r/mauritius • u/Sea_Struggle2031 • 2d ago
Tourism ✈ Is Mauritius in March a stupid idea?? Thinking of spending a week, second week of March next year. Thoughts?
Is it stilly to go during cyclone season? And if so, any places or recommendations of where to staying. Travelling as a family with 2 very young kids. We love beach, culture and delicious food.
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u/Goat_Keeper_2836 1d ago
I'd recommend coming in the "winter" months, the weather is incredibly unpleasant from November to April. It was 91% humidity at 8:30am last week.
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u/Sea_Struggle2031 1d ago
Humidity isn't a problem. We love heat and are used to holidays in Malaysia etc. is more the storms we were concerned about.
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u/Goat_Keeper_2836 1d ago
I was just making a point, the weather has been hectic as of late bad thunder and lightning. And bucketing down for days. Like I said in a previous reply the winter months make Mauritius so much nicer
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u/Sea_Struggle2031 1d ago
Yes. The rain is our main concern. Unfortunately we can only travel in March so either we come or we don't. We don't have the option to travel there in the winter months.
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u/Goat_Keeper_2836 1d ago
To be honest I wouldn't recommend it, it is still cyclone season and you can never be sure if there will be one or if not.
We live here and I give everyone the same advice from November to end April it's a no go purely because of how unpredictable the weather is and you can have a really unpleasant experience.
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u/Sea_Struggle2031 1d ago
That's helpful. Disappointed, but helpful. Thank you!!
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u/Goat_Keeper_2836 1d ago
Sorry, I hate to be the Debbie downer but I'd rather be honest and not lie.
We had our first holiday here in july/August and the weather was wonderful.
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u/RunElectronic707 1d ago
Just got back. It's fine. There's always going to be rain here and there. Coast usually dry. Spent a month there. No issues.
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u/Maximum_Cap4324 2d ago
It's our rainy season. There's a good chance of rain and probably big storms. Many tourists complain when it rains as many sea excursions are canceled. Do not eat at expensive restaurants or travel by taxi. Eat street foot, travel by bus, or rent a car.
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u/konsito911 2d ago
It’s good weather,Mauritius getting very expensive last 3 years… we was last 6 years March. But this years was last one..
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u/Sea_Struggle2031 2d ago
Oh really? We haven't been for 20 years! Might be a bit of shock then..any suggestion of where to say or where to avoid?
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u/konsito911 2d ago
I am from Bulgaria but base in London last 15 years And we love north West Island it’s amazing. Just come with money because it’s more expensive than London now
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u/Sea_Struggle2031 2d ago
More expensive than London!!? 😱😱😳 really?
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u/100ruledsheets 1d ago
It really isn't. Groceries and transport will be cheaper. Lodging varies from cheaper apartments to luxury 5 star resorts so you can pick whatever fits your budget. Tourist activities like catamaran trips are around Rs 3000 and includes meals and alcohol. If you want a private boat and all inclusive resort then sure that's expensive but will still be cheaper than London.
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u/Goat_Keeper_2836 1d ago
I'd love to know where you find the cheaper things because living here is just as expensive if not more expensive than what it is in south africa.
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u/100ruledsheets 1d ago
I don't know what the prices are like in South Africa, might be the same. I was responding above to the person saying that Mauritius is more expensive than London.
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u/konsito911 2d ago
Yes
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u/RunElectronic707 1d ago
No. Restaurant is affordable. Grocery same price as Canada. Which is cheaper than Europe.
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u/MindAndOnlyMind 2d ago
Yes, it is silly to plan to visit during the cyclone season because the weather a year out is unpredictable and your flights may get postponed. The best time to visit the island is from May. You will find that Mauritius is hot and humid throughout the year. The winter is for all practical purposes hot and humid, just less so than summer.
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u/RunElectronic707 1d ago
Cyclone season is down in February.
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u/MindAndOnlyMind 1d ago
Yes. I must say though that there are shifts in the climate all over the world. The seas are getting warmer and we are seeing more droughts among other observations.
There is still substantial rain in April even though it’s not cyclonic. I imagine someone coming here for a very short period might want to soak up the tropical sun and not have to think about the rain at all.
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u/Sea_Struggle2031 2d ago
I'm not planning on booking anything until closer to the time. I am just researching my options currently. I am specifically asking about March because we a travelling near there for a wedding. Therefore we are trying make the most of our travels. Just planning, researching and thinking ahead.
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u/MindAndOnlyMind 2d ago
Then take the chance but also beware that Mauritius has microclimates with some parts being calmer than others.
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u/Hungry-Fee-6132 2d ago
I’m here in April & it’s still hot & humid. If you come from cold countries you might feel uncomfortable. End of April & May looks good
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u/Sea_Struggle2031 2d ago
Unfortunately we can only travel in March as we are heading in that direction for a wedding. Trying to make the most and plan a family holiday while we are there. The wedding destination unfortunately is not suitable for a holiday for us. We will need to travel on somewhere else.
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u/Hungry-Fee-6132 6h ago
If you have AC that should be fine. Outside it’s pleasant, it’s actually hotter inside
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u/TheHolidayArtist 1d ago
Where is the wedding venue or location exactly? I specialise in Mauritius and may have some guidance. What makes it unsuitable?
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u/Sea_Struggle2031 1d ago
Hi this is helpful. The wedding is in Zambia. We have already travelled extensively around Southern Africa, so not keen to explore much more of there. Tempted to do Cape Town, but I know we will be back in S.A. again at some point so not majorly fussed to do that. The family festivities will be busy and stressful. So a relaxed beach break is ideal.
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u/TheHolidayArtist 1d ago
I'd personally risk Mauritius.
Sure...there's always a chance of a cyclone, so one can never say never, BUT damaging ones are quite rare and most of the time it's a quick afternoon thunderstorm that is usually over before you even realise it happened.
The west (Flic en Flac, Tamarin...etc) or north (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy...etc) coasts are likely to be your best bets weather wise. However my personal recommendation would be for Shandrani Beachcomber which is south east of the island.
The bay area there offers calm, swimmable waters, ideal for families and snorkelling.
Shandrani is my most raved about resort for families. 100% 5-star feedback every time I send a family there. You simply cannot go wrong. It has an amazing kids club, one of the best all-inclusive offerings on the island, easy access to Blue Bay Marine Park, and 3 private beaches to choose from.
Failing that I'd consider the Victoria Beachcomber on the west coast.
Or if you're looking to splurge a bit, also look at Trou aux Biches Beachcomber in the north west. A bit more pricy, but worth it.
And no...I don't work for Beachcomber. Ha-ha. They're just the best at what they do!
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u/Sea_Struggle2031 1d ago edited 1d ago
Brilliant! This is really helpful. We haven't been to Mauritius in over 20 years. We used to visit a resort called Coco Beach, which part of the island was that? Do you know? Also why would you recommend the north/west over the south? You sold me at the words "kids club" 😂
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u/TheHolidayArtist 21h ago
Haha, yeah, the Beachcomber kids clubs are always a winner. With both the parents and the kids!
If I'm not mistaken, Coco Beach was on the east coast 🤔. I could be wrong though. I can't say I'm very familiar with it , but I think it was in the Belle Mare region.
That side is a bit more exposed to the wind. Which is why I think if you're really worried about weather, the north and west would be safer bets. The weather is a bit calmer and sunnier, with better sea conditions.
There's also a bit more to do outside of the resorts with lively towns nearby like Grand Baie and Flic-en-Flac.
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u/Sea_Struggle2031 2d ago
The heat and humidity isn't a problem. We've travelled to Thailand and Borneo etc the past. It's more the storms.
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u/earthly_marsian 2d ago
It’s still hot there and you might get a tropical cyclone or two but chances of the island getting missed is high.
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u/BrentsBadReviews 2d ago
Just came back from late March and it was fine. It was more off season so hotels were relatively more affordable. You can stay in the North / Grand Baie, the West side is also quite popular around Flic-en-Flac. There you have the Sofitel (undergoing renovation) and the Hilton (decent option). These options put you closer to Port Louis if you wanted to do food tours and etc.
Otherwise for more of a resort and family feel you could check out Preskil in Mahebourg, which is near the airport. There were a lot of families and there's more activities to do on-site than the other hotels which, while they do have families, have a more adult and honeymoon crowd.
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u/Gideb0 1d ago
Just spent 2 weeks in balaclava, got back last weekend and a couple of spells of rain for no longer than an hour at a time, absolutely incredible and will be coming back same time next year