When to go to Mayotte?

After living on this Indian Ocean island for almost four years, I know its weather and climate particularly well. Little by little, I’m continuing to share articles on this travel blog about places I’ve visited in the past. In this practical guide, I’ll explain when to go to Mayotte and which seasons are best depending on what you want to do there. Planning ahead is always useful, isn’t it?

If you’re currently planning your trip, you’re probably also wondering what to do in Mayotte, right? By the way, to find the cheapest flights from where you live to Mayotte, I often look on this website.

When traveling to the tropics, cold weather is rarely the main concern. In Mayotte, the key is knowing when the rainy season falls, as this also overlaps with the period of greatest cyclone risk.

Temperature

After spending four years on the island, I can tell you that it stays warm throughout the year. During the hot season, daytime highs are generally around 32°C, with nighttime lows close to 25°C. In the cooler season, daytime temperatures average around 28°C and nighttime temperatures around 21°C.

As elsewhere in the Southern Hemisphere, temperatures in Mayotte dip slightly from June to October. For the rest of the year, they remain fairly consistent.

Rainfall

Mayotte receives significant rainfall, with an annual average of more than 1,500 mm across the island. The wettest period generally runs from late November to early April.

Winds

Overall, winds are fairly light for much of the year. The cooler season brings the southeast trade winds, which are generally fresher and drier.

Seasons in Mayotte

We generally consider two seasons on the island:

• The rainy season: it generally runs from late November to early April, when showers are more frequent. This is the wettest and hottest time of year, with average humidity of around 80 to 85%. The south coast of Mayotte is generally drier, while the north is noticeably greener, with lush vegetation. It is also mosquito season!

• The dry season: from May to October, rainfall is much lower, and the trade winds are more noticeable. This is a good time for kitesurfing and sailing. Temperatures are also slightly cooler, with daytime averages around 28°C and nighttime averages around 21°C.

A large share of tourism in Mayotte consists of people visiting family or travelers from Réunion who come to enjoy the island’s lagoon, whether for scuba diving or whale watching.

If you’re wondering when to see whales in Mayotte, the season generally runs from July to October. Humpback whales come to the lagoon’s warm waters to mate, give birth, rest, and raise their calves, so you may be lucky enough to spot mothers with their young during this period.

Several operators offer day trips to look for whales in the lagoon. Depending on the provider, departures may leave from the Mamoudzou pontoon or from bases in the south of the island. Prices, departure points, meal arrangements, and availability can change, so check directly with the operator before booking. You can also ask about trips with local licensed professionals.

For anyone wondering about sea turtle nesting, it takes place more or less throughout the year.

If there’s one reason to visit Mayotte, it’s the scuba diving. The underwater scenery is remarkable, and I’ve honestly seen some beautiful things there. Compared with French Polynesia, where I currently live, there may be fewer large marine animals, but the diversity feels a thousand times greater—and yes, that number is completely made up!

While living in Mayotte, I completed at least 150 to 200 dives around the island. I especially loved searching the coral for smaller creatures such as nudibranchs, leaf fish, and moray eels. The variety of coral and marine life was impressive, and with a little perspective, I can say that Mayotte remains one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever had the chance to dive. The diving in Madagascar and Mozambique offers a similar experience.

The best season for diving in Mayotte generally runs from April to November. Rainfall is lower and visibility is often excellent. When I have time, I’ll write a full guide covering everything you need to know about diving in Mayotte.

A quick word on cyclones, since any tropical island can be exposed to them. Mayotte lies in a part of the southwest Indian Ocean that is usually less frequently affected than some neighboring areas, and Madagascar can sometimes weaken systems approaching from the east. However, the risk is rare rather than nonexistent. Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte directly on December 14, 2024, with devastating winds, showing that powerful systems can still reach the island. Tropical disturbances can also form or travel through the Mozambique Channel between Mayotte and mainland Africa. During the cyclone season, always check the latest official Météo-France alerts before and during your trip.

Overall, I’d recommend avoiding the rainiest months and focusing on the dry season. July to September is an especially good window, as it combines lower rainfall with whale season and favorable diving conditions. Since Mayotte does not have a sharply defined tourist season, I haven’t used visitor numbers as a deciding factor. In my experience, the heat remains manageable throughout the year.

That’s all for this short guide. I hope it has given you the information you need—and perhaps made you want to spend some time there. If you’re still hesitating, I truly recommend making the trip. Life on the island is not always straightforward, but Mayotte still holds a special place in my heart. To keep exploring, take a look at the Mount Choungui hike.

See you soon, and have a great trip.

To help you plan your stay, feel free to read our guide to accommodations in Mayotte.

Written by Sylvain PONS

From 2011 to 2015, Mélanie and I lived for four years on the island of Mayotte. This allowed us to appreciate the island's beauty, its culture, and its endearing population. It was undoubtedly one of our best life experiences!

Despite our care, a mistake may have slipped into this article. If you find any, please don't hesitate to let us know so we can correct it as soon as possible and keep our information up-to-date!