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Mauritius is a stunning East African country with an outstanding culture, food, history, and incredible biodiversity. It’s a mecca that highlights various cultures, from East African, Indian, and French influences.
But when is the best time to visit Mauritius? The answer depends on what type of traveler you are and what you’re looking for.
We’ll delve into the best time for most travelers visiting Mauritius, then provide further information on why you might want to visit at other times of the year depending on your interests, preference, and budget.
Plus, we’ll answer many commonly asked questions related to planning travel to Mauritius so that you can plan your trip according to your specific goals and desires! Let’s get into it.
Why You Should Visit Mauritius
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Mauritius is a striking, multicultural destination for relaxation, outdoor activities, culture, food, art, and more.
Beaches
The beaches are pristine, and the weather is warm year-round. The white sand, sparkling crystal clear waters, and striking sunshine are ideal for relaxing the day away.
But you can also find a variety of activities on the beaches, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, and more.
Natural Wonders
Beaches aren’t the only sources of natural beauty in Mauritius. This country is home to stunning waterfalls, lush landscapes, jaw-dropping mountain ranges, and more.
Food & Culture
Mauritius is a melting pot of culture, and that shows up in the food. From Indian curries to French cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant country. Plus, the cultural artifacts and history deepen your appreciation of the country you’re exploring.
Affordability
Another key factor for visiting Mauritius is that you can access all of its wonders without paying as much as you might think. The flight might be costly depending on where you’re coming from, but once you’re there, your jaw will drop at the affordable cost of traveling there.
Overall Best Time to Visit Mauritius
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For most travelers, the best time to visit Mauritius is between October and April, when temperatures are warm and the weather is dry.
During this period, the country enjoys an average temperature of around 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) with very little rain. This period is the ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking, water sports, and sightseeing.
It’s also when the beaches and waterfalls are at their most beautiful, so you won’t have to worry about rain or overexposure to the sun.
In addition to popular New Year celebrations, Mauritius hosts numerous festivals and events that reflect the extremely diverse population of various ethnicities, faiths, and cultural backgrounds.
People celebrate Diwali in October, Christmas and the International Kreol festival in December, Hindu celebrations like Thaipoosum Cavadee, Maha Shivaratri, and Holi around February, and more.
For Swimming Lovers
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For people who love to swim, the best time to visit Mauritius is from mid-December to late February. During this period, the water is warm and ideal for swimming and other activities.
The island enjoys long days, albeit with some rain, and crystal clear waters, which make it the perfect spot for relaxing and unwinding. Given rougher waters, this time is ideal for strong swimmers only.
For nightlife
For those looking to experience Mauritius’ vibrant nightlife, the best months to travel are April and May. This period marks the start of the party season, with numerous nightclubs, bars, and restaurants opening up all over the island.
Cheapest Time to Visit Mauritius
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For travelers looking for an off-season experience, the best time to visit Mauritius is from May to September. During this period, temperatures are cooler, and rainfall is a bit higher.
More specifically, you can expect temperatures in the low-70s and around 30 mm of rain each month. However, the prices of accommodation and flights are usually lower during this period, making it a great option if you’re looking for a bargain.
Plus, this low season still offers excellent weather in some people’s eyes. It’s nice to have cooler temperatures if you can’t withstand the heat of the high season.
Least Busy Time to Visit Mauritius
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June, July, and August are typically the least busy time to visit Mauritius because it is the middle of the country’s “winter.” It is still not particularly cold, but some find it not as sunshiny and bright as other times of the year.
Visiting Mauritius during this time is ideal for travelers looking for a more quiet and peaceful vacation. These travelers would prefer not to spend any time finding an isolated spot on the beach or just relaxing in the serenity of the countryside.
Those looking to visit during this time should also consider taking some time to enjoy the local culture and festivities.
Despite being low season, Mauritius still features activities like the Safiko Musical Festival in June, the Regatta Festival, an annual sailing event with a traditional firework display that’s sometimes in July, and August’s Harvest Festival.
Worst Time to Visit Mauritius
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Most people would say that the worst time to visit Mauritius is from December to January. This period marks the peak of the rainy season, with temperatures reaching the high 80s and over 200 mm of rain in December alone.
This can be especially uncomfortable for visitors who aren’t used to the heat and humidity. Additionally, the ocean can be dangerous during this period, with strong currents and a higher risk of rip tides.
This time of year is also when prices may be a bit high due to the holiday season, so if you’re looking to save money and avoid the crowds, it might be better to choose a different time of the year to visit the island.
Just like how the best time to visit Mauritius will depend on what kind of experience you want, the worst time to visit depends on the type of experience you’d like to avoid at all costs.
Things to Consider
BLUE BAY, MAURITIUS – DECEMBER 27, 2015: Mauritius young man selling coconuts from his bike on the beach Blue Bay, Mauritius/byvalet/Shutterstock
No matter when you decide to visit, it’s always important to prepare for the weather, pack appropriately, and understand certain things about Mauritius to get by smoothly.
Here are several things to consider when planning your trip and moving about the island of Mauritius:
- Remember to pack sunscreen, insect repellent, and lightweight clothing, regardless of when you plan on visiting Mauritius.
- The island is close to the equator and can get very hot throughout the year.
- Mauritius is a religiously diverse country and promotes religious freedom. Still, nearly half the population is Hindu, so being aware of Hindu culture and customs and how they manifest in Mauritius will be helpful.
- Mauritius is a generally safe tourist destination, but it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings and take the necessary precautions.
- U.S. citizens don’t need a visa to enter Mauritius. You must bring your passport, and you’ll receive permission to stay for up to 60 days.
- There is no risk for malaria in Mauritius, and you don’t need vaccinations for entry. However, try to keep yourself safe from mosquito-borne viruses like dengue and chikungunya with consistent use of mosquito repellent.
- You can expect high-speed internet in most areas of the island, but it’s best to get a sim card with data or a Solis portable wifi device if consistent, reliable wifi is extremely important for your trip.
- While The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority offers a free map of the island, it’s helpful to download the map on Google Maps before your trip and save the top spots you’d like to go to.
Activities to Consider
As we’ve mentioned, there are various activities throughout the island, including but in no way limited to:
- Swimming
- Diving, jet skiing, surfing, and other water sports
- Shopping
- Underwater walking
- Hiking and trekking
- Boat trips
- Golf courses
- Nature parks and reserves
- Visiting local markets
- Visiting temples and churches
- Exploring colonial towns and villages
- Tasting the local cuisine
- Visiting tea and sugar cane plantations
- Getting a massage and other spa treatments
Specific Attractions to Consider
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If you’re interested in more specific recommendations, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top things to do in Mauritius:
- Chamarel Waterfall. A majestic, tall waterfall with a lovely swimming area
- Black River Gorges National Park. A hilly rainforest perfect for trekking, hiking, and picnicking
- Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark. An incredible multicolored sand dunes
- Blue Bay Marine Park. The perfect place to go snorkeling
- Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden. Exotic plants across 60 acres of gardens
- La Vanille Nature Park. Crocodiles and tortoises
- Rochester Falls. Intriguingly wide and rocky waterfall
- Tamarind Falls. Multiple falls, pools, and scenic views
- Bras D’Eau National Park. Massive, 1,230-acre nature reserve for trekking and picnics
- Pieter Both. Mountain hiking area
- Bois Cheri Tea Factory. Tea plantation where you can organize tea tasting and view wildlife
- Central Market. Bustling street market
- Le Morne Brabant. One of the best spots for climbing and trekking in Mauritius
Best Beaches in Mauritius
- Blue Bay Beach. A serene beach with crystal waters, perfect for snorkeling
- Trou aux Biches Beach. Gorgeous white sand beach offering stunning sunset views
- La Cuvette Public Beach. Large public beach with accessible and clean facilities
- Pereybere Public Beach. One of the best swimming beaches on the island
- Mont Choisy Beach. Expansive beach with lots of shady trees for hours-long relaxing
- Pointe d’Esny Beach. A calm, relatively quiet beach
- Bain Boeuf Public Beach. The best place to set up a picnic for the day
Frequently Asked Questions
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You’re now equipped with information regarding the best times to visit Mauritius and a list of fun things to do. But if you need more info, check out our answers to commonly asked questions about Mauritius to help you finalize your trip!
What is the best month to go to Mauritius?
The best months to visit Mauritius are typically between October and April when the temperatures are warm and pleasant and there’s little rainfall.
There are also plenty of holidays, festivals, and events going on throughout these months, so there’ll be no shortage of things to do and see on the island.
Which is better, Maldives or Mauritius?
Whether you’ll prefer the Maldives or Mauritius will depend on your personal preferences. The Maldives is famous for its serenity and luxury resorts, while Mauritius is famous for its natural beauty and adventure activities.
Both are amazing options for a tropical holiday, but the right one may depend on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Which is better, Seychelles or Mauritius?
What you’ll like better between Seychelles and Mauritius will depend on personal preferences. Seychelles is famous for its pristine beaches and amazing wildlife, while Mauritius offers a wide range of attractions, from water sports to cultural activities.
If you want to prioritize the best beaches, head to Seychelles. But if you want a more varied experience and more physical adventure on your beach vacation, Mauritius is the way to go.
Which is best, Thailand or Mauritius?
Thailand is much bigger than Mauritius, so if you’re looking for a month-long excursion (or longer) with more varied experiences, Thailand might be the way to go. Thailand is also well known for its bustling nightlife, street markets, and delicious cuisine.
On the other hand, Mauritius is perfect for a relaxed beach holiday with plenty of outdoor activities. And if you’re looking for a more romantic location, perhaps for a honeymoon or anniversary, Mauritius is the way to go.
What is the cheapest way to get to Mauritius?
The cheapest way to get to Mauritius is usually by booking a flight with a budget airline. You should also check if your airline offers any discounts or promotional fares for different times of the year.
Additionally, you can research packages offered by travel agencies which may also include discounted flights or other deals.
How many days are enough for Mauritius?
If you want to explore all that Mauritius has to offer, a week or more is ideal. With this amount of time, you can fit in some beach lounging, water sports, visits to the wildlife parks, and maybe a day trip to one of the nearby islands. On the other hand, if you want just a relaxing beach holiday, a long weekend (3-4 days) may be enough.
Which is cheaper, Bali or Mauritius?
Generally speaking, Bali is usually cheaper than Mauritius. This is because the cost of living in Bali is lower, making it an affordable destination for budget travelers. Additionally, there are many more cheap accommodation options in Bali compared to Mauritius.
However, if you’re looking for a luxury holiday, you can find plenty of options on both islands. There are gorgeous high-end resorts on both islands that offer first-class amenities and five-star service.
Is Mauritius safe for tourists?
Mauritius is generally considered safe for visitors, with a low rate of crime and incidents. The island is well-monitored by the government, and the police are usually quick to respond in case of any emergencies.
When visiting the island, however, it’s important to keep your belongings safe and not wander off alone.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Mauritius?
Overall, there is no definitive “best time” to visit Mauritius since it’s an excellent vacation destination year-round. However, the overall best time for most visitors tends to be between October and March, which is when the weather is warm and sunny, with cool sea breezes in the evenings.
If you want to avoid the crowds and peak prices, it’s best to visit during the off-season between April and September because the weather is still pleasant and warm during these months.
However, whenever you choose to go, you’ll be greeted by amazing food, friendly locals, and some of the most beautiful landscapes and views you’ll see anywhere in the world. So what are you waiting for — book your trip to Mauritius today!