Mauritius in October: weather, sea, Divali and tips
October is a transition month between the southern winter and summer: it gets warmer, the wind drops, the sea starts to warm up and there is very little rain. The last whales are still offshore. Here, based on our 2011-2025 averages (ERA5 reanalysis), are the weather by coast, the sea, the month's activities, the October festivals and our verdict, including the French half-term rush.
Average weather: October
| Area | High | Low | Rain | Gusts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North (Grand Baie) | 27 °C | 22 °C | 27 mm | 27 km/h |
| West (Flic en Flac) | 28 °C | 22 °C | 33 mm | 25 km/h |
| East (Belle Mare) | 25 °C | 22 °C | 57 mm | 25 km/h |
| Central plateau | 24 °C | 18 °C | +++ | 24 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.
October weather, coast by coast
Our 2011-2025 averages give about 28 °C by day and 22 °C at night on the west coast, 27 °C and 22 °C in the north, and 25 °C and 22 °C in the east. The central plateau (Curepipe, Black River Gorges) stays cooler and clearly wetter, around 24 °C by day and 18 °C at night.
According to the Mauritius Meteorological Services, October is the driest month of the year island-wide. On the coast, our averages show about 25-35 mm in the north and west and around 60 mm in the east. No cyclones to worry about: the season officially starts in mid-November.
The sea and the wind
The sea climbs back towards 25 °C, more pleasant than in August but still well short of the 28 °C of summer. The trade winds ease (maximum gusts of 25 to 27 km/h in our averages): kitesurfing is still on at Le Morne, and the sea calms down for diving and snorkelling at Trou aux Biches or Pereybère.
What's best in October
Humpback whales are still around: a Black River operator gives early November as the end of the season. Trips run from 6am to noon, and getting in the water with the animals is not allowed. Catamarans to the northern islets and Île aux Cerfs enjoy calmer seas.
It is still cool enough for hiking (Le Morne Brabant, Black River Gorges) and for touring the south-west, from Chamarel and its Seven Coloured Earth to the Blue Bay lagoon in the south-east.
October festivals
Divali, the festival of lights, follows the Hindu lunar calendar and moves between October and November. In 2027 it is a public holiday on Friday 29 October; in 2026 it falls on Sunday 8 November. Homes across the island light up with small lamps.
Our tips and verdict
French autumn half-term pushes up demand: 17 October to 2 November 2026, then 23 October to 8 November 2027. The first half of October is quieter. Stay in the west for warmth and sunsets, or in the north for the lagoons. Bring a light jumper for the evenings.
Verdict: one of the best months of the year, dry, sunny, outside cyclone season and with the last whales. The only caveat is a 25 °C sea, still a little cool for some.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
The east coast's iconic lagoon island: white sandbanks, translucent water and coconut palms make it the dream setting for catamaran trips. 18-hole golf course and every water sport.
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 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 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.
Frequently asked questions
Is October a good time to visit Mauritius?
Yes, it is one of the best: according to the Mauritian met service it is the driest month of the year, it is 27-28 °C on the west and north coasts and there are no cyclones.
How warm is the sea in Mauritius in October?
About 25 °C in our averages, warmer than in winter but cooler than in summer.
Can you see whales in Mauritius in October?
Yes, humpback whales are seen off the west coast until early November, on trips from Tamarin and Black River.
When is Divali in Mauritius?
On Sunday 8 November 2026 and Friday 29 October 2027, according to the official public holiday lists.