The Seychelles are warm all year: an archipelago of 115 islands just south of the equator, with air temperatures that barely change and sea temperatures that rarely drop below about 26°C. What does change through the year is the wind, the rain and the state of the sea. Two trade-wind seasons shape everything — which beaches are calm, when diving is clearest, how smooth the ferry crossing is between islands and even where seaweed washes up.
We send honeymooners and safari guests to the Seychelles every month of the year. This guide explains the seasons month by month, the weather and sea, which island and beach to choose in each season, the wildlife calendar, prices and crowds, and how to time the islands with a safari.
The Two Seasons Explained
| North-west monsoon (Dec–Mar) | South-east trades (May/Jun–Sep) | |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | Hotter, more humid, short heavy showers | Drier, slightly cooler, more breeze |
| Wind | Light to moderate from the north-west | Steady, sometimes strong, from the south-east |
| Sea | Calmer on south and east coasts | Rougher on south-east facing beaches; calmer in the north-west |
| Seaweed | Little | Can wash up on some south- and east-facing beaches |
| Underwater visibility | Good, reduced after heavy rain | Lower, with plankton — but whale shark season begins |
| Good for | Swimming, snorkelling, festive trips, lush scenery | Sailing, hiking, kite-surfing, avoiding humidity |
Between the two are the transition months — April–May and October–November. The winds drop, the sea often turns glassy, and visibility underwater is at its best. These are the months we recommend most often, especially for honeymoons and diving.
Seychelles Month by Month
| Month | Conditions | Sea | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Hot, humid, wettest month | Calm on south/east coasts | Fine for beach time between showers; quieter after New Year |
| February | Hot, showers easing | Calm | Good value, calm east-coast seas |
| March | Hot, fewer showers | Calm, warm | Good, calm seas, lush green islands |
| April | Calm, sunny, very warm sea | Glassy, clear | Excellent — great snorkelling and diving |
| May | Calm, drying out | Clear | Excellent — one of the best months |
| June | Trade winds pick up, drier | Choppier in the south-east | Good for active trips; choose sheltered beaches |
| July | Breezy, coolest month | Choppy; seaweed possible | Good, popular with European holidays |
| August | Breezy, dry | Choppy; whale sharks possible | Good; busy European holiday period |
| September | Winds easing | Settling | Very good, fewer crowds |
| October | Calm, clear | Excellent visibility | Excellent — top diving, whale sharks, Festival Kreol |
| November | Calm, very warm | Clear, warm | Excellent; hawksbill turtle nesting begins |
| December | Hot, humid, showers return | Calm | Festive season; book early |
Each Season in Detail
December to March — hot, humid and green. The north-west monsoon brings the year's highest humidity and most rain, usually as dramatic afternoon or overnight downpours that clear quickly. The islands are at their greenest, and the south- and east-facing beaches (such as Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue and Anse Royale on Mahé) are calm and inviting. Christmas and New Year are among the busiest and most expensive weeks of the year; January and February are quieter and better value.
April and May — the sweet spot. The winds fall away, rain eases and the sea becomes calm and clear almost everywhere. Water temperatures peak around 29–30°C. Snorkelling, diving and island-hopping by boat are at their best, and the light is beautiful for photos. Easter is busy; the rest of these months is excellent.
June to September — dry and breezy. The south-east trades bring steady wind, lower humidity and the most sunshine hours, with slightly cooler air of about 26–28°C. Seas are rougher on south- and east-facing coasts and some seaweed can wash up there, so choose a hotel on a sheltered north-west coast. This is the best season for hiking, kite-surfing and sailing — and July–August is busy with European summer holidays.
October and November — calm again. The second transition brings flat seas, superb visibility and very warm water. Whale sharks are most often seen around October, hawksbill turtles start nesting, and the Seychelles' colourful Festival Kreol celebrates Creole music, food and culture in late October.
Weather and Sea Temperature by Month
Approximate long-term averages for Mahé. Praslin and La Digue are slightly drier.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Sea | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30°C | 25°C | ~380 mm | 28°C | Light NW |
| Feb | 30°C | 25°C | ~260 mm | 28°C | Light NW |
| Mar | 31°C | 25°C | ~230 mm | 29°C | Light |
| Apr | 31°C | 26°C | ~180 mm | 29–30°C | Calm |
| May | 30°C | 26°C | ~140 mm | 29°C | Calm |
| Jun | 29°C | 25°C | ~100 mm | 27°C | SE, moderate |
| Jul | 28°C | 24°C | ~80 mm | 26°C | SE, strongest |
| Aug | 28°C | 24°C | ~100 mm | 26°C | SE, strong |
| Sep | 29°C | 24°C | ~130 mm | 27°C | SE, easing |
| Oct | 29°C | 25°C | ~160 mm | 28°C | Calm |
| Nov | 30°C | 24°C | ~200 mm | 28°C | Calm |
| Dec | 30°C | 24°C | ~300 mm | 28°C | Light NW |
The Seychelles lie outside the main Indian Ocean cyclone belt, so tropical storms are rare — one of their big advantages over some other island destinations.
Which Island Is Best When?
The main islands are close together, but the season decides which side of each island you want to stay on.
| Island | Known for | Seasonal tip |
|---|---|---|
| Mahé | Main island, airport, capital Victoria, Morne Seychellois National Park, 60+ beaches | May–Sep: stay on the north-west (Beau Vallon, north coast). Dec–Mar: south and east beaches are calm |
| Praslin | Vallée de Mai (UNESCO, coco de mer palms), Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette | Anse Lazio is calmest in the south-east trade months |
| La Digue | Granite boulders, bicycles, Anse Source d'Argent, Grand Anse | Anse Source d'Argent is best at low tide in calm months; Grand Anse can have strong currents Jun–Sep |
| Curieuse & Cousin | Giant tortoises, nesting birds, marine park | Day trips from Praslin; best in calm seas |
| Private & outer islands | Exclusive resorts, untouched reefs, Aldabra's giant tortoises | Calm months for the best boat and diving conditions |
Getting around: the fast ferry from Mahé to Praslin takes about an hour, and Praslin to La Digue about 15 minutes. A short domestic flight links Mahé and Praslin in around 15–20 minutes. Ferries run all year, but crossings are bumpier in July and August.
Best Beaches by Season
| Season | Calmest beaches |
|---|---|
| Dec – Apr (north-west monsoon) | Anse Source d'Argent (La Digue), Anse Royale and Anse Intendance area (south Mahé), Côte d'Or (Praslin) |
| May – Oct (south-east trades) | Beau Vallon and north-coast bays (Mahé), Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette (Praslin) |
| Transition months | Almost everywhere — the best time to explore several beaches |
Best Time for Activities
| Activity | Best months | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Snorkelling and diving | April–May, October–November | Best visibility and calm seas |
| Whale shark encounters | About August–November | Most often around October |
| Sailing and island hopping | March–May, September–November | Smooth crossings between islands |
| Hiking (Morne Seychellois, Copolia trail) | May–September | Cooler, drier, less humid |
| Kite-surfing and windsurfing | June–September | Steady south-east trade winds |
| Deep-sea fishing | October–April | Calmer offshore waters |
| Bird watching on Bird and Cousin islands | April–October | Sooty tern breeding season on Bird Island |
| Photography | April–May, October–November | Clear water, soft light |
Wildlife Calendar
- Hawksbill turtles nest on many beaches roughly October to February; green turtles nest mainly on the outer islands through much of the year.
- Whale sharks pass through the inner islands from about August to November.
- Seabird colonies on Bird, Cousin and Aride islands are busiest from about April to October.
- Giant tortoises — the Seychelles is home to the Aldabra giant tortoise; see them year-round on Curieuse, Cousin and in sanctuaries on Mahé and La Digue.
- Coco de mer palms and the rare black parrot live in the Vallée de Mai on Praslin all year.
Prices and Crowds Through the Year
| Period | Crowds | Prices | Book ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas – New Year | High | Highest | 6–9 months |
| Jan – Mar | Low to moderate | Mid; good offers | 2–4 months |
| Easter | High | High | 4–6 months |
| Apr – Jun (excl. Easter) | Moderate | Mid | 3–4 months |
| Jul – Aug | High | High | 4–6 months |
| Sep – Nov | Moderate | Mid; good value in Sep | 3–4 months |
Best Time for a Seychelles Honeymoon
For calm water, sunshine and the most romantic sunsets, plan your honeymoon for April, May, October or November. If your wedding is in December or January, the Seychelles still work beautifully — expect warm showers that pass quickly, and book early for festive dates. Many resorts offer honeymoon benefits such as room upgrades, spa treatments or a romantic dinner on the beach — ask us which are available for your dates.
Comparing islands? Our romantic Zanzibar getaway, why visit Mauritius? and best time to visit Zanzibar guides cover the alternatives.
Seychelles After Safari
The Seychelles is one of the most popular beach finishes after an African safari. Direct flights from Johannesburg take around four and a half hours, so it pairs easily with:
- Kruger — fly from the Kruger area to Johannesburg, then on to Mahé. See our luxury Kruger safari in Karongwe, Kapama & Umkumbe.
- Victoria Falls and Botswana — finish our Victoria Falls, Chobe and Okavango itinerary with five nights on Praslin or La Digue.
- Cape Town — combine the city and Winelands with island time. See best time to visit Cape Town.
| Safari | Best safari months | Best match in the Seychelles |
|---|---|---|
| Kruger & private reserves | May – October | May or October |
| Okavango Delta & Chobe | June – October | October (or June–Sep on a north-west beach) |
| Victoria Falls | May – October | May or October |
| Botswana green season | December – April | April |
See ready-made combinations on our safari and beach holiday page, or compare with our Kruger and Mauritius honeymoon guide.
Practical Tips
- Entry: the Seychelles is visa-free for all nationalities, but you must apply online for a Travel Authorisation before you fly. Hotels add a small per-night environmental levy.
- Currency: Seychellois rupee; cards widely accepted, euros and US dollars useful.
- Sea temperature: 26–30°C all year — a wetsuit is rarely needed for snorkelling.
- Sun: the equatorial sun is strong all year. Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect both you and the coral.
- Swimming safety: some beaches have strong currents in the south-east trade months — follow local advice and red flags.
- How long: stay at least five nights for one island, or seven for two islands without rushing.
- Health: the Seychelles are malaria-free; use mosquito repellent for other insect-borne illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit the Seychelles?
April, May, October and November are the best months. The trade winds drop, the sea is calm and clear, visibility for snorkelling and diving is excellent and it is sunny and warm. If you can only choose one, May and October also line up perfectly with a dry-season safari.
What is the rainy season in the Seychelles?
The wetter months are December to February, with January usually the wettest. Rain mostly falls in short, heavy tropical showers followed by sunshine, and temperatures stay around 30°C. The Seychelles lie outside the main cyclone belt, so tropical storms are rare.
When is the Seychelles cheapest?
Outside the Christmas–New Year, Easter and July–August peaks. February, March, June and September often offer better rates with good weather, and many resorts run long-stay or honeymoon offers in these months.
Is the Seychelles good in July and August?
Yes. It is dry, sunny and a little cooler, but the south-east trade winds make some south- and east-facing beaches rough and can wash up seaweed. Choose a hotel on a sheltered, north-west facing coast such as Beau Vallon on Mahé or Anse Lazio on Praslin.
When is the best time to dive in the Seychelles?
April–May and October–November, when the sea is calmest and visibility can exceed 20–30 metres. Whale sharks are most often seen from about August to November, especially around October.
Can I combine the Seychelles with a safari?
Yes. Direct flights from Johannesburg to Mahé take about four and a half hours. May and October line up well with dry-season safaris in Kruger, Chobe and the Okavango Delta, and many couples finish a safari honeymoon with five to seven nights in the Seychelles.
How many days do you need in the Seychelles?
Seven nights is ideal for two islands — for example four on Praslin or La Digue and three on Mahé. Five nights works for one island after a safari. Ten nights or more lets you add a private or outer island.
Do I need a visa for the Seychelles?
The Seychelles is visa-free for all nationalities, but every visitor must apply online for a Travel Authorisation before flying and show a return ticket and accommodation booking. A small per-night environmental levy is also charged by hotels.
Which is better, the Seychelles or Mauritius?
The Seychelles are wilder, with granite-boulder beaches, island hopping and nature reserves, and suit couples seeking seclusion. Mauritius has more resort choice, activities and better value, and suits families and groups. Both are excellent after a safari.
Bookable Seychelles & Island Holidays
Found your month? These are our most popular island holidays and safari-and-beach combinations.
Plan Your Seychelles Escape
Whether it is a honeymoon or a beach finish after safari, we will match the right island, hotel and month to your plans.
WhatsApp for a quote Send an enquiry