Mauritius in July: weather, sea, whales and tips
July is the heart of the southern winter: one of the coolest months of the year, but also one of the driest in the west and north. Humpback whales arrive off the west coast and the trade winds delight kitesurfers. The sea, meanwhile, is near its lowest. Here is the weather by coast from our 2011-2025 averages (ERA5 reanalysis), what is worth doing this month and our verdict.
Average weather: July
| Area | High | Low | Rain | Gusts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North (Grand Baie) | 25 °C | 20 °C | 20 mm | 31 km/h |
| West (Flic en Flac) | 25 °C | 20 °C | 15 mm | 29 km/h |
| East (Belle Mare) | 24 °C | 20 °C | 62 mm | 29 km/h |
| Central plateau | 21 °C | 16 °C | +++ | 26 km/h |
Sea: 25 °C
2011-2025 averages (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo). The central plateau (Curepipe, Black River Gorges) is much wetter than the model shows.
July weather, coast by coast
Our 2011-2025 averages give about 25 °C by day and 20 °C at night on both the west and north coasts, and 23-24 °C and 20 °C in the east. The central plateau (Curepipe, Black River Gorges) is clearly cooler and wetter: about 21 °C by day and 16 °C at night.
The west coast gets only about 15 mm of rain over the month, the north around 20 mm. The east, exposed to the south-east trades, gets around 60 mm, often in light showers. Average maximum gusts reach 29-31 km/h, among the highest of the year.
The sea in July
The sea drops to around 25 °C on the west coast. You can still swim, especially in the warmest hours, but a wetsuit is advisable for diving and long snorkelling sessions. The sheltered lagoons of the west and north are calmer than the east, often stirred up by the wind.
What's best in July
Whale watching: according to operators in Tamarin and Black River, the best period runs from July to October. Regulations forbid swimming or diving with whales, and trips are only allowed from 6am to noon. The Tamarin dolphins can be seen all year. Kitesurfing at Le Morne enjoys the steadiest trade winds. Hikes (Le Morne Brabant, Black River Peak, Le Pouce) are done in cool air, and sunsets on the west coast, from Flic en Flac to the Tamarin salt pans, remain a classic.
July 2027 festivals
The official 2027 list has no public holiday in July. The next one is Ganesh Chaturthi on Sunday 5 September 2027, with Monday 6 September also a public holiday.
Where to stay in July
The west is the ideal base in July: Tamarin and Black River for whale and dolphin trips, Le Morne for kitesurfing, Flic en Flac for the beach and restaurants. It is also the driest coast this month. The north (Grand Baie, Pereybère) stays pleasant and sheltered. The east, windier and wetter, is best avoided if swimming matters a lot to you.
Our tips and verdict
European summer holidays start in early July (3 July 2027 in France): book flights, accommodation and whale trips several weeks ahead. Stay in the west or north, and pack a jumper, a windproof jacket and a shorty wetsuit if you dive.
Verdict: the ideal month for whales, kitesurfing and hiking under dry skies; less suited to a pure beach holiday with the sea at 25 °C.
Places in this guide
An open-sea trip beyond the reef from Tamarin: migrating humpbacks July-October, resident sperm whales visible year-round thanks to the west coast's deep drop-off.
A world-class spot: waist-deep turquoise lagoon for beginners, the legendary One Eye wave for experts, wind 300 days a year. Several schools right on the beach.
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.
A 556 m basalt monolith and UNESCO World Heritage site, refuge of the maroon slaves whose symbol it became. The climb (3-4h return) rewards you with dizzying views over Mauritius's most photogenic lagoons.
Mauritius's highest point (828 m), reached by a forest trail off the Plaine Champagne road. From the top, a 360° panorama over the gorges, Le Morne and the whole south-west.
The island's third peak (812 m), shaped like a raised thumb and once climbed by Charles Darwin. An accessible hike (2h30-4h return from La Laura) ending in a short rocky scramble and an unforgettable panorama.
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.
The legendary bay where the Tamarin river meets the ocean, cradle of Mauritian surfing since the 70s. Volcanic-sand beach, beginner-friendly waves and a superb view of Rempart mountain.
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 checkerboard of pink and white pans where sea salt is still harvested by hand, as it has been since the 19th century. With Rempart mountain behind, one of the west coast's most singular landscapes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mauritius cold in July?
Not on the coast: about 25 °C by day and 20 °C at night. The central plateau is cooler, around 21 °C by day and 16 °C at night.
How warm is the sea in Mauritius in July?
About 25 °C on the west coast. Swimming is still possible, and a shorty wetsuit is advisable for diving.
Can you see whales in Mauritius in July?
Yes, July opens the best period (July to October) for humpback whales off the west coast, on trips from Tamarin or Black River.
Which coast is best in July?
The west and north, sheltered from the trade winds, are the driest and warmest. The east is windier and wetter.