Land of Perpetual Summer: Best Time to Visit Seychelles
30 July 2025 | Seychelles & Tanzania
Whether you’re hiking through jungle trails and granite peaks, lounging on white sand beaches, diving into warm Indian Ocean waters, or encountering giant tortoises in their natural habitat, here’s why November to April is the best time to visit Seychelles.
Seychelles Weather
Between November and April, Seychelles enjoys warm, tropical weather — with balmy temperatures ranging from 78°–90°F (25°–32°C). This season coincides with the northwest trade winds, bringing higher humidity, occasional tropical showers, and calmer seas compared to the rest of the year. While rainfall is more common during this time, it tends to fall in brief, refreshing bursts, typically at night or early morning, leaving long stretches of sunshine during the day.
For sunseekers and ocean explorers alike, these months are ideal. With an average of six hours of sunshine daily, the conditions are perfect for beach days, marine excursions, and island-hopping by small ship. Sea temperatures stay consistently warm, making snorkeling, diving, and swimming a joy throughout the season.
The relative stillness of the ocean during this period also enables access to more remote atolls in Seychelles' Outer Islands — including Aldabra and Astove — which are otherwise challenging to reach during windier months.
Best Months to Visit
Our sailing season from November through April aligns with the islands’ most inviting conditions for adventure, discovery, and wildlife encounters.
November and December mark the start of the northwest trade winds. These early-season months offer lush, vibrant landscapes following the end of the southeast monsoon. Rain showers may occur but are generally short-lived. These months are excellent for trekking through forested trails, exploring botanical gardens, or visiting cultural sites on Mahé and La Digue. November also brings the arrival of whale sharks along the northwest coast, offering rare opportunities to spot or swim with these gentle giants.
January to March feature intermittent showers, as a result of which the islands are at their greenest and most atmospheric. Cultural festivities such as Seychelles’ Creole heritage celebrations take place during these months, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the region’s music, cuisine, and traditions.
April is often described as the calmest and hottest month of the year — and a diver’s paradise. Winds drop off almost entirely, producing glassy waters and excellent visibility — often up to 100 feet (30 meters) — especially around outer islands like Astove and Alphonse. It’s the ideal time for underwater exploration, with abundant reef life, excellent conditions for photography, and increased access to more remote dive sites thanks to the smooth ocean surface.
Every month from November to April brings its own highlights — from bird migrations and turtle hatchings to rainforest hikes and coral reef dives. Whatever your travel style, this is a season that caters to both relaxed escapes and active adventures.
Wildlife Seasons
Seychelles is home to some of the most unique and protected ecosystems on the planet, and November to April is prime time for witnessing the natural rhythms of life on land and at sea.
Turtle nesting season reaches its peak during these months, especially from October to February, when hawksbill turtles come ashore to lay eggs on secluded beaches across the archipelago. The hatchlings begin their journey between December and March, racing toward the sea under the moonlight — a moving and memorable experience that guests may witness on remote islands such as Curieuse and Alphonse. Conservation programs across Seychelles offer guided opportunities to observe these ancient rituals while learning about ongoing efforts to protect these endangered species.
Giant Aldabra tortoises, among the world’s longest-living animals, can be seen year-round — but are particularly active during the wetter months. Found in large numbers on Aldabra Atoll, these gentle giants are emblematic of Seychelles’ prehistoric charm and are a guest favorite for photography and close encounters.
Birdwatching is also rewarding throughout the season. October and November bring migratory species stopping over en route to northern climates. April, on the other hand, signals the start of breeding season for many seabirds — including the majestic white-tailed tropicbird and lesser noddy. While Aqua does not visit Bird Island or Aride, travelers can still enjoy sightings of endemic species on Praslin, La Digue, and Mahé, including the Seychelles White-eye, Seychelles Kestrel, and the critically endangered Paradise Flycatcher.
Marine life is abundant year-round, but the calm, clear waters of February to April offer the best conditions for spotting rays, reef sharks, moray eels, and vibrant reef fish — often just meters from the surface. Outer atolls like Astove also offer the chance to dive dramatic drop-offs and underwater cliffs teeming with life.
Aqua Expeditions' East African voyages set sail in February 2026. We look forward to welcoming you on board. Learn More.
