Weather in Mauritius: Seasons, Temperatures, Cyclones and What to Expect

Mauritius has a tropical maritime climate: warm year-round, with two loose seasons rather than four. It rarely gets cold. It never snows. And the temperature difference between summer and winter is smaller than most people expect.

What does vary, significantly, is rainfall and the risk of cyclones.

Two seasons, not four

Mauritius has a warm, wet summer and a cooler, drier winter. The transitions are gradual rather than sudden.

• Summer (November to April): hot and humid. Daytime temperatures on the coast range from 28 to 33°C. Humidity is high, particularly from January to March. This is also the rainy season and the cyclone season. Expect short, intense downpours rather than all-day drizzle. Evenings stay warm (22-25°C).
• Winter (May to October): mild and drier. Coastal daytime temperatures range from 22 to 26°C. Nights can drop to 16-18°C on the coast, and as low as 12-14°C in the central plateau (Curepipe, Rose Hill). Rainfall is lower and mostly comes in brief showers on the east coast. Clear, sunny days are the norm on the west and north coasts.

Temperature by month

These are coastal averages (north and west coast). The central plateau is typically 3-5°C cooler, and the east coast receives roughly 50% more rainfall than the west.

Microclimates: the coast matters

Mauritius is small (65 km north to south) but the weather varies noticeably by location:

• North coast (Grand-Baie, Trou aux Biches): the driest and warmest part of the island. Sheltered from the prevailing south-east trade winds. Best year-round weather.
• West coast (Flic en Flac, Tamarin, Black River): similar to the north. Hot and dry, particularly sheltered by the mountain range. Popular with expats for this reason.
• East coast (Belle Mare, Trou d’Eau Douce): more exposed to trade winds. Cooler, breezier, and wetter. Good for kitesurfing, less ideal for year-round swimming.
• South coast (Mahebourg, Le Morne): windier and slightly cooler. More dramatic coastline, less developed.
• Central plateau (Curepipe, Moka, Rose Hill): 300-600m elevation. Noticeably cooler and wetter. Cloud cover is frequent, especially in winter. Locals joke that Curepipe has “two seasons: the rainy season and the season when it rains even more.”

Cyclone season

The cyclone season runs from November to May, with the peak risk period from January to March. Mauritius sits in the south-west Indian Ocean cyclone basin, one of the most active in the world. For the broader risk picture, see the guide to safety in Mauritius.

How often do cyclones hit?

The south-west Indian Ocean typically produces 10-12 named storms per season. Of these, one or two may pass close enough to Mauritius to trigger warnings. A direct hit on the island is rarer, perhaps once every 5-10 years on average, but when it happens the damage can be severe.

Recent notable cyclones affecting Mauritius:

• Cyclone Horacio (February 2026): category 5 system that passed near Rodrigues with winds up to 255 km/h. Mauritius was spared a direct hit but experienced heavy swells and rain.
• Cyclone Belal (January 2024): category 2 system that tracked close to the south-west coast with sustained winds of 165 km/h on land. Caused significant flooding in Black River and Savanne districts. Power outages lasted several days in some areas.
• Cyclone Freddy (February 2023): one of the longest-lived tropical cyclones ever recorded globally. Reached category 5 strength (255 km/h) and affected Mauritius before crossing the Indian Ocean to Mozambique.
• Cyclone Batsirai (February 2022): category 4, tracked close to the island with 230 km/h winds. Extensive damage to infrastructure and agriculture.

The cyclone warning system

The Mauritius Meteorological Services operates a four-class warning system:

• Class I: a cyclone is approaching. Gusts of 120 km/h expected within 36-48 hours. Normal activities continue but the public should start preparing.
• Class II: gusts of 120 km/h expected within 12-24 hours. Schools close. Non-essential workers should stay home. Secure loose objects, stock water and food.
• Class III: gusts of 120 km/h expected within 6-12 hours. All businesses close. Nobody should be on the roads. This is a shelter-in-place warning.
• Class IV: the cyclone is passing directly over Mauritius. Remain indoors until the all-clear is issued. Even during the eye (the calm period), going outside is dangerous as conditions will deteriorate rapidly when the eyewall passes.

Warnings are broadcast on radio (MBC), television, and via the Mauritius Met Service website (metservice.intnet.mu). Mobile phone alerts are also issued during Class III and Class IV warnings.

What to do during cyclone season

• Keep a supply of water (10 litres per person), tinned food, torch, batteries, and a battery-powered radio
• Charge all devices when warnings are issued (power cuts are common)
• Know where your nearest cyclone shelter is (published by local authorities each year)
• Ensure your property insurance covers cyclone damage (most policies do, but check the excess)
• If you rent, confirm with your landlord that shutters or window protection are provided
• Do not go to the beach during warnings, even at Class I. Swells arrive well before the storm does

Rainfall and flooding

Annual rainfall varies dramatically by location: about 1,500 mm on the north-west coast and up to 4,000 mm in the central highlands. Most rain falls between December and March.

Flash flooding is the main weather-related risk for daily life. Heavy tropical downpours can dump 50-100 mm in a few hours, overwhelming drains in low-lying areas. Port Louis, parts of Grand-Baie, and the Rivière du Rempart district are particularly affected. After heavy rain, some roads become temporarily impassable. This is usually measured in hours, not days.

When is the best time to visit or move?

• September to November: the sweet spot. Warm but not oppressively hot, low humidity, minimal rain, no cyclone risk. Sea temperatures are comfortable (23-26°C). The island is less crowded than December-January.
• May to August: pleasant and dry, particularly on the west and north coasts. Cooler evenings. The sea is at its coolest (22-24°C) but still swimmable. Good for hiking and outdoor activities.
• December to March: peak tourist season (European winter escape) and peak weather risk. Hot, humid, and the cyclone window is open. Hotel prices are highest. If you are flexible, avoid this period for house-hunting or a first visit.

Climate and property

The weather influences property decisions more than most newcomers expect:

• Humidity and mould: in summer, humidity regularly exceeds 80%. Homes without good ventilation or air conditioning can develop mould, particularly in bathrooms and closets. Check for ventilation when renting or buying.
• Salt air corrosion: properties within 500m of the coast are exposed to salt air, which corrodes metal fixtures, air conditioning units, and vehicles faster than inland.
• Cyclone-proof construction: modern Mauritian homes are built with reinforced concrete, which handles cyclones well. Older wooden structures and tin roofs are more vulnerable. Insurance premiums reflect this.
• Solar potential: Mauritius receives 2,000-2,500 hours of sunshine per year. Solar panels are increasingly common and can substantially reduce electricity bills (CEB, the national electricity company, offers a net metering scheme).

What expats say after their first year

The most common surprise is not the heat but the humidity. The second is how quickly weather changes: a downpour at 2pm, clear skies by 3pm. The third is that the central plateau genuinely feels like a different country from the coast, weather-wise.

For the broader picture of daily life, see the living in Mauritius guide. For cost implications of weather (air conditioning, insurance, property maintenance), see the cost of living guide. To understand how location affects lifestyle, the transport guide covers commute patterns by region.