Mauritius in March: ⚠️ a good compromise if your dates are flexible. It is still very hot (31.5 °C (89 °F) in the afternoon in Port Louis) and the cyclone season is not over, but rainfall is clearly down on February (83 mm (3.3 in) in Port Louis against 160 mm (6.3 in)) and crowds are low.
This page covers the weather in Mauritius in March, what changes compared with February, the festivals of the month and the precautions to take. To compare with the whole year, see our page on the best time to visit Mauritius. For the height of the southern summer, our page Mauritius in January gives the normals for that month.
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Mauritius in March: key facts
- Verdict: ⚠️ hot, rainfall falling, cyclones still possible
- Port Louis: 31.5 °C (89 °F) in the afternoon, 23.8 °C (75 °F) at night, 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain
- Central plateau (Vacoas): 27.7 °C (82 °F), 21.2 °C (70 °F) and 291 mm (11.5 in)
- Highlights: warm sea, few crowds, National Day on 12 March
- Drawbacks: humidity, showers, cyclone season still running
- Where to stay: the west or north-west coast
Weather in Mauritius in March
March is the end of the southern summer. Temperatures remain those of high summer, but the rainfall pattern starts to change on the sheltered coast. The relief still makes the difference: the centre of the island stays very wet.
| Station | Max | Min | Rain | Rainy days | Sunshine (h/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Louis (north-west) | 31.5 °C (89 °F) | 23.8 °C (75 °F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | – | 7.0 |
| Vacoas (central plateau) | 27.7 °C (82 °F) | 21.2 °C (70 °F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 17.5 | 6.9 |
| Rodrigues | 29.4 °C (85 °F) | 23.7 °C (75 °F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 13 | 8.3 |
March compared with February and April
| Month | Port Louis: rain | Vacoas: rain | Rodrigues: rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| February | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 338 mm (13.3 in) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| March | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| April | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
Destination de Voyage calculation based on these normals: between February and March, rainfall falls by about 48% in Port Louis (160 → 83 mm) but only by 14% on the central plateau (338 → 291 mm). On the west coast, March is therefore already almost as dry as April; inland, you have to wait for April for a real improvement (176 mm). Over a 7-day stay, expect on average 4 days with rain in Vacoas and 3 in Rodrigues.
Which coast to choose in March
- West and north-west (Flic en Flac, Tamarin, Le Morne, Port Louis): the least rainy area, sheltered from the trade winds; this is the climate of the Port Louis station.
- North (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches): a 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): clearly cooler and much wetter; better visited on a day trip than chosen for sleeping.
Cyclones in March: the risk is not over
The UK FCDO says the tropical cyclone season in Mauritius usually runs from November to May (GOV.UK, updated 19 October 2026); our best-time page places the highest risk from January to March. March is therefore still affected. A nearby system can bring several days of rain, wind and heavy seas, and disrupt air traffic. The FCDO advises following the Mauritian government information service and the phased warnings of the Mauritius Meteorological Services, and notes that during a cyclone you are not allowed to leave your accommodation.
- Choose flexible bookings where possible
- Check that your insurance covers weather events
- Schedule boat trips early in your stay so you can postpone them
Things to do in Mauritius in March
- Lagoons and snorkelling: the sea is still at its warmest; Blue Bay, Trou aux Biches and Flic en Flac are the most accessible lagoons.
- Diving: March is part of the October-to-April period shown on our best-time page, outside cyclone episodes.
- Sightseeing: Port Louis, Pamplemousses, Chamarel and its Seven Coloured Earths, preferably in the morning.
- Hiking: Le Morne Brabant early in the morning; the centre of the island stays wet and slippery.
- Best avoided: accommodation on the central plateau, and boat trips on warning days.
Events in March
| Date | Event | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| 12 March | Independence and Republic Day | National public holiday |
| February or March (lunar calendar) | Maha Shivaratri | Hindu pilgrimage to Grand Bassin: busy roads around the lake |
Crowds and prices in March
March is a low-crowd month. Our calendar classes it as mid-range prices: it is one of the months with the most choice of accommodation, provided you accept the weather risk.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes
- A light rain jacket
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Mosquito repellent (the UK FCDO lists dengue and chikungunya among the risks in Mauritius)
- Appropriate clothing for temples, especially during Maha Shivaratri
Before you go
For visas, passports and other formalities for US and UK citizens, see the entry requirements for Mauritius in our country guide. The UK FCDO notes that you must fill in the Mauritius All in One travel form online before you arrive (GOV.UK, updated 19 October 2026). Time difference: Mauritius is on UTC+4 all year. In March 2026 it is 4 hours ahead of London until UK clocks go forward on 29 March, then 3 hours ahead; it is 9 hours ahead of New York until US clocks go forward on 8 March, then 8 hours ahead.
If March does not suit you
Neighbouring months: Mauritius in February is the wettest month; Mauritius in April marks the end of the rainy season, with the sea still warm.
Other destinations in March: compare with Thailand (dry season on the Andaman side) or the Maldives. All our ideas: where to go in March. To prepare your route: our Mauritius travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Mauritius in March?
Very hot: 31.5 °C (89 °F) in the afternoon and 23.8 °C (75 °F) at night in Port Louis, with 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain. The central plateau stays very wet (291 mm (11.5 in) in Vacoas).
Is March a good month for Mauritius?
A good compromise if you are flexible: less rain than in February on the west coast and few crowds, but there is still a cyclone risk.
Are there cyclones in March?
It is possible: the UK FCDO says the tropical cyclone season usually runs from November to May (GOV.UK, updated 19 October 2026), and our calendar places the highest risk from January to March.
March or April for Mauritius?
On the west coast, rainfall is similar (83 and 87 mm; 3.3 and 3.4 in). April is drier inland and later in the cyclone season.
What is the national day of Mauritius?
Independence and Republic Day, on 12 March, a public holiday.
Our sources
- World Meteorological Organization (World Weather Information Service): Port Louis station normals (period not stated by the source), including sunshine
- NOAA, based on WMO data: 1991-2020 normals for the Vacoas station
- Mauritius Meteorological Services: Rodrigues normals
- UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Mauritius (GOV.UK, updated 19 October 2026), read on 26 October 2026: cyclone season, health, entry form. Time rules: 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.