Mauritius

A tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius offers white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and lush volcanic mountains. It's where luxury resorts meet Creole culture and colonial history.

Mauritius skyline
Best time to visit

May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

Essentials

Currency: MUR
Language: English / French / Creole
Timezone: Mauritius

Average temperatures
Jan 30°Feb 30°Mar 30°Apr 29°May 27°Jun 25°Jul 24°Aug 24°Sep 25°Oct 27°Nov 28°Dec 30°

Things to do

Swim at Ile aux CerfsHike Le Morne BrabantVisit Chamarel's seven-coloured earthSnorkel in Blue BayExplore Port Louis marketSee the underwater waterfall by helicopter

Local cuisine

Dholl puriMine friteGateau pimentAlouda

Le Morne Brabant is a dramatic basalt mountain on the island's southwestern tip, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its summit offers panoramic views of the reef-protected lagoon below.

Travel Tips for Mauritius

Best Time to Visit

The ideal months to visit Mauritius are May, June, September, October, November, December, when the weather is at its most pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities. During these peak months, you can expect average highs of around 27°C in May, 25°C in June, 25°C in September, 27°C in October, 28°C in November, 30°C in December. Temperatures across the year range from 24°C to 30°C, so layers are a good idea as temperatures can vary throughout the day. Right now in May, the average high in Mauritius is 27°C.

Getting There

From the UK, you can reach Mauritius in approximately 13h (with connection). As this involves a connection, it's worth comparing routes to find the most convenient stopover. Booking in advance and being flexible with your travel dates can help you find better deals and shorter layovers.

Money and Language

The local currency is the MUR. It's a good idea to exchange some currency before you travel or withdraw from ATMs on arrival. Card payments are becoming more common, but carrying cash is recommended for local markets, street food, and smaller businesses. The main language spoken is English / French / Creole. You'll have no trouble communicating, though learning a few local phrases is always appreciated.

What to Expect

A tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius offers white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and lush volcanic mountains. It's where luxury resorts meet Creole culture and colonial history. Whether you're interested in swim at ile aux cerfs or hike le morne brabant, there's something for every type of traveller. Mauritius is also known for its food scene, with local specialities including Dholl puri, Mine frite, Gateau piment. With 6 months of great weather, Mauritius is a fantastic year-round destination.

Popular Activities in Mauritius

Mauritius offers a fantastic range of activities for every kind of traveller. From cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, here are the top things to do during your visit.

Swim at Ile aux Cerfs

Cool off and enjoy the crystal-clear waters.

Hike Le Morne Brabant

Lace up your boots for rewarding views and fresh air.

Visit Chamarel's seven-coloured earth

A must-see attraction that draws visitors from around the world.

Snorkel in Blue Bay

Dive beneath the surface to discover vibrant marine life.

Explore Port Louis market

Wander through and discover hidden gems at your own pace.

See the underwater waterfall by helicopter

A sight that will stay with you long after you leave.

Food & Drink in Mauritius

No trip to Mauritius is complete without sampling the local food and drink scene. From street food to sit-down restaurants, there's an incredible variety of flavours to discover. Here are some dishes and drinks you absolutely must try:

Dholl puri

The signature dish of Mauritius that every visitor should try at least once.

Mine frite

A beloved local favourite that showcases traditional flavours and techniques.

Gateau piment

Ask any local for their recommendation and you're in for a treat.

Alouda

A delicious way to round off your culinary exploration.

Practical Information

Everything you need to know before travelling to Mauritius. Use this quick-reference guide to help plan your trip.

Currency

MUR

Language

English / French / Creole

Timezone

Mauritius

Visa (UK citizens)

No visa required for UK citizens (up to 90 days)

Best months to visit

May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

Temperature (May)

27°C average high

Flight time from UK

13h (with connection)