Thinking of heading to Mahé in the fall? You’ll want to know what to expect—mostly warm days, mild nights, and a gradual uptick in rainfall. Daytime temperatures usually land between 27°C and 28°C, while nights hover around 26°C. This steady warmth is a big plus if you’re after tropical weather without any scorching extremes.
Rainfall starts off lighter in September but grows through October and November. The island gets greener as the season goes on. Showers tend to come and go quickly, so you’ll still have lots of time to be outside. The mix of sunshine, humidity, and gentle breezes really gives Seychelles its signature tropical vibe.
If you’re keen on beaches, nature trails, or just lounging in a quiet spot, fall might be your sweet spot. There are fewer crowds than in the high season, and the weather feels pretty balanced.
Overview of Fall Weather in Mahe, Seychelles
Fall in Mahe shifts away from the drier middle months and heads into a wetter season. The air stays warm, but you’ll notice humidity and rainfall creeping up, which can shape your plans for the beach or hikes.
What Defines Fall in Mahe
Fall here means September, October, and November. Forget about chilly air or falling leaves—this isn’t a temperate climate. The season changes mostly through rainfall patterns and small temperature shifts.
September averages about 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, spread over 20 days. October bumps up to 134 mm (5.3 in), and November sits around 129 mm (5.1 in). It’s not as wet as January, but you’ll notice the difference.
Daytime highs run from 26.8°C (80°F) to 27.9°C (82°F). Nights stick close to 26°C (79°F). The weather stays reliably warm and humid.
The sea doesn’t cool off either. You’ll find water temps between 27°C (81°F) and 28°C (82°F), so swimming and snorkeling are still on the table, even when showers pick up.
General Fall Climate Patterns
Rain really starts to build up as fall goes on. You’ll see more short, heavy showers, especially in the afternoons or evenings. Humidity rises, making the air feel thicker than it does in July or August.
Even with more rain, you’ll still get a decent amount of sunshine. Mornings are usually clearer, but clouds roll in as the day goes on. It’s smart to get your outdoor activities done early, then maybe switch to indoor or shaded spots later.
Winds calm down a bit, with the strong southeast trades fading away. This makes the ocean smoother, which is great if you’re into boating or diving.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Compared to summer (June–August), fall is definitely wetter and stickier. Summer’s the driest time, with rainfall often under 75 mm (3 in) each month. Fall is when the rains start to return.
Winter (December–February) is a whole different thing—much heavier rains, especially in January, when you might see 220 mm (8.7 in) or more. Fall acts as a bridge, with rain that’s noticeable but not overwhelming.
Spring (March–May) brings hotter temps and even more rain—highs near 29°C (84°F) and rainfall over 170 mm (6.7 in) sometimes. Fall sits right in the middle, not as dry as summer and not as wet as spring or winter.
Average Temperatures During Fall
Fall temperatures in Mahe stay steady and warm. Not much changes from September to November, honestly. You’ll feel consistent warmth day and night, and the sea stays inviting.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During the day, temperatures usually run 28°C to 30°C (82°F to 86°F). The heat isn’t brutal, but the humidity amps it up. Afternoons can feel especially muggy, especially after a shower.
At night, the air cools just a bit. You’ll see averages of 26°C to 28°C (79°F to 82°F). It stays warm and sticky, so air conditioning or a fan is a good idea for sleeping.
The small gap between day and night temps is classic tropical climate. No need for heavy clothes—just pack light, breathable stuff.
Monthly Temperature Trends
From September to November, things warm up little by little.
| Month | Avg. Day Temp | Avg. Night Temp |
|---|---|---|
| September | 28.1°C (83°F) | 26.7°C (80°F) |
| October | 28.9°C (84°F) | 27.3°C (81°F) |
| November | 29.5°C (85°F) | 27.8°C (82°F) |
September feels a touch cooler (but still pretty hot). By November, you’ll notice warmer days and nights.
If you prefer it milder, early fall is your best bet. The later it gets, the hotter and steamier it feels.
Sea Water Temperatures
The sea doesn’t lose its warmth in fall. It generally stays between 27°C and 29°C (81°F to 84°F), slowly warming as you move from September to November.
| Month | Avg. Sea Temp |
|---|---|
| September | 27.1°C (81°F) |
| October | 28.0°C (82°F) |
| November | 28.6°C (83°F) |
Swimming, snorkeling, diving—they’re all good throughout fall. No wetsuit needed, unless you really feel the cold.
With warm, calm water, fall is a nice time for boat trips too. You’ll get comfort both on the sand and in the sea.
Rainfall and Rainy Days in Fall
In Mahe, fall brings moderate rainfall that builds as the months pass. Showers happen often, but each month’s totals show a steady climb toward the wetter monsoon season.
Monthly Precipitation Totals
Rainfall from September to November follows an upward trend. September usually sees 90–110 mm. October jumps to 130–150 mm, and November tops out at 180–200 mm.
This increase matches the shift from the drier southeast trade winds to the wetter northwest monsoon. It’s not as much as January, but you’ll notice the difference from the dry months.
For a quick look:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | ~100 mm |
| October | ~140 mm |
| November | ~190 mm |
November definitely stands out as the wettest fall month.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days tick upward too. Expect 12–14 in September, 14–16 in October, and 17–18 in November.
Showers come fast and heavy, but they don’t usually last all day. You’ll still have dry hours, even with more rainy days.
Because Mahe sits in the Indian Ocean, showers sometimes pop up with little warning, especially in the afternoon. It’s smart to carry a light rain jacket if you’re out and about.
Transition to Wet Season
By late November, you’ll see Mahe moving into the wet season. The northwest monsoon starts to take over, bringing more humidity and increasing rainfall.
The change isn’t sudden—September and October still feel fairly balanced, with rain scattered through the month. In November, though, showers get heavier and more frequent as the peak rainy months approach.
If you’re traveling, you’ll want to stay flexible with your plans as fall goes on. Early fall is better for outdoor adventures, while late fall might mean dodging a few more downpours.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Fall in Mahe brings steady daylight, with only small changes in day length. Sunshine varies by month, and cloud cover can make a big difference in how bright things feel.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
You’ll usually get 6 hours 54 minutes to 7 hours 11 minutes of sunshine per day in fall. September averages about 6h 54m. October and November come in at about 7h 11m and 7h 00m.
Even though the days are long, clouds can cut down on bright sunshine. On average, about 58–59% of daylight hours are sunny in September and October, slipping to 57% in November.
So, while Mahe isn’t cloudless, you’ll still see plenty of sun. The mix of sun and cloud makes it comfortable for outdoor activities without baking in constant heat.
Day Length Changes
Daylight hours barely budge in Mahe during fall, thanks to its spot near the equator. September days average 12h 05m, October stretches to 12h 13m, and November gets to about 12h 19m.
The gap between the longest and shortest days is less than 40 minutes. You won’t see dramatic seasonal swings like you would farther from the equator.
This makes planning easy—no need to worry about the sun setting too early for your beach day or boat trip.
Cloud Cover and Visibility
Clouds play a big part in how much sunshine you actually get. In September, about 42% of daylight hours are cloudy. October averages 41%, and November goes up to 43%.
You’ll mostly see partly cloudy skies, not long stretches of gloom. Visibility stays good, with haze or quick showers more common than endless gray.
Travelers will still get lots of bright skies, but expect some variation. The mix of cloud and sun keeps things comfortable and still gives you plenty of light for exploring.
Humidity, Winds, and UV Index in Fall
In Mahé during the fall, you’ll notice steady humidity, moderate southeast trade winds, and reliably high UV levels. These factors really shape how the weather feels and what you’ll want to pack.
Humidity Levels
Humidity sticks high in Mahé from September through November, usually hanging between 78% and 80%. The air feels heavy, especially in the mornings and evenings. That’s just how it goes in the tropics, and even the drier months don’t bring much relief.
October and November bring a bit more rain than September, which makes things feel damper. It’s not a huge jump, but you’ll notice clothes drying more slowly and walks feeling a bit stickier.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, expect some stickiness. Light, breathable clothes make a difference. Most hotels and guesthouses have air conditioning or fans, and you’ll probably be glad for them at night.
Average Wind Speeds
Southeast trade winds shape Mahé’s weather in fall, but they lose strength after peaking in June through August. You’ll usually notice average speeds between 10–20 km/h (6–12 mph). September brings a bit more breeze before things settle down in October and November.
These winds naturally ventilate the island, cutting down the heavy, sticky feeling from humidity. Along the coast, they make the beach more comfortable and help keep mosquitoes away.
If you’re into water sports, September stands out for sailing and windsurfing. By November, the wind drops, so the sea calms down, and snorkeling or diving gets a lot better since visibility improves.
UV Index Trends
Mahé’s UV index stays very high all year, and during fall, it averages between 9 and 11. Sunburns happen fast, even if it’s cloudy.
You’ll want sunscreen with high SPF, sunglasses, and some cover for your skin, especially around midday. Not every beach has much shade, so a hat or umbrella comes in handy.
The sea reflects sunlight, so UV exposure jumps when you’re on the water. If you’re out for hours, protective clothing or reef-safe sunscreen is a must. Even a quick walk can leave you burned if you’re not careful.
Travel Tips for Visiting Mahe in Fall
Mahe in fall feels relaxed, with mild temps, steady sunshine, and fewer people than in busier months. Outdoor activities are easy to enjoy, sea temps are comfortable, and you get a nice mix of nature and local culture without much rain getting in your way.
Best Activities for Fall Weather
Fall evenings on Mahe cool down, and the seas get calmer. Humidity drops compared to the wettest months. That’s why snorkeling and diving work so well now—clearer water and easier conditions when the trade winds relax.
You might want to hike Morne Blanc or Copolia while the skies are clear. The views stretch out over the island and ocean. With cooler air, longer hikes feel much easier than during humid times.
Beach days don’t really go out of style here, especially at Beau Vallon Beach. The water stays warm for swimming. If you’re new to sailing or kayaking, October and November offer calm, beginner-friendly conditions.
Fall’s also a great season for fishing. Tuna, marlin, and sailfish show up around the island, and local guides run day trips that blend fishing with sightseeing along the coast.
Packing Recommendations
Pack light, breathable clothes because daytime temps usually sit between 24°C and 30°C. Bring cotton shirts, shorts, and swimwear for most things you’ll do. Nights might feel cooler, so toss in a light jacket or long-sleeved shirt.
You might get caught in a quick shower, so a compact rain jacket or poncho is smart. Sandals work for the beach, but hiking needs sturdier shoes.
Sun protection really matters in Seychelles. Take high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. The sun’s intense this close to the equator, even when it looks cloudy.
If you’re planning to snorkel or dive, your own mask and snorkel can be more comfortable, but you’ll find rentals everywhere. A reusable water bottle helps you stay hydrated when you’re out exploring.
Local Events and Festivals
Fall in Mahe brings out cultural events that let you experience Seychellois traditions up close. In October, the Festival Kreol takes over the island, filling it with music, dance, food, and art exhibitions.
People consider it one of the biggest cultural events in Seychelles.
During this time, markets and fairs pop up with local crafts and Creole cuisine. You’ll get the chance to try dishes like grilled fish, coconut curries, and tropical fruits.
Village churches host religious and community gatherings too. These events stay pretty small, but visitors usually feel welcome.
Sometimes you’ll catch music performances at Beau Vallon or in Victoria. Local bands play sega and moutya rhythms, and honestly, it’s a pretty relaxed way to wind down after a busy day outside.