However, as soon as we walked out of the tiny airport, there was no time to be groggy – we were in a complete paradise. A paradise made up of sparkling granite, crystal waters, and lush green jungles, unlike anything we had ever seen. If you’re wondering about the location of Seychelles, we have you covered!

Where are Seychelles Islands?

So, where is Seychelles located? The Seychelles islands lie off the coast of East Africa in the warm Indian Ocean north of both Madagascar and Mauritius and just about parallel with parts of Kenya. Situated between latitudes 4° and 11° S and longitudes 46° and 56° E. The capital is Victoria and is on the main island of Mahe.

What country does the Seychelles belong to? The Republic of Seychelles is its own nation! If you are looking for a continent to claim Seychelles, it would be Africa. And yes, Seychelles is one of the best places to visit in Africa!

There are 115 islands, but the three main ones frequented by tourists are Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue. I feel like the Seychelles don’t need many words to be described, so here are a couple of photos to get started.

Needless to say, the coastlines are pristine and the inland jungles feel (and are) uninhabited. The white sand seen in these photos feels like heaven under your feet. We learned that the white sand actually comes from the excrement of the abundant and beautiful parrotfish, which chow down on all the coral.

The weather here in the Seychelles Islands is idyllic for a tropical holiday as the average yearly temperature sits at about 84°F.  However, what makes The Seychelles Islands one of the most idyllic places in the world is its exclusivity. The Seychelles are not a budget destination; the resorts here are for the honeymooners, celebrities, and elite.

It’s possible to have an entire secluded beach all to yourself while visiting. Of course, it is possible to visit the Seychelles on a more mid-range budget, but we will get to that later.

General Info on the Seychelles Islands

• Official language: Seychellois Creole, English and French. 95% of the population speaks Seychellois Creole, a French-based Creole language.
• Capital: Victoria on Mahe Island
• Currency used: Seychellois rupee (SCR)
• Population: 97,625

What’s the Food Like in the Seychelles?

First and foremost – food! You won’t find yourself going hungry in the Seychelles. The islands boast a fascinating amount of fresh, tropical fruits at low prices. Common treats are mangos, bananas, coconuts, and starfruits. These can be found at many roadside stands by popular beaches, or any resort will have an abundant selection of fresh fruits.

We had about three coconut waters a day at 30 rupees each right from the side of the road. If you have coconut water, make sure to have the fruit vendors cut open the shells for you when you are done so you can eat the flesh.

One can find fried chicken shops near any grocery store for main dishes – this seemed to be the local and budget option on the island. For about 40 Rupees, you will find yourself with a nice size portion of fried chicken and chips.  

At restaurants around the island, there is spicy curry available almost anywhere and fresh local red snapper. For quick snacks, it’s easy to get your hands on samosas at small convenience stores.

The Seychellois take great pride in their local brew, and I can’t say I blame them. SeyBrew Lager is the national beverage of choice and is perfect for drinking while relaxing on an empty beach. The cost of a bottle at a grocery store is 25 rupees a bottle.

Another must-try is the local Takamaka Rum. Buying the rum at the store and mixing your own cocktails will be much more cost-effective than paying for mixed drinks at the resorts.

Accommodation in the Seychelles Islands

So now that we have answered where Seychelles is located, it’s important to note that Seychelles is not a backpacking or cheap destination. Resorts are scattered throughout Mahe and then become few and far between the more exclusive La Digue and Praslin.

However, no resort in Seychelles comes at a low price. If it is in your budget to stay at a resort, then it is worth experiencing the high life in a beautiful setting for a few nights, especially if you’re on a special trip.

Airbnb and private guesthouses are also an option in Seychelles, but with many well over $100 a night, they are not quite as affordable as private rentals in the rest of the world. BUT you’re in Seychelles; it’s expensive, so you may have to buck up and bear it for one of the most beautiful places in the world.

It’s also worth noting that Seychelles is not a place where you can show up and “wing it.” Customs officials want to see proof that you will be laying your head somewhere during your stay and will ask for confirmations and addresses before letting you into the country.

The Wildlife and Land in the Seychelles

You’re technically in Africa now, so chances are there will be a couple of wildlife sightings. We found Aldabross tortoises throughout Mahe, which are huge creatures that are indigenous to Seychelles.

150,000 Aldabra giant tortoises are roaming free on Aldabra island for more tortoise fun, more than the human population in Seychelles!

Other common sights are fruit bats, monkeys, and many different bright birds of Seychelles. Underwater the marine life is endless, but we particularly got excited when we found stingrays and parrotfish on the ocean floor.

The forestry here is nothing short of amazing. The islands get plenty of rain, so everything is just so gosh darn green and lush! Varying flora and fauna make up the vast majority of the islands.

Any Google search of “Seychelles” will yield many results with large rocks positioned ever so perfectly in the Indian Ocean. These rocks are actually granite which are fragments of Gondwana, a supercontinent broken up 75 million years ago.

Craving Adventure in the Seychelles?

If sitting on an unspoiled beach all day doesn’t suit your fancy, then there is plenty of outdoor activities to keep occupied. We enjoyed hiking through the jungle and found that to be one of the best things to do in Seychelles. The views are 110% worth the effort, and there is always something beautiful waiting around the corner.

Ziplining at SMAC Adventures is also another great way to get the adrenaline pumping in Seychelles. Located on Mahe at Constance Ephelia Resort, these guys running the show here are fun, energetic, and can zip line across the jungle, like monkeys.

Many resorts will offer bodyboards, stand-up paddleboards, snorkel gear, and other various water activities to keep everyone active. On some of the more public beaches like Beau Vallon and Anse Royale, there is equipment to rent if you are not staying at a resort. I would recommend bringing some snorkel gear from home or buying it at a Supermarket if where you are staying does not have supply gear.

The Lovely Seychellois People

The locals here are delightful and trustworthy. I mean, it’s hard to be a grumpy liar when you live in paradise. Needless to say, we found that almost everyone had a smile on their face.

Since the islands are so exclusive and cater to a different type of holiday goer, it seemed people were happy to have their home country at just the right tourism capacity. The locals speak Seychellois Creole, but English and French are widely understood.

General Advice for Visiting Seychelles

So now that you know where the Seychelles island is located here’s some general travel advice for you!

• Don’t arrive without a place booked or without proof of onward travel. You will be asked for both of these things at customs.
• We read on Wikitravel that you must carry a large sum of cash on you to prove to customs you could afford your stay. We were not asked for this, nor was anyone else that we saw dealing with immigration.
• A car is highly recommended if you want to travel around Mahe and don’t feel like dealing with the bus. We paid €35 a day for a pleasant compact car from Maki Car Rentals. Petrol is very affordable in Seychelles as well. Driving at night is not for the faint of heart here. Crime isn’t really a problem, but no streetlights, mountainous roads, and people walking everywhere are. The whole island of Mahe is driveable in a couple of hours. Read our rental car tips post here.
• Is Seychelles safe? A valid question as they lie right off the coast of East Africa. There is very little crime in Seychelles and we felt safer traveling here than many places in the US, Europe, and even parts of Australia.
• The Euro is a widely accepted form of currency, although the Seychellois rupee is the national currency.
• There are plenty of small supermarkets on Mahe. We also found everything we could possibly need at a jumbo hypermarket to the south of Victoria.
• The main airport is tiny and we found security to be a breeze. However, we arrived 55 minutes before our scheduled flight out and got grilled and threatened of missing our flight since we were not there one hour ahead. So don’t do that…
• Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue are the three main islands for people to visit. Cat Coco’s ferries run between all of them.
• Tap water in Seychelles is safe to drink, but we went the extra mile and made sure we only drank the water from our Lifestraw Go bottles to be completely safe.
• US Citizens can travel to the Seychelles visa-free up to 30 days. After that, visitors can apply for a visa extension of up to three months.
• When should you visit Seychelles? June – August are fantastic times to visit!

So where are Seychelles Islands? Never ask again now and just plan your trip!

Celebrities like Prince William and Kate Middleton honeymoon in Seychelles, along with Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt, and David and Victoria Beckham. While Joe Jonas, Sophie Turner, and Gwyneth Paltrow are among the celebrities, who have enjoyed honeymoons in the Maldives.

That’s not to say that these islands are solely for the rich and famous. While these islands have a reputation for luxury, they are accessible to the average traveler too. But how do you choose which Indian Ocean island group to visit? The Maldives vs Seychelles. Let’s break down the differences between the islands so you can decide which destination is the best one for you.

Seychelles VS Maldives: Geography

Seychelles

So where are the Seychelles? The islands of Seychelles are located off the east coast of Africa, just south of the equator. The main island, Mahé, has the capital of Victoria and the international airport. There are 115 Seychellois islands made of granite or coral, and most are uninhabited. 

Maldives

The Maldives, by contrast, is around 1200 islands stretched south of India. They straddle the equator and are made of sand and coral. Most of the islands in the Maldives are uninhibited.

The capital is Malé, located close to the middle of the island chain. The international airport is next door to Hulhulé.

Transportation in Seychelles VS the Maldives

Seychelles

A few international airports connect directly to Seychelles, such as Istanbul, Gatwick, Doha, and Frankfurt. The airport is located in the center of Mahé, and the island has plenty to see and do. You could get to either end of Mahé island within an hour, and taxis are widely available.

Traveling within Seychelles is easy too. A ferry runs between Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, the other two commonly visited islands. The ferry between Praslin and Mahé takes one hour, and from Praslin to La Digue is fifteen minutes. There is also a small airport on Praslin, and the flight time from Mahé to Praslin is fifteen minutes. Car rentals or hired drivers are available on both Mahé and Praslin.

The Maldives

There are more international flights to the Maldives. However, the airport is located in Hulhulé, where you will most certainly not want to stay for a holiday. Most visitors stay in resorts or guesthouses located along one of the atolls. Your accommodation will help arrange your transportation.

If your transportation is via speedboat, it will pick you up from the airport and whisk you away to the island. Boats are a pretty easy option, but the closer islands feel less remote due to their proximity to the ugly capital city, Male.

Going from island to island or getting to remote islands up north is very difficult unless you book a seaplane, which can get expensive quickly. The average return seaplane transfer is around $500 USD. The planes are very cramped, hot, and uncomfortable. So it is always something to consider when booking a trip to the Maldives. Flight times vary from 30 minutes to one hour plus.

Islands are very small in the Maldives, and almost all can be easily walked or biked around.

Hiking In Seychelles VS the Maldives

Seychelles

The islands of Seychelles are mostly granite and have some stunning views and hikes. Topography in Seychelles is far more interesting as the highest point in Seychelles is nearly 3,000 feet high on a very small island.

While many hikes are scattered throughout the Seychelles islands, there are two very popular and rewarding hikes on Mahé. One is called Morne Blanc, which gives you a stunning view west out over the ocean. Alternatively, there is Copolia, which provides a view over the eastern shore with the airport, Eden Island, Victoria, and on a clear day, off in the distance, Praslin, twenty miles away.

Maldives

The highest elevation in the Maldives is about eight feet above sea level. The islands are usually narrow, and trails are limited or nonexistent. If you want to stretch your legs, consider going for a beach walk rather than a “hike.” Or you can visit the resort gym to run on a treadmill. When it comes to land activities, there isn’t much in the Maldives.

Wildlife in Seychelles vs. the Maldives

Seychelles

While visiting Seychelles, you will have the opportunity to learn about many endemic species in the area. While hiking, you may encounter a tiger chameleon, a Seychelles Bulbul flying in the underbrush, or the coco de mer, a large palm tree native to the islands of Praslin and Curieuse.

Another endemic species from Seychelles is the Aldabra giant tortoise. Most people are familiar with the Galapagos tortoise, but giant tortoises were much more common worldwide than they are today.

Most species were hunted to extinction by European sailors as the tortoises are an excellent food source. But the Aldabra giant tortoise is now a protected species and there is a conservation facility on Curieuse Island where you can visit and feed the tortoises.

Maldives

You may encounter unusual wildlife on your trip to the Maldives, but it’s harder to know for sure. While there are endemic species, little effort has been put into land conservation or education for tourism. Visitors to the Maldives are much more focused elsewhere…

Marine Life In Seychelles Vs. The Maldives

Seychelles

The best time to visit Seychelles for water activities is in April, October, or November. These are the months between monsoon seasons when the conditions calm down. With flat seas, it’s easier to travel to some of the smaller islands and enjoy the waters.

In May through September, the water visibility is low because of the influx of plankton, but that brings in whale sharks and other large marine fauna to encounter. Unfortunately, Seychelles experienced massive coral bleaching in 2019. While there are conservation efforts in place, such as coral nurseries and protected marine parks, the underwater attractions in Seychelles are lackluster compared to other regions of the world.

Maldives

January through April is the best time to visit the Maldives for underwater activities. The sea state is calm, and visibility is better. The Maldives also experienced massive coral bleaching in 2016. While the Maldives doesn’t have many protected land-based parks, it has many marine parks to protect the wildlife and encourage safe tourism.

The Baa Atoll is a designated UNESCO biosphere reserve for various marine life supported in calm, protected waters. For large marine fauna, Ari Atoll is one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks. They are present all year round in this marine park, and there are restrictions for the tour operators to make it a safe experience for the animal and you.

There are many large liveaboard dive boats in the Maldives, which move every day between dive sites. This is a great opportunity to see a variety of islands and underwater life. Diving and snorkeling are phenomenal in the Maldives.

Seychelles VS Maldives: The Weather

Seychelles

Seychelles has two monsoon seasons: the northwest monsoon season from November through March and the southeast monsoon season from April to November. The northwest monsoon season brings warm, dry air from Africa, while the southeast monsoon season brings cooler winds from the arctic. Both seasons are windy and can bring scattered showers.

The months in transition – April, May, October and November – are the best to visit. The winds calm down and travel between the islands, especially if you are traveling via boat, is a lot nicer. Underwater activities are better because the water visibility is better too.

Maldives

The Maldives has two seasons: the dry and rainy seasons. The dry season is from December to April. May to November is the rainy season, so if you visit during that time, you’ll have to be sure to take advantage of any sun you get. Regardless of which season it is, the Maldives’ temperature will be hot! Around 30 degrees celsius.

Culture And History In The Maldives vs. Seychelles

Seychelles

The islands of Seychelles were uninhabited until the 16th century, when European explorers discovered the islands. Since then, the population has primarily been a mix of French, British and African heritage – including slaves.

It was a British colony for nearly two centuries, but it declared its independence in the 1970s. There are three official languages: English, French, and Seychellois. The nation is one of the richest in Africa, and the primary religion is Christianity.

Maldives

It is estimated that the first settlers in the Maldives were south Asians from as early as 500 BC. The Maldives were also part of the British Empire for about a century, gaining independence in the 1960s. 

Dhivehi and English are the official languages. Islam came to the islands in the 12th century and is still the primary religion today. In the Maldives, there is no freedom of religion, and there are controversial stances on punishment, freedom of speech, and women’s rights, among other things.

The most impact on tourists is the conservative dress policy. Private island resorts are exempt from dress policies, but when visiting populated islands with villages, there are designated “bikini beaches” where foreigners can dress as they wish.

Otherwise, clothing is expected to be covered from knees to shoulders. If you are traveling around the Maldives, this is one of my top Maldives travel tips. Additionally, alcohol is not served outside of the resorts. You come for the beaches and water, not for history or culture.

Accommodation In The Maldives vs Seychelles

Seychelles

There are a wide variety of accommodations available in Seychelles. For budget travelers, there are self-catering apartments available on the main islands. These are usually small places that include a kitchen. There are many hotels and resorts, including private island resorts and over-water bungalows.

Maldives

There is a unique history of tourism in the Maldives. For a very long time, the only tourists allowed to visit stayed on private islands. Each island held a resort and living quarters for staff. There was not a lot of interaction between locals and tourists.

Recently, these rules have been changed to allow villages and non-private islands to open guesthouses. These guesthouses offer a place to stay in the Maldives that is less expensive and more involved in the community.

That being said, the Maldives still excel at the luxury overwater bungalows and resorts. There are many islands where you can stay in a luxurious cabin with all the amenities you could possibly desire. It’s not surprising that some of the best resorts in the world are in the Maldives, but they come with an extraordinary price tag. A few of our favorite overwater resorts in the Maldives are Velassaru and Kuramathi.

Sailing In The Maldives vs Seychelles

Seychelles

If you intend to take a sailing vacation, Seychelles has several charter bases, such as Dream Yacht Charters and Sunsail. They are based in Eden Island, between the airport and the capital of Victoria. It is easy to get from the main island of Mahe to the other popular islands of Praslin and La Digue in a few hours of sailing.

You can read my experience – over 100 days sailing the islands of Seychelles – and the suggested itinerary. 

Maldives

By boat would be a great way to see the islands since it would be much easier to truly island hop. However, there are very few charter boats in the Maldives, and the ones that are there are all near the capital, Male. That limits the destinations you can visit only a small area around Male.

I spent 56 days in the Maldives on my sailboat, and here are my recommendations and experiences.

Seychelles Vs. The Maldives

Hopefully, this helped you choose between Seychelles vs the Maldives for your trip. It’s a tough choice as both island nations have a lot of differences and excel at different things. 

If you are interested in nature and the outdoors, Seychelles is the obvious choice with stunning hiking, a more interesting coastline, and endemic wildlife. It’s easy to travel to and from Seychelles and within the islands. It also feels much more like traveling through Africa than the Maldives, where most things seem to cater to high-end tourism.

However, if you are more interested in a luxury vacation and staying in a dreamy overwater bungalow with crystal clear blue water beneath you, the Maldives is the pinnacle of the industry.

A private island resort may be your perfect vacation. If you enjoy the underwater experience, a liveaboard dive boat in the Maldives would be an amazing experience. You don’t even have to be a diver to see amazing things in the Maldives. Multiple times we saw whale sharks and manta rays just snorkeling!

Both islands have stunning natural beauty – it is honestly hard to go wrong with either.

READ MORE SEYCHELLES AND MALDIVES TRAVEL TIPS

I hope you enjoyed this guide on visiting Seychelles or the Maldives. Here are a few relevant articles for more travel around the island nations.

• What to Wear in the Maldives
• Kurumba Maldives Review
• Maafushivaru Maldives Review
• 21 Best Honeymoon Destinations in the World

About the Author

Amy Alton has spent most of the past seven years living aboard her sailboat. In 2020, she finished her world circumnavigation with her husband. Now, they are spending the season cruising the Bahamas and living a bit more of the slow life. You can follow her adventures at Out Chasing Stars or on Instagram.

It helps to know the best time to visit Seychelles before you plan your trip. Humidity, breezes, seaweed-strewn beaches, and torrential monsoon rains mean your slice of sunshine paradise might not be all it’s made out to be if you don’t plan it at the right time.

Don’t worry; with our month-by-month rundown of the best time to visit Seychelles, you’ll know exactly when is the best time for you (and your budget).

The Best Time to Visit Seychelles

Weather in Seychelles in January

If you were wondering whether January was the best time to visit the Seychelles – it’s not. It’s deep into monsoon season and one of the year’s wettest months. However, this doesn’t mean that tourists don’t visit at this time of year.

The start of January is still the holiday season, and average temperatures are 27°C. So it’s not that bad. It just tends to rain a lot. Even then, the rain consists of short, sharp, heavy downpours which don’t last for too long, leaving you at least a little bit of sunshine to enjoy. Expect cloudy skies.

Best Places to Visit in January (IN THE WORLD)

Weather in Seychelles in February

Temperatures in February remain pretty high, with averages of 28°C. It only gets slightly cooler at night, with after-dark temperatures of around 25°C. Daytime highs reach 31°C. There’s less rain in February than in January, with 250mm expected over just 14 rainy days.

Again, it’s mainly about short showers of heavy rainfall than prolonged storms. Skies tend to be clearer in February than the previous month; only about half of the month is affected by cloudy skies. After the holiday season, prices are a little lower, making it a good time to go to Seychelles for a bargain.

Best Places to Visit in February (IN THE WORLD)

Weather in Seychelles in March

Seychelles’ weather in March is a time of change for the island nation. The northwest monsoons start to recede, and winds from the southeast begin to blow – but not quite yet. It’s a small period of heat and relatively clear skies that results in one of the hottest months in Seychelles.

The daily temperature is about 28°C, but with the breeze dropping (and that 75% humidity), it can feel pretty damn hot. Water temperatures are also 29°C, making swimming here feel like getting into a bathtub.

There’s a bit of rain going on, sure, but nothing that’s going to affect your days at all, really. The sweet spot of March is one of the best times to visit Seychelles.

Best Places to Visit in March (IN THE WORLD)

Weather in Seychelles in April

Still very warm, and much calmer than other times of the year, April is still in that nice little spot between Seychelles’ northwesterly and southeasterly winds. The humidity is a little lower than in March, which gives you at least some relief from the heat.

You can expect relatively long dry spells and long hours of sunshine. Possibly the best time to visit the Seychelles – but, of course, everyone thinks that. Thanks to Easter vacation all around the world, it’s high season. Visitor numbers are at their highest since Christmas and New Year, and prices are back to normal.

14 Best Countries to Visit in April

Weather in Seychelles in May

The wind starts to pick up in May, this time from the southeast (instead of the northwest). This means temperatures of around 28°C, and at least some form of a breeze to keep you (a little) cooler. A lot of seaweed starts washing up on beaches, especially on Grand Anse Beach on the island of Praslin.

That rougher wind also makes boat crossings between islands a little more choppy, which isn’t that fun. Beach days can be pretty affected by wind and a little rain, but that also means it’s a good time of year to visit Seychelles if you plan on getting involved in some water sports, i.e., sailing and windsurfing.

Best Places to Visit in May (In the World!)

Weather in Seychelles in June

There’s some awesome weather happening in Seychelles in June. With mostly clear skies, you’ll get only about four days of heavy rain. That means more time to enjoy the 150 islands and all their lovely, lovely beaches to explore (washed-up seaweed, however, can be a bit of an annoyance).

One of the best times to visit Seychelles, mainly because of the weather, it’s the perfect time to go if you plan on hiking or just sunning yourself on a beach. Mahe, the main island, is a good idea in June. Temperatures? The daytime average is 29°C, the night average is 25°C, and the water is a balmy 27°C.

11 Best Places to Visit in June (in the WORLD)

Weather in Seychelles in July

July is an ideal time to visit Seychelles and discover all these islands have to offer. It’s the coolest and driest month of the year, thanks to the southeast winds; the temperature stays at a steady 27°C, there’s a decent breeze to keep you fresh, and there’s barely any rain or clouds. It’s great.

You can expect a lot of sunshine, so don’t forget your sunscreen. Thanks to the weather, you’ll find it a great time of year to visit for everything from hiking and lazing around to hitting the surf (thanks to the choppy sea). The best beaches in Seychelles in July are Beau Vallon on Mahe, and Cote d’Or on Praslin, both protected from the wind.

40 BEST Places to Visit in July (Worldwide)

Weather in Seychelles in August

Again, August is a relatively calm month to visit Seychelles, with temperatures not all that different from those of July. It’s pretty humid though – 79%! The southeast winds get up to around 30mph, which can make beach days problematic (that sand gets everywhere). Head to Beau Vallon for great snorkeling. Still it’s one of the best times to go to Seychelles.

For a calm swimming spot in August, the Bel Ombre area on Mahe is a great choice. Surfing is still great this time of year, and, strangely, birdwatching too; it’s nesting season for many of the archipelago’s bird species. Being the summer vacation, many tourists arrive during August, so accommodation prices remain high.

33 BEST Places to Visit in August

Weather in Seychelles in September

With temperatures of around 27°C (no surprises there), September is still pretty dry, too, although, towards the end of the month, rainfall does start to increase. Accommodation is usually cheaper at this time of year, making it one of the best times to visit the Seychelles if you’re looking for a bargain.

For most of the month, there are around 12 hours of sunlight a day, so you won’t have to worry about overcast days; the islands will be looking their best for you in all that sunshine! Again, it’s a great time to be in the archipelago for outdoor activities like hiking or just exploring what the islands’ natural world has to offer.

Best Places to Visit in September (in the WORLD)

Weather in Seychelles in October

Though rainfall has started to increase a bit, October is still nice and dry, and a great time to visit. The rain, when it does appear, rarely lasts longer than an hour, and makes things feel much fresher after a downpour. It’s kind of a welcome thing. Temperatures range between 24 and 28°C, making it quite a varied time of year.

Thankfully, it never feels too hot at all. The water is pretty clear – great visibility for snorkeling or diving, making it the best time of year to visit Seychelles for either of those activities, thanks to the rain that clears the water. Praslin and La Dique are great for swimming in October.

20 Best Places to Travel in October

Weather in Seychelles in November

Finally, the monsoon arrives. It’s still a good time to visit, because as you know by now, the rain never lasts for very long, but man is it hot and humid! Around half the month gets rain, there’s only about seven hours of sunlight a day, but even then it’s still around 30, 31°C.

Not exactly what we’d call pleasant. Then again, if you’re looking to visit Seychelles when there is a definite lack of tourists and the idea of witnessing a real tropical downpour is actually pretty cool to you (they can be pretty dramatic), then you’ll love Seychelles in November.

Weather in Seychelles in December

It’s still rainy season in Seychelles, so not exactly the best time to visit Seychelles. There’s an average of 250mm of rain, so definitely do expect rain if you’re arriving during December. There are still plenty of warm, sunny spells for beachgoers, and the heavy rains don’t last forever, so your outdoor activities won’t be that affected by the monsoon.

This isn’t the best month to visit Seychelles, but the water is pretty calm this time of year, and the coast of Praslin doesn’t have the same issues with seaweed as it did back in the summer. Note that prices can be high, because of Christmas and all.

30 BEST Places to Travel in December

Festivals in Seychelles

Spring Festivals in The Seychelles

In March, part of Seychelles heritage is celebrated in the form of French Week – also called the Semaine de la Francophonie. It celebrates French culture with movies, music, and food all over Mahe.

Carnaval International de Victoria is a big, bold, colorful event that takes place over a weekend in the capital, Victoria. Everyone is out in full force to either participate in the parades, wacky floats, and dance shows, or simply watch and cheer them on. It shows the patchwork of cultures at work in the Seychelles.

Now merged with the Festival Kreole, the Carnaval – previously occurring in April – currently takes place in October. We don’t know why.

Fet Afrik takes place in May and aims to celebrate the Seychelles’ African origins. A pretty wild extravaganza, if you’re in attendance, you can expect a lot of dancing, a lot of music and a lot of good food across the weekend.

Also in May is the Seychelles Art Festival, when local artists and chefs come together in a bonanza of food, folklore, and some interesting art. It’s a veritable dream for foodies and art aficionados.

Summer Festivals in The Seychelles

Seychelles celebrates its Independence Day on June 29. This day commemorates the day back in 1976 when Seychelles got their independence from the UK. Expect parades, flag-waving, and national pride.

Fans of classical music should make their way to Mahe in June for the Festival of Classical Music. We can’t think of a much better setting than a tropical beach as a backdrop to some of the most beautiful music ever.

The Festival of Assumption takes place in August. Part of the Christian calendar, this is best seen on La Digue. You’ll be treated to live music and activities, including coconut peeling competitions and beauty pageants. 

Beau Vallon, on Mahe, plays host to the Beau Vallon Regatta. This is all about yacht races, water sports, beach games, and swimming competitions – all an excuse (we think)  to get wet and get some relief from the sunny days this time of year! It takes place in August.

Fall Festivals in The Seychelles

September means it’s time for the Praslin Culinary & Arts Festival – a three day festival of art, cooking, and dancing on Praslin. It’s a little bit like Seychelles Art Festival back in May, but with better weather and a (slightly) less urban setting.

Also in September, Vinayagar Chaturthi is a celebration for the Hindu population of the Seychelles. Crowds can see processions of an illuminated chariot with Lord Vinayagar riding it, carried on a looping journey from the Hindu Temple in Victoria. It’s a big celebration and definitely an interesting slice of the Seychelles.

Festival Kreole (which the Carnaval International de Victoria seems to have been subsumed by) is the biggest event on the islands. Taking place on Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue, this is the event to attend to learn more about the Creole culture of the Seychelles. This takes place in October.

The week-long Ocean Festival takes place in November (sometimes December); expect movie screenings, exhibitions, and other events held at venues across Mahe. Recently, it’s been more about focusing on the health of the reefs around the archipelago and the threats to the Seychelles nature.

Winter Festivals in The Seychelles

Christmas is a big deal in the Seychelles. The festive season brings celebrations, church-going, and big family dinners. You know the drill. Hotels will put on a bunch of events for tourists who come to enjoy Christmas with their loved ones.

On January 1 and 2, it’s New Year. Expect big street parties, colorful outfits, strings of lights, and all-round fun vibes. It’s also a public holiday where people go home to enjoy feasts with their family, so don’t expect many businesses to be open.

At the end of January, there’s the Seychelles Sailing Cup. Attend and you’ll get to see yachts, catamarans, and traditional pirogues (a dugout canoe with a sail) racing and sailing. It’s quite a spectacle to see on the tropical, azure seas of these islands.

February means the Seychelles Eco-Friendly Marathon. Crazy sports enthusiasts tackle the humidity and high temperatures on a route around the northern peninsula of Mahe. It’s been going since 2008 and is steadily gaining in popularity.

Either in late January or early February, Seychelles China Day celebrates Chinese New Year in all its festive madness. Expect good food.

General Advice for Visiting Seychelles

• Don’t arrive without a place booked or without proof of onward travel. You may be asked for both of these things at customs.
• We read on Wikitravel that you must carry a large sum of cash on you to prove to customs you could afford your stay. We were not asked for this, nor was anyone else that we saw dealing with immigration.
• A car is highly recommended if you want to travel around Mahe and don’t feel like dealing with the bus. We paid €35 a day for a pleasant compact car from Maki Car Rentals. Petrol is very affordable in Seychelles as well. Driving at night is not for the faint of heart here. Crime isn’t really a problem, but no streetlights, mountainous roads, and people walking everywhere are. The whole island of Mahe is driveable in a couple of hours.
• Is Seychelles safe? A valid question as they lie right off the coast of East Africa. There is very little crime in Seychelles and we felt safer traveling here than many places in the US, Europe, and even parts of Australia.
• The Euro is a widely accepted form of currency, although the Seychellois rupee is the national currency.
• There are plenty of small supermarkets on Mahe. We also found everything we could possibly need at a jumbo hypermarket to the south of Victoria.
• The main airport is tiny and we found security to be a breeze. However, we arrived 55 minutes before our scheduled flight out and got grilled and threatened of missing our flight since we were not there one hour ahead. So don’t do that…
• Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue are the three main islands for people to visit. Cat Coco’s ferries run between all of them.
• Tap water in Seychelles is safe to drink, but we went the extra mile and ensured we only drank the water from our Lifestraw Go bottles to be completely safe.
• US Citizens can travel to the Seychelles visa-free for up to 30 days. After that, visitors can apply for a visa extension of up to three months.