Climate in Mauritius
As a country starting with letter M listed on COUNTRYAAH, Mauritius is an island state in the Indian Ocean with the main island of the same name and other islands. The main island of Mauritius is around 1,800 km from the African mainland and around 8,700 kilometers from Austria. Due to its location in the southern hemisphere, the seasons in Mauritius are opposite to ours. This means that summer time is from November to April and winter time from May to October in Mauritius. The island location in the Indian Ocean ensures a tropical oceanic climate in Mauritius . For one, it means that there are only minor temperature fluctuations from month to month gives. On the other hand, the south trade wind blows all year round. The trade wind from the south cools the constantly high temperatures on the island and makes it pleasant for holidaymakers. In summer the average temperatures are between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. During this time, rain showers increase and the risk of tropical cyclones, the so-called cyclones , is extremely high. This is especially the case in January and February. You shouldn’t travel to Mauritius at this time. If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Mauritius, now is the answer. Also take a look at the climate table for Mauritius with all the important values such as air and water temperatures as well as hours of sunshine and rainy days for each month.
Climate table for Mauritius
| Jan | Feb | March | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. Temperature in ° C | 30.5 | 30.5 | 30 | 29.5 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 29 | 30 | 30.5 |
| Min. Temperature in ° C | 22.5 | 22.5 | 22nd | 21 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 17.5 | 18 | 19.5 | 21 |
| Hours of sunshine per day | 8.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 8 |
| Water temperature in ° C | 27.5 | 28 | 28 | 27.5 | 26.5 | 25 | 24.5 | 24 | 24 | 24.5 | 26 | 26.5 |
| Rainy days per month | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
The best months to travel to Mauritius at a glance
- May: 28 ° C, 8 hours of sunshine, 26.5 ° C water temperature, 5 rainy days, 76% humidity
- June: 27 ° C, 8 hours of sunshine, 25 ° C water temperature, 4 rainy days, 73% humidity
- July: 26 ° C, 8 hours of sunshine, 24.5 ° C water temperature, 4 rainy days, 73% humidity
- August: 26 ° C, 7 hours of sunshine, 24 ° C water temperature, 4 rainy days, 74% humidity
- September: 27 ° C, 7 hours of sunshine, 24 ° C water temperature, 2 rainy days, 74% humidity
- October: 29 ° C, 7 hours of sunshine, 24.5 ° C water temperature, 2 rainy days, 75% humidity
The island’s summer time , which is dated from November to April, is significantly warmer and more humid. The average temperature is 30 degrees Celsius and higher. The water temperature in the Indian Ocean is also higher. A water temperature between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius offers little cooling. Furthermore, the number of monthly rainy days is a lot higher during this time. In the best travel time, there are two to a maximum of five rainy days. In February, for example, there are nine possible rainy days. Compared to the southern winter time , the sun shines longer. The hours of sunshine are between seven and nine hours per day. The minimum temperatures at night rarely drop below 20 degrees. Many of the values do not speak against a vacation in the months of November to April. On the contrary. You can also spend a wonderful holiday in Mauritius during this time. The probability and frequency of rain is higher, but tropical rain does not mean continuous rain. It comes in short, heavy showers and then there is more sunshine. A special natural phenomenon ensures that vacationers like to avoid the island during the months of November to April. It’s cyclone season. What that is and what it means, you will find out in the next point.
Best travel time for Mauritius
It is difficult to make a general statement about the best time to travel to Mauritius. For Europeans, the southern winter is considered the best time to travel to Mauritius . In the months of May to October, the temperatures are pleasant, the number of rainy days is minimal and the humidity is lower than in other months. On average, the maximum temperatures are between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. In the nights the temperatures cool down and are between 17 and 21 degrees Celsius. The daytime temperatures are ideal for lying on the beach or taking in the island’s sights. The water temperatures are just as pleasant. While temperatures in the Indian Ocean are consistently high all year round, they cool off slightly during the Mauritian winter. The water temperatures range from May to October between 24 and 27 degrees Celsius. During the summer you don’t have to be afraid of a lot of rain. Compared to the other months, June, July, August, September and November fall least rain . You have to expect a maximum of two to four rainy days during the southern winter months. Due to the good weather conditions from May to October, the southern winter time is considered the main season in Mauritius . In these weddings, the prices for the trips are significantly more expensive than in the off-season. If you want to avoid the expensive high season, you can choose the months September to November and March to May. Many families use the Easter holidays to travel to the island. In this way, you will still get some of the hot temperatures, but you will spend less money.
Cyclone season in Mauritius
Cyclones are tropical cyclones that hit Mauritius every now and then between November and April . Their formation depends on the water temperature and the position of the sun. In the Indian Ocean, which surrounds Mauritius, a large body of water warms up to temperatures above 26 degrees Celsius. This happens because the sun has been standing vertically above the sea the longest in this region of the world. From 26 degrees Celsius, the upper water layer evaporates faster than the one below. This leads to so-called cloud towers , which can become extremely high. The rotation of the earth causes these cloud towers to start moving. A cyclone has formed. The aftermath of the cyclone at high speed there are power outages, in the worst cases torrents and floods. In the Mauritian summer time from November to April, the risk of cyclones is increased. But that does not mean that a cyclone will occur if you are on the island at this travel time! Many of the cyclones do not come to the island. Instead, they brush against them, which can lead to increased waves and clouds, for example.
Weather in Mauritius – regional differences
In general, the following applies to the weather in Mauritius: The temperatures are similarly constant and high over all months. There are some regions on the island that differ from the average values mentioned. There are higher elevations in the mountains on Mauritius . The Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, the Pieter Both and the Le Pouce are among the highest peaks. At these altitudes, the weather in Mauritius differs from that of the coastal regions. In the mountains it is on average 5 degrees Celsius colder than on the coasts. Instead of the average 23 degrees Celsius, you can expect temperatures of around 19 degrees Celsius in the mountains. Furthermore, the humidity is in the higher altitudes about 90-100% and it rains more often. The humidity on the coast is around 70%. Still high, but much more bearable than in the mountains. The island’s mountains also influence the weather on the coasts. For example, the mountains protect the west coast from rain. On the east coast, on the other hand, the Passat has a great influence and more rain falls. Another regional difference is the slightly higher temperature of the west coast compared to the east coast year-on-year.
Conclusion
For many travel destinations with a tropical climate, everyone has to decide the best travel time for themselves. The same applies to the best time to travel to Mauritius . Basically I recommend a vacation on the island in the Mauritian winter in the months of May to October. You can look forward to high summer temperatures. Swimming and sporting activities in the Indian Ocean such as surfing, diving and snorkeling are a delight in the pleasant water temperatures. In addition, you run less risk of being surprised by tropical rain and cyclones. For those who can live with a higher probability of rain, summer time on the island is a suitable and inexpensive alternative. The following applies to the seasons: summer is hot and humid, winter is dry and cooler. You can spend a beach holiday in Mauritius all year round. So you can escape the cold in Austria even in winter and have a great time on the island. Various airlines bring you from Austria to Mauritius. The flight time is at least 14 hours and 20 minutes. Pack your bags and off to Mauritius! You will not regret it. In this sense: Have fun in Mauritius vacation , whatever time of year it may be.
