Mauritius in February: weather, cyclones, festivals and tips
February is much like January with a little less rain on the coast: heat, a 28 °C sea and humidity. Together with January, though, it is the core of cyclone season. A month to book flexibly, and a rich one for festivals. Weather by coast from our 2011-2025 averages, sea, cyclones, things worth doing in sun and rain, the February 2027 festivals and our verdict: everything to know before you book.
Average weather: February
| Area | High | Low | Rain | Gusts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North (Grand Baie) | 29 °C | 25 °C | 131 mm | 26 km/h |
| West (Flic en Flac) | 30 °C | 25 °C | 121 mm | 25 km/h |
| East (Belle Mare) | 28 °C | 25 °C | 188 mm | 24 km/h |
| Central plateau | 26 °C | 21 °C | +++ | 22 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.
February weather, coast by coast
Our 2011-2025 averages give about 30 °C by day and 25 °C at night on the west coast, 29 °C and 25 °C in the north, and 28 °C and 25 °C in the east. The central plateau (Curepipe, Black River Gorges) stays around 26 °C and 21 °C and is clearly wetter than the coast.
For rain, February is a little drier than January: around 120 mm on the west coast, 130 mm in the north and 190 mm in the east. Days often mix sunshine with thundery showers late in the day. Island-wide, including the uplands, the Mauritius Meteorological Services list February and March among the wettest months.
The sea and cyclones
The sea sits around 28 °C, warm from morning to evening. According to Météo-France, January and February are the core of cyclone season in the south-west Indian Ocean. Cyclone warnings (classes I to IV) are issued by the Mauritius Meteorological Services; from class II, sea activities stop and you must stay indoors.
In practice: book refundable excursions, keep buffer days and never schedule your flight home the day after a key outing.
What's best in February
On fine days, the sheltered beaches of the west and north (Flic en Flac, Trou aux Biches) and the dawn dolphin trip from Tamarin. On rainy days Mauritius has plenty to offer: Odysseo, the Intercontinental Slavery Museum and the Blue Penny Museum in Port Louis, L'Aventure du Sucre, Eureka House in Moka and the Chamarel Rhumerie.
After heavy rain, waterfall access trails get muddy, so ask locally before setting off.
February 2027 festivals
Monday 1 February 2027 marks the Abolition of Slavery, a public holiday. On Saturday 6 February 2027 the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) brings Port Louis's Chinatown to life. Depending on the year, Maha Shivaratri falls in February or March: in 2027 it is on 6 March, and pilgrims start walking to Grand Bassin in the days before.
Planning a week in February
Base yourself in the north or west, and check the next day's forecast every evening. Keep sea days and beaches for the sunny windows, often in the morning. Save the Port Louis museums, Odysseo or Eureka House for grey days: they are clustered around the capital and Moka, less than an hour from both the north and the west. For the south-west (Chamarel, the Rhumerie, the Seven Coloured Earth), pick a day without heavy storms, as the mountain road is winding.
Our tips and verdict
February half-term holidays in Europe add some demand, especially in the second half of the month. Bring cancellation insurance, light clothes, a rain jacket and insect repellent.
Verdict: February has the warmest sea and a very green island, but it is the riskiest month for a short stay or a tightly planned honeymoon. For the same heat with less risk, aim for April or December.
Places in this guide
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.
Opened in 2023 in the former military hospital of 1740 (the island's oldest building), this museum traces the history of slavery in Mauritius: enslaved people's personal effects, archives and the moving Froberville busts (1846).
Between its two friendship gates, Chinatown lines up pagodas, century-old shops, street art and eateries serving dumplings and fried noodles. Mauritian multiculturalism distilled into a few streets.
In the old Beau Plan sugar mill, this modern museum tells 250 years of Mauritian history through sugar cane, slavery and indenture. Special-sugar and rum tasting at the end.
A craft distillery nestled among cane fields and mountains, producing agricole rum. Guided tour of the cellars and stills, followed by a full tasting.
A sumptuous 1830s Creole mansion with 109 doors and windows, set at the foot of Ory mountain facing Pieter Both. Period furniture, verandas, tropical garden and the Moka river waterfalls.
The Caudan museum holds the legendary red and blue 'Post Office' stamps of 1847, among the world's rarest, plus the original Paul and Virginie statue.
The sacred crater lake of Mauritian Hindus, watched over by a 33-metre Shiva statue, one of the island's two tallest along with the nearby Durga Maa. Colourful temples, playful monkeys and highland mists create a uniquely mystical atmosphere.
Every morning, pods of spinner and bottlenose dolphins come to rest in Tamarin and Black River bays. The dawn boat trip, sometimes with a swim, is the west coast's signature experience.
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is February a good time to go to Mauritius?
Yes if you stay flexible: it is 28-30 °C and the sea is at 28 °C, but February is at the core of cyclone season and showers are frequent.
When is Chinese New Year in Mauritius in 2027?
The Chinese Spring Festival is a public holiday on Saturday 6 February 2027, according to the holiday list noted by Cabinet in August 2026.
What to do in Mauritius in February when it rains?
Odysseo, the Port Louis museums, L'Aventure du Sucre, Eureka House and the Chamarel Rhumerie are safe bets.