Mauritius in May: weather, sea, hiking and tips
May is a transition month between the southern summer and winter, and one of the most pleasant times to visit Mauritius: the heat eases, rain becomes scarce in the west and north, and the sea stays warm. Cyclone season ends on 15 May for Mauritius. Here is the weather by coast from our 2011-2025 averages (ERA5 reanalysis), what is worth doing this month, the May 2027 public holidays and our verdict.
Average weather: May
| Area | High | Low | Rain | Gusts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North (Grand Baie) | 27 °C | 23 °C | 35 mm | 27 km/h |
| West (Flic en Flac) | 28 °C | 23 °C | 29 mm | 26 km/h |
| East (Belle Mare) | 26 °C | 23 °C | 78 mm | 25 km/h |
| Central plateau | 23 °C | 19 °C | +++ | 23 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.
May weather, coast by coast
Our 2011-2025 averages give about 28 °C by day and 23 °C at night on the west coast, 27 °C and 23 °C in the north, and 26 °C and 22-23 °C in the east. The central plateau (Curepipe, Black River Gorges) drops to 23 °C by day and 19 °C at night: bring a jumper, as it is also clearly wetter up there.
The west and north coasts turn dry, with about 30 to 35 mm of rain over the month. The east gets more than twice as much, around 80 mm, as the south-east trade winds set in. The Mauritius Meteorological Services class May, like October, as a transition month.
The sea in May
The sea is still at 27-28 °C on the west coast, so swimming is pleasant all day. Cyclone season officially ends on 30 April in the south-west Indian Ocean and on 15 May for Mauritius: after mid-May the risk is practically gone.
What's best in May
This is the start of the good hiking season: Le Morne Brabant, Black River Peak, Le Pouce or the trails of Black River Gorges National Park, setting off early. In the south-east, Île aux Aigrettes and the Ferney Valley showcase native forest. For beaches, Flic en Flac and Trou aux Biches enjoy the dry weather, and the Tamarin dolphin trip runs all year. Days in Chamarel are more comfortable than in high summer.
May 2027 festivals
Saturday 1 May 2027, Labour Day, is the only public holiday of the month on the official list. No major religious public holiday falls in May that year.
Where to stay in May
The west (Flic en Flac, Tamarin, Le Morne) is the best base for combining beach and hiking: the warmest and driest coast, at the foot of Le Morne Brabant and close to Black River Gorges and Chamarel. The north (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches) is almost as dry and livelier in the evening. The east, cooler and wetter as the trade winds arrive, is mostly suited to a relaxing stay.
Our tips and verdict
Most European spring breaks are over by early May (3 May 2027 in France), so the rest of the month is quieter. Pack a light jacket for evenings and the uplands, good shoes for the trails and sunscreen, as the sun is still strong.
Verdict: one of the best months of the year, with a still-warm sea, little rain in the west and north, the end of cyclone risk and ideal temperatures for walking.
Places in this guide
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.
Mauritius's largest national park: 6,574 hectares of primary forest, 60 km of marked trails and the last refuges of the pink pigeon and kestrel. The 10 km Macchabée trail from Pétrin to the visitor centre is a 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.
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.
A coral islet and nature reserve, open-air laboratory of the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation: pink pigeons, kestrels, day geckos and giant tortoises in Mauritius's last intact coastal dry forest.
A 3,100-hectare private domain at the foot of the Grand Port range, sanctuary of endemic ebony trees and Mauritius kestrels. Hiking trails, 4x4 safaris (including a dusk wildlife safari), a nature lodge and the Falaise Rouge restaurant overlooking Grand Port bay.
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good time to visit Mauritius?
Generally yes: 27-28 °C on the west and north coasts, with only 30 to 35 mm of rain on average over the month. The east stays wetter.
Is the sea warm in Mauritius in May?
Yes, about 27-28 °C on the west coast, just slightly cooler than in April.
Are there cyclones in Mauritius in May?
Cyclone season ends on 15 May for Mauritius. The risk is very low in May and practically nil after mid-month.