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When to Go to the Indian Ocean

The best time to visit the Indian Ocean is completely dependent on your particular interest for visiting or whether you wish to combine one of these idyllic island destinations with another stop off along the way! Made up of sun-soaked exotic islands that are blessed with tropical climates, the Indian Ocean is generally great throughout the year.

A tropical climate made up of the northeast monsoon (dry season) from January to March and the southeast monsoon (wet season) is May to November. Most people choose to visit during the drier months from December to April. There is a greater variety of marine life and better visibility on the west side May to November and December to April on the east side.

Seychelles

For snorkeling and driving, travel in April/May or October/November when the water temperatures can reach 29C and there is incredible water visibility. July and August are the driest and December and January are by far the wettest months, with rainfall coming in short sharp bursts followed by sun. Made up of sun-soaked exotic islands that are blessed with tropical climates, the Indian Ocean is generally great throughout the year. The best time to visit the Indian Ocean is completely dependent on your particular interest for visiting or whether you wish to combine one of these idyllic island destinations with another stop off along the way!

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The Best Time to Visit the Indian Ocean

January is summer in the Indian Ocean, and it is a popular time to visit the region due to the warm and sunny weather. The temperature and weather conditions in the Indian Ocean can vary depending on the specific location, but generally speaking, the weather is warm and humid with some rainfall in some areas. Here are some examples of what you can expect in different areas of the Indian Ocean in January:

Maldives: The Maldives experiences warm temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F) with low rainfall. The sea temperature is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

Seychelles: The Seychelles has hot and humid weather with temperatures ranging from 28-30°C (82-86°F) and occasional rain showers. It is also a good time for water-based activities such as snorkeling and diving.

Mauritius: Mauritius is hot and humid in January with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F). There can be some rain showers, but they are usually short and intense.


February is still considered the summer season in the Indian Ocean, and it is another great month to visit the region. The temperature and weather conditions in the Indian Ocean can vary depending on the specific location, but generally speaking, the weather is warm and humid with some rainfall in some areas. Here are some examples of what you can expect in different areas of the Indian Ocean in February:

Maldives: In February, the Maldives experiences warm temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F) with low rainfall. The sea temperature remains perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

Seychelles: February is still hot and humid in the Seychelles, with temperatures ranging from 28-31°C (82-88°F) and occasional rain showers. It is still a great time for water-based activities such as snorkeling and diving.

Mauritius: In February, Mauritius is still hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F) and occasional rainfall. It is a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the island.


March marks the end of the summer season in the Indian Ocean, and the weather conditions may start to shift towards the cooler and wetter season in some areas. However, in general, the temperature and weather conditions in the Indian Ocean can still be warm and pleasant, making it a good time to visit the region. Here are some examples of what you can expect in different areas of the Indian Ocean in March:

Maldives: In March, the Maldives experiences warm temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F) with occasional rain showers. The sea temperature remains perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

Seychelles: In March, the Seychelles has a warm and humid climate with temperatures ranging from 28-31°C (82-88°F) and occasional rain showers. It is still a good time for water-based activities such as snorkeling and diving.

Mauritius: In March, Mauritius experiences slightly cooler temperatures with an average high of around 28°C (82°F) and occasional rainfall. It is still a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the island.


April is typically the start of the cooler and wetter season in the Indian Ocean, but the weather conditions can vary depending on the specific location. Here are some examples of what you can expect in different areas of the Indian Ocean in April:

Maldives: In April, the Maldives experiences a transition towards the wet season with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F) and occasional rain showers. The sea temperature remains perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

Seychelles: April is breeding season in the Seychelles, making this an excellent time for bird watching as you can watch unique mating displays. The Seychelles experiences a shift towards the wet season with warm and humid weather and temperatures ranging from 28-31°C (82-88°F). Rainfall increases during this month, but it is still a good time for water-based activities such as snorkeling and diving.

Mauritius: In April, Mauritius experiences cooler temperatures with an average high of around 26°C (79°F) and an increase in rainfall. Despite the rain, it is still a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the island.


May is typically the start of the low season in the Indian Ocean region, as the weather conditions can be cooler and wetter than in previous months. However, some areas may still offer pleasant weather conditions and opportunities for outdoor activities. Here are some examples of what you can expect in different areas of the Indian Ocean in May:

Maldives: In May, the Maldives experiences occasional rain showers and temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F). The sea temperature is still perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, but water sports may be affected by the wind.

Seychelles: In May, the Seychelles experiences a shift towards the dry season with cooler temperatures ranging from 26-29°C (79-84°F) and occasional rain showers. It is still a good time for water-based activities, but some beaches may be affected by seaweed.

Mauritius: In May, Mauritius experiences cooler temperatures with an average high of around 24°C (75°F) and occasional rain showers. Despite the cooler weather, it is still a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the island.



June marks the start of the high season in some parts of the Indian Ocean region, particularly in the Seychelles, as the weather conditions become drier and sunnier. Here are some examples of what you can expect in different areas of the Indian Ocean in June:

Maldives: In June, the Maldives experiences sunny weather with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F). The sea temperature is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, and water sports are in full swing. As you swim, dive and snorkel through the crystal clear waters of the Maldives, watch the manta rays gently glide past, the whale sharks in Hanifaru Bay and the tropical fish swimming around.

Seychelles: In June, the Seychelles experiences a shift towards the high season with dry and sunny weather and temperatures ranging from 25-29°C (77-84°F). It is an excellent time for beach activities and water sports, but it can also be crowded and more expensive.

Mauritius: In June, Mauritius experiences cool and dry weather with an average high of around 23°C (73°F). It is a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the island, but the sea temperature may be cooler than in other months.


July is a popular month for tourists to visit the Indian Ocean region, particularly for those who are looking for warm and sunny weather. Here are some examples of what you can expect in different areas of the Indian Ocean in July:

Maldives: In July, the Maldives experiences sunny weather with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F). The sea temperature is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, and water sports are in full swing.

Seychelles: In July, the Seychelles experiences dry and sunny weather with temperatures ranging from 25-29°C (77-84°F). It is an excellent time for beach activities and water sports, and the sea is calm and clear.

Mauritius: In July, Mauritius experiences cool and dry weather with an average high of around 22°C (72°F). It is still a good time for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the island, but the sea temperature may be cooler than in other months.



August is a popular time to visit the Indian Ocean region, especially for those looking for warm and sunny weather. However, in some areas, August can also be quite rainy, so it's important to plan accordingly. Here are some examples of what you can expect in different areas of the Indian Ocean in August:

Maldives: In August, the Maldives experiences warm and humid weather with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F). It is still a great time for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, but there is a higher chance of rain and thunderstorms.

Seychelles: In August, the Seychelles experiences dry and sunny weather with temperatures ranging from 25-29°C (77-84°F). The sea is calm and clear, making it an excellent time for water-based activities like snorkeling and diving.

Mauritius: In August, Mauritius experiences cool and dry weather with an average high of around 21°C (70°F). There is a higher chance of rain and thunderstorms, but it is still possible to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the island.


September is a transitional month in the Indian Ocean region, as it marks the end of the peak tourist season and the beginning of the rainy season in many areas. Here are some examples of what you can expect in different areas of the Indian Ocean in September:

Maldives: In September, the Maldives experiences warm and humid weather with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F). It is the start of the rainy season, with a higher chance of rain and thunderstorms. However, it is still possible to enjoy water-based activities.

Seychelles: In September, the Seychelles experiences warmer and more humid weather with temperatures ranging from 25-29°C (77-84°F). It is also the start of the rainy season, but the sea is still calm and clear, making it an excellent time for water-based activities.

Mauritius: In September, Mauritius experiences warm and humid weather with an average high of around 22°C (72°F). It is the start of the rainy season, with a higher chance of rain and thunderstorms. Outdoor activities like hiking may be more challenging due to the wet conditions.


October marks the height of the rainy season in many parts of the Indian Ocean region, so visitors should be prepared for wet conditions. Here's what you can expect in different areas of the Indian Ocean in October:

Maldives: In October, the Maldives experiences warm and humid weather with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F). It is still the rainy season, with a higher chance of rain and thunderstorms, but it is also a good time for surfing.

Seychelles: In October, the Seychelles experiences warm and humid weather with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F). It is also the rainy season, with a higher chance of rain and thunderstorms, but the sea is still calm and clear, making it possible to enjoy water-based activities.

Mauritius: In October, Mauritius experiences warm and humid weather with an average high of around 24°C (75°F). It is still the rainy season, with a higher chance of rain and thunderstorms. Outdoor activities like hiking may be more challenging due to the wet conditions.


In November, the Indian Ocean region transitions from the rainy season to the dry season, with less rainfall and more sunshine. Here's what you can expect in different areas of the Indian Ocean in November:

Maldives: In November, the Maldives experiences warm and dry weather with temperatures ranging from 25-29°C (77-84°F). It is a good time for diving, snorkeling, and other water-based activities.

Seychelles: In November, the Seychelles experiences warm and dry weather with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F). It is also a good time for water-based activities like snorkeling and diving, but the sea can be choppy on the eastern side of the islands.

Mauritius: In November, Mauritius experiences warm and dry weather with an average high of around 27°C (81°F). It is a good time for outdoor activities like hiking, as well as water-based activities like snorkeling and diving.


December marks the start of the summer season in the Indian Ocean region, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Here's what you can expect in different areas of the Indian Ocean in December:

Maldives: In December, the Maldives experiences warm and sunny weather with temperatures ranging from 25-29°C (77-84°F). It is a great time for water-based activities like snorkeling, diving, and surfing.

Seychelles: In December, the Seychelles experiences warm and sunny weather with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F). It is also a great time for water-based activities like snorkeling, diving, and fishing.

Mauritius: In December, Mauritius experiences warm and sunny weather with an average high of around 29°C (84°F). It is a great time for outdoor activities like hiking, as well as water-based activities like snorkeling and diving.




Safaris & Planning

Mauritius Beach

Madagascar & Mauritius Island Hopping Safari

On this incredible journey through both Madagascar and Mauritius there is a brilliant balance between the active and relaxed, and between the natural world (lemurs, chameleons and giant tortoises) and the marine world (dolphins, whales and snorkelling). Your journey starts in the mountains of southern Mauritius, famous for its many nature reserves, breathtaking scenery and wild nature. Following a zip line flight over the forest, tea and rum tastings, a short flight takes you to Madagascar and the rainforest reserve of Andasibe, home to Madagascar’s largest lemur, the indri.

From 6000 per person

Things to do in the Indian Ocean

If you want to see Whales, Manta Rays and Sharks:

Between June and October, the plankton levels in Hanifaru Bay peak, attracting hundreds of manta rays, whale sharks and other fish. You can find reef sharks all year round but during the northeast monsoon from end of December to May, they gather near the channel entrances on the eastern side of the atolls when there is better visibility and calmer seas. Peak sightings of whale sharks tend to be in August and October to January.

Head to the Ari Atoll of the Maldives from December to April to see Hammerhead Sharks. For humpback whales, visit Reunion Island from June to October, with August and September being the optimum time to see them.

If you want to see Aldabra Giant Tortoise & Turtles:

Aldabra, known as the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean and home to the Giant Tortoise, is best visited mid-October to December and end of February until April. On Cousin Island Special Reserve, you can see turtles throughout the year in various areas and the hawksbill turtles nest between November and January.

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