The Seychelles Islands are a beautiful set of islands off the coast of Africa. White sand beaches surround this tropical paradise where tourists become one with nature in the lush landscape. Discover the best times of year to visit Seychelles for enjoying the best weather and have plenty of things to do on your itinerary to keep you relaxed and entertained the entire trip.
Find out some of the top things to do in Seychelles for Marchay Members and what time of year you should plan your island getaway to Seychelles.
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When Is The Best Time To Visit The Seychelles Islands?
The Seychelles Islands are a great travel destination any time of the year. The warm tropical weather compliments the beautiful beaches, making travelers flock from all corners of the world to experience this paradise. The best time to visit the Seychelles islands is during the summer or the shoulder months.
The Seychelles Islands are located in the southern hemisphere, so summer travel to the islands means arriving during its winter. This season is the coolest time, with average temperatures remaining in the mid-70s and very little precipitation other than an occasional brief shower.
Summer travel months of June-August give the best weather conditions for enjoying the outdoors. Summer is the peak travel season in Seychelles, so some tourists would prefer to travel at other times of the year.
The spring and fall are excellent times of the year to travel to Seychelles. The months of April and October are the best overall times to visit the Seychelles Islands. These shoulder months sit perfectly between the trade winds and weather changes for rain. As a result, they have the best temperatures, water conditions, and fewer tourist crowds than in the summer.
When Is The Worst Time To Visit The Seychelles Islands?
Traveling to the Seychelles Islands can be great at any time of the year, depending on the activities you hope to do during your visit. The tropical climate makes it a relatively excellent place to visit year-round, but the least popular travel times are during the rainy season.
The worst time to visit the Seychelles Islands is in January, the wettest month of the year. The Seychelles experiences daily rainfall all year long, but these short showers can last slightly longer and become heavier downpours during January.
December is a popular time to visit the Seychelles Islands despite the rainy season since many people prefer a brief rain shower instead of a heavy snowstorm. Many tourists arrive for their holiday and New Year vacations for a wintertime getaway since it’s one of the hottest times of year in Seychelles, with temperatures in the high 70s to low-80s.
Travelers who want to avoid the busy travel season should not visit the Seychelles Islands during the summer months between June-August. These are the most popular months to visit the islands, so tourists can expect many more people in Victoria City, on the beaches, or joining the tours.
Visiting Seychelles In The Spring
Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons in the Seychelles. It’s the season following the rainy season, so the islands are at their most vibrant, with vegetation-covered cliffs, lush jungles, and colorful flowers everywhere.
The Seychelles transitions from wet season to dry season during the spring. The months of March, April, May are some travelers’ favorites to benefit from the hot weather remaining from the previous months, but without the rain. The tropical climate gives it hot days reaching highs in the mid-80s, although there can be more clouds remaining until whisked away by the soon-to-come tradewinds.
April is one of the shoulder months in Seychelles with very little rain and winds. It’s the peak of the transition season. It’s an excellent time to go scuba diving in the warm water temperatures. It’s one of the best times to experience the lush greenery blooming inside the Victoria Botanical Gardens or relax on the sandy shores of Petite Anse.
Springtime in the Seychelles is the beginning of the dry season while still taking advantage of weather effects from the winter. It’s a recommended time to visit since it’s before the peak travel season.
Visiting The Seychelles In The Summer
To encounter the best Seychelles weather, the best time to visit is during the summer. Known to have the ideal tropical climate, tourists can enjoy moderate temperatures in the mid-70s, cooled by the southeast trade winds. Summer is also the dry season in the Seychelles when there is very little rainfall compared to other months.
Summer is the peak tourist season in the Seychelles, with visitors arriving worldwide to experience the beautiful tropical climate. The cool breezes feel fantastic while trekking through the rainforests in Morne Seychellois National Park or hiking to the Morne Blanc Viewpoint.
The drier months in the Seychelles results in less humidity. As a result, the outdoors are much more comfortable when sunbathing on Anse Lazio Beach or exploring the attractions in Victoria City. It’s weather suitable for spending all day in to enjoy the wonderful outdoor activities in the Seychelles.
With the summer being the best months to visit Seychelles, travelers can expect bigger tourist crowds during these months. Tours and resorts are in higher demand during the summer from other tourists looking forward to indulging in one of the best seasons to visit Seychelles.
Visiting The Seychelles In The Fall
As the large tourist crowds start to settle from the summer, The Seychelles enters one of its shoulder seasons during the months of September to November. For many, it’s one of the best times to visit the Seychelles with perfect weather and more ways to experience the rich cultural heritage on the island.
Temperatures in the Seychelles during the fall months are comfortable between 70-80°F. In September, the southeast trade winds begin to fade, and in November, the northwest monsoon winds begin arriving. Visiting in October will give the best weather conditions with calm waters for scuba diving and snorkeling.
The fall season is the best time to enjoy the beaches in The Seychelles. There are much fewer tourists crowding the shores of Beau Vallon Bay and Anse Source d’Argent to give them a more secluded atmosphere. Alternatively, trek the tropical jungles on Bird Island for one of the best times of year for birdwatching.
Exciting public festivals and holidays happening in the Seychelles during the fall months make towns like Victoria City and other attractions lively with energy. In September, get a taste of the island at the Praslin Culinary & Arts Festival, or immerse yourself in the creole culture at Festival Kreole in October, or learn about island conservation efforts during the Ocean Festival.
Visiting The Seychelles In The Winter
Tropical weather averaging in the high 70s is always an excellent alternative to roughing it through the snowy winter months. But while it’s winter for many snowbirds arriving in the Seychelles from abroad, December-February is actually summer on the islands.
Arrive just in time to trade in your heavy jackets and snow boots for bathing suits and hiking boots. Winter travel to the Seychelles will let you arrive during one of the hottest, humid times of the year. But aside from the hot weather, there is one natural phenomenon to be mindful of during this season: monsoons.
December until February are the peak of the rainy season in the Seychelles. These are the wettest months, and you can experience heavy showers every day. Weather forecasts usually show daily rainstorms, but this unpredictable weather usually only lasts briefly before the sun re-emerges to dry up the wet island.
Winter is the perfect time to travel to the Seychelles. The heavy rainfall makes it ideal for seeing the different palm species in Vallée de Mai or the coconut plantation on La Digue. Victoria City is always exciting, with holiday visitors enjoying the local market, tea factory tours, etc.
Attractions & Things To Do In Seychelles
Vacation in paradise while enjoying some of the many attractions and things to do in Seychelles. All year long, Seychelles has many tourist activities for exploring the lush landscape, beautiful beaches, and experiencing the local culture. These are just a few of the great experiences that Marchay members can enjoy during a getaway to the Seychelles Islands.
— Trek Through Vallée De Mai National Park
Hop on a ferry to Praslin Island, where a travel guide leads you along trails through the palm forests of Vallée de Mai National Park. Encounter the six different species of palm trees inside this UNESCO World Heritage Site and keep an eye out for the coco de mer seed, which is as large as a human head.
— Sunbathe On Beau Vallon Beach
Beau Vallon Beach forms one of the most beautiful stretches of white sand coastline in the Seychelles Islands. During the day, this northern coast of Mahé gets tons of sunlight for sunbathing, swimming, or windsurfing. Then, stick around as the sky turns rose-colored for an unbelievable sunset.
— Visiting The Tortoises Of Curieuse Island
Ever since giant tortoises were introduced in the late 1900s, these creatures have been a tourist magnet to Curieuse Island. Visit the tortoise nursey to learn about conservation efforts for the tortoises or wander the island to encounter them in the wild.
— Explore Tempio Hindu
The colorful Tempio Hindu stands proudly in the heart of Victoria, representing the religious heritage introduced to the Seychelles by Indians centuries ago. Visit the temple during morning prayer to hear chants ringing through the halls as you admire the decorative statues and art depicted throughout the structure.
— Take A Stroll Through The Seychelles Victoria Market
The Seychelles Victoria Market showcases the vibrant colors of the island while meandering through the busy aisles filled with locals and tourists shouting prices for the latest bargains. Aromas of fresh fruits beckon you to the best stalls as friendly farmers proudly present their finest crops for you to purchase.
The Bottom Line
Any time of year is great for visiting the Seychelles Islands. Thanks to the tropical weather and conservation efforts, these islands are a true natural beauty, from the heritage-rich capital with exciting attractions or the secluded beaches on the smaller islands reserved for curious explorers to indulge in their picturesque coasts.
The best time to visit the Seychelles is April and October, when the islands transition between wet and dry seasons. Summer is the high season when tourists can enjoy the dry, cool climate for hiking or sunbathing on the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rainy season in Seychelles?
The Seychelles Islands have two seasons: rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season is the shortest time of year, lasting from December to February, which is considered summertime in the Seychelles. This season is also the warmest and most humid time of year to visit the islands.
Rainy season happens in Seychelles because of the nearby monsoons arriving in the area at this time of year. In addition to northwest trade winds, the weather is very unpredictable during the wet months.
Seychelles has a tropical climate and rains all year long. On average, tourists can expect a short rain shower every day before the beautiful weather returns for the rest of the day. However, during the rainy season, the islands can get much heavier rains that last longer throughout the day.
Rain has never stopped tourists from visiting the Seychelles. December is one of the most popular times to visit the islands, which coincides with the rainy season.
What is the hottest month in Seychelles?
The popularity of the Seychelles as a year-round travel destination is thanks in part to its tropical climate. While tourist destinations in Europe and the US get cold and snowy during the winter, it’s the summertime in Seychelles, where the weather is in the 70-80s.
The cool breezes felt in the Seychelles are always refreshing. Tradewinds from different regions arrive throughout the year to cool off the islands. The hottest month in the Seychelles in April. April is a shoulder month in-between seasons. On average, the hottest time of year is during the rainy season, but much of the weather remains on the island until the trade winds arrive once again in May. The still air in the islands and humidity make it feel hotter.
How many days are enough to visit Seychelles?
Seychelles is a group of remote islands in the Indian Ocean. Travelers should expect to spend at least one week on the islands to take advantage of all they have to offer.
The remote location of the islands makes them accessible only via airplane or boat. Reaching the islands can take several hours of travel and must be accounted for during your trip.
Most people arriving in the Seychelles are immediately captivated by its beauty. Five to seven days is an excellent amount of time to visit Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue and still have time for side trips to other locations like Silhouette Island and Bird Island.
The Seychelles Islands have unpredictable weather all year long. While some times of year are better for avoiding rain, it’s still a frequent occurrence. In case rain cancels some of your travel plans, having a few extra days on the island is helpful for rescheduling and making sure you do everything on your island bucket list.
Which is better the Maldives or the Seychelles?
The Maldives and the Seychelles Islands are often confusing for travelers. Both are island countries consisting of archipelagos; however, the Seychelles has 115 islands, and the Maldives has over 1,100. In addition, the island chains are both in the Indian Ocean, and many of the remote islands may be confused for belonging to the other country.
So, which is the better place to visit for a vacation? The Seychelles Islands and the Maldives offer similar tropical island experiences, so both can make excellent vacation destinations. The Seychelles has larger islands and more tourist activities focusing on experiencing the natural beauty on the island with hiking, snorkeling, and sightseeing. The Maldives is made up of several smaller islands, many with luxury, upscale resorts established on them to give their guests a relaxing getaway in privacy.
What are the best beaches in Seychelles?
White sand beaches tucked between granite rocks and verdant cliffs define much of the coastline of the Seychelles Islands. Whether visiting one of the main islands like Mahé and Praslin or chartering a private yacht to a remote island for an exclusive beach experience, the Seychelles islands have beaches to suit every traveler.
Go island hopping to visit the best beaches in Seychelles. While visiting Mahé, take a short drive from the capital to reach the popular Beau Vallon Bay or enjoy views of the large granite boulders decorating the shores of Anse Intendance. Catch a ferry to Praslin, where you’ll find Anse Lazio Beach and Anse Georgette. The best beach on La Digue is Anse Source d’Argent.
Each beach has unique characteristics and different times of year preferred to visit. For example, some shores may experience rougher currents during windy months, while the most popular beaches can get crowded with tourists during the peak season.