Mauritius - Useful travel information

Name: Mauritius
Address: Mauritius

Weather and climate

Due to its location in the southern hemisphere, the seasons in Mauritius are the opposite of those in Europe. However, Mauritius cannot be divided into 4 seasons as in Europe. In Mauritius, the seasons are "hot" in October, November and December, "hot and humid" in January, February and March and "pleasant and dry" from April to September.

The best time to travel to Mauritius for a wedding is relatively difficult to define. Basically, Mauritius offers good bathing conditions all year round. If you like heat and want to escape the snow and wet in Europe, book your honeymoon between November and March. Daytime temperatures reach a maximum of 33 degrees during this period, rarely dropping below 25 degrees at night. The sea water is about 29 degrees during this time. Tropical fruits such as mangoes and litchis are also harvested between November and February.

If you don't like the heat, or if you want to do hiking, sports and excursions in addition to your wedding, book your honeymoon between April and October. It also rarely rains during this time, especially in the north. Daytime temperatures vary between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius. The water temperature in these months is between 23 and 27 degrees Celsius.

Tropical cyclones can occur during the hot and humid season, i.e. from January to March. However, these only hit Mauritius every 3 - 5 years and are harmless as long as you stay in your accommodation.

The longest days in Mauritius are in December. At this time there are almost 13.5 hours of sunshine per day. The shortest day is in June with around 11 hours of sunshine. In December, the sun rises around 5:30 and sets around 19:00. In June, the sun rises around 6:30 and sets again around 17:30.

Mauritius has its own microclimate. Due to the location, it may not rain at all, or it may rain heavily or the sun may shine. It often happens that it rains in one place while the sun shines only 15 minutes away by car. Weather statistics on Mauritius should therefore be treated with caution.

The cardinal points have the following characteristics:

The north is relatively flat and warmer than the rest of the island. There are also significantly fewer rainy days in the north of Mauritius. The east is warm like the north, but with more rainy days. In the south there is significantly more rain, even daily in the rainy season, so it is also wetter than the rest of the island. It can also be windy here very often. The west, like the north, is drier than the rest of the island, but often windy, especially between May and August.

The North

In Mauritius, when we speak of “the north”, Grand Bay is the first thing that comes to mind. Grand Bay, through sustained development, has become the premier tourist destination of Mauritius. The starting point of nautical trips to the northern islands and other sea activities, Grand Bay has two beaches, one of which is “La Cuvette", a discreet hideaway, where you can still find the rare “tec-tec” hidden in the sand, small white shells that need to be preserved. Take a walk through the narrow streets behind the main road and enjoy what the small local boutiques have to offer. Known for its wide variety of restaurants and its nightlife, you will immediately be drawn to this charming and exuberant village.

Another picturesque village in the north of Mauritius is Cap Malheureux, with its famous red-roofed church, its view of the northern islands and its important fishing community.

The East

Considered by others as a water sports paradise, and as having the most attractive beaches of the island by others, Ile aux Cerfs, a precious little jewel located five minutes from Le Touessrok hotel is a must-see in the eastern Mauritian tourism landscape. A lively boat-house, restaurants and long beaches will appeal to you, just like the tortoise farm. Golf fans will be delighted by a superb 18-hole course designed by the famous golf champion Bernhard Langer. You can reach Ile aux Cerfs in a variety of boats: speedboat, pirogue, glass bottom boat, catamaran and even a pirate ship! Setting out from either Trou d’Eau Douce or even further South from Blue Bay, most boat trips consist of a stopover at Grand River South East, snorkelling in the lagoon, a barbeque and drinks on board or on shore, sega dancing, and many other fun activities.

The West & South-West

The West and South-West coasts of Mauritius are the driest areas on the island. At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in the African bush. Protected from the prevailing winds, the region boasts some superb hotels and lagoons calm enough for swimming, snorkelling, diving, water-skiing, kayaking, pedal boats and sailing activities.

Head to Tamarin Bay, or to the world famous “One Eye” at Le Morne, where you can find the best waves for surfing. Le Morne is also well known by kitesurfers due to the steady winds that blow in from the South-East and accelerate in this corner of the island almost all year round.

The West is where you’ll find the lush Black River Gorges. You can spend the day visiting the different Nature Parks (Casela, Gros Cailloux) in the region, going for walks, great activities for kids and taking in the stunning surroundings. There are even some tame African lions, giraffe and other animals to see.

Do some shopping at the nearby shopping centres and why not try a karting race at Cascavelle? For a truly magical experience, be sure to book a trip to Ile aux Bénitiers and swim with wild dolphins!

West & South-West of Mauritius, Le Morne

The South & South-East

The wildest and most beautiful landscapes of the island are in the South: sandy beaches bordered by cliffs carved by waves, rocky shores, sugar cane fields as far as the eye can see, and mountainous terrains offering magnificent panoramas. The integrated tourist area of Bel Ombre is also a model of its kind.

Inland & Center

Time to leave the usual beaches and try a few excursions inland to get a feel for the heart of the island. Cooler than the coastal regions, the central plateau is situated between 400 and 600 meters above sea level. Starting from the South of Port Louis, this vast urban area is home to about 400,000 people, representing over one-third of the island's population. High up on the plateau, you’ll also find forests, lakes and plantations that are well worth a visit.

The Capital of Mauritius, Port Louis

Port Louis, the cosmopolitan capital city of Mauritius was founded in 1735 by the French governor and pioneer Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais. Located on the Northwest Coast, Port Louis is the administrative and business capital of the island.

Buzzing with activity during the day, the city is full of cultural and historical treasures that should not be missed. Beyond the central market, which is a focal point for those who want to feel close to the soul of Mauritius, are many historic sites including the Champ de Mars - the oldest race course in the southern hemisphere.