Seychelles has a warm tropical climate all year, but wind and rainfall change with the season. Monthly highs stay between about 27°C and 31°C, and lows between about 23°C and 25°C. What changes most is the wind and the sea. The months you choose decide how calm the water is for swimming, snorkeling and ferry crossings between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. This guide explains the seasons and then goes through each month.
What are the seasons in Seychelles?
Four patterns shape the year. January to March is the wet north-west monsoon period, warm and humid, with intermittent heavy showers. April and May are calmer and warmer, and they are the months most often recommended. June to September is the south-east trade-wind season, which brings drier, cooler and windier weather. October and November are calm transition months, and December turns wetter again.
Month by month
- January: highs of about 30°C, lows of about 24°C and around 380 mm of rain. Wet, greener and humid, with heavy showers.
- February: highs of about 30°C, lows of about 24°C and around 270 mm of rain. Warm, with rainfall easing and usable days between showers.
- March: highs of about 31°C, lows of about 25°C and around 180 mm of rain. Hot, humid and increasingly sunny, good for beaches and marine activities.
- April: highs of about 31°C, lows of about 25°C and around 190 mm of rain. An excellent shoulder month, with light winds, warm seas and brief showers.
- May: highs of about 30°C, lows of about 25°C and around 160 mm of rain. A very favourable beach month, as trade winds begin to strengthen toward the end.
- June: highs of about 28°C, lows of about 24°C and around 70 mm of rain. Drier and breezier, with excellent hiking and sailing and choppier seas on south-east-facing coasts.
- July: highs of about 27°C, lows of about 23°C and around 65 mm of rain. The driest, coolest and breeziest period, good for hiking, though some beaches have rougher water.
- August: highs of about 27°C, lows of about 23°C and around 75 mm of rain. Dry and windy, good for walking and sailing, with snorkeling visibility that varies.
- September: highs of about 28°C, lows of about 24°C and around 120 mm of rain. Winds gradually weaken, and sea conditions improve toward the end of the month.
- October: highs of about 29°C, lows of about 24°C and around 190 mm of rain. An excellent shoulder month, with calmer seas and warm water before wetter weather returns.
- November: highs of about 30°C, lows of about 24°C and around 220 mm of rain. Warm, calmer and increasingly humid, and generally excellent for swimming and snorkeling.
- December: highs of about 30°C, lows of about 24°C and around 300 mm of rain. Heavy showers are possible, but many beach hours remain usable.
Which months suit families and couples?
April, May, October and November suit families and honeymooners most often. The sea is calm, the water is warm, and the ferry crossings are more comfortable than in the windier months. Families should choose calm-water beaches and shorter ferry sectors, while couples can plan a sunset cruise or a quiet beach day. June to September can still work for hikers who do not mind rougher boat trips.
Which months suit hikers and boat trips?
June to September is the strongest window for rainforest hikes on Morne Seychellois, because the weather is drier and cooler. Sailing also suits these months. Boat trips to Curieuse can be rougher, so confirm sea conditions before you pay for a nonrefundable excursion. For snorkeling and diving, October and November are often the most comfortable months.
When should you avoid or plan carefully?
June to September can bring rougher seas and seaweed to some beaches, and this surprises many visitors. December to March is warmer and more humid, with heavier showers. Travellers often underestimate the June to September season for ferries, so book crossings with extra time in hand, and keep beach days flexible.
When is peak season?
Demand commonly rises around the European winter, Indian festive periods and school holidays. Beachfront and private-island rooms can sell out well before flight seats, so book early for peak weeks. April to May and October to November are also in high demand, because they combine calm seas with good weather.
At a glance
- Best months: April, May, October and November.
- Drier and cooler: June to September, with rougher seas on some coasts.
- Wetter and humid: December to March, with heavy showers possible.
- Plan ahead: reserve ferries and boat excursions early in peak months.
For ready dates, read about the Seychelles Island Hop 6N package, which covers Mahé, Praslin and La Digue in seven days. Our Seychelles tour packages hub shows the other options, and our places to visit guide explains which island suits which weather.
How was this guide compiled?
This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information and from traveller reports. It was last checked on 2 November 2026. Weather varies from year to year, so treat the monthly figures as a guide and confirm conditions before you travel.
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