Seychelles Islands Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Seychelles Islands for snorkeling, diving, and swimming is April through May and October through November when the waters are calm and the visibility is good. For cruising, the months between May and September are when the southeast trade wind brings the best conditions for sailing Seychelles. The Seychelles Islands are nicknamed, "The Land of Perpetual Summer." Even during the wettest months of November through January, rain showers only last a few hours and the sun still shines daily as a rule of thumb.

Seychelles Weather

Seychelles enjoy year-round weather consistency due to their location south of the equator. There are no traditional seasons, instead, the year is split into rainy and dry seasons. Temperatures in Seychelles are rarely below 75 °F or above 90.2 °F. As a result, it can be hot, although the refreshing seaside breezes are welcome.

Wet Season 

The rainy season, which lasts from November to February, is characterized by frequent tropical storms and elevated humidity levels. This type of storm is more likely to strike in the late afternoon or early evening when people are more likely to be out and about. Also, it's generally warmer during this time of the year, but there isn't much variation across months.

Dry Season 

Seychelles are at their driest and coolest during the trade winds that blow from June to September. Tropical storms can still occur during these months, but they tend to be less violent and move into the evening hours, making the days less humid and more pleasant overall. You can go trekking, windsurfing, or birdwatching during this time of year.

Visiting Seychelles in December-March (Low Season)

Between December and March, the north-west trade winds bring temperatures averaging between 27 and 28 degrees Celsius to the island. In December and January, rain showers are more prevalent. The downpours are heavy but brief, and the sun will return in about 30 minutes or so, as usual. However, that doesn't stop people from visiting the islands in December and January. Hotel and travel prices might rise during the winter vacations in Seychelles, so book well in advance. Anyone hoping to get away from the cold of Europe's winter and experience some warmth should take advantage of this window of opportunity. 

Visiting Seychelles in April-November (Best Time)

There is no trade wind in April or November, thus these are the hottest months of the year. Temperatures might reach as high as 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). Because of the lack of breeze, the humidity in Seychelles is a little higher than average, making this heat appear even more intense. While there is no wind, this results in great visibility for diving. Snorkeling and scuba diving are excellent in these months. Visit Seychelles after the summer hot season if you don't mind getting wet. You'll save money on hotels and airfare and have more options.

Visiting Seychelles in May-October (High Season)

Temperatures range from 25 to 29 degrees Celsius during the south-east trade winds from May to the beginning of October. This time there isn't much rain. The days are sunny and hot, with a pleasant breeze provided by the trade winds. Sailing, hiking, and windsurfing enthusiasts will find the perfect weather during these months. Ocean calmness and visibility are lower due to wind. If you're visiting during the summer, book your rooms early to avoid paying high-season rates. 

Best Time to Go to Seychelles for Snorkeling and Diving

The best time to visit Seychelles for diving is from April to May and October to November when the water is crystal clear and visibility can reach 30 meters. It’s definitely worth noting that although the months of May and September are an excellent time to visit with regards to weather but depending on where you go between these months it’s likely there will be seaweed all over the beach and in the shallow water areas. This may damper your snorkeling experience or be aesthetically unpleasing to some so be sure to plan your trip correctly.

The beautiful big islands of Mahe and Moyenne and the northern islands including La Digue are a few of the best places in the world to spot whale sharks, hawksbill turtles, whitetip sharks, scorpionfish, eagle rays, lionfish, and moray eels. Other great snorkeling and diving spots in the Seychelles outer islands are Alphonse, St. François, and Bijoutier. Manta rays, spinner dolphins, whales, silvertip and nurse sharks, and sailfish are often seen in the waters here

Best Time to Travel to Seychelles for Wildlife

On the main island of Mahe is the Morne Seychellois National Park which covers 20% of the island’s land and has the highest peak in the archipelago, Morne Blanc. There are seven species of land birds here native only to the islands; the bulbul, the sunbird, the swiftlet, kestrel, blue pigeon, scope owls, and the white-eyes.

Praslin Island and its close neighbors are the only places in the Seychelles where you can find the country’s national bird, the black parrot. Other birds found here are blue parrots and kestrels.The nearby Curieuse Island is one of the best places to find giant tortoises in Seychelles. The population here is over a hundred strong, aided by the efforts of the island’s breeding center - the Giant Tortoise Farm.

Aride Island is known for its birds. Seychelles magpie-robins, terns, noddies, red-tailed tropicbirds, and great frigatebirds are found here. Over one million seabirds breed here between May and October, making it one of the most important breeding colonies in the Indian Ocean.

Swimming in Seychelles

Anse Source d'Argent- La Digue Island
Anse Source d'Argent is one of the Seychelles Islands' most recognizable beaches and for good reason. It has been the setting for movies like ‘Castaway’ and photographs of the beach appear in the media as a matter of course. The beach’s white sands are backed by massive granite boulders and palm trees.

Anse Intendance- Mahé Island
On the south end of the main island of Mahe, Anse Intendance beach is a quiet getaway for sun lovers with half a mile of white sand stretching down the coast. 

Beau Vallon-Mahe Island
Also on Mahe Island, Beau Vallon beach is the most popular on the island and the longest in Seychelles. Located on the northwest coast, activities here include snorkeling, diving, jet-skiing, surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Adventure life offers many trips to this island and can help one find out how to do all these activities!

Anse Lazio-Preslin Island
Recognized as one of the best beaches in the world, Anse Lazio on the northern island of Praslin is a great spot to swim, snorkel, and take in the sunset during the early evening. 

Anse Georgette-Preslin Island
Another favorite of locals and international travelers alike, Anse Georgette is a little tricky to access. The beach is on the grounds of the Constance Lemuria Resort, and those that wish to visit are asked to call ahead to make a reservation. The system is in place to keep the crowds at bay, one of the positive aspects of the beach that sun lovers like. 

For more information about a Seychelles Island cruise that puts you in the heart of the tropics, contact one of our travel experts.