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Seychelles in October

The second calm transition season: flat seas, excellent diving, and whale sharks around Mahe. Festival Kreol usually runs late in the month.

BestWarm and calm, highs near 84F (29C)

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

The straight answer

October is one of the best months of the year to visit Seychelles. The second calm transition season: flat seas, excellent diving, and whale sharks around Mahe. Festival Kreol usually runs late in the month.

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

What October is like in Seychelles

October is one of the very best months in the Seychelles. The trade winds have died away, seas are flat and clear, and days are warm, with highs near 84F (29C) and little rain. Diving and snorkeling are excellent, whale sharks feed around Mahe, and hawksbill turtles start nesting. Crowds are moderate and prices are firm but not at holiday peaks.

It suits nearly everyone, from families with young swimmers to divers and couples. Wildlife fans get the most from it, with whale sharks, turtles, and the last seabirds all in one trip. The only reason to pick another month is if you want the lowest prices, which come in February, March, June, and September.

Make the most of October

What is especially good about Seychelles this month.

Whale shark season

Whale sharks feed in the plankton-rich water around Mahe, roughly October and November. Sightings vary by year, so book a trip early in your stay.

Festival Kreol

Late in the month, around Creole Day on October 28, the islands celebrate Creole music, dance, food, and fashion. It is a lively window into local culture.

Turtles begin nesting

Hawksbill turtles start coming ashore to nest in daylight on protected beaches like Cousin Island.

Glassy seas for island hopping

Calm water makes ferries between Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue smooth and easy.

What to pack for October

A rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen for long days in the water
An underwater camera or phone case for whale sharks and reefs
A light outfit for evening Festival Kreol events
A sun hat and polarized sunglasses

Our timing tip

Plan to be on Mahe in the last week of October so you can catch Festival Kreol and join a whale shark trip on the same visit.

Book Seychelles for October.

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

What's on in October

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.

Sooty tern colony on Bird Island

Roughly May through October

Hundreds of thousands of sooty terns nest on Bird Island in the breeding season, one of the Indian Ocean's great seabird spectacles.

Festival Kreol

Late October, around Creole Day on October 28

A celebration of Seychellois Creole culture, with music, dance, food, and fashion across the islands.

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 October, quick answers

Is October a good time to visit Seychelles?

What is the weather like in Seychelles in October?

Warm and calm, highs near 84F (29C).

Is Seychelles crowded in October?

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

What is happening in Seychelles in October?

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); Sooty tern colony on Bird Island (roughly may through october); Festival Kreol (late october, around creole day on october 28).