Mauritius Weather

Mauritius climate

Mauritius has a tropical maritime climate moderated by the southeast trade winds that blow across the Indian Ocean for much of the year. The island experiences a warm, humid summer from November to April with temperatures reaching 30-33°C, and a cooler, drier winter from May to October when temperatures settle around 20-24°C. The central plateau at 580 meters is noticeably cooler than the coast, with temperatures averaging 5°C less than the low-lying areas surrounding it.

Tropical cyclones are the primary severe weather threat, with the cyclone season running from November through May. While direct hits are relatively infrequent, near-misses can still bring destructive winds, heavy rain, and dangerous seas. The eastern windward coast receives significantly more rainfall than the sheltered western side, with annual totals ranging from about 1,500mm on the west coast to over 4,000mm on the central plateau and east-facing slopes.

Port Louis on the sheltered northwest coast is the warmest and driest part of the island, with summer temperatures sometimes exceeding 35°C in the capital's urban heat island. The resort areas of Grand Baie and Flic en Flac enjoy abundant sunshine and warm sea temperatures between 23°C and 28°C year-round. Curepipe on the central plateau is often cloudy and rainy, earning the local nickname "the city of light drizzle." The best weather for tourism is September through December, when the island transitions from cool winter into warm summer with relatively low cyclone risk.