Seychelles

Discover a different world, as beautiful below the water as above...

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Year-round climate, hot & tropical

Overview

The Seychelles is as close to a natural visual paradise as you can ever hope to see. It is geographically, botanically and culturally diverse.

A ‘thousand miles from anywhere’, the Seychelles archipelago of 109 islets and six larger islands lies 4º south of the Equator, outside the cyclone belt, and has no malaria or serious diseases. Its people are a multi-ethnic blend of settlers from Europe, Africa and Asia who have assimilated different traditions and religions into the relaxed Seychellois culture.

A Seychelles holiday can offer lots of contrasts; some islands are like tiny emeralds dropped in the azure ocean, home only to birds and indolent holiday-makers. Other Seychelles islands have rainforests and waterfalls to beckon you away from the white powder beaches. Searching for the perfect viewpoint becomes as addictive as the hunt for the perfect undiscovered cove.

The Seychelles appeal is more to the nature-lover than the glamour-seeker. It’s a place to see things rather than to be seen. Sports fisherman, divers, birders and families alike enjoy the ultimate escape from life’s pressures on one of the private islands. And of course, the pampering and delicious seafood appeals to honeymooners and all romantics.

Mari Jacobs

Africa Travel Specialist

Our experienced band of Safari Planners can create a bespoke plan for you. More enriching, more restorative and making more of a difference. Discover how working with a specialist adds value to your African adventure.

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Features

Why you may love it

Paradise with rich bird and marine-life, superb snorkelling and diving destination.
White sandy beaches with crystal clear waters.
Malaria free and outside the cyclone belt.
Contrasting experiences allow for island hopping, moving from the main islands to smaller private islands for a few days either by helicopter or take a ferry with the locals.

Where to go in Seychelles

These are some of the best rated places to visit in Seychelles based on popularity and experience rating by our travelers

Mahe

Laze on the beaches of the 'Isle of Abundance' or climb the dramatic cliffs which soar above the ancient forests.

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Praslin

Contrast the beguiling and secret Valle de Mai with dazzling beaches flanked with sculpted granite boulders.

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Inner Islands

Leave the bustle behind and island hop; green and palm-fringed islets, bird havens or private paradise…

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Desroches & Outer Islands

Discover the legendary underwater kaleidoscope of the western Indian Ocean coral gardens.

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Explore the Seychelles map

When to visit Seychelles

December to March

Hot & Rainy

The Seychelles has a tropical climate, hot all year round. The north-west monsoon brings lots of rain, especially in January. Whereas from June to September the south-east trade winds prevail which brings drier and slightly cooler months. This is not the ideal time to visit due to the quantity of rain and the humid conditions. But the rain takes the form of dramatic afternoon downpours or thunderstorms so it rarely rains all day. It rains a little less from February to The Seychelles has a fairly homogenous climate though it rains slightly more in Mahe and the northern Inner Islands. There can be tropical cyclones but this is much less of a factor than Mauritius which is further south.

TALK TO US

AVG MONTHLY RAINFALL 265mm

HOURS OF SUNSHINE 6 hours

MAX TEMP 30 ℃ / 86 ℉

MIN TEMP 25 ℃ / 77 ℉

April and May

Less rain but hot & humid

The rains start tapering down but, given it is a tropical climate, there is always some rain every month. (It rains on average every other day from February through to November.) As there’s more sunshine, this is actually the hottest and more humid part of the year. However later in May the trade winds start, bringing welcome cooling breezes.

TALK TO US

AVG MONTHLY RAINFALL 135mm

HOURS OF SUNSHINE 8 hours

MAX TEMP 31 ℃ / 88 ℉

MIN TEMP 25 ℃ / 77 ℉

June to August

Best time to visit

This is considered the best time to visit and co-insides with the best safari months as well. This is actually the driest part of the year. Even though it continues to rain, it is usually during the night and so less likely to affect your holiday. However rainfall patterns during this time are quite erratic and so it varies widely from year to year. Temperatures are ever so slightly cooler (28-29C) during the day though it remains very warm at night. The trade winds are at their strongest from July to September, which blow from the south-east. This can make for choppy seas on the eastern side of the islands.

TALK TO US

AVG MONTHLY RAINFALL 105mm

HOURS OF SUNSHINE 8 hours

MAX TEMP 28 ℃ / 82 ℉

MIN TEMP 24 ℃ / 75 ℉

September to November

Good time to travel

The influence of the trade winds dies away and rainfall starts to pick up in October and November. But this is a very nice time to visit as well. It is also hot and nature is in full bloom. The rainfall comes in quick afternoon down-pours so the hours of sunshine are still good.

TALK TO US

AVG MONTHLY RAINFALL 175mm

HOURS OF SUNSHINE 7 hours

MAX TEMP 30 ℃ / 86 ℉

MIN TEMP 24 ℃ / 75 ℉

Start planning your dream trip

Need a little help? View our Safari Guide to help you get started

Accommodation

Mahe

Constance Ephelia Resort

The Constane Ephelia is situated on two of the loveliest beaches on Mahé, overlooking the marine national park of Port Launay. Constance Ephélia is a stunning spot for keen divers and...

RATING Top of Class

Praslin

Raffles Resort Praslin

Barefoot luxury in the heart of the Indian Ocean - pure nature, pure Seychelles, pure Raffles... Raffles Praslin lies on the north-east coast of the Edeneque island of Praslin in the Seychelles. ...

RATING Luxury

Praslin

Constance Lemuria Resort

Attractively and sensitively designed into the hillside in an idyllic location on the north-west of Praslin • A choice of three beaches backed by lush vegetation • Well-appointed rooms • A...

RATING Top of Class

Inner Islands

Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie

Le Domaine de l’Orangeraie lies on La Digue in the Seychelles, only a few steps from the famous Anse Severe Beach with its shapely granite boulders. La Domaine’s 55 villas are your charmed...

RATING Premier

Inner Islands

Hilton Labriz Resort & Spa

Stunning island of significant biodiversity with virgin rainforest on the slopes of Mt Dauban • Pretty beaches of white sand for chilling out • Large and attractive rooms, with a choice of...

RATING Top of Class

Mahe

Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa

The Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa lies on a secluded hillside above the exquisite Beau Vallon Bay on the island of Mahe. This secluded Seychelles retreat comprises 40 private villas set...

RATING Luxury

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Experiences in Seychelles

Lemuria Golf Course in Seychelles

Golf in Seychelles is simply one story: the golf course at Constance Lemuria on the island of Praslin. This golf course, a Par 70, covers an area of 5,556 m. With immaculate greens and views over...

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Did you know

HistoryThe islands used to be pirate hideouts
CapitalVictoria, the capital, is the smallest in the world - 20km²

Seychelles Articles

Seychelles vs Mauritius - battle it out...

Forget the WWE final, here’s the definitive showdown between two Indian Ocean heavyweights – the Seychelles vs Mauritius. If you’re in the market for a holiday or vacation in a tropical...

What are the best beaches in the Seychelles?

The beautiful beaches of the Seychelles … If your idea of paradise is a really pretty beach, then you’re in good company. It’s a widely held belief that Praslin in the Seychelles was the...

Where to go in Africa in November, December and January

Studying a map of Africa and trying to plan a trip can be a daunting task. The options of where to go in Africa seem to be endless, don’t they? But if you are travelling between November and...

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