Seychelles is a dream destination for many — and it really is! I should know because I’ve visited it multiple times in the past couple of years. I’ve been there at the end of April and the beginning of November.
Do you want to know, when is the best time to visit Seychelles for weather and activities? Some say it’s when the trade winds shift, but it truly depends on what you’re looking for. Find out what I think below.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SEYCHELLES:
• Hilltop Boutique Hotel (I stayed here in Victoria on Mahé)
• Sun Properties & Resort Hotel (I stayed here in Beau Vallon on Mahé)
• Marie Laure Suites (I stayed here in Bel Ombre on Mahé)
• Bambous River Lodge (I stayed here in Bel Ombre on Mahé)
• Palm Beach Hotel (I stayed here in Grand Anse on Praslin)
• Chez Bea (I stayed here in Cote’Or on Praslin)
• Cote D’Or Footprints (upscale stay in Cote D’Or on Praslin)
• La Digue Self Catering Apartments (I stayed here in La Passe on La Digue)
• Le Nautique Waterfront Hotel (perfect beachfront location on La Digue)
• Chalets d’Anse Reunion (perfect paradise stay on La Digue)
TOP EXPERIENCES and TOURS IN SEYCHELLES:
• Mahé: Anse Major hike (I did this fun hike!)
• Mahé: Private Tour on Mahé (I did this)
• Mahé: St. Anne Marine Park with Lunch (I did this!)
• Mahé: Rock pool hike (on my wishlist)
• Mahé: Day trip to Praslin and La Digue (great if you are short on time)
• Praslin: Vallé de Mai and Anse Lazio (I did this!)
• Praslin: cruise to Curieuse and St. Pierre Island (top-rated tour)
• La Digue: Anse Marron (hike to an isolated beach)
• La Digue: Crystal Water Kayaks tour (my favorite!)
With the location in the Indian Ocean, just south of the Equator, this tropical paradise has a year-warm weather, and can be visited at any time.
To help you decide, I’ve put together this Seychelles weather guide. I will break down the weather you can expect month-by-month to increase your chances of seeing sunny skies.
Before diving into the details, I’ll give a quick overview of best time to visit the Seychelles for weather and activities. Just keep in mind that weather patterns are changing!
And remember, the best time to visit Seychelles is whenever you can make it!
FRIENDLY REMINDER
Never leave for a trip without travel insurance. Unexpected issues can arise so I suggest using insurance that covers people from all over the world, while outside their home country. You can buy this travel insurance even if you are already abroad.
When to visit Seychelles
KEY TAKEAWAYS
● Seychelles enjoys warm tropical weather year-round, making it a destination you can visit anytime, if you choose outer island , one of the private islands or Praslin island.
● The dry season (May to September) brings cooler temperatures, less rainfall and humidity, and great conditions for outdoor activities.
● The wet season (November to April) is hotter and more humid, with January–March being the rainiest months, but it’s also the cheapest time to visit.
● Transition months (April–May and October–November) are the best months to visit. Those are the best time to go for overall weather, calm seas, and excellent snorkeling and diving conditions. I would suggest to visit in April and May.
● Whale shark season peaks from September to November, while the Festival Kreol in October adds a unique cultural experience.
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When is the best time to visit Seychelles (an overview)
If you’re short on time, here’s a roundup of the best times to visit Seychelles based on weather, sea conditions, and travel season.
Best overall weather: May to September
Warmest months: November to April
Coolest months: July to August
Rainy Season: January to March
Sea Conditions: calmest during April – May & October – November (shift of the trade winds)
Best for snorkeling and diving: April to November – drier and less windy
Best for Whale Sharks: September to November
High Season: July & August and December & January
Shoulder Season: April and May & October and November
Low Season: February & March, June, September
Seychelles tropical climate with warm temperatures is worth visiting year-round; you just have to pick a month based on the level of rain, budget, and expected crowds.
Best time to visit Seychelles for weather
The best time to visit Seychelles for weather is during the calmer periods when the two trade winds shift, which is in April–May and October–November.
I’ve visited the islands during both of these transition months. Each time, the conditions were close to perfect: sunny skies, warm temperatures, and milder winds, with occasional rainy days, which made it ideal for Seychelles holidays.
In between those months, Seychelles has two main seasons:
● The Southeast Trade Winds season (May–October), also called the dry season, brings cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and excellent conditions for outdoor activities. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds.
● The Northwest Trade Winds season (November–April), on the other hand, is hotter and more humid, marking the Seychelles rainy season, with a greater chance of showers. These wetter months, January, February (and June) are usually the cheapest time to go to Seychelles, when you can find lower hotel and flight prices.
If you are planning to visit Seychelles in December and January, expect warm and humid weather with occasional showers as the wet season begins.
The worst time to visit Seychelles really depends on your travel style.
If you dislike rain and stronger winds, it’s best to avoid the low season and instead plan your trip during the drier European summer months. However, if an occasional shower doesn’t bother you and you prefer fewer crowds along with better deals on flights and hotels, the shoulder months can offer the perfect balance.
Average temperatures and rainfall
The climate graph for Seychelles highlights the islands’ tropical weather patterns.
The red line shows temperatures, which are consistently warm all year round, typical of tropical climate.
The blue column graph illustrates the seasonal shifts in rainfall, with the wettest months between December and March, and the driest period from June to September. Transition months in April-May and October-November offer a pleasant balance of sunshine, light winds, and calmer seas.
El Niño and La Niña impacts
Seychelles lies close to the Equator and generally enjoys a warm and stable tropical climate year-round, making it worth visiting in any season.
Still, larger climate events like El Niño and La Niña can influence weather conditions in surprising ways.
For example, the El Niño of 2015–2016 brought unusually dry weather, warmer sea temperatures, and even coral bleaching in popular spots such as St. Anne Marine Park and the shallow lagoon in front of Anse Source d’Argent.
In contrast, the La Niña of 2020–2021 brought heavier rainfall and stronger winds – even during the usual dry season – occasionally disrupting boat trips and beach conditions.
While these events only occur every couple of years, they can shift the weather dynamic, meaning that the best time to visit Seychelles for a honeymoon or a Seychelles holiday might vary some years due to global climate patterns.
Best time to visit Seychelles for activities
Snorkeling and scuba diving
When it comes to snorkeling and diving, the best time to visit Seychelles is during the transition months of April–May and October–November. The seas are calmer, visibility is excellent, and water temperatures are warm, making conditions perfect for swimming with turtles, exploring coral reefs, and marine parks.
On Mahé, top snorkeling spots include Baie Ternay Marine Park, Port Launay, and the reef near Beau Vallon. On Praslin Island, popular choices are Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette, and the waters around Curieuse Island. On my favorite island La Digue, the best snorkeling can be found at the white sand beach Anse Severe and Anse Patates.
You can visit the best Seychelles snorkeling places on Coco, Felicite and Sister tour.
If you’re planning a trip to Seychelles and want to snorkel or dive with whale sharks, consider visiting between September and November. The best time to see whale sharks in Seychelles is October and November, which are the peak months. During this period, the presence of plankton in the water attracts these gentle giants, making sightings more frequent.
Hiking & nature trails
Considering that Seychelles’ weather is fairly consistent year-round, the season doesn’t make a huge difference for most activities.
For hiking and nature trails, it’s often more important to plan the time of day than the month, since most hikes can be completed in a few hours. Early mornings or late afternoons are usually the most comfortable, with cooler temperatures and less direct sun.
Popular trails include Morne Blanc, Copolia, Anse Major on Mahé island, Anse Cocos, and Anse Georgette, all of which can be enjoyed even during the wetter months, provided you wear appropriate footwear.
Festivals & events
The main celebration in Seychelles is the Festival Kreol, which usually takes place in October. This festival is on a much smaller scale compared with events like the Crop Over Festival in Barbados, which is held in July–August.
There are no large-scale events in Seychelles like New Year’s celebrations in Sydney, Cherry Blossom festivals in Japan, cultural Naghol (Land diving) on Pentecost Island in Vanuatu (April-May), or Rio Carnival in Brazil (February–March), which draw much larger crowds.
Weather travel tips and practical advice
Packing tips
Packing for Seychelles is simple thanks to its warm tropical climate.
Bring lightweight, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, and comfortable shoes. A light long-sleeve layer for cooler evenings can be useful. No need to bring high heels.
A small bag or backpack for essentials will make getting around easier, and a headlamp is recommended, as many parts of the islands have no street lights.
If you plan to spend time on the water or near the beach, quick-drying items, a beach towel, and a waterproof bag are useful.
You can find everything you might need in my ultimate Seychelles packing list, including gear and essentials you might overlook.
Crowd and budget advice
Luckily, Seychelles is still one of those destinations that hasn’t been affected by mass tourism.
Even during high season, from May to October, with higher hotel rates and more tourists on beaches and trails, you won’t find crowds like in Greece or Croatia.
Traveling in the shoulder months, April-May and October-November, offers fewer crowds and slightly lower prices while still enjoying good weather.
The low season, January, February, and June, has the cheapest accommodation and flights, but occasional rain and stronger winds can affect outdoor plans.
Final thoughts on the best time to visit Seychelles
I hope this guide helps you decide the best time to visit Seychelles based on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities.
Regardless of when you plan your Seychelles holidays, remember that the islands are a year-round destination in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
For calm seas, sunny skies, and outdoor activities, the trade wind transition months of April-May and October-November are ideal.
Now that you have a better idea of the best and worst times to visit Seychelles, have a look at my other Seychelles travel guides and plan your perfect Seychelles itinerary. From where to stay in Seychelles, things to do in La Digue, what to do in Praslin, which eSIM for Seychelles to use, or how Seychelles compares to Barbados and Zanzibar.
➤ Read more Seychelles travel guides
• Perfect first-timers Seychelles Itinerary
• eSIM Seychelles: My experience using Airalo eSIM for Seychelles
• Where to stay in Seychelles: Areas and Hotels for every Budget & Style
• Where to eat in La Digue Island: 10 La Digue Restaurants and Takeaways
• 10 Best things to do in Seychelles Islands
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