Key Takeaways
- Best months: April to May and October to November
- Climate: warm and tropical all year, about 79°F to 88°F (26°C to 31°C)
- By boat: short distances and calm seas let you explore the islets freely
- December to March: trade winds, short showers and sea turtle hatching
The Seychelles are an archipelago off eastern Africa in the Indian Ocean. They are known for translucent lagoons, white-sand beaches and nature reserves with rare animals such as giant tortoises. Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are the main islands, where most activities are concentrated. So when is the best time to visit Seychelles? Here is everything you need to plan your stay and your unforgettable trip at sea.
The Climate in the Seychelles
The islands sit close to the equator. The tropical climate stays warm and stable all year, between 79°F and 88°F (26°C and 31°C). Pack your sunscreen: the UV index is very strong! There is no truly bad season, only different conditions depending on the month.
Why Discover the Seychelles by Boat?
The Seychelles are ideal for a day at sea! The water is often calm and the distances are short. A boat lets you explore the 115 islands of the archipelago at your own pace. It also reaches places that are otherwise inaccessible. Some beaches, like Anse Lazio or Coco Island, are even better seen from the shore. The country is also one of the best places in the world to admire coral reefs and marine wildlife.
Best Time to Visit Seychelles, Month by Month
December to March
With temperatures between 81°F and 82°F (27°C and 28°C), this is the season of the northwest trade winds. The heat comes with short but intense tropical showers. If you have already booked, don’t panic. The sun usually returns after half an hour, and the water stays very pleasant.
To make the most of your stay, go watch sea turtles laying eggs (until February) and hatching (from December). Seeing the baby turtles reach the ocean at sunrise is an incredible experience!
This is the ideal time for the year-end holidays, but prices tend to be high.
April/May and October/November
These months are often considered the perfect time to discover the Seychelles. Temperatures and weather are very pleasant, with calmer winds, less rain and less humidity, which means a calm sea. Tourist traffic is also lighter. If you want to grab your mask and snorkel, go now. Visibility is excellent, the sea is smooth and marine wildlife is very active. Conditions are ideal for a great boat trip! Take an excursion around Mahé, Praslin or La Digue to discover islets such as Curieuse, Coco Island, Saint-Pierre or Sainte-Anne. You can also reach isolated beaches accessible only by sea. You won’t be disappointed.
June to September
During this period, the season is mild. The wind blows a little more, and the sea is rougher on the south side with bigger waves. The weather stays dry, with less humidity and clear skies. You can always enjoy snorkeling or a boat trip, and on land it is the perfect time for hiking. You can explore the islands on foot, enjoy nature and avoid the heat. We recommend hiking the Vallée de Mai on Praslin. Classified by UNESCO, it lets you discover the lush nature of the Seychelles. You will also see its regional species and its famous double coconut.
Our Recommendation: When to Go
You can visit the magnificent islands of the Seychelles all year round. Still, the best time to go is April/May and October/November. With Click&Boat, you can rent a boat with or without a skipper. Enjoy a day on the water without constraints and make the most of the country.
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Seychelles?
April to May and October to November: very calm seas, little rain, excellent snorkeling visibility, light winds and fewer tourists.
What is the climate like in Seychelles?
Warm and tropical all year, between 79°F and 88°F (26°C and 31°C), with a very high UV index. There is no truly bad season, just different conditions depending on the month.
Why discover the Seychelles by boat?
A boat gives you access to coves and islets you cannot reach by land. Examples include Curieuse, Coco Island and Sainte-Anne. The sea is often calm and the islands are close together.
What should you know about traveling between December and March?
This is the season of the northwest trade winds: heat, short but intense showers and a pleasant sea. Sea turtles lay eggs until February and hatch from December, but prices tend to be higher.
Why are April/May and October/November the perfect months?
They fall between wind seasons, bringing a very calm sea, low humidity, less rain, excellent underwater visibility and fewer tourists. Conditions are ideal for snorkeling and boat trips.
