Although not everyone likes to admit it, one of the major factors when it comes to determining a holiday destination is the climate. After all, there’s no point traveling to a ski resort and there being no snow, and relaxing on a beach is not going to be quite the same if it’s pouring with rain. While a skiing holiday in Mauritius is inadvisable, if it’s warm weather relaxation you’re after, look no further.
A lot of the Mauritian climate can be attributed to it’s geographical location. Mauritius sits in the Indian Ocean, just north of the circle of latitude known as the Tropic of Cancer. The Tropic of Cancer means that this is where the sun is at it’s highest point, basking Mauritius in it’s heat on an almost year-round basis. It is technically on the African continent, but does sit right on the continental margin, just east of Madagascar.
Thanks to it’s geographical location, Mauritius can boast a tropical, warm climate. There is very little differentiation between the seasons in Mauritius, particularly when compared to European countries. At most, the difference is between “warm” and “hot”.
The winter months are May to October, during which temperatures fluctuate between 20°C and 26°C across the country. For the rest of the year, expect temperatures ranging between 26°C and 32°C, while the temperature in the Indian Ocean can reach an amazing 28°C. Humidity usually hovers around the late 70s to mid 80s. The eastern and southern areas tend to record the highest temperatures, with the north being the coolest. This difference, however, is minimal.
Yet this is not the end of the story when it comes to Mauritius weather. In addition, Mauritius is also famed for it’s micro climates, meaning it can be pouring with rain in one area while a mile away the sky is clear and the sun beating down. These, however, are more of an annoyance than a real issue.
Mauritius weather, however, does hold a real issue. The entire island is often bathed in a mild easterly wind, which can offer a welcome relief from the blistering temperatures. However, during the hottest months of the year – December, January and February – brings a lot of rain and, in some instances, tropical storms and cyclones. For the majority of the remaining months, anti cyclones are also seen.
The cyclone issue should be something to bear in mind but should not put you off visiting Mauritius. Following the cyclone Hollanda in 1994 – which wreaked over $134 million worth of damage – Mauritius has invested in sophisticated technology to help predict cyclones and plenty of warning is given. By visiting during the winter months, May through to October, your chances of experiencing a cyclone are greatly reduced.
All in all, Mauritius has the ideal weather for a holiday destination, offering heat and sunshine all year round. Though the rain can be frequent, it never lasts long and is often a welcome release from the humidity. Considering the coldest ever day recorded in Mauritius was 20.3°C (on December 15th 2005), you can pretty much guarantee warmth and sunshine for your entire stay!