Best time to Travel & Climate in Seychelles
Written by Editor on 2nd February 2024
Best time to travel & climate in Seychelles
So a question that many people want to know before booking their trip to Seychelles is when is the best time to visit Seychelles? Well, the answer really all depends on your interest, location, and reason why you are travelling to Seychelles. The climate of Seychelles is also a concern that many people have when it comes to planning their trip to the island. This guide aims to provide a broad overview of the country’s climate.
The weather in the islands of Seychelles is very different from that in the rest of Africa. This is why we rely on our experience and records to provide you with the best possible weather patterns.
Located in the western Indian Ocean, the islands of Seychelles have a tropical climate characterized by warm and humid conditions. The temperature in the islands ranges from 24-28°C/28-32°C generally throughout the year.
The inner islands of the archipelago have dramatic terrain and are characterized by tall hills rising up to 900m. The trade winds that influence the climate in the islands also contribute to the development of the seasons.
The southeast trade winds (Southeast Monsoon), which peak in July/August, bring with it a relatively dry period. During this time, temperatures in the islands are around 24-28°C with some hotter days in between. The winds can vary from around 19 to 37 km per hour during this period. During this time the seas can be a little bit choppy. So better to fly than take the ferry for island hopping during this season. This is the most ideal time for hiking as the temperature is at its coolest and it is less likely to rain. This is also a great time for Sailing and Kitesurfing or any activities one enjoys with the awesome waves we get this time of the year!
From around mid-September to November (pre-Northwest Monsoon), the winds start to change, bringing light, warmer winds, and the start of the main rainy season. A great time as the clear and still waters make it a good time for snorkelling and diving. a Beautiful time of the year for fishing and other watersports activities. Sky-diving in Seychlelles is also available this time of the year.
From December to March north-west trade winds (Northwest Monsoon), the temperature is 28-32°C. Seychelles gets exceptionally wet, especially in December and January, though the vegetation is lush, the winds generally light, varying from 15 to 22 km per hour, and the sun at its warmest. This is also the cyclone season, but Seychelles island is not within the cyclone belt. The cyclone belt is by Mauritius and Madagascar
Cyclone Belt runs through Mauritius and Madagascar to Mozambique.
The calmest months of the year are around the end of March, April till mid-May (Pre-Southeast Monsoon), which is the month when the winds start to change direction. This is the perfect time for snorkelling and diving as the sea is calm with breathtaking crystal-clear waters. Great time to go fishing and other watersports activities but be sure to protect yourself from the Sun. This time of the year there are also Sky-Diving experiences available in Seychelles.
Hours of Daylight throughout the year.
| Hours of | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daylight | 12.4h | 12.3h | 12.1h | 12.0h | 11.9h | 11.9h | 11.9h | 12.0h | 12.1h | 12.2h | 12.3h | 12.4h |
Seasonal Seaweed
The tropical trade winds not only define the seasons in Seychelles, but they also determine where the seaweed drifts. Although naturally occurring and harmless, beached marine algae can detract from otherwise picture-perfect coastal scenes, and make swimming a little less pleasant, so its seasonal location may affect the area in which you’d prefer to stay.
Generally speaking, from May to September, the cooler, drier, southeast trade winds bring lively seas to southwest Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast.
Conversely, from October to April, the calm, warm, northwest trade winds litter Praslin’s Côte d’Or beaches with seaweed, and waves and currents are strong on Mahé’s northwest coast, such as at Beau Vallon. The presence of seaweed is more likely on Praslin’s lengthy coastal stretches than in the coves of Mahé and La Digue.
As weather patterns become less predictable, it is worth remembering that distances on these islands are short, so should the wind result in seaweed being on your closest beach, it’s never very far to nearby beaches without seaweed.
Seychelles Travel Information
At Inside Seychelles, you can get all your Travel Information. What Airlines travel to Seychelles and how to get around the islands. See the Latest Entry Requirements and what is the Customs Formalities for Seychelles.
Plan the Best time to travel & read about the climate in Seychelles.
Have a look at the history and culture of Seychelles, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Seychelles’s nature and wildlife, along with ‘Country Quick facts’ compiled by our travel experts. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Seychelles for yourself.
