At a Glance: Mauritius Travel Seasons in 2026
Quick Comparison Table of Mauritius Weather, Costs & Events by Month
| Month | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm / Rainy Days) | Sea Temp (°C) / Conditions | Notes / Cyclones | Major Festivals/Events |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30 | 24 | 400 / 15 | 28 / Warm, swells | Hottest/wettest, high cyclone risk | New Year, Thai Pongal |
| February | 30 | 24 | 400 / 15 | 28 / Humid swells | Wettest, cyclone peak | Maha Shivaratree |
| March | 30 | 22 | 191 / 17 | 28 / Warm, rougher | Cyclone risk (1.2 days) | Holi, Int. Women’s Day |
| April | 29 | 23 | 200 / 12 | 27 / Moderate | Cyclone tail-end | Easter, Independence Day |
| May | 27 | 22 | 150 / 8 | 25 / Calmer | Drier transition | Labour Day |
| June | 25 | 21 | 80 / 6 | 24 / Steady winds | Coolest/driest start | Dragon Boat Festival |
| July | 23 | 21 | 40 / 1–3 | 23 / Coolest, calm | Coolest, low rain | Mauritius Open Golf |
| August | 24 | 21 | 50 / 4 | 22 / Windy, clear | Dry, strong trades | Ganesh Chaturthi |
| September | 25 | 21 | 60 / 5 | 22 / Improving, calm | Dry, reliable | Chinese Mid-Autumn |
| October | 27 | 22 | 100 / 7 | 23 / Mild swells | Transitional humidity | Divali |
| November | 29 | 23 | 150 / 10 | 25 / Warming, variable | High season start, some rain | Divali |
| December | 30 | 24 | 300 / 13 | 27 / Warm, pre-cyclone swells | Wet season, cyclone risk | Christmas |
2026 Mauritius Travel Trends: What’s New & Noteworthy
- Arrivals up by 3.9% in 2025 – continued growth expected in 2026 (1.44M+ visitors).
- More mid-range eco-stays and family-friendly offers due to rising demand for green tourism.
- Resilient tourism economy with increased interest for Q1 and Q4 2026 high-occupancy periods.
- New sustainability policies for reef protection and responsible dolphin/whale watching.
Top Months to Visit Mauritius (2026 Highlights)
May to September – Best for Sunseekers & Watersports
Clear skies, lower humidity, trade winds. Daytime highs: 23–27°C. Kids’ holidays see family-friendly deals. Ideal for kitesurfing, hiking, diving—water temp 22–25°C. Beaches less crowded, hotels 20–30% cheaper than peak months.
October to December – Festive Vibing & Warmer Seas
Transition to warmth (27–30°C), sea temp up to 27°C. Diwali and Christmas bring local culture to life. Great for couples, photographers. Fewer tourists than Jan–April peak.
January to April – Tropical Beauty & Lush Landscapes
Peak rain and cyclone risk (particularly February–March), but nature is at its greenest. Sea warm, ideal for snorkeling. Higher hotel demand—book early for March–April.
Shoulder Seasons: Insider’s Pick for Budget & Tranquility
May and October: transition months with stable weather, good flight/hotel prices, and thinned crowds. Recommended for digital nomads and long-stay travellers.
Weather in Mauritius Month by Month (2026 Edition)
Temperature, Rainfall & Sea Conditions by Region
Temperatures range 21–30°C year-round, humidity peaking November–April. Most rain falls between Jan–April. North and west coasts are warmer, east windier, south wettest. Sea is swimmable all year (22–28°C).
Cyclone Watch: What’s Different for 2026?
2026 aligns with long-term trends: cyclone activity peaks January–March (avg 1.2 cyclone-affected days in March), storms can disrupt travel. No significant anomaly forecast, but insurance is a must.
How Climate Change Is Impacting Mauritius Now
Rising sea levels and more intense cyclones are a real concern; 80% of reefs at risk by 2050. The government’s 2026 blueprint emphasizes reef conservation, eco-tourism, and resilient infrastructure.
Festivals and Events in Mauritius: When to Go for Culture
Top National & Local Festivals in 2026
- January: Thai Pongal (Tamil Thanksgiving)
- February/March: Maha Shivaratree (Hindu pilgrimage)
- March: Holi (Festival of Colors)
- April: Easter (Christian holiday)
- August: Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu festival)
- October/November: Divali (Festival of Lights)
- December: Christmas, year-end parties
Unmissable Cultural Experiences by Season
- Enjoy street processions and temple feasts during Maha Shivaratree (Feb/March).
- Sample traditional sweets during Divali (Oct/Nov).
- Join local beach celebrations for Christmas and New Year (Dec/Jan).
Tips for Enjoying Major Events as a Visitor
- Book accommodation early for Holi and Christmas.
- Respect local customs—dress modestly in temples during festivals.
- Use official tourism sources for event dates and ethical wildlife encounters.
Best Time to Travel to Mauritius for Every Traveler Type
Families – Kid-Friendly Seasons & Activities
- July–August: mild weather, calm seas, family resorts with kids’ clubs.
- Visit Casela Nature Parks, botanical gardens.
Couples & Honeymooners – Most Romantic Times to Go
- November–April: sunset beaches, private villa packages, seasonal flowers in bloom.
- Choose Belle Mare or Flic en Flac for romantic escapes.
Adventurers & Nature Lovers – Ideal Months for Outdoor Pursuits
- May–October: dry, cooler. Explore Black River Gorges, Morne Brabant hikes, kite-/windsurfing.
- Sight rare fauna and native birds, smaller crowds on trails.
Remote Workers & Long-Stayers – Digital Nomad’s Guide to Mauritius
- May–September: stable Wi-Fi, quiet coastal towns like Grand Baie, mild weather aids productivity.
- Co-working spaces and serviced apartments widely available (check Booking.com or Airbnb).
Travel Costs in 2026: How to Save on Your Mauritius Trip
High, Shoulder & Low Season Price Guide
| Season | Hotel/Night (4-5* Double) | Flights (RT, Major Hubs—MRU) |
|---|---|---|
| High (Nov–Apr) | €250–500 / $270–540 | €900–1,500 / $970–1,620 |
| Shoulder (May, Oct–Nov) | €180–350 / $195–380 | €700–1,100 / $755–1,190 |
| Low (Jun–Sep) | €150–300 / $160–325 | €600–1,000 / $650–1,080 |
When to Find the Best Hotel & Flight Deals
Best savings in June–September (low season) with 20–35% lower prices. Book 4–6 months ahead for late March–April festival periods, or last-minute for late summer deals.
Budget-Friendly Insider Tips for 2026
- Look for package deals on OTAs (Booking.com, Expedia).
- Consider self-catering apartments or eco-lodges during shoulder season.
- Early-bird and loyalty discounts are common with major hotel brands.
Sustainable & Responsible Travel in Mauritius (2026 Focus)
Eco-Friendly Resorts, Tours & Experiences
- Certified eco-lodges and organic farms in Chamarel region.
- Dolphin/whale tours must comply with 2026 best-practice laws (official operators only).
- No-touch rules near coral reefs—participate in reef-safe activities.
How to Support Local Communities During Your Trip
- Eat at local restaurants serving Creole cuisine—reduces imported food emissions.
- Buy crafts and souvenirs made by local artisans.
Avoiding Overtourism Hotspots & Preserving Nature
- Visit lesser-known beaches and inland attractions like Takamaka waterfall and Ebony Forest.
- Respect wildlife boundaries; follow park rangers’ instructions.
Instagrammable Moments: When to Visit for the Best Photos
Seasonal Highlights for Stunning Landscapes & Wildlife
- Golden hour at Chamarel Seven Colored Earths (May–September for clearest skies).
- Turquoise lagoons and white sand at Île aux Cerfs (year-round, best May–June or October).
- Pink salt flats of Blue Bay (sunrise, May–August).
- Red-roofed church at Cap Malheureux (any clear morning).
- Endemic birdwatching in Black River Gorges (June–September).
Unique Experiences to Capture in 2026
- Street festivals during Holi and Divali (March, October/November).
- Eco-volunteering at reef restoration projects (contact local NGOs for info).
FAQs: Best Time to Travel to Mauritius in 2026
Weather, Safety & Planning Questions Answered
- Is it safe to visit during cyclone season? Cyclones are rare but possible Jan–March—book insurance, monitor alerts.
- What’s the best weather for beaches? May–October: dry, low humidity, cool sea breezes.
- How far ahead should I book? Peak times (March–April, December): 4–6 months. Low season: 3 months or less.
Best Time to Visit Mauritius vs. Seychelles & Other Islands
| Aspect | Mauritius | Seychelles | Maldives | Réunion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crowds | Moderate (1.4M/yr) | Low | High | Low |
| Costs | Mid (€150–400/night) | High | Luxury | Budget |
| Activities | Diverse (hiking, culture) | Eco-luxury | Overwater villas | Volcano treks |
| Weather | Similar tropical | Drier | Rainier | Windier |
| Sustainability | Improving (2026 blueprint) | Strong | Coral focus | Adventure eco |
- CTA: Book your 2026 Mauritius adventure early for best selection—find sustainable stays and deals at Booking.com or compare packages on Expedia.