🌤️ When to go?Best time to visit Seychelles
The best time to visit Seychelles for backpacking is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this time, the weather is generally cooler and drier, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the islands. The sea is also calmer, allowing for better opportunities for snorkeling and diving.Additionally, the months of June and July are ideal for backpacking in Seychelles as they offer the perfect balance between pleasant weather and fewer crowds. This means that you can enjoy the natural beauty of the islands without having to contend with large tourist crowds.
It’s important to note that while the dry season is the best time for backpacking in Seychelles, it is also the peak tourist season, so it’s advisable to book accommodations and transportation in advance.
Why visit Seychelles in May?
May is a great time to visit Seychelles because it falls within the shoulder season, meaning fewer tourists and lower prices. This allows for a more peaceful and authentic experience of the islands, with less crowded beaches and attractions. The weather in May is also generally very pleasant, with warm temperatures and low humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and swimming.One potential downside of visiting Seychelles in May is that it falls within the transition period between the northwest and southeast trade winds, which can result in slightly more unpredictable weather. While this may mean occasional rain showers, it also brings lush green landscapes and vibrant flora, adding to the natural beauty of the islands. Additionally, some businesses and attractions may have reduced hours or be closed for maintenance during this time, so it’s important to plan ahead.
Overall, visiting Seychelles in May offers the opportunity to experience the islands in a more tranquil and budget-friendly manner, while still enjoying favorable weather and natural beauty.
Why visit Seychelles in June?
June is a fantastic time to visit Seychelles for a variety of reasons. The weather in June is generally warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 29°C, making it an ideal time to enjoy the beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. The sea is also calm during this time, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, allowing visitors to explore the vibrant marine life and coral reefs that Seychelles is famous for.June is also the beginning of the dry season in Seychelles, with lower chances of rain compared to the rest of the year. This means visitors can expect more days of sunshine and less humidity, creating a pleasant and comfortable environment for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Additionally, June falls outside of the peak tourist season, resulting in fewer crowds and a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the natural beauty of the islands.
Furthermore, June is a great time for birdwatching in Seychelles, as it coincides with the breeding season for many bird species. Visitors can witness the fascinating displays of courtship and nesting behaviors of the unique birdlife found on the islands, adding an exciting and educational element to their trip. Overall, June offers a perfect combination of favorable weather, fewer crowds, and unique wildlife experiences, making it an excellent time to visit Seychelles.
Why visit Seychelles in July?
July is the perfect time to visit Seychelles for a unique and unforgettable experience. The weather in Seychelles during this time is ideal, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. July is also the beginning of the dry season, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and exploring the lush tropical landscapes.Seychelles is known for its diverse marine life, and July is an excellent time for diving and snorkeling. The calm waters and excellent visibility make it an ideal time to explore the vibrant coral reefs and encounter a variety of colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures. Additionally, July is the breeding season for sea turtles, providing a unique opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures nesting and hatching on the beaches.
July is also a great time to experience the unique culture and local festivals in Seychelles. The nation celebrates its Independence Day on June 29th, with various events and activities taking place throughout July. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local traditions, music, and cuisine, and witness the vibrant celebrations that showcase the Seychellois heritage and way of life.
Why visit Seychelles in August?
In August, Seychelles offers visitors the perfect balance of warm weather and cooler temperatures, making it an ideal time to explore the diverse landscapes and outdoor activities. The islands are less crowded during this time, allowing for a more tranquil and intimate experience. The lush greenery and blooming flora create a picturesque backdrop for hiking, birdwatching, and nature walks. August is also a great time for diving and snorkeling, as the clear waters are teeming with marine life and visibility is at its best.However, August is considered the peak of the trade winds season, which can bring stronger winds and rougher seas, making water activities more challenging. Additionally, there is a higher chance of rain showers during this time, which may impact outdoor excursions. It’s important to be prepared for these weather conditions and plan activities accordingly. Additionally, some tourist facilities and services may have reduced operating hours or limited availability due to the lower tourist season.
Overall, visiting Seychelles in August offers the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the islands in a more serene setting, with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Why visit Seychelles in September?
September is a great time to visit Seychelles because it falls within the shoulder season, meaning fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices. This allows visitors to enjoy the stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscapes without the crowds. The weather in September is also generally pleasant, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, diving, and hiking. On the other hand, September is also within the peak of the southeast trade winds, which can bring stronger winds and rougher seas to certain parts of the islands. This may affect water-based activities and beach conditions, making it important to check the weather forecast and choose the right locations for these activities. Additionally, September is also within the peak of the dry season, which means that some of the lush vegetation may not be as vibrant as during the wetter months. However, this also means that visitors can expect less rainfall and more consistent weather during their trip.
Overall, visiting Seychelles in September offers the opportunity to experience the beauty of the islands with fewer crowds and lower prices, while still enjoying pleasant weather and a variety of activities.
🌤️ Climate in Seychelles
In the Seychelles, the climate is tropical, hot all year round. From November to March, there is a rainy and muggy season due to the northwest monsoon, while from June to September, when the southeast trade winds prevail, there is a dry and slightly cooler season. Tropical rains usually occur in the form of downpours or thunderstorms, and in the Seychelles, they usually occur in the afternoon in the sultry and rainy season, and at night in the driest season (when they are fairly frequent but of short duration).The average daily temperature is around 26 °C (79 °F) in July and August, 27 °C (81 °F) in January, and 28 °C (82 °F) in March, April, and May, which are the warmest months. However, the temperature varies little both between night and day and between seasons: it rarely exceeds 33 °C (91 °F) during the day or drops below 22 °C (72 °F) at night.
The Seychelles archipelago is made up of more than a hundred islands, islets and atolls, scattered in the Indian Ocean over a wide area, up to 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) wide; therefore, although they have a fairly homogeneous climate, they still have some differences.
The islands can be divided into two groups. In the north, we find the Inner Islands (area 1 on the map), which include the so-called Granitic Seychelles; among these, there are the largest and most densely populated islands (Mahé, Praslin and La Digue). In the south, we find the Outer Islands (area 2 on the map), which are flat coral atolls stretched towards the south-west.
As regards to the rains, the northern islands (which are closer to the Equator) are generally rainier than the southern ones. The northernmost islands, at a latitude of 3 degrees south, are Bird Island, where annual precipitation is around 1,950 millimeters (77 inches), and Denis Island, where it is around 1,700 mm (67 in). Mahé, the main island, at a latitude of 4 degrees south, is the rainiest. The southernmost of the Outer Islands are drier, in particular the Farquhar Group, and even more so the Aldabra Group in the south-west, so much so that rainfall drops to 985 mm (38.5 in) per year on the island of the same name and to as low as 865 mm (34 in) on the smaller island of Assumption.
The rain pattern in the Seychelles is quite erratic from year to year, in particular, it can be affected by the so-called ENSO cycle. In El Niño years, it can sometimes rain a lot during the dry season, while the rainy season can be drier than normal. In La Niña years, the opposite happens.
The Seychelles are close to the Equator, in fact, their latitude ranges from 3 to 10 degrees south, which means that the day lasts about 12 hours all year round, and sunset comes quite early, between 6 and 6:30 p.m.
source: climatestotravel.com