Mauritius in December: weather, sea, Christmas and tips
December is the first real summer month: heat, a 28 °C sea and the return of tropical showers. Cyclone season has started, but its core is January-February. It is also the festive season, the busiest time of year. Here, based on our 2011-2025 averages (ERA5 reanalysis), are the weather by coast, the sea, the month's activities, the festivals and our verdict.
Average weather: December
| Area | High | Low | Rain | Gusts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North (Grand Baie) | 29 °C | 24 °C | 89 mm | 25 km/h |
| West (Flic en Flac) | 30 °C | 24 °C | 102 mm | 23 km/h |
| East (Belle Mare) | 28 °C | 24 °C | 135 mm | 23 km/h |
| Central plateau | 26 °C | 20 °C | +++ | 21 km/h |
Sea: 28 °C
2011-2025 averages (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo). The central plateau (Curepipe, Black River Gorges) is much wetter than the model shows.
December weather, coast by coast
Our 2011-2025 averages give about 30 °C by day and 24 °C at night on the west coast, 29 °C and 24 °C in the north, and 28 °C and 24 °C in the east. The central plateau (Curepipe, Black River Gorges) is cooler, around 26 °C and 20 °C, and clearly wetter.
Rain doubles compared with November: about 90 mm in the north, 100 mm in the west and 135 mm in the east. Most of it comes as thundery showers, often in the afternoon, between long sunny spells. Humidity rises.
The sea and cyclone risk
The sea is close to 28 °C, nearly as warm as in high summer: swimming and snorkelling at any time of day. The wind stays moderate, ideal for catamaran trips.
Cyclone season officially started on 15 November. According to Météo-France its core is January-February, but a system can form as early as December. Warnings are issued by the Mauritius Meteorological Services; from class II, sea activities and transport stop.
What's best in December
The beaches of the north and west: Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy, Pereybère, Flic en Flac. Boat trips to the northern islets or Île aux Cerfs, booked early. Belle Mare, in the east, enjoys the breeze. On rainy days: Odysseo and the Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis, and the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden early in the morning.
December festivals
Christmas, Friday 25 December 2026, is a public holiday celebrated with family across the island. New Year's Eve is a big night out, and 1 and 2 January are public holidays. Hotels and restaurants are often full for the 31st, so book ahead.
Our tips and verdict
Christmas school holidays across Europe (19 December 2026 to 4 January 2027 in France) make this the most expensive and busiest time of year for flights and hotels: book several months ahead. The first half of December is quieter and cheaper. Get insurance covering cancellations, and pack sunscreen and a light rain layer.
Verdict: a very good month for beaches and warm water, with cyclone risk still moderate. Avoid the festive weeks if your budget is tight and aim for the first half of the month.
Places in this guide
A long stretch of fine sand shaded by casuarinas, regularly ranked among the Indian Ocean's finest beaches. Its shallow turquoise lagoon is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Rated one of Mauritius's best swimming beaches: a compact cove of brilliant sand and deep, intensely blue water. Ice-cream sellers, snacks and casuarinas complete the postcard.
A huge crescent of white sand running from Trou aux Biches to Pointe aux Canonniers, backed by a casuarina grove. Calm water and spectacular sunsets: an absolute northern classic.
The west coast's longest beach: 8 km of white sand lined with casuarinas along a reef-protected turquoise lagoon. Grand sunsets, easy snorkeling and a local weekend vibe.
From the Grand Baie jetty, sail past Coin de Mire and its tropicbirds, then anchor between Flat and Gabriel Islands: crystal-water snorkeling and BBQ on board.
The east coast's iconic lagoon island: white sandbanks, translucent water and coconut palms make it the dream setting for catamaran trips. 18-hole golf course and every water sport.
A vast powdery white-sand beach running for kilometres along a crystal lagoon. The east coast's postcard, famed for its blazing sunrises.
Port Louis's iconic waterfront with its hanging umbrellas, shops, craft market and harbourside restaurants. The ideal starting point for exploring the capital on foot.
Opened in 2021 at Les Salines, the first oceanarium in the Mascarenes: 45 tanks, 3,500 animals and 200 Indian Ocean species across 5,500 m². A modern, educational visit, ideal with kids or on a cloudy day.
The southern hemisphere's oldest botanical garden (1770), world-famous for its giant Victoria amazonica water lilies and talipot palms. Shady avenues, spices, baobabs and giant tortoises.
Frequently asked questions
Is the weather good in Mauritius in December?
It is hot (28-30 °C on the coast) and sunny, with more frequent thundery showers than in November, often in the afternoon.
Are there cyclones in Mauritius in December?
Cyclone season started on 15 November, but its core is January-February. A December cyclone is still possible: follow the Mauritius Meteorological Services bulletins.
How warm is the sea in Mauritius in December?
About 28 °C in our averages, close to the warmest of the year.
Is Mauritius expensive at Christmas?
Yes, the festive season is the busiest of the year. The first half of December is much quieter.