Best time to visit in

Seychelles

Weather & Temperature

Warm, generally calm months. Daytime highs around 30–32°C and nights 24–26°C; humidity ~78–80%. Rainfall eases from about 185 mm in April to ~115 mm by June in Victoria; sea temperatures ~27–30°C. April–May often bring the calmest seas and best underwater visibility before southeast trade winds freshen late May into June.

What to Expect

Clear water, great beach days and diving/snorkelling conditions, with a gentle ramp-up in breeze toward late May/June. Popular but not as crowded as the December holidays; good availability if you book a few weeks ahead.

Key Events & Festivals

• Praslin Culinary & Arts Festival (early–late April, annual).
• FetAfrik/ Africa Day celebrations (around late May).

Recommended Activities

• Scuba diving and snorkelling (best vis in April–May).
• Island-hopping to Praslin, La Digue, Curieuse and St Pierre.
• Hikes in Morne Seychellois National Park and to Anse Major.
• Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and sunset sailing.
• Beach days at Anse Lazio, Anse Source d’Argent and Beau Vallon.

Travel Tips

• Book popular dive trips early for April–May prime visibility.
• By late May/June, seas get choppier on southeast coasts—pick north/west-facing beaches for calmer water.
• From India, consider the new IndiGo nonstops Mumbai–Seychelles (launched March 22, 2025; 4× weekly) for quickest access.
• Seychelles is visa-free for Indians; complete the mandatory Seychelles Electronic Border System (SEBS) travel authorisation online (official govtas.com) before you fly; carry return ticket, hotel proof and funds (~US$150 per person per day).
• Advance-book inter-island ferries/flights if travelling over school holidays.

Weather & Temperature

Cooler, drier and windier under the southeast trade winds. Typical highs 28–29°C, lows 24–25°C; among the driest months (roughly 90–165 mm/month in Victoria). Sea ~26–27°C. Expect choppy seas and reduced underwater visibility; seasonal seaweed can wash onto some southeast-facing beaches (notably parts of Praslin), while many north-facing beaches stay clearer.

What to Expect

A breezy, less humid feel with fewer swimmers in open water but great conditions for sailing, windsurfing and hiking. Prices can be softer, though La Digue gets busy around August 15 for the Feast of the Assumption.

Key Events & Festivals

• La Digue Feast of the Assumption (Aug 15; island-wide religious and cultural celebrations).
• Seychelles Challenge (sailing regatta; typically late July).

Recommended Activities

• Kitesurfing, windsurfing and sailing charters.
• Hiking (Copolia, Morne Blanc, Nid d’Aigle on La Digue).
• Boat trips to protected snorkel spots (e.g., St Pierre) that are sheltered from wind.
• Beach-hopping on north/west coasts to avoid seaweed build-up.
• Deep-sea and flats fishing in lee-side waters.

Travel Tips

• Choose north- and west-facing beaches (e.g., Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette, Cote d’Or) to minimise seaweed and surf exposure during southeast trades.
• If you’re sensitive to motion, pack seasickness medication—crossings (Mahe–Praslin–La Digue) can be bumpy now.
• Book La Digue stays and ferries months ahead if travelling around August 15.
• Divers/snorkellers: expect lower visibility; prioritise rocky/islet sites reached by boat for clearer water.
• Photographers: trade-wind skies deliver dramatic cloudscapes and crisp air for long hikes.

Weather & Temperature

Transitional calm in Oct–Nov with excellent underwater visibility; from Nov–Mar the northwest monsoon brings warmer, more humid and wetter weather (wettest in Dec–Jan). Daytime highs ~30–31°C, nights ~25–26°C; sea ~28–30°C. Showers are often brief with sunny breaks; seas generally calmer again by March.

What to Expect

Outstanding diving/snorkelling in Oct–Nov, then a warm, humid festive period with occasional heavy showers Dec–Jan and easier conditions resuming into Feb–Mar. Wildlife highlights include whale sharks (best odds Oct–Nov) and hawksbill turtles nesting Oct–Dec with hatchlings Jan–Mar.

Key Events & Festivals

• Festival Kreol (Creole Festival; October; 40th edition scheduled Oct 3–31, 2025).
• Seychelles Ocean Festival (typically late November).
• Seychelles Fashion Week (around late November).
• Christmas & New Year beach festivities (late Dec–early Jan).

Recommended Activities

• Scuba diving and snorkelling (Oct–Nov visibility often 20–30 m).
• Whale shark spot-and-swim excursions (Oct–Nov).
• Turtle conservation walks and guided beach patrols.
• Lazy lagoon days, spa time and Creole food tours during rainy spells.
• Short hikes and photography between showers.

Travel Tips

• Oct–Nov and the year-end holidays book out early—reserve flights, inter-island transfers and top restaurants well ahead.
• Expect short, intense downpours in Dec–Jan—carry a light rain jacket and waterproof daypack.
• Seaweed patterns flip with the northwest monsoon; some north-/northwest-facing beaches (e.g., parts of Beau Vallon and Cote d’Or/Anse Lazio) can see more deposits Dec–Apr—ask your hotel for current conditions and adjust beach plans accordingly.
• For Indian travellers: consider Mumbai–Seychelles nonstops (IndiGo, 4× weekly since Mar 22, 2025) or connections via Abu Dhabi/Dubai if your dates differ.
• Complete SEBS travel authorisation online before departure (official fee ~€10), and carry return ticket, hotel confirmations and proof of funds to receive your Visitor’s Permit on arrival.