Mauritius in November: weather, sea, Divali and tips
November opens the southern summer: the heat sets in, the sea is a degree and a half warmer than in October, the wind drops and showers stay moderate. It is also the official start of cyclone season, though the risk is still low. Here, based on our 2011-2025 averages (ERA5 reanalysis), are the weather by coast, the sea, the month's activities, the November 2026 festivals and our verdict.
Average weather: November
| Area | High | Low | Rain | Gusts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North (Grand Baie) | 28 °C | 23 °C | 40 mm | 24 km/h |
| West (Flic en Flac) | 29 °C | 23 °C | 51 mm | 22 km/h |
| East (Belle Mare) | 27 °C | 23 °C | 85 mm | 23 km/h |
| Central plateau | 25 °C | 19 °C | +++ | 21 km/h |
Sea: 26 °C
2011-2025 averages (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo). The central plateau (Curepipe, Black River Gorges) is much wetter than the model shows.
November weather, coast by coast
Our 2011-2025 averages give about 29 °C by day and 23 °C at night on the west coast, 28 °C and 23 °C in the north, and 27 °C and 23 °C in the east. The central plateau (Curepipe, Black River Gorges) stays cooler, around 25 °C and 19 °C, and clearly wetter.
Rain slowly returns: about 40 mm in the north, 50 mm in the west and 85 mm in the east. The Mauritius Meteorological Services date the start of the warm, humid summer to November.
The sea and the start of cyclone season
The sea reaches about 26 °C, warm enough again to swim without a wetsuit. The wind eases markedly (maximum gusts of 22 to 24 km/h in our averages): calm lagoons and good visibility for diving at Trou aux Biches.
Cyclone season in the south-west Indian Ocean officially starts on 15 November. Météo-France places the core of the season in January-February, but it helps to know the Mauritius Meteorological Services warning system: from class II, sea activities and travel stop.
What's best in November
Beaches everywhere: the east (Belle Mare, Île aux Cerfs by catamaran) benefits from lighter winds, the south-east from Blue Bay and Île aux Aigrettes. The last humpback whales may still be spotted early in the month, according to a Black River operator. Mornings are still mild enough to climb Le Pouce.
November 2026 festivals
Monday 2 November 2026 marks the Arrival of Indentured Labourers, a public holiday. Their landing point, Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On Sunday 8 November 2026, Divali, the festival of lights, fills the island with small lamps. All Saints' Day, 1 November, is not a public holiday in 2026 (it will be in 2027).
Our tips and verdict
French autumn half-term ends on 2 November 2026, so the rest of the month is quiet before the Christmas rush. Stay in the north or east, pleasant with the breeze. Pack sunscreen and a hat, and get insurance covering cancellations if you travel after the 15th.
Verdict: one of the best months of the year, with a warming sea, still fairly dry weather and few visitors. Cyclone risk exists on paper in the second half of the month, but it remains low.
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.
Over 20 sites within a 20-minute boat ride: wrecks, drop-offs and coral gardens between 12 and 30 m. Many PADI centres, calm conditions year-round and 25-30 m visibility.
A vast powdery white-sand beach running for kilometres along a crystal lagoon. The east coast's postcard, famed for its blazing sunrises.
A catamaran day from Trou d'Eau Douce: the Grande Rivière Sud-Est waterfall, lagoon snorkeling, BBQ on board, then free time on the Ile aux Cerfs beach.
A protected marine park in fifty shades of blue, rated the island's best snorkeling spot for its corals and multicoloured fish. The public beach, lined with casuarinas, gets lively at weekends.
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 UNESCO World Heritage site, this immigration depot processed half a million Indian indentured labourers between 1849 and 1923. A founding memorial of Mauritian identity.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is November a good month for Mauritius?
Yes: 28-29 °C on the west and north coasts, a 26 °C sea, still moderate rain and few visitors after the European autumn break.
Does cyclone season start in November?
Yes, it officially starts on 15 November in the south-west Indian Ocean. The risk is low in November, as the core of the season is January-February.
When is Divali in Mauritius in 2026?
On Sunday 8 November 2026, according to the official 2026 public holiday list.
How warm is the sea in Mauritius in November?
About 26 °C in our averages, a degree and a half warmer than in October.