | Wind | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| North (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches) | Lower | Sheltered in winter | Sunny, warm, calm lagoons |
| West (Flic en Flac, Tamarin, Le Morne) | Lowest | Mostly calm | The driest and sunniest coast, hot in summer |
| East (Belle Mare, Trou d’Eau Douce) | Higher | Breezy | Green, fresh and a little showery |
| South (Bel Ombre, Souillac) | Higher | Windy in winter | Wild coast with dramatic cliffs |
| Central plateau (Curepipe) | Highest | Variable | Several degrees cooler, often misty |
Annual rainfall ranges from under 1,000 mm on the west coast to well over 3,000 mm on parts of the central plateau.
Rain, wind and sea
Rain is the main thing visitors worry about, but showers are usually short. A grey morning often turns into a clear afternoon. The trade winds are strongest from about May to October, which suits kitesurfers and makes the east and south feel fresh, but can add chop to boat trips on those coasts.
The lagoon waters inside the reef are calm in almost all conditions. Outside the reef, swell and current can change quickly, so follow the advice of your skipper or dive guide.
Book sea trips as early in your stay as you can. If a day is too windy or rough, you will have time to move it to a better one.
Sun and UV
The sun is strong all year, even on cloudy days. Use SPF 50, reapply after swimming, wear a hat and sunglasses and take extra care between 10am and 3pm. Reef-safe sunscreen helps protect the coral.
What to pack by season
| Season | Essentials |
|---|---|
| Summer (Nov to Apr) | Light cotton clothes, swimwear, a compact rain jacket, insect repellent, sandals and water shoes |
| Winter (May to Oct) | All of the above plus a light sweater or shawl for evenings and a windproof layer for boat trips |
| Year round | Sun cream, hat, sunglasses, a waterproof phone pouch and a small day bag |
For a full list, use our Mauritius packing checklist.
Checking the forecast
The Mauritius Meteorological Services issues the official forecasts and weather warnings, and your hotel reception will also know what to expect. Check the forecast the evening before any excursion, and keep an indoor option in mind, such as a museum, a market visit or a spa.
Humidity and how hot it feels
From December to March, humidity often reaches 80 percent or more, so 30°C can feel like 35°C. Sea breezes on the coast help, and most hotels have air conditioning. From June to September, the air is drier and the heat is much more comfortable for sightseeing and hiking.
Sun safety
Mauritius is in the tropics, and the UV index is very high for most of the year, even on cloudy days. Use a high-factor, reef-safe sunscreen, reapply after swimming, wear a hat and avoid the strongest sun between 11:00 and 15:00.
Microclimates: why it rains on one side and not the other
The trade winds blow from the south-east and drop their rain on the central plateau and the east coast. The west, in the rain shadow of the mountains, is much drier. On the same day, it can rain in Curepipe while Flic en Flac is sunny. If the weather is poor where you are, a short drive to the west often finds sunshine.
Planning activities around the weather
- Book boat trips and flights early in your stay, so there is time to reschedule.
- Do hikes and sightseeing in the morning, before clouds build.
- Keep indoor options for rainy afternoons: Odysseo Oceanarium, L’Aventure du Sucre and the museums of Port Louis.
Book it with Plan Mauritius
These experiences can be booked through us, with transfers added if you need them:
- Airport Transfer in Mauritius – airport transfers
- Whale Watching
Frequently asked questions
Which coast has the best weather?
The west coast is the driest and sunniest for most of the year, especially from May to October.
How humid is Mauritius?
Humidity is highest from December to March, often above 80 percent, and lowest from June to September.
Is Mauritius hot all year?
It is warm all year, but not equally hot. Summer is hot and humid, while winter is mild and comfortable, with cooler evenings.
Does it rain every day in summer?
No. Summer has more rain, but it normally comes in short, heavy bursts. Many days are mostly sunny.
Is the sea warm enough in winter?
Yes. It cools to about 23 to 25°C, which most people find fine for swimming and snorkelling, especially on the sheltered west and north coasts.
Do I need warm clothes?
Only a light layer for winter evenings, boat trips and the central plateau. You will not need a heavy coat.
Want help choosing the right month?
Tell us your dates and what you love doing. We will suggest the best coast, the best hotels for that season and activities that suit the weather.
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