When is the Best Time to Visit Seychelles?

The best time to visit Seychelles is between April and May, or during October and November, as these are the less windy months of the year. These two periods of the year fall between the two trade winds which hit the island annually: the northwest trade wind blows from November to March and the southeast wind from May to September.

Scattered just below the equator, the islands of the Seychelles generally have warm, perfect beach weather all year round. The hottest months are December to April and the wettest are January and February, although it generally rains in short tropical downpours after which the sun comes out again.

Month by Month Guide for Travelling to Seychelles: 

Visiting Seychelles from January to March

Aerial view of luxury accommodation in the Seychelles | Go2Africa

January is considered the best time to go to Seychelles to skip the European winter, with high daily temperatures. The weather is not only warm during the first month of the year, but also extremely humid with afternoon showers to cool things down.

The question of when to go to on a Seychelles holiday often comes down to the seasonal trade winds that wash seaweed up onto some of the islands' beaches. Fregate, Denis, Praslin and Mahé Islands (Seychelles private islands) are the perfect choices for the month of February, where you can devour creole food, spot black parrots, and revel in ideal ocean conditions for snorkelling and scuba diving – but there will be short-lived bouts of rain in the afternoons.

March sees the end of the trade winds, far less rainfall, and higher temperatures than in January and February. Conditions for scuba diving and snorkelling are pristine during this month with underwater visibility of up to a staggering 30 meters! One of the highlights of March is to witness the annual turtle hatching season – you can witness them making their mad dash to the ocean.

 

Travelling to Seychelles from April to June

Snorkelling in the Seychelles | Go2Africa

April is one of the hottest times of the year with little wind and rainfall, and is one of the most popular months to go to the Seychelles, to enjoy Seychelles island resorts. Diving and snorkelling conditions are great. The higher temperatures mean that your time is best spent lazing under the shade of a palm tree, enjoying tranquil waters and hiking in the verdant forests.

May follows suit with April, the climate is hot but with slightly less humidity. The southeast trade wind begins in May, and it’s better to visit the west coast of the island.

June in the Seychelles also offers its visitors excellent weather with comfortable temperatures throughout the day and into the evenings. The wind is a little stronger than the drier month of May, which means it’s a great time to go hiking in the many picturesque trails while you explore these majestic islands. This is the best time of year to visit the Seychelles for kayaking, sailing, and surfing to make the most of the windier weather - and we can tell you where to go in Seychelles.

 

Visiting Seychelles from July to September

Sundowners at sunset in the Seychelles | Go2Africa

July is the coolest month and is one of the best times to go to the Seychelles, especially if you would prefer to avoid the heat earlier on in the year – and to enjoy excellent surfing conditions.

August is another month of the southeast trade winds on the islands and has similar cool conditions to July. This month is the best time to visit Seychelles for hiking enthusiasts – the many trails and untouched areas of these islands beckon to be explored.

September sees little rain and slightly warmer temperatures before the rainy season begins. It is the best time to visit Seychelles for sunbathing or swimming in turquoise-coloured ocean water.

 

Travelling to Seychelles from October to December

Spa treatments in the Seychelles | Go2Africa

The weather is pleasant during October, but the rainy season is just around the corner and this month is a window of time between the southeast and northwest trade winds.

November is the official start of summer in the Seychelles and temperatures start to rise. This is rainfall season and marks the start of the northwest trade winds, so it’s better to stay on the east side of the islands. If you would prefer a quieter and less crowded island holiday, this is the best time to go to the Seychelles. December is a much busier month on the islands because of the festive season, despite the trade winds and rain.

Ready to Start Planning your Trip of a Lifetime?

Chat with someone who's been there. Get in touch with one of our Africa Travel Experts to help tailor-make a trip to the Seychelles that's right for you.