Africa

Mauritius in November

Warm water, long sunny days, and the start of summer before the heavy rains. The official cyclone season opens, but storms are rare this early.

BestWarm and mostly dry, highs near 84F (29C)

Le Morne Mauritius — MauritiusPhoto: 'dronepicr', CC BY 2.0

The straight answer

November is one of the best months of the year to visit Mauritius. Warm water, long sunny days, and the start of summer before the heavy rains. The official cyclone season opens, but storms are rare this early.

Weather: Warm and mostly dry, highs near 84F (29C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What November is like in Mauritius

November brings warm water, long sunny days and the start of summer, with highs near 84F (29C). It is mostly dry, before the heavy rains of the new year. The official cyclone season opens this month, but storms are rare this early. Crowds are moderate and prices are fair, rising toward December.

November suits beach lovers, snorkelers and honeymooners who want warm sea and sunshine without the Christmas prices. It is also good for families outside school holidays. If you prefer cooler weather for hiking, May or September is better. Diwali sometimes falls in November, adding a festive touch.

Make the most of November

What is especially good about Mauritius this month.

Warm water returns

The sea warms up nicely, making long swims and snorkel sessions in the lagoons comfortable.

Diwali lights

In years when Diwali falls in November, lamps and lights fill homes and streets across the island.

Blue Bay snorkeling

Calmer summer conditions bring the southeast coral gardens of Blue Bay Marine Park back into their best season.

What to pack for November

Reef-safe, high-SPF sunscreen
A rash guard for long snorkel sessions
Light, breathable clothes
A light rain jacket just in case

Our timing tip

Book the first half of November for the best balance of dry weather and pre-holiday rates.

Book Mauritius for November.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Mauritius
Opens a hotel search for Mauritius in November, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for November
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Mauritius
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Mauritius
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Mauritius for November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in November

Diwali

October or November, following the Hindu lunar calendar

A public holiday in Mauritius. Homes and streets glow with oil lamps and lights, and sweets are shared between neighbors.

Things to do in Mauritius

Full guide

Le Morne Brabant

A dramatic basalt mountain and UNESCO site on the southwest tip, with a guided hike to a viewpoint over the lagoon. Start early to beat the heat.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Black River Gorges National Park

The island's largest protected area, with trails through native forest and views over waterfalls and gorges. Drier winter months are best for hiking.

Tickets and tours →

Chamarel

The Seven Coloured Earths, a patch of multicolored sand dunes, and the Chamarel waterfall, in the island's southwest highlands.

Tickets and tours →

Aapravasi Ghat, Port Louis

The UNESCO-listed immigration depot where hundreds of thousands of indentured laborers arrived in the 19th century. Combine with the capital's central market.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Ile aux Cerfs

A popular island off the east coast with white sand beaches and lagoon activities. Go early on weekdays to avoid the day-boat rush.

Tickets and tours →

Blue Bay Marine Park

Protected coral gardens in the southeast, good for snorkeling and glass-bottom boat trips. Calmest in the summer months.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Aim for May or September through November, which combine good weather with fewer visitors than the Christmas and European summer peaks.
Pick your coast by season: west and north in the windy winter months, east in the calm summer months. The right coast matters more than the right resort.
Visit Ile aux Cerfs, Chamarel, and Le Morne early in the day, and avoid weekends when many locals head to the same beaches.
Book the Christmas and New Year weeks far ahead or skip them; they are the most expensive dates of the year.

Know before you go

During a cyclone warning, the authorities can close beaches, suspend boat trips, and, at the highest warning levels, order people to stay indoors. Resorts are built for this, but plans can be lost for days.
Public holidays for religious festivals, such as Maha Shivaratri, Thaipoosam Cavadee, Diwali, and Eid, can close government offices and some shops and bring heavy traffic.
Lagoon conditions vary by coast and season: the east and south can be windy and choppy from roughly June to September, while the west and north stay calmer.
Hiking in the interior is best in the drier months; trails in Black River Gorges can be slippery and cloud-covered in the rainy season.