Mauritius in March: weather, sea, festivals and tips
March closes the southern summer: it is still hot, the sea reaches its warmest of the year and rain eases noticeably on the west coast. Cyclone risk has not gone away, though. It is also the busiest month for festivals, with Maha Shivaratri, Eid-ul-Fitr and Independence Day in 2027. Here is the weather by coast from our 2011-2025 averages (ERA5 reanalysis), what is worth doing and our verdict.
Average weather: March
| Area | High | Low | Rain | Gusts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North (Grand Baie) | 29 °C | 25 °C | 110 mm | 26 km/h |
| West (Flic en Flac) | 30 °C | 25 °C | 106 mm | 24 km/h |
| East (Belle Mare) | 28 °C | 25 °C | 165 mm | 24 km/h |
| Central plateau | 26 °C | 21 °C | +++ | 22 km/h |
Sea: 29 °C
2011-2025 averages (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo). The central plateau (Curepipe, Black River Gorges) is much wetter than the model shows.
March 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) is around 26 °C and 21 °C, and remains clearly wetter and cooler than the coast.
There is less rain than in January and February: about 105 mm on the west coast and 110 mm in the north, but still 165 mm in the trade-wind-exposed east. Island-wide, including the uplands, the Mauritius Meteorological Services still list March among the wettest months.
The sea and cyclone risk
The sea is close to 28.5 °C on the west side, its peak for the year: swimming and snorkelling without a wetsuit at Trou aux Biches or Flic en Flac. According to Météo-France, the core of cyclone season has passed, but March is still exposed and the season only ends on 30 April (15 May for Mauritius). From a class II warning, boat trips stop.
What's best in March
The sheltered beaches of the west and north (Flic en Flac, Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy), the dawn dolphin trip from Tamarin and catamarans to the northern islets, booked with a back-up date. After the summer rains the waterfalls are at full flow: Chamarel Waterfall pairs well with the Seven Coloured Earth. For a grey day, Odysseo, the Caudan Waterfront and the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden.
March 2027 festivals
Saturday 6 March 2027 is Maha Shivaratri: in the days before, Hindu pilgrims walk to the sacred lake of Grand Bassin and roads in the centre are very busy. Eid-ul-Fitr is expected on Wednesday 10 March, subject to moon sighting. Friday 12 March is Independence and Republic Day, the national day. All three are public holidays.
Easter falls on Sunday 28 March 2027; it is not a public holiday in Mauritius.
Where to stay in March
The west (Flic en Flac, Tamarin) is the driest base in March: less rain than elsewhere, a very warm sea, sunsets and the dolphin trip nearby. The north (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches) remains practical for catamarans to the islets and for visits to Port Louis and Pamplemousses. The east (Belle Mare, Trou d'Eau Douce) is wetter this month, but its breeze makes the nights more comfortable.
Our tips and verdict
European half-term breaks wind down in early March (the last French zone returns on 8 March 2027), so the rest of the month is quieter. Keep insurance covering cancellations, a light rain layer and one or two buffer days. Avoid crossing the centre of the island in the days before Maha Shivaratri if you have a flight to catch.
Verdict: a good month for the warmest sea and for festivals, with less rain than earlier in the year on the west coast. Cyclone risk still calls for flexibility; for more peace of mind, wait for April.
Places in this guide
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A unique geological phenomenon: volcanic clay dunes in seven ochre, red and violet hues that never mix. The geopark also hosts giant tortoises and the Chamarel waterfall lookout.
Mauritius's highest waterfall: a nearly 100 m curtain plunging from a basalt plateau into a lush green cirque. The viewing platform offers a striking panorama.
Frequently asked questions
Is March a good time to visit Mauritius?
It is hot (28-30 °C on the coast) with less rain than in January or February, especially on the west coast. The east stays wetter.
Are there cyclones in Mauritius in March?
March is still part of cyclone season, which runs to 30 April (15 May for Mauritius). The risk is lower than in January-February but real.
How warm is the sea in Mauritius in March?
About 28.5 °C on the west coast, the highest of the year.
When is Independence Day in Mauritius?
On 12 March, Independence and Republic Day. In 2027 it falls on a Friday and is a public holiday.