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Seychelles in November

Clear water, whale shark season, and hawksbill turtles nesting. The northwest monsoon approaches late in the month.

BestWarm and calm, highs near 86F (30C), occasional showers

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

The straight answer

November is one of the best months of the year to visit Seychelles. Clear water, whale shark season, and hawksbill turtles nesting. The northwest monsoon approaches late in the month.

Weather: Warm and calm, highs near 86F (30C), occasional showers
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What November is like in Seychelles

November keeps the calm of the transition season. It is warm, with highs near 86F (30C), clear water, and only occasional showers. Whale sharks are still around Mahe, and hawksbill turtles are nesting. Late in the month, the northwest monsoon starts to approach, bringing a little more humidity and rain. Crowds and prices are moderate before the holiday rush.

This is a great month for families, snorkelers, divers, and wildlife lovers who want the best conditions before Christmas prices hit. Come early in the month for the most settled weather. If you can only travel over the holidays, expect higher rates and a wetter feel in December.

Make the most of November

What is especially good about Seychelles this month.

Hawksbill nesting peak

Turtle nesting builds toward its peak late in the year. Cousin Island's guided tours offer a rare daytime look at nesting hawksbills.

More whale shark chances

Whale sharks often linger around Mahe through November. Pair a sighting trip with snorkeling in Sainte Anne Marine National Park.

Calm beaches for kids

Flat, clear water makes shallow beaches like those on La Digue and Praslin easy for young swimmers.

What to pack for November

A mask, snorkel, and rash guard
A light rain jacket for late-month showers
Reef-safe sunscreen
A dry bag for boat trips

Our timing tip

Go in the first half of November for the calmest seas and best whale shark odds, before the monsoon humidity creeps in.

Book Seychelles for November.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Seychelles
Opens a hotel search for Seychelles 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 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 November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in November

Whale shark season

Roughly October and November, sometimes stretching from August to December

Whale sharks feed in the plankton-rich waters around Mahe as the trade winds ease. Sightings vary year to year.

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 November, quick answers

Is November a good time to visit Seychelles?

November is one of the best months of the year to visit Seychelles. Clear water, whale shark season, and hawksbill turtles nesting. The northwest monsoon approaches late in the month.

What is the weather like in Seychelles in November?

Warm and calm, highs near 86F (30C), occasional showers.

Is Seychelles crowded in November?

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

What is happening in Seychelles in November?

Whale shark season (roughly october and november, sometimes stretching from august to december); Hawksbill turtle nesting (roughly october through february, peaking late in the year).