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Seychelles in January

Northwest monsoon rains, often in short heavy bursts. Calm seas on the southeast coasts; post-holiday rates ease mid month.

TradeoffsHot and humid, highs near 86F (30C), the wettest month

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

The straight answer

January is a month of real tradeoffs in Seychelles. Northwest monsoon rains, often in short heavy bursts. Calm seas on the southeast coasts; post-holiday rates ease mid month.

Weather: Hot and humid, highs near 86F (30C), the wettest month
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What January is like in Seychelles

January is the wettest month in the Seychelles. It is hot and sticky, with highs near 86F (30C), and the northwest monsoon brings heavy showers that usually pass in an hour or two, leaving bright sun behind. The southeast coasts stay calm, which is the flip side of the wind pattern. The holiday crowd leaves in the first week, and rates start to ease by mid month.

This month suits travelers who want warm water and fewer people and do not mind a daily downpour. Cyclones very rarely reach the main islands, so it is a safer Indian Ocean bet than Mauritius right now. If you want dry days and flat, clear seas for snorkeling, wait for April.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Seychelles this month.

Hawksbill turtles on Cousin Island

Hawksbills are still nesting in daylight on protected beaches like Cousin Island. A guided visit from Praslin can put you close to a turtle on the sand.

Calm southeast beaches

With the wind out of the northwest, beaches on the southeast sides of the islands are at their calmest and cleanest. It is a good month to base yourself on that side of Mahe or Praslin.

Post-holiday value

Once the New Year crowd heads home, resort and guesthouse rates drop noticeably. Late January is one of the easier times to find a good room at a fair price.

What to pack for January

A light rain jacket or compact umbrella for sudden showers
Quick-dry clothes that handle humidity
Reef-safe sunscreen with high SPF for strong sun between storms
A dry bag for boat trips and ferry crossings

Our timing tip

Plan beach time and boat trips for the morning, since the heaviest showers often build in the afternoon, and aim for the second half of the month for lower rates.

Book Seychelles for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Seychelles
Opens a hotel search for Seychelles in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
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 January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in January

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 January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Seychelles?

January is a month of real tradeoffs in Seychelles. Northwest monsoon rains, often in short heavy bursts. Calm seas on the southeast coasts; post-holiday rates ease mid month.

What is the weather like in Seychelles in January?

Hot and humid, highs near 86F (30C), the wettest month.

Is Seychelles crowded in January?

Crowds in Seychelles are moderate in January; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Seychelles in January?

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