Jump to:
The award-winning experts at Go2Africa know their stuff. Browse award-winning Seychelles trips, made just for you.
If you dream of relaxing on pristine beaches and swimming in crystal clear water, you should book a ticket to Seychelles. Before visiting these remote islands, learning about their weather, beaches, and the best time to visit should be on your to-do list.
Whether you love to snorkel or rather lounge all day drinking cocktails, Seychelles has you covered. Depending on your plans, some months offer much better weather conditions and prices than others.
If you want to learn when is the best time to visit Seychelles, we’re here to help. We’ll cover each month and season to help you decide when to go.
Spoiler alert– almost every month offers amazing weather in Seychelles. From the rainy season to the high season, here’s our review of the best times to visit Seychelles.
Why You Should Visit Seychelles in 2023
Jan Bures/Shutterstock
If you enjoy relaxing on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, you’ll love visiting Seychelles. But there’s more to love than just stunning beaches. You’ll also find a diverse culture, exotic locales, and mind-blowing wildlife on the islands.
The Beaches and Islands
If you’ve been researching a trip to Seychelles, you’ll first notice the incredible island beaches. Seychelles is a group of 115 islands and features some of the most breathtaking beach scenery on the planet.
On each island, you’ll find miles of beachfront property to enjoy. It’s also easy to take day trips to each island, so don’t worry if you book a room on an island and want to visit other beaches:
- Anse Lazio is a great snorkeling beach.
- Anse Source d’Argent is stunning and one of the most photographed beaches on Earth.
- Anse Intendance is one of the best beaches for turtle nesting and viewing.
- Anse Marron offers private and natural saltwater pools for lounging.
- Anse Cocos is great for those who like to hike and explore.
- Anse Lazio is great for snorkeling and swimming.
Excellent Weather All Year Long
While Seychelles has a rainy season, it’s short and not as extreme as many other tropical locations. The temperature averages 86F (30C) all year long in Seychelles.
It’s often humid on the islands, but sea breezes and light showers cool off the islands in the late afternoon. The rainy season starts in November and can last until March.
The strongest rains coincide with the monsoon season and last between December and January. Rains in January average nearly 15 inches in a month. Still, the rains are short and only last a few hours.
Witness Exotic and Endangered Wildlife
As an island paradise, Seychelles is blessed with its distinct ecosystem. On the islands, you’ll find complex and exotic plants and animals. The biggest attraction is the nesting turtles.
Tourists flock to Seychelles to view the nesting of hawksbills and green turtles. If you want to experience the wonders of life. you’ll want to visit Seychelles between October and April.
If you prefer your wildlife underwater, there are countless opportunities to scuba dive or snorkel in Seychelles. Visitors can explore miles of coral reefs and swim with whale sharks, giant tortoises, tropical fish, and more.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Prosign/Shutterstock
Seychelles features two United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) world heritage sites. Aldabra Atoll is a system of four coral islands in a shallow lagoon.
Here, you’ll find the largest population of giant tortoises on Earth. The islands are home to over 150,000 giant tortoises. While one of the largest islands, Aldabra Atoll is uninhabited. Touring Atoll is restricted, but you can enjoy the same experience at nearby Cosmoldo and Astove.
Both islands are open to visitors, and you can book day cruises to each location. You can find Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve on the island of Praslin.
Praised as a real-life Garden of Eden by General Charles Gordin in 1881, this forest features six species of palm tree native to only the Seychelles. The king of trees, Coco-de-Mer palms have the largest seeds of any plant in the world.
Don’t Miss Out on Carnaval in Seychelles
While many travelers come to Seychelles for relaxation, others come to the party. There’s no bigger party than the International Seychelles Carnaval. Held every April, the carnival celebrates the multi-ethnicity culture of Seychelles.
For three days, the festival is the focal point of the islands. During the event, you can enjoy live music, parades, world-class food, and more. Carnaval occurs in the Capital City of Victoria on Mahe Island.
If you plan to visit during Carnaval, you should book in advance. Hotels fill up fast during the festival and you may miss out if you don’t book months in advance.
The carnival began as an idea to spread unity, togetherness, and equality. Seychelles is a melting pot of culture, and the festival helps the community celebrate these differences.
If you get anxious in crowds, you’ll want to avoid Carnaval. The festival estimates crowds of over 30,000 tourists during the event. If you love being in the center of the action, feel free to jump in and start the party.
World-Class Fishing
The pristine clear waters, large shallows, and deep seas make the Seychelles one of the best fishing spots on the planet. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, you’ll have a blast fishing in Seychelles.
Fly fishing is popular on many of the islands. On many beaches, you can even walk hundreds of yards into the shallow waters. This lets you get to the secret fishing spots landlocked fishermen can’t find.
There’s also a diverse number of species to fish for. Expect to catch trevally, milkfish, triggerfish, parrotfish, and others. If you prefer more action while fishing, consider booking a deep-sea charter.
There’s nothing like getting a bite from a massive fish while deep-sea fishing. Your adrenaline spikes as you fight for the fish. Whether you catch the fish or not, you’ll have stories to tell your friends once you return from your vacation.
Overall Best Time to Visit Seychelles
Jakub Barzycki/Shutterstock
While almost every month is beautiful in Seychelles, April and May are our picks for the best time to visit. October and November are also great months to visit.
These periods sit between the two trade winds that hit Seychelles every year. April is one of the warmest months to visit. During April and most of May, you’ll experience little rainfall with a hot and humid climate.
Temperatures average 86F (30C) during this time frame. April is also before the high season begins meaning you can find lower hotel rates, and the islands will be less crowded.
April and March also offer a variety of festivals and events to enjoy. Carnaval International de Victoria is a must for travelers headed to the islands in April. It’s the largest festival in Seychelles and brings music, food, and good vibes to Seychelles.
Other fun events during the fall months include the International Deep-Sea Fishing Competition, Seychelles Arts Festival, and FetAfrik Festival. October and November also offer an excellent opportunity to visit Seychelles.
The primetime season is over, and hotels and airfare should be reasonably priced during these months. While October and November experience some rains, you’ll still get plenty of hot and sunny days during the spring months.
Cheapest Time to Visit Seychelles
Filip Fuxa/Shutterstock
Visit Seychelles can get expensive. If you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll find the best prices for hotels and airfare between October and April.
Late October starts the rainy season, and it extends until April. While it may rain every day, you’ll still find plenty of time in the sun during the rainy season. Seychelles’ rainy season is not as extreme as many other tropical vacation destinations.
Monsoon rains can be annoying but are rarely dangerous in Seychelles. The islands are safely tucked away from the cyclone belt. Only the most remote southern islands risk cyclone season.
The summer season also sees fewer tourists coming from Europe. The lack of tourism and rains helps lower prices to visit Seychelles. You should have no problem finding budget flights and hotel accommodations during the rainy season.
During the rainy season, it’s much easier to find flights and rooms. You won’t have to book your trip months in advance if you plan to visit Seychelles during the rainy season.
Least Busy Time to Visit Seychelles
Jenny Sturm/Shutterstock
Do you like to avoid crowds while on vacation? You should head to Seychelles during the low season. Low Season begins in November and lasts until January.
During these months you’ll find hotels and flights are inexpensive, and you shouldn’t worry about overbooking. November marks the beginning of the northwest trade winds. This causes more rain to hit the islands.
Temperatures also tend to be a few degrees cooler than during the high season. While rains occur daily, they only last for a few hours. This means you’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy the beach, snorkeling, or fishing.
If you love wildlife, November is a great time to witness the hawksbill turtle hatching. Seychelles also hosts the Seychelles Ocean Festival. This festival brings underwater photographers together to capture the wonders of the seas surrounding Seychelles.
Worst Time to Visit Seychelles
T.Schneider/Shutterstock
The worst time to visit Seychelles depends on your preferences. Some visitors don’t mind the rain, while others prefer to save on their travel. Some local activities are better during certain months as well.
Things to Consider
Now that you when the best times to visit Seychelles, let’s learn more about the islands. Below are some facts you should know before visiting Seychelles:
- Seychelles is a safe holiday location for tourists, and they take security seriously.
- Most locals speak English, French, and Creole.
- You won’t have to worry about malaria while visiting Seychelles.
- You don’t need a visa to visit, but Seychelles issues a visitor permit upon entry.
- You need an international driver’s license to operate a vehicle in Seychelles.
- Don’t forget to drive on the left side of the road.
- Food on the island has African, Chinese, English, French and Indian origins.
- Many shops let you pay in USD or Euro.
- Compared to many other locations, Seychelles is expensive.
- Travelers are encouraged to avoid revealing clothing except on beaches.
- Tropical storms are rare but can occur between January and February.
Frequently Asked Questions
22Images Studio/Shutterstock
Do you still have more questions about Seychelles? We have answers. Below are some of the most common questions travelers ask before visiting Seychelles:
What is the rainy season in Seychelles?
Monsoon season begins in late November and lasts until March. The worst rains occur during December and January.
While the rains can last for hours, there is rarely a threat from tropical storms or cyclones while visiting Seychelles. Even during the wettest months, Seychelles is relatively dry compared to other islands like Maldives or Mauritius.
Are seven days enough for Seychelles?
If you want to visit every island and experience everything Seychelles offers, you’ll need more than seven days. Still, you can see and enjoy Seychelles if you only have seven days.
You can customize a seven-day itinerary based on the island you’re staying at. From day trips to remote islands to scuba excursions, you’ll have the time of your life on a seven-day trip to Seychelles.
What is the hottest month in Seychelles?
April and November compete for the hottest months in Seychelles. During both months, temperatures average 88F (31C). The trade winds are minimal during this time, meaning there is little breeze on the island. The island is also more humid during this time.
What is the high season in Seychelles?
The high season coincides with winter in Seychelles. Between July and August, you’ll experience amazing weather. Tourists flock to Seychelles during these months.
You should expect higher prices for airfare and hotels during these months. It’s also a good idea to book your trip months in advance if you ‘re heading to Seychelles during the peak season to avoid overbooking or lack of flights.
Is Seychelles worth visiting?
The short answer is yes, it’s worth visiting Seychelles. The islands offer beauty, relaxation, and fun. While the trip is long and it might be expensive, you won’t regret booking a trip to Seychelles.
The award-winning experts at Go2Africa know their stuff. Browse award-winning Seychelles trips, made just for you.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Seychelles?
So, when’s the best time to visit Seychelles? There’s no bad season to visit Seychelles, but some months offer advantages over others. If you want the best weather while visiting Seychelles, you should see April and May.
These months offer the best mix of high temperatures and minimal rain. These months are also before high season and you may get a discount on your hotel or plane ticket while visiting between April and May.
For travelers on a budget, you should consider visiting during the rainy season. The rainy season begins in November and ends in March. While your plans can get rained out, you’ll have no problem getting a room at a good rate during this time.
Peak season is fun and exciting but brings a large influx of tourists. This means you should book months in advance to avoid overbooking planes and hotels. So what are you waiting for — book your trip to Seychelles today!