If you’re planning a trip to Praslin over Christmas, get ready for warm, tropical conditions, but don’t be surprised by frequent rain showers. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 29°C, and nights stay close to 26°C. Humidity runs high, and there’s a good chance you’ll see some rain.
Showers pop up often, but they tend to come and go quickly. That leaves you with sunny spells and time to get outdoors.
You’ll probably notice cloudy skies more often than not, though the island still manages to deliver bright stretches, perfect for a beach day. The sea stays warm, so you can swim or snorkel whenever the rain lets up.
Winds blow steadily, but they don’t usually get wild enough to ruin your plans. They just add a bit of character to the holiday season.
If you know what’s coming, you can plan better. Light clothes, some waterproof gear, and a flexible itinerary will help you make the most of Praslin’s natural beauty.
Typical Christmas Weather in Praslin
Praslin’s Christmas weather feels warm and tropical, with humid air and frequent rainfall. Being close to the equator keeps temperatures steady, but December brings wetter days and stickier air compared to the dry months.
Average Temperatures in December
During December, Praslin’s daytime highs usually hit about 29°C (84°F). Nights are mild, averaging around 26°C (79°F).
You won’t see big swings between day and night temps. The sea holds steady around 28°C (82°F), which makes swimming and snorkeling easy and comfortable.
Unlike some places, Praslin doesn’t get cold spells in December. The warmth is pretty reliable.
Lightweight clothes—think cotton shirts, shorts, and dresses—work best. Even though it’s hot, the clouds and rain can take the edge off the heat now and then.
Rainfall and Wet Days
December ranks among the wetter months on Praslin. Rainfall averages 200–220 mm for the month.
Most years, you’ll see rain on 20 to 22 days. Showers can show up fast and sometimes get heavy, but they rarely last all day.
Usually, you’ll get sunny breaks between the storms. A light rain jacket or poncho comes in handy, especially if you’re out exploring for hours.
The wet weather doesn’t mean it pours nonstop. You’ll see a mix—humid sunshine, cloudy stretches, and those tropical showers.
Roads and paths can get slippery, so sturdy shoes are smart if you want to hike or wander through nature reserves.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in December usually sits around 80–85%. That much moisture makes the heat feel stronger, especially midday.
The air feels heavy, particularly after a downpour. It’s a good idea to pace yourself outside and drink plenty of water.
Hotels and guesthouses often have air conditioning, which is a lifesaver for sleeping comfortably.
Pack breathable fabrics and skip the synthetics if you want to stay cooler. Sunglasses and sunscreen are still necessary, because the sun’s strength doesn’t back off, even when it’s cloudy.
The blend of warmth, humidity, and rain is just part of Praslin’s Christmas charm.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine During the Holiday Season
In December, Praslin gets more cloud cover than in the dry months, but you’ll still see several hours of sunlight each day. Rain showers tend to come in short bursts, with clearer skies in between.
Cloudiness Trends in December
December falls in the wetter season, so clouds form more often and linger longer than they do mid-year. On Praslin, mornings and late afternoons often look partly to mostly cloudy.
Clouds thicken up during heavy showers, but those downpours don’t last. After rain, clouds usually thin out and let the sun peek through.
This cycle repeats throughout the day. You’ll rarely have a whole day without some blue sky.
Humidity stays high, and all that moisture thickens the cloud layers. Even so, the island feels bright, thanks to the strong tropical light and the way the sun bounces off the sea and sand.
So, expect a mix—overcast spells and windows of blue sky between the rain.
Hours of Daily Sunshine
Even with more clouds in December, Praslin averages 5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day. That’s less than the dry trade wind season, but still enough for plenty of outdoor time.
The sunniest parts of the day usually fall around midday, when rain is less likely. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be cloudier.
Day length sticks close to 12 hours, since the island sits near the Equator. Sunrise and sunset times stay steady, with daylight from about 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If you’re planning beach or snorkeling trips, aim for midday for the best odds of clear skies and bright water.
Winds and Sea Conditions at Christmas
Around Christmas, Praslin enjoys steady trade winds and calm, warm seas. You’ll feel moderate breezes, and the water stays inviting for swimming and other fun.
Typical Wind Speeds
December brings the northwest monsoon to Seychelles. On Praslin, these winds are lighter than the southeast trades you get mid-year.
Average speeds run about 8 to 15 knots (15–28 km/h). The breezes are steady but not wild, so ferry transfers and boat trips usually go ahead as planned.
Sailing and fishing are still popular, since the wind is consistent but not too strong. You might notice a few stronger gusts during showers, but those don’t last long.
Sheltered spots like Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette often feel calmer than the open coast. If you want to kayak or paddleboard, mornings usually have the gentlest winds.
Sea Temperature and Swimming Conditions
The sea around Praslin stays warm at Christmas, with surface temps of 28–29 °C (82–84 °F). Swimming, snorkeling, and diving all feel great—no wetsuit necessary.
Underwater visibility is generally good, especially on the leeward side where the wind stirs up less sand. Coral reefs close to shore are easy to reach, and most swimming spots have gentle currents.
Even though December is wetter, showers pass quickly and don’t really cool the sea down. Beaches like Cote d’Or and Grand Anse offer calm entry points, so families can swim safely.
If you head further out, you might find choppier water, but it’s rarely anything to worry about for regular excursions.
Comparing December Weather to Other Months
December in Praslin means more rain, warmer nights, and higher humidity than you’ll find at other times of the year. Neighboring months like November and January have similar patterns, but the details can shift—especially when it comes to rain and comfort.
How December Differs From January and November
In December, daytime highs sit around 29°C (84°F), and nighttime lows stay near 26°C (79°F). Rainfall is heavy, averaging 200–210 mm over about 20–21 days. Humidity often hangs above 80%, so the air feels warmer.
By January, the wet season keeps going, and rainfall can actually increase. Showers stick around, humidity stays up, and the northwest monsoon winds pick up, which might affect sea conditions for boat trips.
In November, the wet season starts to move in. Temperatures are similar, but rainfall is usually lower—about 9–10 inches over fewer days. You’ll still get long sunny spells, so November can feel a bit more comfortable than December.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 29°C | 25–26°C | ~230 mm | 11–12 |
| December | 29°C | 26°C | ~210 mm | 20–21 |
| January | 29–30°C | 26°C | ~250 mm | 20–22 |
So, December lands between the lighter rains of November and the heavier, wetter conditions of January.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Praslin’s climate runs on two main wind systems. From December to April, the northwest monsoon brings warm, humid air and plenty of showers.
Seas can get a bit choppier, and humidity usually stays above 80%. From May to October, the southeast trade winds take over, making things drier, cooler, and less humid.
Rainfall drops, skies clear up, and sea conditions calm down, making it easier to get outdoors.
December marks the start of the wetter season. You’ll see shorter sunny breaks between showers and stickier evenings. Compared to the dry months, the air feels heavier, and you’ll probably want to keep rain gear close.
If you prefer calmer, drier weather, the dry months might suit you more. But if you don’t mind frequent rain and higher humidity, December still delivers warm temps and lush, green scenery all over Praslin.
Travel Tips for Visiting Praslin at Christmas
Christmas in Praslin brings warm weather, high humidity, and regular rain. You’ll need to prep for wet conditions but can still enjoy the beaches, nature reserves, and outdoor attractions.
What to Pack for the Weather
Daytime highs reach around 29°C (84°F), and nights drop to about 26°C (79°F). Since rain falls most days in December, waterproof gear is a must.
A lightweight poncho or compact umbrella will help you handle sudden showers.
Pack breathable clothing—cotton shirts, shorts, sundresses. Sandals or water-resistant shoes work well for walking in wet weather.
A light sweater might come in handy for air-conditioned spots or breezy evenings. Humidity often tops 80%, so skip heavy clothing.
Quick-dry fabrics beat denim or anything thick. Sunglasses and sunscreen are still important, because you’ll get sunny breaks between the rain.
If you’re flying into Praslin Island’s national airport, keep your luggage simple and easy to carry. Transfers to hotels often involve short boat rides or narrow roads, so waterproofing your bags is a smart move.
Outdoor Activities and Weather Considerations
Rain is common, but you can still enjoy Anse Lazio beach, the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, and coastal walks. Plan outings for the morning, when skies are often clearer, and keep some indoor options ready for rainy afternoons.
Swimming and snorkeling are doable, but the water might be choppier than in the dry season. Always check local conditions before heading out, as stronger currents can show up during the wet months.
Boat tours sometimes get canceled if the weather turns rough, so leave room in your plans for changes. Carrying a small dry bag helps protect your electronics and travel documents on excursions.
Even with all the rain, December brings warm seas, lush scenery, and quieter beaches than the peak tourist months. With a bit of planning and the right gear, you can enjoy Praslin’s highlights during the festive season.
Weather Data Sources and Monitoring
Local airport observations and long-term climate datasets provide the weather records for Praslin. These sources help you figure out temperature, rainfall, and humidity patterns for the Christmas season.
Accurate monitoring lets you plan with realistic expectations about the island’s tropical climate.
Role of Praslin Island Airport and National Airport
The Praslin Island Airport shares localized weather data that really shows what’s happening on the island. You’ll find measurements like temperature, rainfall, wind, and cloud cover here.
Since the airport sits right by the coast, these readings come in handy for anyone planning a beach trip or a holiday.
If you want a bigger picture, the National Airport on Mahé, about 28 miles away, brings in extra climate records. Sometimes Praslin’s own data doesn’t tell the whole story, so this helps fill in the blanks.
The National Airport has kept records for a lot longer, making it great for looking at how things have changed over the years.
When you look at both stations together, you can spot the island’s weather patterns more easily. For example:
| Location | Distance from Praslin | Key Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Praslin Island Airport | On-island | Localized, day-to-day conditions |
| National Airport | ~28 miles (Mahé) | Long-term climate averages, validation |
Using both sources, forecasts and climate summaries feel more grounded in what’s actually happening, both now and over time.
Reliable Forecast Tools
You’ll find plenty of climate data and forecasts for Praslin from a handful of trusted sources. The Met Office (UK), the University of East Anglia’s CRU, and the Netherlands Meteorological Institute all share long-term averages that many travel and climate guides rely on. They’ve collected these datasets over decades of steady monitoring.
If you’re planning something in the near future, online forecast tools offer updates on rainfall, temperature, and sunshine hours. Most platforms pull in data from both Praslin Island Airport and National Airport, so you get a pretty good mix of local and regional info.
When you’re checking forecasts, keep an eye on:
- Daily maximum and minimum temperatures
- Expected rainfall amounts
- Number of rainy days
- Sunshine duration
Honestly, it’s smart to compare several tools rather than trust just one. That way, you’re less likely to get caught off guard by a forecast that misses the mark, especially since late December tends to be warm but, yeah, often rainy.