When to go to Mauritius

From December to the end of March the thermometer then often exceeds 30°C and the ambient humidity is high. You can expect the occasional, magnificent thunderstorms with heavy rains, but despite downpours the water temperature remains at around 27°C. The conditions are therefore perfect for spending the festive season in the sun.

From Grand Bay in the north to the beaches of Flic-en-Flac and Le Morne in the south, via Blue Bay Beach in the south-east: wherever you go, it will all be turquoise waters and white sand. The beaches of Le Morne or La Prairie with a breath-taking view of the famous Morne Brabant mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage site, should also be on your itinerary.

From mid-May to September Mauritius offers a warm and dry climate perfect for enjoying the natural beauty of the island. This time of the year the island is less crowded and temperatures range between 19° and 26°C with the temperature of the Indian Ocean measuring an average of 24°C. It’s the ideal time to relax and enjoy a tranquil holiday.

Between these two great tropical climate highlights, the off-season also offers many advantages. Temperatures are cooler and rainfall is more scattered in April, and in October the temperature is warmer and humidity is under control. This is the ideal time to venture inland for a few nature hikes.

You can admire the flowering of exotic plants at their peak. Bougainvillea, frangipani, hibiscus and tabebuias are just some of the florals that will enchant you with their flamboyant colours.

• A visit to the the slopes of Mount Brabant is a must. The mountain is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After having tamed its 340 metres and walked the paths that lead through the heart of a lush forest, you will be rewarded with a breath-taking view of the turquoise waters and mountains of Chamarel. Make sure you also visit this picturesque spot and discover its grandiose waterfall.

• You could head south to the splendours of the Black River Gorges National Park where several footpaths crisscross its slopes covered with lush vegetation and impressive waterfalls. On your way back to the coast, stop in Chamarel to admire its 100-metre high waterfall. Continuing a little further, you will discover the land of the seven colours, a clearing where soil ranges from ochre, red and purple.

• Visit a museum in** Port-Louis **to admire the original statue of Paul and Virginie by Prosper d'Épinay, as well as the Blue Penny and Red Penny, the rarest stamps in the world. Issued by the Mauritius Post Office in 1847, they show the profile of Queen Victoria and are two legends of philately and Mauritian history.

• Finally head towards Flic-en-Flac and enjoy sipping from a fresh coconut while nibbling on a few samoussas while admiring the spectacular sunset.