Weather in the Seychelles: when to fly for a vacation
When you say the Seychelles, most of you imagine white sandy beaches lined with rocks, turquoise sea, and tropical weather. One of the most frequent questions I get from you about this paradise is what the usual weather in the Seychelles is like and when is the best time to go. The good news is that thanks to its location near the equator, the archipelago is among the destinations where you can travel practically all year round. Still, there are periods that are more suitable for swimming, snorkeling, or hiking.
Weather in the Seychelles is pleasant summer weather all year round
The Seychelles have a tropical climate with very small temperature differences throughout the year. Daytime temperatures mostly range between 26 and 31 °C and don’t even drop below a pleasant 24 °C at night. The sea is just as tempting, staying around 27 to 29 °C all year round.
Unlike some other exotic destinations, the Seychelles do not lie in a tropical cyclone belt. You don’t have to worry about hurricanes or destructive storms that complicate travel in the Caribbean, for example. This is also one of the reasons why Kája and I fell in love with this paradise.
Accommodation in the Seychelles
Find accommodation in the Seychelles by map:
Best period for a vacation
I consider the best months for a visit to be April, May, October, and November. That’s exactly when the monsoon seasons change and the weather tends to be the most stable.
The sea is calm, wind is minimal, and the water offers excellent clarity. This will be appreciated not only by swimming enthusiasts but also by those into snorkeling, diving, or boat trips and stays between the islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue.
If you are planning your first trip to the Seychelles and want the highest probability of ideal weather, these months represent the best choice. Personally, we had the chance to try a vacation in the Seychelles in December as well, and besides the sea being a bit more choppy, the weather in the Seychelles was pleasant even over Christmas.
You might also be interested in:
- Practical guide to the Seychelles: important info before your trip
- La Digue: transport, accommodation, and 7 beautiful trips around the island
- 7 tips for the most beautiful trips on Mahé
- 15 tips for trips and what to do on Praslin island
The rainy season is no reason to cancel the trip / Weather in the Seychelles
From November to March, the northwest monsoon arrives. During this period, it is warmer, the air contains more moisture, and tropical showers occur more frequently. The most rainfall is traditionally in January and February.
But that doesn’t mean it rains continuously for several days. Short, intense showers are typical for the Seychelles, after which the sky often clears up quickly. It’s not uncommon for it to rain several times during the day and have the sun shining again half an hour later.
Furthermore, the weather can vary significantly even between different parts of the islands. While it’s raining on one beach, it can be clear just a few kilometers away. We saw this for ourselves during our last stay on La Digue, when we cycled across the whole island and although we got wet on one side, the sun was already shining and it was dry on the other.
>> TOP 10 ACCOMMODATION ON LA DIGUE ISLAND
The dry season brings more wind to the Seychelles
From May to September, the southeast trade winds affect the Seychelles. The weather tends to be a bit drier, less humid, and temperatures are very pleasant. On the other hand, it can be windier and the sea is choppier on some beaches.
Sailors especially will appreciate the stronger wind. For regular swimming, just choose beaches on the leeward side of the islands, where the sea tends to be calmer.
It is during this period that washed-up seaweed can appear on some southeastern beaches of Mahé or Praslin. On most islands, however, it’s no problem to move to another beach within a few minutes where the conditions are significantly better.
When to fly based on the type of vacation and weather in the Seychelles?
If you are mainly planning on swimming, snorkeling, and boat trips, the best conditions are usually offered in April, May, October, and November, as I mentioned above. The calm sea and excellent underwater visibility create an ideal environment for exploring coral reefs, but also for observing turtles and other marine life.
For hiking through national parks or climbing to viewpoints, the months from May to September are also very pleasant, as the air humidity is not as high.
Exotic lovers who want to travel outside the main tourist season can head out even in the winter months without worry. However, you need to count on a higher probability of tropical showers, especially in January and February.
Is it worth waiting for the ideal month?
In reality, not really. The Seychelles are among the destinations where the weather can surprise you in any period. A tropical shower can come even during the driest part of the year, and likewise, it can be sunny all week in the middle of the rainy season. It’s not for nothing that the nature here is beautifully green.
If you have the chance to choose a date, go for April, May, October, or November. But if you find cheap flights in another period, you definitely don’t have to worry about them. Thanks to year-round high temperatures, warm sea, and tropical climate, the Seychelles are among the destinations where you can enjoy your vacation practically anytime during the year.
){kind=link}