December is the beginning of summer in Mauritius, and brings with it warm temperatures, humid days, tropical showers and inviting sea conditions. For couples planning to visit Mauritius in December, the month offers plenty of sunshine and excellent beach weather, but also higher prices and increasing demand around the festive season.
The weather can be unpredictable at times, with short rain showers followed by clear skies. The sea remains warm and suitable for swimming and water activities, while the longer daylight hours give couples more time to explore beaches, viewpoints, villages, and coastal attractions.
At 30 Sundays, we recommend December for couples who want a tropical holiday with a mix of relaxed beach time, scenic experiences, and water activities.
The quick answer: December is a good choice if you want summer weather, warm seas, and a festive island atmosphere, but you should expect higher prices, humidity and occasional tropical showers. It is particularly appealing for couples who prioritise beaches and water activities over perfectly predictable weather.
If you're comparing different months, our guide to the best time to visit Mauritius can help you decide whether December fits your travel priorities.
Mauritius tour packages can also make planning easier during this busy travel period, particularly if you want accommodation, transfers and experiences arranged in advance.
Weather in December: What to Actually Expect
December is firmly within Mauritius' warm and humid summer season. Days are generally hot, while tropical showers can occur, particularly later in the day.
::table
What to expect;Mauritius in December
Day temperature;Around 28°C–31°C
Night temperature;Around 22°C–25°C
Rain;Short tropical showers are possible
Humidity;High, especially on warmer days
Sea temperature;Around 27°C–28°C
Sea conditions;Generally warm and suitable for swimming and water activities
:table
The important thing to remember is that rain does not necessarily mean an entire day of bad weather. December showers are often brief, so you may still have plenty of sunshine between them.
How does December weather feel?
Expect warm, humid conditions rather than the dry, crisp feeling you get during Mauritius' cooler months. Coastal areas can feel more comfortable when there is a sea breeze, while inland sightseeing can feel warmer during the middle of the day.
For couples, early mornings and late afternoons are often the most comfortable times for sightseeing, walks, and outdoor activities.
Crowds and Prices
December moves Mauritius into its busy summer and festive travel period, with demand increasing as Christmas and New Year approach.
- Early December: Generally more relaxed, with fewer visitors than the Christmas and New Year period.
- Mid-December: Demand starts increasing, particularly for popular resorts and beachfront properties.
- Late December: One of the busiest periods of the year, with higher demand around Christmas and New Year.
- Accommodation prices: Rates can rise considerably during the festive period, especially for beachfront resorts and premium room categories.
- Activities: Popular catamaran cruises, private excursions and special festive experiences can also fill up quickly.
- Booking tip: If you're travelling after mid-December, book accommodation and popular experiences well in advance.
If you want a quieter experience and more flexibility with prices, the first half of December is generally a better choice than the final two weeks.
Best Places to Visit in Mauritius in December
December works well for combining beach destinations with cultural and scenic experiences, so you don't have to spend the entire trip at your resort.
- Grand Baie: A lively coastal base with beaches, restaurants, cafés, shopping and easy access to water activities. It works well for couples who want some nightlife alongside their beach holiday.
- Le Morne: Known for its dramatic mountain backdrop, beautiful beaches and scenic surroundings. It is particularly good for couples looking for memorable views and sunset experiences.
- Belle Mare: A quieter choice with long stretches of sandy coastline and relaxed resorts. It's ideal if your priority is peaceful beach time and a slower pace.
- Tamarin and Black River: These areas are useful for combining coastal scenery with nature and wildlife experiences. They also offer a different atmosphere from the more resort-focused parts of the island.
- Port Louis: Mauritius' capital is worth including for local food, markets, history and everyday island life. A few hours here can add a cultural dimension to an otherwise beach-heavy trip.
Best Water Activities in Mauritius in December
Warm sea temperatures make December particularly appealing for couples who want to spend time in the water.
- Snorkelling: Warm, clear water can make reef areas enjoyable for seeing tropical fish and marine life.
- Catamaran cruises: A popular couple-friendly experience, particularly for enjoying the coastline, swimming stops and a relaxed day on the water.
- Glass-bottom boat trips: A lower-effort option if you want to see marine life without committing to a full snorkelling session.
- Scuba diving: December can offer warm water and good opportunities for diving, although visibility and conditions can vary by location and weather.
- Kayaking: A good way to explore quieter coastal areas while staying active without spending an entire day on a boat.
- Swimming and beach time: With sea temperatures around 27°C–28°C, December is excellent for simply getting into the water and enjoying Mauritius' beaches.
One thing to keep in mind is that tropical weather can affect boat schedules and sea conditions. Keep a little flexibility in your itinerary rather than packing consecutive days with water activities.
What December is Best For and What to Skip?
December is ideal for beach time, water activities, and relaxed couple experiences, thanks to warm weather and inviting sea temperatures. However, humidity, occasional showers, and festive crowds mean some outdoor plans are better kept flexible.
What works particularly well
- Beach and resort time: Warm temperatures and warm seas make December ideal for couples who want a classic tropical escape.
- Water activities: Snorkelling, catamaran trips, swimming and diving can all work well when conditions are favourable.
- Sunset experiences: Longer summer days give you more time to enjoy coastal viewpoints and sunset dinners.
- Couple-friendly road trips: Exploring different parts of the island allows you to combine beaches, mountains, local food and cultural experiences rather than staying at one resort throughout the trip.
What may not work as well
- Overpacked outdoor itineraries: Humidity and midday heat can make a full day of sightseeing quite tiring, so leave room for slower periods.
- Fixed boat schedules: Tropical showers or rougher conditions can occasionally affect cruises and other sea-based activities.
- Last-minute festive travel: Travelling around Christmas and New Year without advance bookings can mean fewer accommodation choices and significantly higher prices.
What to Pack for Mauritius in December?
Packing for December is more about staying cool, dry and comfortable than preparing for cold weather.
- Lightweight cotton or linen clothes
- Swimwear and a quick-dry cover-up
- Comfortable sandals and walking shoes
- Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
- High-SPF sunscreen
- A lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella
- Insect repellent
- A reusable water bottle
- Waterproof pouch for your phone and valuables
- A light outfit suitable for resort dinners
Don't overpack heavy clothing. Even evenings are generally warm, although a light layer can be useful in air-conditioned restaurants and vehicles.
Final Verdict
December is a strong choice for couples who want warm weather, beautiful beaches, access to seas, and plenty of opportunities for water-based experiences. The biggest trade-offs are humidity, occasional rain, and higher prices, particularly around Christmas and New Year.
For better value and fewer crowds, consider travelling during the first half of the month. If you're happy to pay festive-season prices and book early, the second half can still deliver a memorable tropical holiday.
If you're deciding between two popular tropical destinations, you can also compare Maldives in December to see how the weather, experiences and overall holiday style differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Mauritius?
Yes. December is a good time to visit Mauritius if you want summer temperatures, warm seawater, and plenty of opportunities for beach and water activities. The main disadvantages are higher humidity, occasional rain and increased prices during the festive period.
Does it rain in Mauritius in December?
Yes, rain is possible in December because it falls within Mauritius' wet and humid summer season. However, showers are often short and can be followed by sunshine, so rain does not necessarily mean an entire day will be washed out.
Is Mauritius crowded in December?
Mauritius is generally more crowded in the second half of December, particularly around Christmas and New Year. Early December is usually a better option if you want a quieter atmosphere and more accommodation choices.
What to pack for Mauritius in December?
Pack lightweight breathable clothing, swimwear, sandals, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella. A waterproof pouch can also be useful for beach and water activities.
