Mauritius in November: weather, activities and tips

Mauritius in November: the calm before the celebration

November is the in-between month in Mauritius. The cool, dry winter is firmly behind, and the great tropical summer hasn’t yet taken hold of the island. It’s a month of upward transition, where temperatures climb pleasantly, colours intensify, vegetation stirs back to life, and the first tropical showers give nature a boost. An elegant month, unfairly overshadowed by October and December, but one that deserves recognition in its own right.

November offers a decisive financial edge: early summer conditions at prices still close to low season, before December’s automatic price hike. For travellers seeking tropical warmth without paying top dollar, this is often the ideal window. Our guide to the best time to visit Mauritius ranks November as a very good month — slightly below October but ahead of January-March.

At a glance: November in Mauritius

Weather	Rising heat, 27-30°C, a few late-afternoon showers
Sea	26-28°C, visibility still good early in the month
Prices	Mid-range, between September’s low season and December’s high season
Crowds	Low to moderate, the last quiet month before December
Best for	Fans of tropical heat, sport fishing, good deals
Best window in the month	First half, before the end-of-month price rise

Weather and temperatures in November

Rising, pleasant heat

November temperatures climb compared to October. Daytime highs reach 27 to 30°C along the coasts — a delightful tropical warmth without excess. Nights warm up too: 22 to 24°C on the coast. You can feel the tropical summer gathering momentum, but without the oppressive humidity of January-February.

Relative humidity gradually rises to 74-80%, starting to give afternoons that characteristic tropical atmosphere of the Mauritian summer. It remains comfortable most of the time, especially if you make the most of sea breezes and shaded spots. Late in the month, mornings are cool and delightful — ideal for hikes and cultural visits.

On the central plateau, November temperatures are particularly pleasant. Visiting Chamarel and its Seven Coloured Earths on a November morning, with the highlands’ light freshness, is a remarkable experience.

The season’s first tropical showers

November marks the return of rainfall after the dry winter months. Rainfall increases to 70-90 mm on the northwest coast, spread over 7 to 9 days. The rainy season hasn’t truly settled in yet, but showers become regular again.

This typical November pattern is very favourable for tourists: mornings are ideal for outdoor activities and the beach (generally sunny), and the late-afternoon showers cool the island down without disrupting the day. A light raincoat or a compact poncho in your bag is enough to be ready for anything.

Vegetation responds immediately to these first rains: forests and gardens green up quickly, tropical flowers bloom. November is one of the most photogenic months for capturing the island’s natural beauty — the contrast between the lush green vegetation and the blue of the lagoon is striking.

Warm sea and marine life waking up

The sea returns to summer temperatures in November: 26 to 28°C. Delightful water for long swims and snorkelling. Marine life enters its most active phase: tropical fish become more active as they prepare for their reproductive cycles. Corals begin their renewal, with small coral recruits visible on the reefs.

Underwater visibility is still good early in the month (25 to 30 m) but starts to decrease slightly in late November with the first rains and the increase in plankton stimulated by the warmer waters. For the best diving in terms of visibility, favour the start of the month. Our snorkelling and diving guide covers the best sites and the conditions to expect in November.

Start of cyclone season: worth planning for

November marks the official start of the cyclone season (1 November - 30 April). However, cyclones in November are statistically rare: only 3 to 5% of cyclones affecting Mauritius form or approach the island in November. The risk exists but is moderate. Travel insurance covering extreme weather events is recommended.

Our full guide to cyclones in Mauritius explains the four-level alert system and the behaviours to adopt. November travellers should download the Mauritius Meteorological Services app and check their insurance coverage before departure.

Crowds and prices in November

The last quiet month before the big season

November is the last calm month before December’s big buzz. October’s All Saints’ holidaymakers have left. December’s Christmas travellers haven’t arrived yet. The island returns to moderate footfall, more relaxed and authentic — closer to what Mauritians experience day to day.

Hotels aren’t full. Restaurants welcome guests without a wait or a reservation. Excursions depart with human-sized groups. Catamaran outings to Ile aux Benitiers and to Ile aux Cerfs are less crowded. It’s still the semi-relaxed, authentic island.

Mid-range prices: the advantageous window

November rates sit between September’s low season and December’s high season. Hotels still offer attractive rates, knowing that December will bring an automatic price rise. It’s one of the best times to find good deals at luxury properties, which would rather fill rooms at 70% of full rate for a few weeks than leave them empty.

Airlines offer mid-range fares on direct flights. A Paris-Mauritius flight in November costs significantly less than in December — the difference can reach 200 to 400 euros depending on dates and class. Our Mauritius budget guide puts these savings in the context of overall trip spending.

Recommended activities in November

Beach and water activities

November is excellent for the beach. Temperatures (27-30°C), warm sea (26-28°C) and generally sunny mornings create very pleasant conditions. All of the island’s coasts are accessible and appealing. The east coast (Belle Mare) returns to total serenity after the winter trade winds — the pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons are magnificent.

The most beautiful beaches in Mauritius are all accessible and in remarkable condition in November. The warm sea allows for long swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding sessions without feeling the cold. Water activities — kayaking, stand-up paddle, light sailing — are all excellent this month.

Scuba diving

Diving and snorkelling in November are highly appreciated. Conditions are good (visibility 20-28 m), the water is warm (26-28°C) and marine diversity is at its annual peak. The sites on the west and north coasts are at their best. It’s the ideal time to explore historic shipwrecks — Mauritius has been the scene of many shipwrecks since the first European navigators in the 16th century, and several famous wrecks are accessible by diving.

Swimming with dolphins

The spinner dolphins of Tamarin bay are present every morning year-round. The warm sea and calm conditions on the west coast in November provide an ideal setting for swimming with dolphins. Underwater visibility, still good early in the month, makes it possible to admire the spinner dolphins’ acrobatics beneath the surface. Choose a responsible operator for an ethical and memorable experience.

The swim with dolphins in Tamarin excursion in November often allows for extended sessions thanks to the calm, warm sea.

Sport fishing: start of the season

November marks the start of the big game fishing season. The large pelagic species — blue marlin, black marlin, swordfish, yellowfin tuna — return to Mauritian waters as the water warms up. Sport fishing clubs in Grand Baie and Riviere Noire reopen their seasonal programmes. A deep-sea fishing trip at sunrise, with Le Morne in the background and the Indian Ocean lighting up, is a memorable experience even for non-anglers.

Hiking before the big heat

November is one of the last comfortable months for long hikes and climbs before the summer heat makes the ascents strenuous from December-January onward. November’s landscapes have a particular light and freshness. Forests are covered in tropical flowers with the first rains — bougainvillea, flamboyant trees, hibiscus and takamakas in bloom create a colourful, striking backdrop.

Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire, Corps de Garde and the trails of the Black River Gorges are accessible and pleasant in November. Set off early in the morning to enjoy the coolness and avoid the afternoon showers.

Cultural excursions

November is an excellent month for cultural visits. Visiting Chamarel and its Seven Coloured Earths in November is remarkable — the first rains intensify the colours of the iron-rich earth, and the Chamarel waterfall begins to pick up flow. Port Louis in November is an ideal destination for a morning of discovery: the central market, Aapravasi Ghat (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the photography museum, the Caudan Waterfront promenade.

Catamaran trips and Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs in November is in remarkable shape: the turquoise lagoon, white-sand beaches and warm waters create an idyllic scene. Catamaran outings to the various islets and sites take place in very good conditions. The crossing from Trou d’Eau Douce is pleasant with the calm sea from the settled winds.

For unforgettable November sunsets, the sunset catamaran cruise on the west coast offers an exceptional light show at this time of year.

Couples’ activities

For couples and honeymooners, November offers an excellent compromise: tropical warmth, warm sea, romantic atmosphere and prices still reasonable before December’s rise. Our guide to couples’ activities in Mauritius offers plenty of ideas for unforgettable moments — romantic seaside dinners, sunrise paddleboarding outings, spa massages. Our honeymoon itinerary in Mauritius can be adapted for a November stay under the best conditions.

Events and festivals in November

Diwali (sometimes falling in November depending on the lunar calendar): if it hasn’t already taken place in October, the Hindu festival of lights lights up November. Diyas — clay oil lamps — twinkle across the island. Thousands of flickering lights in the streets, temples and homes create a uniquely enchanting atmosphere. An evening stroll through the island’s Hindu neighbourhoods during Diwali is an experience travellers invariably describe as magical.

Festival Kreol: the island’s major creole cultural event usually takes place in late October-early November. For several days, sega music (traditional creole rhythm of the Indian Ocean) fills the island’s stages. Concerts, dance performances, art exhibitions and food stalls celebrate Mauritius’s unique creole identity. For travellers curious about local culture, it’s a major event.

Ganga Asnan (a Hindu festival, sometimes in November): Hindu devotees head to the beaches for purification rituals in the sea, symbolising the sacred bath in the Ganges. A moving, colourful and spiritually charged ceremony, accessible to discreet and respectful visitors.

Start of the sport fishing season: early-season tournaments and regattas bring life to the marinas of Grand Baie and Riviere Noire. A festive maritime atmosphere that water sports enthusiasts will appreciate.

Recommended areas in November

North coast (Grand Baie, Pereybere, Cap Malheureux): the north coast is magnificent in November with its warmed turquoise waters and rich seabeds. The northern islets — Coin de Mire, Ile Plate, Ile Ronde — offer spectacular excursions in perfect conditions. Trou aux Biches is particularly pleasant with its calm waters and family-friendly beaches.

East coast (Belle Mare, Palmar, Trou d’Eau Douce): the east coast is at its peak in November. The white-sand beaches with crystal-clear waters, quiet after the All Saints’ holidays, offer rare solitude and beauty.

West coast (Flic-en-Flac, Tamarin, Le Morne): always a safe bet. November’s sunsets, with the first warm hues of returning summer, are among the most beautiful of the year. The west coast remains the most versatile base for exploring the entire island from a central point.

South coast (Blue Bay, Mahebourg, Bel Ombre): the Blue Bay marine park is excellent in November for snorkelling and diving. Mahebourg and its Monday market remain an authentic immersion in local Mauritian life.

November or December: which to choose?

Criteria	November	December
Temperatures	27-30°C, gradually rising	Hotter, often 30°C+
Rain	70-90 mm, late-afternoon showers	More frequent and sometimes stormy
Hotel prices	Mid-range	Significantly higher (festive season)
Crowds	Moderate	High, peak of the year-end festivities
Atmosphere	Calm, authentic	Festive but crowded

For an optimal value-for-money ratio with weather that’s still very good, November wins by a wide margin. Our guide to Mauritius in December, by contrast, details the unique atmosphere of the year-end festivities, if that’s your priority.

What to do on rainy days in November

November’s showers remain short and generally confined to the end of the day, but it’s worth having a backup plan. Our guide to excursions for rainy days lists the best indoor options: the central market and Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis, rum distilleries, or a spa and wellness session at one of the island’s many hotels.

Accommodation and transport in November

November is an excellent time to book quality accommodation at still-reasonable rates. The second half of November starts to see prices rise as December approaches — book for the first half of the month instead if you’re after the best deals. Check our complete guide to accommodation in Mauritius to find the best options for your needs.

For transport, renting a car in November is convenient and pleasant. Our guide to car rental in Mauritius gives reference rates and practical tips for driving safely, especially on mountain roads which can be slippery after the first rains.

Verdict: is it worth going to Mauritius in November?

November is a very good month, often overshadowed by October’s reputation but sharing many of its qualities. The heat is more pronounced and more summery, the rains begin to return in the late afternoon, but the atmosphere is pleasant and the island is in a state of natural grace before high season.

For travellers who enjoy genuine tropical warmth, very warm sea, sport fishing and a festive atmosphere without tourist crowds, November is an excellent option. The slight rise in rainfall and the official start of the cyclone season are worth taking into account, but shouldn’t be discouraging — November remains statistically a very safe and very pleasant month.

Overall rating for November: 8/10 — A very good month, between October’s perfection and December’s buzz. Ideal for fans of tropical heat and good deals before high season.