December is summer in Mauritius. It is hot, green and busy. It is also the month when the best boat trips fill up first. Here is what to expect, from people who live here.

What is the weather like in December?

December is warm. Daytime highs are usually around 29°C on the coast. Evenings stay warm too. The sea is warm enough to swim all day.

It is also humid. December is the start of the wetter summer season. Rain usually comes as short, heavy showers, often in the afternoon. Then the sun comes back. The wettest months come later, around February.

The weather also changes by area. It can rain in the centre of the island while the coast is sunny. The north and west coasts are often drier than the east and the high plateau.

Pack light clothes, strong sunscreen, a hat, and a light rain jacket. Long days help too. The sun rises early, so an early start gives you the coolest hours on the water.

What about cyclones?

The cyclone season in Mauritius runs roughly from November to April. Most of the risk is later in the season, but it is worth knowing. A cyclone does not hit every year. When there is a warning, the authorities announce it and boat trips stop for safety.

Our advice is simple. Keep one or two flexible days in your plan. Check your travel insurance. If the sea is not safe, boat trips are moved.

How busy is Mauritius in December?

December is one of the busiest months. Three things happen at once:

• International visitors come for the summer sun and Christmas holidays.
• Mauritian families are on school summer holidays, so beaches are busier, mostly at weekends.
• Christmas and New Year are peak weeks. Christmas Day (25 December) is a public holiday.

Hotels fill up, and so do the popular day trips. The full-day catamarans and private boats are usually the first to sell out around the holidays.

What to book before you arrive

1. A full-day catamaran

This is the trip most people want to do. In December the sea is warm and the lagoon is usually calm in the morning.

Our Northern Islands Catamaran Cruise on Le Pacha leaves Grand Baie from 09:00 to 16:15. It includes a swim and snorkel stop at Coin de Mire, beach time on Îlot Gabriel, a BBQ lunch and drinks. It costs from €75 per person. Bring your own snorkel gear if you want to snorkel.

2. A private sunset cruise

December evenings are long and warm. A sunset cruise is a great way to end a hot day.

For couples, families or a group celebration, the Private Sunset Catamaran Charter gives you the whole boat from 17:00 to 19:00. You can add canapés and drinks per person when you book. Boats leave from Grand Baie, Mahébourg or Black River.

Private boats are on request, so book early for Christmas and New Year week.

3. A morning in the turtle waters

If you stay in the north-west, the turtle snorkelling in Trou aux Biches is a good early-morning trip. Turtles are often seen, not guaranteed. Mornings are cooler and the lagoon is often calmer.

A simple December plan

• Morning: go to sea. Boat trips start early, before the afternoon heat and showers.
• Afternoon: rest in the shade or by the pool.
• Evening: sunset on the beach or on a boat.

Do not fill every day. With the heat and possible showers, a slower plan works better.

Getting around in December

Traffic is heavier in the holiday weeks, especially around Grand Baie and Port Louis. Catamarans do not include hotel transfers, so plan how you will get to the jetty. We can arrange a private transfer for you. Ask us on WhatsApp.

FAQ

Is December a good time to visit Mauritius? Yes, if you like heat. It is hot, sunny and green, with short showers. It is busy and prices are higher in the holiday weeks, so book early.

Does it rain a lot in December? It rains more than in winter, but mostly as short showers. Many days are sunny for most of the time. February is usually wetter.

How far ahead should I book a catamaran for December? For Christmas and New Year week, book as soon as your flights are fixed. For other December dates, a few days to a week ahead is usually fine.

December is our busiest month. Lock in your boat days now.

Send us your dates and group size. We reply on WhatsApp with what is still available. Book on WhatsApp +230 5944 1336 Or browse all catamaran and boat trips.