In short
The best months to visit the Seychelles are generally April, May, October and November. These are the transition periods between the two wind regimes: calmer seas, light breezes and good visibility. The islands can be visited all year, but the choice of island matters as much as the month.
- Best timeApril–May and October–November
- WettestDecember to February, generally
- Drier, cooler trade windsJune to September
- Suggested length5 to 7 nights, combining 2 or 3 islands
What is the best month to visit the Seychelles?
The Seychelles sit close to the equator, so temperatures stay warm all year, generally around 28 to 31 °C. What changes is the wind. From November to March the north-west monsoon brings muggier heat and showers, especially in December and January. From May to September the south-east trade wind makes the air drier and a little cooler, but the breeze strengthens and the sea gets choppier on exposed coasts.
In between, April–May and October–November are the windows we recommend most often, and they are the periods listed on each of our Seychelles trips. Here is the month-by-month calendar:
- JanRainy
- FebRainy
- MarPossible
- AprIdeal
- MayIdeal
- JunGood
- JulGood
- AugGood
- SepGood
- OctIdeal
- NovPossible
- DecRainy
These ratings are tendencies: island weather is changeable, and a lovely week in January or a squall in April is nothing unusual. If your dates are fixed, we adapt the choice of islands and places to stay instead.
| Period | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| April–May | Light wind, calm sea, warmth | Beaches, snorkelling, multi-island itineraries |
| June–September | Drier air, stronger wind | Hiking, sailing, sheltered west-facing coasts |
| October–November | Calm returns, clear water | Beaches, diving, a wild island like Silhouette |
| December–March | Hot, humid, frequent showers | Travellers with flexible dates |
Our experts' tip
Book boat trips and crossings early in your stay: if the weather turns, you keep some margin to reschedule them.
Which island should you choose by season?
Depending on the wind direction, some beaches are better sheltered than others: we tend to favour the west coast when the trade wind blows, and the east coast once the north-west monsoon sets in. On the ground, local knowledge beats any guidebook.
The granite islands at the heart of the archipelago (Mahé, Praslin, La Digue) offer the most variety: forests, trails, textbook beaches. The coral atolls, such as Denis or Aldabra, play a different tune: flatter, more remote and better preserved. If you are weighing several Indian Ocean destinations, our guide to when to go to the Maldives will help you compare.
Which Seychelles trips for a tailor-made stay?
Three of our itineraries cross the archipelago, all designed to be adapted. Beach holidays fans and couples on a honeymoon will feel at home, as long as the season is right. For more ideas, see our pick of honeymoon destinations by month.
Good to know
Aldabra can only be reached by boat, after several days at sea from Mahé: leave some flexibility in your calendar.
Frequently asked questions
When is the rainy season in the Seychelles?
It generally matches the north-west monsoon, from November to March, peaking in December and January. Rain often comes as short showers between sunny spells.
Can you visit the Seychelles in summer?
Yes. From June to September the air is drier and slightly cooler, but the wind picks up. Choose sheltered beaches and don’t expect a flat sea everywhere.
How long should you stay in the Seychelles?
We generally suggest 5 to 7 nights, enough to combine two or three islands without rushing. Our itineraries run from 5 to 7 nights.
Your trip to the Seychelles, tailor-made
Tell us your dates and wishes: our team replies with a tailor-made proposal within 24 hours.