With photos of blue skies and even bluer waters all over the Internet, it’s easy to believe Mauritius enjoys tropical climate throughout the year, but that’s not true. Located in the southern hemisphere, the island nation experiences winter when many parts of the world are sweltering and summer or rains when it’s winter around the world. A six-hour flight from Mumbai, Mauritius is also not a quick dash like the Maldives. So good weather is imperative and could make or break your holiday experience. Here’s everything you need to know when planning a trip to the country.
When is the best time to visit Mauritius?
The best time to visit Mauritius is from June to September, as the country boasts cool and dry weather. November to April is when the island nation experiences hot, humid and rainy months. It’s important to note a lot of the weather has to do with where you’re staying as the country has microclimates. A few minute’s drive could lead you from a perfectly sunny spot to a place with heavy rain. The east and central plateau are usually wetter than the west coast.
The island experiences its peak tourism season from November to April, which coincides with winter months in many parts of the world. This is the peak summer season with rain. Resorts are busiest during this time of the year, so be prepared for jacked-up tariffs. October and December are sweet spots because the rains tend to peter out faster, giving way to blue skies in no time.
The summer months from November to April are ideal for diving due to warm weather and clear visibility. Mauritius is particularly known for its surfing, with its famous trade winds. The east coast is ideal, as the southeast winds in that direction are perfect for catching some waves. Note, the country reports cyclones from the beginning of November to mid-May.
Mauritians celebrate festivals with much pomp and show. January to February sees Chinese New Year celebrations, with elaborate fireworks illuminating the skies and a beautiful lantern festival. The town of Port Louis is a great place to be a part of the celebrations. Since the country has many residents of Indian origin, the country also celebrates Holi and Thimithi — a Tamil Hindu festival, also known as “The Walk on Fire”.
When is the rainy season in Mauritius?
Mauritius enjoys a tropical climate year-round and is never in the extremes. January, February and March, though, are the hottest and wettest months, with chances of showers in November and April. The temperatures average between 29°C to 31°C, and rainfall at 253mm.
When is the cheapest time to visit Mauritius?
The northern hemisphere’s summer is when Mauritius gets cooler. July and August are considered winter in Mauritius with average temperatures hovering between 20°C to 24°C. During this time of the year, you can enjoy the winter sun with a drop in tariffs.
Temperatures in Mauritius throughout the year
January to April – 28-30°C
May to December – 20-24°C
How many days are enough for a trip to Mauritius?
A six to seven-day trip is ideal to explore Mauritius. A walk along Flic en Flac or Le Morne Beach, a hike through Black River Gorges National Park and a dive in the West Coast teeming with marine life are some of the most recommended activities, and a six-day time frame is enough to cover the must-dos, including sampling Mauritian-Creole cooking and discovering the country’s fascinating history of sugar at the L’Aventure du Sucre museum.
Maldives vs Mauritius: Which island nation should you pick?
Malé in the Maldives is a three-hour flight from Mumbai and two hours from Bengaluru. However, the Maldives’ geographical spread will require you to hop onto a speed boat or seaplane to get to the hotel. Mauritius is about a six-hour flight from Mumbai, and in a little over an hour’s drive from the airport, travellers can get to resorts in the south or north of Mauritius. In the Maldives, each resort is located on a private island, with a private beach, pool, dive centre, and a house reef that you can explore straight from your overwater villas. Mauritius has a lot to do beyond the beach, including nature hikes, mountain trails, museums, and rum factories.
Do Indians need a visa to visit Mauritius?
Indian nationals can receive a visa on arrival in Mauritius. The visa is issued for a stay of up to 90 days with a single entry
From CNTRAVELLER.IN
About The Author
