Monsoons, climate and weather through the year
The Seychelles are blessed with a warm, tropical climate all year round, so a trip here is always worthwhile. Temperatures usually sit between 24 and 32 °C. At every time of year certain activities work particularly well, and one of them will surely fit your holiday plans.
Two opposing monsoon winds shape the climate: the north-west monsoon from November to March, with wind speeds of 8 to 12 knots, and the fresher south-east monsoon from May to September, with 10 to 20 knots. The latter is cooler and offers ideal weather for sailing.
The change of monsoon brings relatively warm, calm weather in April and October. The best time for swimming, snorkelling and above all diving is April/May and October/November, when the water temperature reaches up to 29 °C and underwater visibility is more than thirty metres.
Period | Wind | Weather and sea |
|---|---|---|
December–March | Northwest monsoon, weak | Hottest and most humid season, around 28 to 32 °C. January is usually considered the wettest month. |
April | Monsoon transition, little wind | Considered the calmest and warmest month. |
May–September | Southeast monsoon, fresh | Relatively dry, peaking in July and August, the sea can be somewhat rough. |
October–November | Monsoon transition, light winds | Milder, gentler winds, clear skies, calm sea and good visibility underwater. The main rainy season begins in November. |
Which side of the island is calm and when?
The monsoon decides which beaches are rough and which are sheltered. In April/May and October/November both coasts are calm. During the monsoon months one side is usually rough while the other stays calm. If you want to swim during the south-east monsoon, look for bays on the leeward side. Beau Vallon on Mahé is often recommended for these months. In the north-west monsoon the picture reverses. The page on dream beaches shows which beaches are suitable.
The cyclone season falls in the months of the north-west monsoon, but only the remote southern islands lie within the cyclone belt. On the granitic islands with the well-known beaches, this hardly matters for planning your trip.
Best time to visit by activity
Below you will find an overview of the best times to visit the Seychelles for various activities.
Activity | Period |
|---|---|
Bird watching | April (breeding season), May–September (nesting season of the sooty terns), October (migration) |
Diving | March–May / September–November |
Fishing | October–April |
Hiking & trails | May–September |
Surfing/Windsurfing | May–September |
Sailing | Year-round |
Snorkelling | Year-round |
Diving and snorkelling
You do not need a particular season for snorkelling, but conditions are not always the same. They are at their best when wind and waves die down, because then the water is clear. One source names March to June as an especially good time for snorkelling and diving. This matches Karl's period for diving. Which places are worth visiting is covered on the pages Diving & Snorkelling and Dive Spots.
Sailing and surfing
You can sail all year, though the character differs. In the south-east monsoon the wind blows stronger and more steadily, in the north-west monsoon the winds are light. Surfers and windsurfers therefore find their conditions from May to September. You will find more about sailing areas and operators under Sailing in the Seychelles.
Fishing
The fishing season runs from October to April, the months with weaker wind. Where and how you can fish is described on the page Fishing in the Seychelles.
Hiking
The south-east monsoon from May to September is well suited to hiking. June is one of the cooler and driest months. In the wet season the paths in the interior of the islands are slippery, and showers often arrive in the afternoon. Plan your walk for the morning then. You will find routes and advice under Hiking in the Seychelles.
Birdwatching
The birding calendar follows the breeding and migration seasons: in April many species breed, from May to September the sooty terns nest, and in October migratory birds pass through. You can watch them on Aride and Bird Island, for example. More on the wildlife is under Flora and Fauna.
Festivals and events through the year
If you plan your trip around a festival, check the dates in advance, because they change from year to year. The page Festivals and Events gives an overview.
The “Festival Kreol” celebrates Creole traditions and roots. It takes place every year in October. In 2026 the official opening was on 23 October at the Music Stadium in Victoria. It ended on 31 October with the Creole Ball. Book accommodation and transport early for that week, because the festival draws large crowds to Victoria.
The “SUBIOS Underwater Festival” introduces divers and those interested in diving to the underwater world of the Seychelles. It offers a forum for exchanging experiences, competitions and presentations of photos and films. The festival returned after a five-year break with a date at the end of November and today also includes sailing, water sports and sustainable fish dishes. It is now also listed as the Seychelles Ocean Festival. No reliable information on the date and venue for 2026 could be found.
The “Seychelles Sailing Cup” is an international-class sailing competition held every year in January. Other event calendars give July for it, so ask the organiser. The “Seychelles Challenge” regatta was scheduled for 5 to 11 July 2026.
The international fishing tournament takes place in November, and there are also many local fishing competitions throughout the year. No confirmed date for 2026 could be found.
Peak season, crowds and booking
For a first visit and for island hopping, April, May, October and November are best, because wind and waves disturb crossings and excursions the least. The inter-island ferry is covered under Cat Cocos Ferry. If you want to avoid heat and humidity, travel in the south-east monsoon. Peak season is the holiday periods, around New Year and in high summer. Book hotels and flights early for these, because prices vary greatly with the season. The same calm months apply to couples, with more under Romantic Holidays.
More planning help: Your First Visit to the Seychelles, Travel Tips, Travel Checklist and Luggage.
Frequently asked questions
When does it rain the most?
December to February are the wettest months, with frequent but short showers. January is considered the rainiest month.
Is there a time with no rain at all?
No, tropical showers are possible all year. July to September are the driest months. Then it tends to rain at night and only briefly.
When is the sea calmest?
In April, May, October and November, when the monsoons change.
When is it hottest?
From December to March, when temperatures are around 28 to 32 °C and the air is humid.
When is it pleasantly cool and dry?
June to August is the least muggy, driest and sunniest period. Expect more wind and a somewhat choppy sea then.
Does the Seychelles get cyclones?
The cyclone season coincides with the north-west monsoon. According to the information available, only the remote southern islands are affected, not the granite islands such as Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
