When to Go to the Indian Ocean
The best time to visit the Indian Ocean is completely dependent on your particular interest for visiting or whether you wish to combine one of these idyllic island destinations with another stop off along the way! Made up of sun-soaked exotic islands that are blessed with tropical climates, the Indian Ocean is generally great throughout the year.
A tropical climate made up of the northeast monsoon (dry season) from January to March and the southeast monsoon (wet season) is May to November. Most people choose to visit during the drier months from December to April. There is a greater variety of marine life and better visibility on the west side May to November and December to April on the east side.
Seychelles
For snorkeling and driving, travel in April/May or October/November when the water temperatures can reach 29C and there is incredible water visibility. July and August are the driest and December and January are by far the wettest months, with rainfall coming in short sharp bursts followed by sun. Made up of sun-soaked exotic islands that are blessed with tropical climates, the Indian Ocean is generally great throughout the year. The best time to visit the Indian Ocean is completely dependent on your particular interest for visiting or whether you wish to combine one of these idyllic island destinations with another stop off along the way!
Talk to an Indian Ocean Specialist
The Best Time to Visit the Indian Ocean
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC
January is summer in the Indian Ocean, and it is a popular time to visit the region due to the warm and sunny weather. The temperature and weather conditions in the Indian Ocean can vary depending on the specific location, but generally speaking, the weather is warm and humid with some rainfall in some areas. Here are some examples of what you can expect in different areas of the Indian Ocean in January:
Maldives: The Maldives experiences warm temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F) with low rainfall. The sea temperature is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Seychelles: The Seychelles has hot and humid weather with temperatures ranging from 28-30°C (82-86°F) and occasional rain showers. It is also a good time for water-based activities such as snorkeling and diving.
Mauritius: Mauritius is hot and humid in January with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F). There can be some rain showers, but they are usually short and intense.
Things to do in the Indian Ocean
If you want to see Whales, Manta Rays and Sharks:
Between June and October, the plankton levels in Hanifaru Bay peak, attracting hundreds of manta rays, whale sharks and other fish. You can find reef sharks all year round but during the northeast monsoon from end of December to May, they gather near the channel entrances on the eastern side of the atolls when there is better visibility and calmer seas. Peak sightings of whale sharks tend to be in August and October to January.
Head to the Ari Atoll of the Maldives from December to April to see Hammerhead Sharks. For humpback whales, visit Reunion Island from June to October, with August and September being the optimum time to see them.
If you want to see Aldabra Giant Tortoise & Turtles:
Aldabra, known as the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean and home to the Giant Tortoise, is best visited mid-October to December and end of February until April. On Cousin Island Special Reserve, you can see turtles throughout the year in various areas and the hawksbill turtles nest between November and January.