Mauritius in April: Weather, Activities and Tips

Mauritius in April: the beautiful transition

April is the month when Mauritius undergoes its gentle transformation. The stifling heat of summer gradually gives way to milder temperatures. Rain becomes scarcer. The trade winds begin to make themselves timidly felt, bringing a welcome freshness. It’s one of the months least known to European travellers, which paradoxically makes it one of the most enjoyable.

April also marks the border between two seasons: it still holds onto the lush greenery of the rainy season — that intense, vibrant vegetation that gives the island so much of its tropical beauty — while offering the increasingly comfortable conditions of the approaching austral winter. It’s a rare balance that few other months achieve. To compare April with every other month, our guide to the best time to visit Mauritius remains the definitive reference.

April at a glance

Where to stay	Every coast is recommendable; the west and south remain the safest bets
Prices	Low outside the Easter holidays, up 30 to 40% during Easter
Sea	Pleasant, 25 to 27°C
Cyclone risk	Nearly zero at the end of the season
Not to miss	A full road-trip exploration of the island
Book ahead	Useful for Easter, otherwise flexible

Weather and temperatures in April

Finally mild temperatures

April marks a notable turning point on the Mauritian thermometer. Daytime highs drop to 25-29°C along the coast (compared to 30-33°C at the height of summer). Nights are noticeably cooler: 20-23°C on the coastline, sometimes 17-18°C on the central plateau. These cooler evenings are a real breath of fresh air for anyone who’s suffered through the nighttime heat of previous months.

Humidity starts to drop noticeably too. Relative humidity falls to 72-78%, making temperatures far more bearable. A 28°C day at 74% humidity is infinitely more comfortable than a 28°C day at 85% humidity in January. The difference is striking for anyone who’s experienced both.

On the central plateau, April temperatures sometimes approach 18°C in the evening — enough to warrant a light jumper, especially if you’re dining on a terrace at altitude. An unexpected sensation in a tropical country.

Rainfall drops sharply

Rainfall falls significantly in April. It drops to 80-100 mm on the north-west coast (compared to 130-160 mm in January-February), spread over roughly 8 to 10 days. Showers remain possible, but they’re less intense and less frequent. Skies clear more easily and stretches of fine weather lengthen progressively through the second half of the month.

The vegetation stays green and lush thanks to the previous season’s rain, but the island is no longer drenched by daily downpours. This may well be the month it’s at its most beautiful: the deep green of the forests contrasts with the restored, intense blue of the sky — particularly beautiful light for landscape photos. The coloured earths of Chamarel keep their vivid hues inherited from the recent rains.

Still pleasant seas

The sea remains pleasant in April: 25-27°C depending on the area. The lagoons are still delightful for swimming. Underwater visibility improves toward 25-30 m as the waters settle. Swell conditions are generally good, except on the east coast, which starts to feel the first effects of the emerging trade winds.

The west coast (Flic-en-Flac, Le Morne, Tamarin) offers calm, crystal-clear waters throughout the month. The north coast (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches) is also very pleasant. The east coast (Belle Mare) is worth visiting in April before the trade winds bring too much chop.

Nearly zero cyclone risk

The cyclone season is officially active through 30 April, but statistics show that late-April cyclones are extremely rare (under 2% probability of impact). In practice, travellers in April don’t need to worry about cyclones. It’s one of the month’s big advantages over January-March. You can plan your excursions without the constraint of mandatory cyclone insurance.

Crowds and prices in April

The effects of the Easter holidays

April is marked by the Easter holidays, which can create a spike in visitor numbers lasting 10 to 14 days depending on the calendar. Prices rise during this period, sometimes by 30 to 40% compared to the rest of the month. If you can travel outside the Easter window, the second half of April is often excellent value — less crowded than the end of summer, but not yet austral winter’s high season.

Outside Easter, April belongs to the low-to-mid season. European tourists are still few, the island settles back into its usual rhythm, and the atmosphere feels more authentic. Restaurants aren’t full, beaches see fewer visitors, and local guides are available without advance booking.

Attractive prices outside Easter

Outside the Easter window, April rates are among the lowest of the year. Hotels are keen to fill rooms after the hot season and before the start of the summer holidays. Significant deals are common, especially for stays of a week or more.

Travellers who choose the first week of April (generally before Easter) or the end of the month enjoy excellent value, sometimes comparable to September rates despite better weather. Our Mauritius budget guide gives benchmarks for every category of accommodation and budget.

Recommended activities in April

A full exploration of the island

April is one of the rare months when every part of the island is worth visiting in good conditions. The east coast, often windy in winter, still enjoys mild conditions. The south coast, beautiful but sometimes rugged, is accessible and pleasant. It’s the ideal month to rent a car and discover Mauritius in its entirety — from Grand Baie in the north to Blue Bay in the south, from Belle Mare in the east to Le Morne in the west.

Our guide to renting a car in Mauritius helps you plan your days of exploration with complete independence.

Diving and snorkeling

Diving and snorkeling conditions are excellent in April. Water temperature (25-27°C) is pleasant, visibility keeps improving, and summer marine life — turtles, rays, tuna — is still present. Night diving is particularly recommended in April: octopus, lobster and reef shark activity peaks at west coast sites.

Snorkeling in the lagoons of Blue Bay and Trou aux Biches is outstanding in April. Quality equipment is available for rent on site, or bring your own fins and mask for a better experience.

Hiking: the perfect window

The relative coolness of the month makes climbs far more comfortable than in the height of summer. Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire (828 m, the island’s highest peak), Corps de Garde and the trails through the Black River Gorges are all in excellent condition for hiking. The post-rain vegetation is spectacular: giant ferns, wild orchids, endemic birds in the native forests. Our hiking guide to Mauritius details the trails by difficulty and highlights the best ones for April.

For a guided ascent of the island’s most iconic peak, the guided hike at Le Morne Brabant offers an exceptional panorama over the lagoon and cliffs at this time of year.

The Black River Gorges National Park is particularly beautiful in April: Java deer, green monkeys and fruit bats are easy to spot in the morning.

Catamaran excursions and Ile aux Cerfs

Catamaran trips to the northern islands (Coin de Mire, Ile Plate) or Ile aux Benitiers are excellent in April. Sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are also great, with moderate winds and a still-calm sea.

Ile aux Cerfs, in the east coast lagoon, is at its best in April, before the trade winds sometimes stir up rougher conditions. The turquoise lagoon with its white sand beaches is stunning. It’s the perfect time for a catamaran excursion to this iconic spot.

Swimming with dolphins

The spinner dolphins of Tamarin bay are present year-round in the morning. In April, sea conditions are particularly pleasant for swimming with dolphins. The sea is still warm and calm, allowing for a comfortable, extended encounter with these cetaceans. Choose a responsible operator for an ethical experience.

Golf in the best conditions

Mauritius has several world-class golf courses — Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club, Tamarina Golf Club, Heritage Golf Club. April offers ideal temperatures for playing without suffering from the heat, with greens well maintained after the rainy season. Most major resorts offer golf access to non-residents.

Cultural discovery

April is an excellent time to explore the island’s markets and lively neighbourhoods. The central market in Port-Louis, bustling and colourful, deserves a full morning. The weekly markets — Flacq on Wednesdays, Mahebourg on Mondays — offer a real taste of local Mauritian life.

Visiting Chamarel and its Seven Coloured Earths is recommended this month: the colours are still vivid after the recent rains, and the relative coolness makes the walk far more pleasant than in the height of summer. The tour of the south including Chamarel and Grand Bassin is a convenient way to combine both of these iconic inland sites in a single day with transport included.

Family and romantic activities

April is very well suited to families travelling during the Easter holidays. The warm sea, varied water activities and the island’s cultural richness suit all ages. Our guide to family activities lists the best options for travelling with children.

For couples, April is an excellent month for a romantic getaway. The special light of this transition month, the sunsets over the west coast, and the still-uncrowded beaches create an ideal setting. Our guide to couple activities in Mauritius offers plenty of ideas.

Activities and specific conditions

Kitesurfing: still a bit early. The trade winds really settle in from May-June onward. In April, winds are irregular, which doesn’t suit demanding kitesurfers. But wave surfers are starting to take an interest in the south coast spots.

Events and festivals in April

Easter: the Catholic Creole community celebrates with real fervour. Good Friday processions in Port-Louis and the Creole villages are moving and open to respectful visitors. Mahebourg’s Monday market is especially lively around the Easter holidays.

Tamil New Year and Ugadi (depending on the calendar): community celebrations of the Tamil and Telugu New Years. Traditional dishes, temple visits and family gatherings mark these occasions.

End of the sport fishing season: since November, the big game fishing season — blue marlin, black marlin, yellowfin tuna — winds down in April. The final sport fishing trips take place in good conditions before the major species migrate to other waters.

Community markets and fairs: the local spring brings special markets to several towns. Port-Louis’s central market is especially lively in April, with the arrival of the season’s first mangoes.

Recommended areas in April

East coast (Belle Mare, Trou d’Eau Douce, Ile aux Cerfs): seize this last opportunity to enjoy the east coast in good conditions before the winter trade winds fully set in. The Belle Mare lagoon is incomparably beautiful in April, with its calm turquoise waters and seabeds rich in tropical fish.

South coast (Blue Bay, Souffleur, Bel Ombre): the south coast is at its best in April. Blue Bay Marine Park, one of the most beautiful in the Indian Ocean, offers excellent snorkeling conditions. The basalt cliffs of the south-east coast are spectacular, framed by lush greenery.

West coast and Le Morne: the Le Morne peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is magnificent in April. The ascent of Le Morne Brabant (556 m) is achievable and offers extraordinary panoramas over the lagoon below. The peninsula’s resorts provide a stunning setting for a romantic or family stay.

Central plateau: the coloured earths of Chamarel, the Black River Gorges and the Pamplemousses gardens are ideal for a day of cultural and natural discovery. The coolness of the highlands in April makes these visits especially enjoyable.

Accommodation and getting around in April

The second half of April is an excellent time to find quality accommodation at mid-range prices. Our complete guide to accommodation in Mauritius compares all areas and options — from west coast villas with pools to small country guesthouses in the highlands.

For getting around, April is ideal for renting a car and exploring the island freely. Mountain roads are passable even after the rains (drier than in the height of summer). Our guide to renting a car in Mauritius explains how rentals work and gives reference rates.

Recommended itineraries for April

If this is your first visit to Mauritius, April lends itself perfectly to a full discovery itinerary. Our 7-day Mauritius guide can be followed almost entirely in April — it’s one of the rare months where every stage is achievable in excellent conditions.

For a family trip during the Easter holidays, our family itinerary for Mauritius offers a programme suited to all ages, with a good balance of water activities, cultural discovery and relaxation.

Should you travel during the Easter holidays?

This question comes up often for families constrained by the school calendar. Easter draws the month’s biggest crowds and pushes prices up, but the weather stays the same outside this period. If your dates are fixed by the school calendar, book early (4 to 6 months ahead) to limit the budget impact. If you have flexibility, shift your trip a week before or after Easter: you’ll get the same conditions for a notably more reasonable budget. Our Mauritius budget guide and accommodation guide can help you weigh the two options.

Formalities and health before you go

April requires no special health precautions beyond the usual recommendations. Check our guide to formalities for Mauritius for the necessary documents, and our health guide to Mauritius for recommended vaccines and basic precautions. Travel insurance remains advisable, since the cyclone season doesn’t officially close until 30 April.

Verdict: is Mauritius worth visiting in April?

April is an excellent, unfairly overlooked month. It combines plenty of strengths: pleasant temperatures, low cyclone risk, lush green vegetation, warm seas, the chance to explore every part of the island in good conditions, and reasonable prices outside Easter.

Whether you can avoid the Easter window or are travelling as a family constrained by school holidays, April remains an excellent choice. It’s a quality, in-between month, between the heat of summer and the mildness of winter, that suits almost every kind of traveller — families with children, couples, hikers, divers.

Overall rating for April: 7.5/10 — An excellent, often underrated transition month, particularly good outside the Easter holidays.