The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar and about 1,500 kilometers east of mainland East Africa. The archipelago is renowned for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, nature reserves, and unique wildlife. The main islands, Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, are granitic in origin, featuring lush tropical vegetation and beautiful mountainous landscapes. These islands host the majority of the population and attract the most visitors.
Seychelles lies just south of the Equator, which gives the islands a tropical rainforest climate with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. Temperatures usually range from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F), and the archipelago does not experience distinct seasons like temperate regions. Instead, weather patterns are governed by two trade winds:
- The northwest monsoon (November to March), which brings warmer, wetter conditions.
- The southeast trade winds (May to September), which bring cooler, drier, and windier weather.
While Seychelles does not experience cyclones due to its equatorial location, the islands do have distinct wet and dry periods influenced by the shifting winds. Below is a month-by-month breakdown of Seychelles’ weather.
January
Weather Overview
January is part of the northwest monsoon season, which brings warm, humid, and wet weather to the Seychelles. Rainfall is frequent, especially in the form of short but heavy tropical downpours, usually followed by sunshine.
Temperature and Rainfall
- Average Temperature: 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 350-400 mm
- Humidity: High, around 80%
Weather Characteristics
- Frequent rain: January is one of the wettest months of the year, with heavy showers often occurring in the morning or late afternoon.
- High humidity and warm temperatures dominate, making it feel tropical and lush.
- Sea conditions: The sea remains calm and warm, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling despite occasional rain.
Ideal Activities
- Beach relaxation between showers.
- Indoor activities like visiting Victoria’s markets or the National Museum.
- Snorkeling and diving are good, though visibility may be reduced due to runoff from rainfall.
February
Weather Overview
February continues the wet season in Seychelles, with similar weather to January. The rain remains heavy but tends to taper off slightly toward the end of the month.
Temperature and Rainfall
- Average Temperature: 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F)
- Rainfall: 270-350 mm
- Humidity: High, around 80%
Weather Characteristics
- Frequent rain: Rainfall is still heavy, but the showers are more sporadic. Expect sunny spells between the rain.
- Warm temperatures persist, making it a tropical and humid time of the year.
- Sea conditions: The ocean remains calm, with warm water temperatures ideal for water activities.
Ideal Activities
- Water sports: Snorkeling, diving, and swimming remain popular, with plenty of marine life to observe.
- Exploring Mahé Island’s botanical gardens during drier periods.
- Beach outings and island hopping when the weather is clear.
March
Weather Overview
March signals the transition period between the wet northwest monsoon and the dry southeast trade winds. Rainfall starts to decrease, but the weather remains warm and humid.
Temperature and Rainfall
- Average Temperature: 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F)
- Rainfall: 190-250 mm
- Humidity: High, around 75-80%
Weather Characteristics
- Gradual decrease in rainfall: March sees fewer rainy days compared to January and February, though some heavy showers are still expected.
- Warm temperatures remain, with lower humidity compared to the earlier months.
- Calm seas continue, perfect for water-based activities.
Ideal Activities
- Snorkeling and diving: March offers excellent underwater visibility, making it an ideal month for observing coral reefs and marine life.
- Island hopping: The weather is stable enough for day trips to Praslin or La Digue.
- Hiking in national parks, such as Morne Seychellois National Park, to explore Seychelles’ rich biodiversity.
April
Weather Overview
April is considered one of the best months to visit Seychelles, as it is the transition month with warm, stable weather and relatively low rainfall. The winds are light, and the sea is calm, creating perfect conditions for beach and water activities.
Temperature and Rainfall
- Average Temperature: 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F)
- Rainfall: 150-200 mm
- Humidity: Moderate to high, around 75%
Weather Characteristics
- Warm and pleasant: April is warm and sunny, with lower rainfall than in previous months.
- Light winds and calm seas make it a great time for beach activities.
- Clear skies: Days are often clear and sunny, with fewer rain showers and high visibility for water sports.
Ideal Activities
- Beach activities: Relaxing on Seychelles’ white sandy beaches and swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
- Diving and snorkeling: Excellent underwater conditions with great visibility.
- Fishing excursions: Deep-sea fishing is particularly popular in April due to the calm sea conditions.
May
Weather Overview
May marks the beginning of the southeast trade winds, bringing cooler and drier weather to Seychelles. The winds also create rougher seas, especially on the southeastern coasts, but the overall conditions are ideal for outdoor activities.
Temperature and Rainfall
- Average Temperature: 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 100-150 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 70%
Weather Characteristics
- Cooler and drier: The southeast trade winds begin to blow, cooling down the islands and reducing rainfall.
- Windier conditions: Winds are steady, making it a good time for sailing but roughening seas, particularly along the southeastern coast.
- Less humidity and more sunshine make outdoor activities more enjoyable.
Ideal Activities
- Sailing and windsurfing: May is the start of the sailing season, with excellent wind conditions.
- Hiking and nature walks: Explore trails in Vallee de Mai on Praslin Island, home to the famous Coco de Mer palm.
- Beach lounging: The drier weather means more time on the beach, though be mindful of the windier southeastern coast.
June
Weather Overview
June is one of the coolest months in Seychelles, with lower temperatures and less humidity, making it a perfect time for active pursuits. The southeast trade winds dominate, bringing cooler breezes and reducing rainfall significantly.
Temperature and Rainfall
- Average Temperature: 24°C to 29°C (75°F to 84°F)
- Rainfall: 60-90 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 65-70%
Weather Characteristics
- Cool and breezy: The southeast trade winds bring cooling breezes across the islands, making the weather comfortable for outdoor activities.
- Minimal rainfall: June is one of the driest months of the year, with only occasional light showers.
- Rougher seas: The southeast coastlines experience rougher waters, but the northwestern coasts are sheltered and remain calm.
Ideal Activities
- Hiking and nature exploration: The cooler weather is ideal for hiking and exploring nature reserves.
- Sailing and windsurfing: The consistent southeast trade winds make it a great time for sailing enthusiasts.
- Beach time: The cooler temperatures make lounging on the beach comfortable, though avoid the windier southeastern coasts.
July
Weather Overview
July is one of the coolest and driest months in Seychelles, with the southeast trade winds in full force. The winds are strong, and while this creates rough seas on the southeastern shores, the northern and western coasts remain sheltered.
Temperature and Rainfall
- Average Temperature: 23°C to 29°C (73°F to 84°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
- Humidity: Low to moderate, around 65%
Weather Characteristics
- Cool and dry: July sees the coolest temperatures of the year, along with dry, sunny weather.
- Windy conditions prevail, especially along the southeastern coastlines.
- Rough seas: The southeast trade winds create choppy seas on some coasts, but sheltered areas remain calm.
Ideal Activities
- Hiking and outdoor activities: The cooler, drier weather is perfect for exploring Seychelles’ numerous nature reserves.
- Sailing and water sports: The windier conditions make for excellent sailing and windsurfing.
- Beach time: Head to the northwestern beaches for calm waters and less wind.
August
Weather Overview
August is similar to July in terms of cool, dry, and windy weather, with the southeast trade winds continuing to blow across the islands. The seas are rougher along the southeastern coasts but calm and pleasant in the northwestern parts of the islands.
Temperature and Rainfall
- Average Temperature: 23°C to 29°C (73°F to 84°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
- Humidity: Low to moderate, around 65%
Weather Characteristics
- Dry and cool: August remains one of the coolest and driest months in Seychelles, with steady breezes and minimal rainfall.
- Strong southeast trade winds continue to blow, making it windy, particularly on the exposed southeastern shores.
- Calm seas in sheltered areas allow for enjoyable swimming and water sports.
Ideal Activities
- Water sports: Windsurfing, kite surfing, and sailing are ideal during this month due to the strong winds.
- Hiking: Explore Morne Seychellois National Park or the trails of Praslin Island.
- Beach time: Visit the sheltered northern and western beaches for calm waters and relaxing conditions.
September
Weather Overview
September marks the beginning of the transition period between the cool, dry southeast trade winds and the warmer, wetter northwest monsoon. The weather remains cool and dry, but winds start to subside.
Temperature and Rainfall
- Average Temperature: 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 60-100 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 70%
Weather Characteristics
- Cool and dry: September is still dry, but temperatures start to rise slightly as the winds begin to weaken.
- Decreasing winds: The southeast trade winds begin to die down, bringing calmer seas.
- Gradual increase in humidity: As the winds subside, humidity begins to rise slowly.
Ideal Activities
- Snorkeling and diving: With calmer seas, underwater visibility improves, making this a great time for water activities.
- Beach relaxation: Enjoy less windy conditions and calm waters on most beaches.
- Hiking and exploration: The cooler, drier weather still makes for excellent hiking conditions.
October
Weather Overview
October is part of the inter-monsoon period, with gradually warming temperatures and increasing humidity. The southeast trade winds have subsided, and the northwest monsoon is about to set in, bringing more rain toward the end of the month.
Temperature and Rainfall
- Average Temperature: 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)
- Rainfall: 100-150 mm
- Humidity: Moderate to high, around 75%
Weather Characteristics
- Warming temperatures: October brings warmer days, with rising humidity as the northwest monsoon approaches.
- Occasional showers: Rainfall increases toward the end of the month, though there are still plenty of sunny days.
- Calm seas: The winds are light, and the seas are calm, making it perfect for water activities.
Ideal Activities
- Diving and snorkeling: October offers excellent underwater conditions with calm seas and good visibility.
- Beach and water sports: With fewer winds and warm temperatures, it’s ideal for beach relaxation and swimming.
- Island hopping: Explore the various islands with comfortable weather and calm sea conditions.
November
Weather Overview
November marks the beginning of the northwest monsoon, which brings warmer, wetter weather to the islands. Rainfall increases, especially in the latter half of the month, but there are still many sunny days.
Temperature and Rainfall
- Average Temperature: 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F)
- Rainfall: 150-200 mm
- Humidity: High, around 80%
Weather Characteristics
- Increasing rainfall: Rain showers become more frequent, particularly in the afternoons, though there are still plenty of sunny periods.
- Warmer temperatures: November is warm and humid, with tropical downpours followed by sunshine.
- Calm seas: The seas remain calm, making it a good time for water activities despite the rain.
Ideal Activities
- Snorkeling and diving: November still offers good underwater visibility, though rain may occasionally affect conditions.
- Beach outings: Enjoy the beaches between rain showers.
- Exploring the inner islands: Visit Mahé and Praslin for nature hikes and cultural experiences during the drier periods.
December
Weather Overview
December is part of the northwest monsoon season, bringing warm, humid, and rainy weather. Heavy rainfall is common, but the weather is still tropical and pleasant, with frequent sunny intervals.
Temperature and Rainfall
- Average Temperature: 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F)
- Rainfall: 250-300 mm
- Humidity: High, around 80%
Weather Characteristics
- Heavy rainfall: December is one of the wetter months, with frequent tropical downpours, especially in the afternoon.
- Warm and humid: Temperatures remain warm, but humidity is high, making it feel warmer.
- Calm seas: The sea remains warm and calm, ideal for water activities when it’s not raining.
Ideal Activities
- Diving and snorkeling: Marine life remains abundant, though rainfall can sometimes reduce underwater visibility.
- Beach relaxation: Enjoy the beaches during sunny spells.
- Indoor activities: Visit local markets, museums, and cultural sites in Victoria when it rains.
