Living in Mauritius

Climate in Mauritius

Plenty of sun, mild temperatures and clean air. But the climate changes within half an hour's drive. Here is what you should know about seasons, microclimates and cyclones.

Two seasons, little difference

Mauritius has a mild tropical maritime climate all year round. The warm, humid summer runs from November to April, the cooler, dry winter from June to September; October and May are transition months.

Indicator	Value
Mean temperature in summer	24.7 °C
Mean temperature in winter	20.4 °C
Warmest months: January and February, mean daily highs	29.2 °C
Coolest months: July and August, mean night-time lows	16.4 °C
Daytime extremes: west coast / north coast	up to 36 °C / 34 °C
Sunshine on the coast	7.5 to over 8 hours a day
Mean rainfall	2,010 mm per year

There is no distinct rainy season. Most rain falls in summer, especially in February and March; October is the driest month. The easterly trade winds bring a pleasant breeze to most of the island, while areas in the lee of the mountains, such as Port Louis and the west coast, can get very hot.

Microclimates: half an hour's drive, a different climate

On the coast it is often 5–6 °C warmer by day than in the central highlands, and 3–5 °C warmer at night.
The trade wind is strongest in the east, north and centre, and weakest in the west.
The highlands get much more rain: in the dry season perhaps one shower a day, versus one a week in the west and far north.
Humidity is high everywhere and rises the closer you get to the clouds. Homes in Curepipe (500–600 m) need dehumidifiers in summer and heating in winter.

Cyclones

The cyclone season runs from November to April. Statistically the island takes a direct hit about every five years; passing cyclones bring strong winds and heavy rain three to five times per season. Houses are built solidly and a well-established four-level warning system is in place.

What this means for youVisit in the season you don't know, in the place where you want to live. When we help clients choose a property, we check heat, wind, humidity and noise on site using our Micro Climate Maps.

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