January in Mauritius: ⚠️ a possible month, with reservations. It is very hot (31.5 °C (89 °F) in the afternoon and 24.1 °C (75 °F) at night in Port Louis) and the sea is warm, but it is the southern summer: humidity, stormy showers (131 mm (5.2 in) in Port Louis) and the tropical cyclone season. Choosing the right coast and keeping a flexible programme makes all the difference.
This page covers the weather in Mauritius in January, the differences between coasts, what you can do and how to limit the cyclone risk. For the overview of the seasons, see our page on the best time to visit Mauritius.
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Mauritius in January: key facts
- Verdict: ⚠️ hot and humid, cyclone risk
- Port Louis: 31.5 °C (89 °F) in the afternoon, 24.1 °C (75 °F) at night, 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain
- Central plateau (Vacoas): 28.1 °C (83 °F), 21.3 °C (70 °F) and 314 mm (12.4 in), about 17 rainy days
- Where to stay: west or north-west coast, the least wet
- Pluses: warm sea, diving and snorkelling, prices dropping after the holidays
- Limits: violent showers, muggy heat, possible cyclones (the season usually runs from November to May, UK FCDO)
Weather in Mauritius in January
In January, Mauritius is in the middle of the southern summer. Temperature varies little from one coast to another; rain is what changes everything. The south-east trade winds push clouds against the relief: the east and above all the central plateau receive much more water than the sheltered west. Three official stations show the gap:
| Station | Max | Min | Rain | Rain days | Sun (h/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Louis (north-west) | 31.5 °C (89 °F) | 24.1 °C (75 °F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | – | 8.0 |
| Vacoas (central plateau) | 28.1 °C (83 °F) | 21.3 °C (70 °F) | 314 mm (12.4 in) | 16.6 | 7.0 |
| Rodrigues | 29.2 °C (85 °F) | 23.6 °C (74 °F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 12 | 8.9 |
Destination de Voyage calculation from these normals: about 2.4 times more rain falls on the central plateau (314 mm, 12.4 in) than in Port Louis (131 mm, 5.2 in) in January. Over a 7-day stay, you can expect on average 4 days with rain in Vacoas and 3 in Rodrigues. Even so, Port Louis keeps about 8 hours of sun a day: showers are often stormy and brief, late in the day, rather than whole days of rain.
January compared with neighbouring months
| Month (Port Louis) | Max | Min | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 31.1 °C (88 °F) | 23.2 °C (74 °F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| January | 31.5 °C (89 °F) | 24.1 °C (75 °F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| February | 31.4 °C (89 °F) | 24.0 °C (75 °F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| March | 31.5 °C (89 °F) | 23.8 °C (75 °F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
January is wetter than December (+46 mm, +1.8 in) but less than February, the wettest month of the year in Port Louis. Temperatures are almost identical from December to March: 31 °C (88 °F) in the afternoon, 24 °C (75 °F) at night. For the end of the southern summer, see our page Mauritius in March.
Which coast to choose in January?
- West and north-west (Flic en Flac, Tamarin, Le Morne, Port Louis): the least wet area, sheltered from the trade winds; this is the climate of the Port Louis station.
- North (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches): similar climate, calm lagoons and plenty of services.
- East (Belle Mare, Trou d’Eau Douce): more exposed to the trade winds and showers, but the air feels less heavy.
- Central plateau (Curepipe, Vacoas): noticeably cooler and much wetter; visit for the day rather than choose it to sleep.
Cyclones in January: what you need to know
According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 19 October 2026), the tropical cyclone season in Mauritius usually runs from November to May, so January is within it. A cyclone does not hit Mauritius every year, but cyclones can cause extensive damage to property; during one you are not allowed to leave your accommodation, and car insurance policies often become invalid. The FCDO advises following the advice of the Mauritian government information service; Mauritius Meteorological Services has phased warnings. Some areas are also prone to landslides, especially during cyclones and torrential rains.
- Take out insurance that covers cancellation and interruption of your stay for weather events
- Avoid tight connections on the way home
- Keep boat excursions and hiking for days without an alert
- If an alert is issued during your stay, follow your accommodation’s instructions
Things to do in Mauritius in January
Diving, snorkelling and lagoons
The sea is at its warmest, and October to April is the period our best time to visit page recommends for diving, apart from cyclone episodes. Trou aux Biches, Blue Bay and Flic en Flac are the easiest sites to reach. Respect no-swimming signs and stay inside the lagoons. If you take part in water sports, the UK FCDO advises checking that the operator holds a valid permit from the Ministry of Tourism and that the boat carries enough life jackets.
Sightseeing and culture
Port Louis (Central Market, Aapravasi Ghat, Chinatown), the Pamplemousses garden or Chamarel are best visited in the morning, before the heat and the storms. January festivals are a real plus: depending on the lunar calendar, Chinese New Year enlivens Chinatown, and Thaipoosam Cavadee, the great Tamil festival, takes place in January or February.
Hiking: with caution
Le Morne Brabant and the Black River Gorges remain doable early in the morning, but trails become slippery after storms. The central plateau, with more than 300 mm (11.8 in) of rain, is the least favourable area this month.
What to avoid in January
- Booking a hotel on the central plateau or in the south for a beach stay
- Scheduling a non-refundable boat excursion on the first day
- Travelling without insurance covering the cyclone risk
Crowds and prices in January
The first days of January extend the very high season of the holidays. According to our calendar, prices then fall, before rising again during school holidays in February. The second half of January is therefore often the most interesting window of the southern summer for tight budgets, at the cost of a higher weather risk.
What to pack
- Very light clothes in breathable fabrics
- A light rain jacket or poncho
- Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses: the sun is at its zenith
- Mosquito repellent: the UK FCDO lists dengue and chikungunya among the health risks in Mauritius
- Water sandals for lagoons and reefs
- Clothes covering shoulders and knees for temples
Before you go
Entry formalities depend on your nationality: see our page on the entry requirements for Mauritius. Time difference: Mauritius (UTC+4, no daylight saving) is 4 hours ahead of London (GMT) and 9 hours ahead of New York (EST) in January.
If January does not suit you
Neighbouring months: Mauritius in December is a little less wet but more expensive over the holidays; Mauritius in February is the wettest month. For dry weather, aim instead for April, at the end of the rainy season, or the May to December period.
Other destinations in January: the dry season is in full swing in Thailand and Sri Lanka (west and south coasts). All our ideas: where to go in January. To plan your stay, read our Mauritius travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Mauritius in January?
Hot and humid: 31.5 °C (89 °F) in the afternoon and 24.1 °C (75 °F) at night in Port Louis, with 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, mostly as storms. The central plateau receives more than 300 mm (11.8 in).
Is January a good month for Mauritius?
It is a possible month with reservations: warm sea and prices falling after the holidays, but frequent showers and cyclone risk.
Are there cyclones in Mauritius in January?
January is within the cyclone season, which according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK) usually runs from November to May. A cyclone does not hit the island every year, but you should allow for flexibility.
Which coast should you choose in January?
The west and north-west (Flic en Flac, Tamarin, Grand Baie), the least wet areas. Avoid staying on the central plateau.
Can you swim in Mauritius in January?
Yes, the sea is warm. Stay in the lagoons and respect no-swimming signs, in particular after a spell of bad weather.
Our sources
- World Meteorological Organization (World Weather Information Service): Port Louis station normals (period not specified by the source), including sunshine
- NOAA, based on WMO data: 1991-2020 normals for the Vacoas station
- Mauritius Meteorological Services: Rodrigues normals
- Safety and health information read on 26 October 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Mauritius (GOV.UK, updated 19 October 2026)
- Time-difference calculation from UTC offsets, with the UK and US clock-change rules from GOV.UK, When do the clocks change, and NIST, Daylight Saving Time
- Calendar and events from our page the best time to visit Mauritius
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.