Mauritius in May: ✅ a very good month. The cyclone season (the UK FCDO says it usually runs from November to May) is drawing to a close, rainfall drops on the west coast (48 mm (1.9 in) in Port Louis, against 87 mm (3.4 in) in April) and the heat becomes more bearable: 29.3 °C (85 °F) in the afternoon, 21.5 °C (71 °F) at night. It is the start of the southern winter: the east coast and the centre stay wetter, and evenings cool down.
This page covers the weather in Mauritius in May station by station, what May changes compared with April and June, and what you can do. For the twelve-month view, see our page on the best time to visit Mauritius.
Our travel deals for May
Affiliate links: we earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
FlightsKiwi.comCompare flights and airline combinations to May.Compare flights- eSIMAiraloData plan to install before you leave (eSIM-compatible phone).See plans
Mauritius in May: key facts
- Verdict: ✅ dry in the west, end of the cyclone season
- Port Louis: 29.3 °C (85 °F) in the afternoon, 21.5 °C (71 °F) at night, 48 mm (1.9 in) and 6 rainy days
- South-east (Plaisance): 27.2 °C (81 °F), 115 mm (4.5 in), about 14 rainy days
- Central plateau (Vacoas): 25.1 °C (77 °F) by day, 18.3 °C (65 °F) at night
- Where to stay: the west or north-west coast for the sun
- Plan for: a sweater for evenings and for trips on the plateau
Weather in Mauritius in May
In May the south-east trade winds settle in. They push clouds against the relief: the south-east and the centre get frequent but often short showers, while the sheltered west coast becomes one of the driest parts of the island. Four official stations show these differences.
| Station | Max | Min | Rain | Rainy days | Sunshine (h/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Louis (north-west) | 29.3 °C (85 °F) | 21.5 °C (71 °F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 6 | – |
| Plaisance (south-east, airport) | 27.2 °C (81 °F) | 21.0 °C (70 °F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 13.6 | 6.2 |
| Vacoas (central plateau) | 25.1 °C (77 °F) | 18.3 °C (65 °F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 13.4 | 7.3 |
| Rodrigues (Pointe Canon) | 27.8 °C (82 °F) | 22.1 °C (72 °F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 12.8 | 7.4 |
Destination de Voyage calculation based on these normals: over a 7-day stay in May, you can expect on average about 1 day with rain in Port Louis, against 3 in Plaisance and on the central plateau. The Vacoas plateau gets 2.6 times more rain than Port Louis, but also has 7.3 hours of sunshine a day: showers there are frequent and brief. The temperature gap between the west coast and the plateau reaches about 4 °C (7 °F) in the afternoon (29.3 °C (85 °F) against 25.1 °C (77 °F)).
May compared with April and June
| Month | Port Louis | Plaisance (south-east) | Vacoas (centre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 30.7 °C (87 °F) / 87 mm (3.4 in) | 28.7 °C (84 °F) / 176 mm (6.9 in) | 26.7 °C (80 °F) / 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| May | 29.3 °C (85 °F) / 48 mm (1.9 in) | 27.2 °C (81 °F) / 116 mm (4.6 in) | 25.1 °C (77 °F) / 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| June | 27.6 °C (82 °F) / 24 mm (0.9 in) | 25.5 °C (78 °F) / 85 mm (3.3 in) | 23.1 °C (74 °F) / 102 mm (4.0 in) |
Destination de Voyage calculation: between April and May, rainfall falls by about 45% in Port Louis and 34% in Plaisance; the maximum temperature loses 1.4 to 1.6 °C (3 °F). May is therefore the first really dry month on the west coast, with less cyclone risk than April. June is drier still (24 mm (0.9 in) in Port Louis), but 1.7 °C (3 °F) cooler in the afternoon and 1.6 °C (3 °F) cooler at night: May offers the best compromise between warmth and dry weather. Our page on Mauritius in June covers the following month.
Which coast to choose in May
- West (Flic en Flac, Tamarin, Le Morne): the driest and warmest, sheltered from the wind; the logical choice for a beach stay in May.
- North (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches): a climate close to Port Louis, calm lagoons and plenty of services.
- East and south-east (Belle Mare, Blue Bay, Mahébourg): more exposed to the trade winds and showers (Plaisance station), but the air is cooler there; suitable for travellers who dislike the heat.
- Rodrigues: 27.8 °C (82 °F) and 92 mm (3.6 in), about 7.4 hours of sunshine a day; see our page on Rodrigues.
Things to do in Mauritius in May
- Beach and west-coast lagoons: swim in the lagoons and respect no-swimming signs.
- Hiking: Le Morne Brabant, the Black River Gorges or Le Pouce are more pleasant than in summer, with less heat and less muddy trails; start early.
- Sightseeing: Port Louis (central market, Aapravasi Ghat), the Pamplemousses garden, Chamarel and its Seven Coloured Earths.
- Central plateau: Grand Bassin and Curepipe make good day trips; take a jacket, as nights are around 18 °C (64 °F).
- Boat trips: northern islets, Île aux Cerfs; if you go, use an operator with a valid permit from the Ministry of Tourism and a boat with enough life jackets, as the UK FCDO advises (GOV.UK, updated 19 October 2026).
What to avoid in May
- Choosing a hotel in the south-east or on the plateau if you are mainly looking for sun
- Booking water sports from street or beach vendors: the UK FCDO advises against doing business with them (GOV.UK, updated 19 October 2026)
- Setting off without a warm layer for the evenings
Crowds and prices in May
Our calendar classes May among the months with low crowds and fairly low prices: it is one of the best value-for-money months of the year. Public and school holidays in your home country can still push demand up on a few dates: book early if you travel then.
What to pack for Mauritius in May
- Light clothes for the day
- A sweater or light fleece for evenings and the central plateau
- A light windbreaker for the east coast
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Walking shoes for Le Morne or the gorges
- Mosquito repellent (the UK FCDO lists dengue and chikungunya among the risks in Mauritius)
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, and says the tropical cyclone season usually runs from November to May, so follow the advice of the Mauritian authorities (GOV.UK, updated 19 October 2026). Time difference: Mauritius is on UTC+4 all year; in May it is 3 hours ahead of London (UK summer time, UTC+1) and 8 hours ahead of New York (EDT, UTC-4).
If May does not suit you
Neighbouring months: Mauritius in April is warmer but still in the cyclone season; Mauritius in July is cooler and falls in the peak northern-hemisphere holiday period. To compare with the sister island, see Mauritius or Réunion.
Other destinations in May: Bali in May, at the start of the dry season, or Sri Lanka. All our ideas: where to go in May. To plan your stay: our Mauritius travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Mauritius in May?
Mild and fairly dry in the west: 29.3 °C (85 °F) in the afternoon and 21.5 °C (71 °F) at night in Port Louis, with 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain over 6 days on average. The south-east and the centre are wetter and cooler.
Is May a good month for Mauritius?
Yes: the cyclone season is drawing to a close, rainfall drops sharply compared with April and prices are fairly low.
Can you swim in Mauritius in May?
Yes. Swim in the lagoons and respect no-swimming signs; conditions can be rougher outside the protected areas, so use a licensed operator for water sports.
Are there cyclones in Mauritius in May?
May is still within the season: the UK FCDO says the tropical cyclone season usually runs from November to May (GOV.UK, updated 19 October 2026).
Is it cold in Mauritius in May?
Not on the coast (21.5 °C (71 °F) at night in Port Louis), but the central plateau drops to 18.3 °C (65 °F) at night: a sweater is useful.
May or June for Mauritius?
May is warmer (29.3 °C (85 °F) against 27.6 °C (82 °F) in the afternoon in Port Louis); June is drier still (24 mm (0.9 in)). If you want warmth, May is the best compromise.
Our sources
- Mauritius Meteorological Services, via the WMO’s World Weather Information Service: 1971-2000 normals for Port Louis
- 1991-2020 climate normals from the World Meteorological Organization (NOAA NCEI archive): Vacoas, Plaisance and Pointe Canon (Rodrigues) stations
- UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Mauritius (GOV.UK, updated 19 October 2026), read on 26 October 2026: cyclone season, water sports, health, entry form. Time rules: GOV.UK, When do the clocks change, and NIST, Daylight Saving Time
- Verdicts and crowds: calendar on our page the best time to visit Mauritius; our methodology
Updated November 2026.
