Best time to travel to Mauritius

Location

Climate

Located in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. With its heavenly beaches, rich culture and festive events, it's no wonder this island is so popular with travelers.

The different seasons in Mauritius

Mauritius has a tropical climate, with pleasant temperatures all year round. There are generally two seasons:

• Warm season : From November to April, the average temperature fluctuates between 25 and 30°C. During this period, days are hot and humid, and showers can be frequent.
• The cool season : From May to October, temperatures range from 20 to 25°C. The weather is drier and nights can be slightly cool. It's also during this season that the trade winds blow, creating ideal conditions for certain water sports.

It should be noted that the cyclone season generally runs from January to March. Although cyclones rarely hit Mauritius directly, it's a good idea to be aware of the risks to avoid unpleasant surprises.

When is the best time to visit Mauritius?

It all depends on your preferences and planned activities. If you want to enjoy the beaches and the sun, the warm season (November to April) is ideal. On the other hand, if you're looking for a cooler climate and want to enjoy water sports such as kitesurfing or windsurfing, the cooler season (May to October) is more suitable.

Major cultural events in Mauritius

In addition to its paradisiacal landscapes, Mauritius offers an incredible wealth of culture, with numerous events and festivities throughout the year. Here are just a few of the must-see events:

• Maha Shivaratri pilgrimage: In February or March, this Hindu festival celebrates the night of Lord Shiva. Mauritians make a pilgrimage to the sacred lake of Grand Bassin, where they make offerings and pray for peace and happiness.
• Mauritius National Day: On March 12, Mauritians celebrate their country's independence with parades, shows and fireworks.
• The Sea Festival: In April, this festival celebrates the marine riches of Mauritius. On the program: sporting competitions, culinary stands and cultural events.
• Diwali: Also known as the Festival of Lights, this Hindu celebration takes place between October and November. Mauritians light thousands of candles and oil lamps to symbolize the victory of light over darkness.

By choosing your travel period according to cultural events, you can discover an authentic aspect of Mauritius and experience unforgettable moments.

Public holidays in Mauritius

When planning your trip, it's a good idea to take into account Mauritian public holidays, when some tourist attractions and businesses may be closed. Here are the main public holidays on the island:

• January 1: New Year's Day
• February/March: Maha Shivaratri
• March 12: Mauritian National Day
• March/April: Good Friday
• May 1: Labour Day
• August 31: Ganesh Chaturthi
• November 2: Arrival of hired workers
• December 25: Christmas

Certain public holidays, such as Maha Shivaratri or the national holiday, are an opportunity to discover local traditions and take part in festivities. Don't hesitate to plan your trip accordingly.

Low and high season in Mauritius

As with many tourist destinations, Mauritius has low and high seasons:

• Low season : From May to September, tourist numbers are lower and accommodation rates can be more advantageous. It's also during this period that weather conditions are ideal for certain water sports.
• High season : From October to April, tourist numbers are higher, especially during the school vacations (December-January and February-March). Accommodation rates are generally higher, but it's still an excellent time to enjoy the beaches and sunshine of Mauritius.

Mauritius is a popular destination for tourists, expatriates and investors from all over the world. Thanks to its pleasant climate, heavenly beaches and political stability, the country attracts a growing number of immigrants and international visitors every year.

Immigration statistics for Mauritius: a growing cosmopolitan population

According to Mauritian government figures, the island's population has grown significantly in recent years. Indeed, the number of foreigners choosing to settle in Mauritius continues to grow. According to the Central Statistics Office, there are now almost 50,000 foreigners living in Mauritius.

Most common nationalities

The country boasts a wide diversity of nationalities among its immigrant population. Among the foreigners residing in Mauritius, the main ones are :

• The French, who account for around 45% of immigrants
• The Indians, with nearly 20%
• THE South Africanswhich make up approximately 10%
• The British, with nearly 7%

Reasons for immigration to Mauritius

Several factors explain why so many foreigners choose to settle in Mauritius:

• Quality of life: the country offers an idyllic living environment, with modern infrastructures and quality services.
• Dynamic economy: Mauritius benefits from a fast-growing market, particularly in the tourism, finance and information technology sectors.
• Career opportunities: the country attracts many foreign investors and offers attractive jobs for skilled workers.

The most popular visas in Mauritius: a flexible immigration policy

To welcome new arrivals and meet the needs of the labor market, the Mauritian government has introduced several types of visa. Here are the most popular visa categories:

• Tourist visa It allows visitors to stay on the island for up to 90 days a year. Around 1.4 million tourists visited Mauritius in 2019.
• Work permits For skilled workers, this visa authorizes the holder to work in Mauritius for up to three years, renewable.
• Investor's permit This visa is granted to foreign entrepreneurs and investors wishing to set up a business or invest in a project in Mauritius. To obtain this visa, you must invest at least US$100,000 in the country.
• Retirement permit This visa is reserved for people over the age of 50, enabling them to live in Mauritius as retirees. To be eligible, a minimum monthly income of US$1,500 from sources outside Mauritius is required.

International tourism figures in Mauritius: a key economic sector

Tourism is one of the main drivers of the Mauritian economy. In fact, this sector represents around 24% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) and generates several thousand direct and indirect jobs.

Growth in the number of international tourists

Since the 2000s, the number of foreign visitors to Mauritius has been rising steadily. According to official statistics, there are :

• Some 656,000 tourists in 2000
• Over 1 million tourists in 2010
• Around 1.4 million tourists in 2019

This growth is due in particular to the development of tourism infrastructures and the diversification of the range of leisure activities on offer to visitors.

The main sources of tourists

International visitors come mainly from the following countries:

• France, which accounts for nearly 25% of tourist arrivals in Mauritius
• THE United Kingdomwith approximately 10%
• Germany, which accounts for almost 9%
• L'India and the Chinawhich account for approximately 8% and 7% of tourists respectively.

Outlook for tourism in Mauritius

To support growth in the tourism sector, the Mauritian government has defined a number of objectives aimed at diversifying the tourism offering and improving infrastructure. These objectives include

• Reach 2 million annual tourists by 2030
• Developing sustainable and eco-responsible tourism
• Promoting investment in hotel infrastructure and leisure activities

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