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Seychelles in December

The northwest monsoon arrives with more showers. The Christmas and New Year weeks are the priciest of the year.

GoodHot and humid, highs near 86F (30C), rains returning

Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles — SeychellesPhoto: Tobias Alt, Tobi 87, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Seychelles. The northwest monsoon arrives with more showers. The Christmas and New Year weeks are the priciest of the year.

Weather: Hot and humid, highs near 86F (30C), rains returning
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What December is like in Seychelles

December brings the northwest monsoon back. It is hot and humid, with highs near 86F (30C), and showers return, often short and heavy with sun in between. Early December is fairly quiet, but the Christmas and New Year weeks are the most expensive of the year, with full hotels and busy flights.

It suits families who can only travel over the holidays and want warm water and a sure-fire escape from winter. Book early and expect to pay top rates. If you have flexible dates, the calm, clear weeks of October and November give you better weather for less money.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Seychelles this month.

A warm Christmas escape

Warm seas and green, rain-fed islands make a festive break far from winter. Resorts put on holiday meals and events.

Turtles still nesting

Hawksbill turtles continue nesting on protected beaches like Cousin Island. It is a special sight to share with kids.

Early-December value

The first two weeks of December are quieter and cheaper than the holiday stretch, with similar weather.

What to pack for December

A compact umbrella or rain shell
Breathable clothes for high humidity
Insect repellent for warm, damp evenings
A dry bag for ferry and boat days

Our timing tip

Book Christmas and New Year stays as early as you can, or travel in the first half of December to get similar weather at much lower prices.

Book Seychelles for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Seychelles
Opens a hotel search for Seychelles in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Seychelles
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 Seychelles
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Seychelles for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Hawksbill turtle nesting

Roughly October through February, peaking late in the year

Hawksbills nest in daylight on protected beaches like Cousin Island, a rare chance to see nesting without night patrols.

Things to do in Seychelles

Full guide

Vallee de Mai, Praslin

A UNESCO-listed palm forest and one of only two places where the coco de mer grows wild. Listen for the black parrot; go early for the quietest trails.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue

The famous granite-boulder beach, reached through the L'Union Estate, which charges an entrance fee. Visit at low tide for the best shallows and photos.

Tickets and tours →

Anse Lazio, Praslin

Often rated one of the world's best beaches. Calmest in the transition months and in the southeast trade season, when it is sheltered.

Tickets and tours →

Morne Seychellois National Park, Mahe

Mountain trails through mist forest to viewpoints like Copolia and the Trois Freres. Best in the drier months, early in the day.

Tickets and tours →

Curieuse Island

Free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises, a mangrove boardwalk, and coco de mer palms, often combined with snorkeling at nearby St Pierre islet.

Tickets and tours →

Cousin Island Special Reserve

A seabird sanctuary and hawksbill turtle nesting site managed by Nature Seychelles, visited on guided tours from Praslin.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Visit in the transition months, but avoid the Easter and Christmas weeks, when rates peak and flights fill.
Arrive at Anse Source d'Argent and Anse Lazio early in the morning, before day trippers arrive on the ferries from Mahe and Praslin.
Base yourself on La Digue for a night or two rather than day-tripping; the island is peaceful once the last ferry leaves.
Choose smaller guesthouses on Praslin and La Digue for quieter stays and local Creole food at a fraction of resort prices.

Know before you go

Inter-island boat crossings can be rough or cancelled in strong southeast winds, roughly June to September. Build in some flexibility.
Seaweed builds up on some southeast-facing beaches during the southeast trade winds; the resort beach you book matters by season.
Some seabird islands limit or pause visits during sensitive nesting periods; check with the island operator before planning a trip.
All visitors must apply for the Seychelles Travel Authorisation online before departure.

Seychelles in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Seychelles?

December is a good month to visit Seychelles. The northwest monsoon arrives with more showers. The Christmas and New Year weeks are the priciest of the year.

What is the weather like in Seychelles in December?

Hot and humid, highs near 86F (30C), rains returning.

Is Seychelles crowded in December?

Seychelles is busy in December, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Seychelles in December?

Hawksbill turtle nesting (roughly october through february, peaking late in the year).