Mauritius in November and December 2026: Weather, Divali, Coasts
Mauritius in November and December: early-summer weather before the cyclone peak, Divali on 8 November 2026, which coast to choose and drive times from SSR Airport.
What November and December are like
November and December are the start of the Mauritian summer: warm sea, long days and, in most years, settled weather before the wettest months. All coasts are reached from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) in the south-east, with transfers of roughly 50 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes.
Daytime highs on the coast are usually around 28–31 °C, and the sea is typically in the mid to high 20s °C. Humidity rises through December and short tropical showers become more frequent, especially in the green south and on the central plateau.
The cyclone season officially runs from November to April, but the highest risk is usually from January to March. In November and December it is still sensible to take out travel insurance and follow local weather updates during your stay.
Divali 2026 and other dates
Divali, the Hindu festival of lights, falls on Sunday 8 November 2026, according to the official public holiday list of the Prime Minister’s Office. Under a 2026 change to the Public Holidays Act, Monday 9 November is also a public holiday because Divali falls on a Sunday. Houses and temples are lit with clay lamps and fairy lights, and families share sweets with neighbours; the evening walk through a lit village is a lovely way to see it.
Monday 2 November 2026 is the public holiday marking the arrival of indentured labourers, commemorated at the Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis. Christmas Day is a public holiday too, and hotels usually host Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners, often with fireworks on the beach.
On public holidays some shops and offices close, but hotels, restaurants in tourist areas and transfers operate normally.
Which coast to stay on
- North: Grand Baie and Trou aux Biches
- Calm lagoons, sheltered beaches and the most restaurants and shops on the island. Grand Baie is about 1 h 15 min from the airport, Trou aux Biches about 1 h 10 min. Good for first-time visitors and families.
- East: Belle Mare
- Long white beaches and large resorts, about 50 minutes from the airport. The east catches the trade winds, which keeps it fresher on hot days. Popular with couples and golfers.
- West: Flic en Flac
- The drier, sunnier side, with sunsets over the sea and a long public beach. About 50 minutes away. Good base for dolphin trips and hikes in Black River Gorges.
- South-west: Le Morne
- A peninsula under the Le Morne Brabant mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape. About 1 hour away. Known for kitesurfing and spacious beach resorts.
- South: Bel Ombre
- Green, quiet and less built up, with a few large resorts and a golf course. About 50 minutes from the airport. Expect more showers than on the west coast.
Honeymoons and special trips
November and December are popular for honeymoons: the weather is warm, the sea is calm in most lagoons, and the busiest weeks only begin around Christmas. Le Morne, Bel Ombre and Belle Mare suit couples looking for quiet beaches; the north works if you want restaurants within walking distance.
Many couples split the stay between two coasts, for example a week in the east and a few nights in the west. Transfers between hotels take about an hour on most routes. HotelTaxi arranges private transfers from the airport and between hotels with local transfer companies, which keeps arrival simple after a long-haul flight.
From mid-December to early January hotels fill quickly and many have minimum stays and compulsory festive dinners, so book early.
Planning checklist
Book festive weeks early
Flights and resorts for late December fill first. Check minimum stays and gala dinner rules.
Choose your coast
West for sunshine, north for lagoons and restaurants, east and south for quiet resorts.
Pack for heat and showers
Light clothes, reef-safe sun cream, a light rain jacket and something with covered shoulders for temple visits.
Plan the airport run
Leave your hotel about three and a half to four hours before departure, depending on the coast.
Frequently asked questions
Is November a good time to visit Mauritius?
Yes, November is usually warm and relatively dry, with sea temperatures well into the 20s °C. It is before the peak cyclone months, and the main festive rush has not yet started.
When is Divali in Mauritius in 2026?
Divali is on Sunday 8 November 2026. Monday 9 November is also a public holiday because the festival falls on a Sunday.
How long is the transfer from the airport to Grand Baie?
About 1 hour 15 minutes. Trou aux Biches is about 1 hour 10 minutes, while Belle Mare, Flic en Flac and Bel Ombre are each around 50 minutes away.