When you picture winter in La Digue, just toss out any thoughts of cold winds and heavy coats. Most days stay warm around 83°F (28°C), and nights only cool off a little, hovering near 80°F (27°C). The sea water? Still just as inviting as ever.
The island’s tropical setting keeps temperatures steady. Winter here honestly feels like summer that never quite ends.
You’ll notice some rain, especially in December and January. Showers usually pass in a hurry, though.
Sunshine breaks through most days. Daylight sticks close to 12 hours, so there’s plenty of time for beaches or trails.
Overview of La Digue’s Winter Climate
La Digue stays warm and humid during winter. Temperatures barely budge, and you’ll see rain pretty often.
Seasonal changes are subtle. The island’s tropical rainforest climate keeps things steady year-round.
Tropical Rainforest Climate Characteristics
La Digue has a tropical rainforest climate (Af classification). That means high humidity, regular rainfall, and not much temperature swing.
Average yearly temperatures hover near 27°C (81°F). Daytime highs typically reach 29–30°C, and nights only dip to 24–25°C.
Showers pop up on most days. The island gets over 220 rainy days per year, but rain usually comes in short bursts, not all-day downpours.
This keeps the island’s greenery lush and dense. Sunshine still makes regular appearances, since showers move on quickly.
Winds usually stay light to moderate. Trade wind season brings stronger breezes.
The sea temperature hangs around 26–29°C, so you can swim all year.
This climate means you’ll want to pack for both sun and rain. Lightweight clothes, sunblock, and a rain cover will all come in handy.
Winter Months in La Digue
Winter in Seychelles runs from June to September. Don’t expect cold weather, though.
Nights feel a bit cooler and humidity drops slightly compared to wetter months. Daytime temperatures stick to 26–28°C, and nights might drop to about 24°C.
Rainfall eases up in winter. Showers get shorter and less intense.
You might still catch rain, but totals are lower than in December or January.
The southeast trade winds pick up during winter. They bring drier air and make the southeastern coasts a bit choppier.
If you’re swimming or snorkeling, the northwest beaches offer more shelter from wind and waves.
Reduced humidity makes the heat easier to handle. It’s honestly one of the best times to get outside.
Average Day and Night Temperatures in Winter
You’ll notice steady warmth during winter in La Digue. Daytime highs and nighttime lows don’t change much.
This makes it easy to plan outdoor activities. There aren’t any major shifts in weather.
Typical Daytime Highs
Daytime highs in winter usually hit 83–84°F (28–29°C). December averages 83.4°F, January stays at 83.0°F, and February edges up to 83.6°F.
That’s a pretty tight range. You don’t have to worry about big swings in temperature.
Sightseeing, cycling, or hitting the beach stays pleasant and predictable.
La Digue’s tropical setting keeps highs steady, unlike places where winter gets cold.
The Indian Ocean helps regulate the air temperature, keeping things warm but not scorching.
Nighttime Lows and Variability
Nights stay warm in winter. The average low is about 80°F (27°C).
December averages 80.2°F, January sits at 80.0°F, and February nudges up to 80.6°F.
Evenings feel mild and comfortable. You’ll rarely need more than light clothing.
There’s only a small difference between day and night temperatures. It’s a climate that feels steady and balanced.
Humidity can make nights feel warmer than the numbers suggest, but breezes often help.
You might notice minor changes depending on cloud cover, but overall, nights are stable.
Temperature Trends Across December to February
From December through February, temperatures barely shift. The range stays within 0.6°F (0.3°C) for both day and night.
- December: Day 83.4°F | Night 80.2°F
- January: Day 83.0°F | Night 80.0°F
- February: Day 83.6°F | Night 80.6°F
February edges out as the warmest month, but the difference is tiny.
No matter when you visit, you’ll find nearly identical weather. Swimming, cycling, and outdoor activities are always on the table.
Rainfall and Humidity During Winter
Winter in La Digue brings frequent showers, steady humidity, and a mix of wet and drier days.
It stays warm even when it rains. The amount of precipitation and number of rainy days can shape your plans.
Monthly Precipitation Totals
Rainfall during the winter months of December through February runs fairly high compared to mid-year.
December often gets some of the heaviest totals, averaging around 230–240 mm. January is close, with about 230 mm.
By February, rain usually drops a bit to 170–190 mm.
You’ll probably encounter wetter conditions early in winter, then see a shift toward less rain as the season moves on.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| December | ~236 mm |
| January | ~236 mm |
| February | ~180 mm |
Even February, the driest winter month, brings more rain than many other tropical spots.
Number of Rainy Days
Rain doesn’t last all day, but showers come often. In December, you’ll see rain on about 18–20 days.
January is similar, with 17–19 days of rain. February is a bit drier, averaging 15–17 days.
So, more than half the days in winter bring at least some precipitation. Showers tend to be short and heavy, with clearer skies after.
Planning outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon can help you dodge the wettest spells.
Even on rainy days, you’ll often catch breaks of sunshine. Sightseeing and beach time are still possible if you stay flexible.
Humidity Levels
Humidity stays high all year in La Digue. Winter is no exception.
December and January average around 82–83% relative humidity. February drops a bit but still sits near 80%.
This kind of humidity makes the air feel warmer than the thermometer says. Light, breathable clothes and plenty of water are essential.
Humidity also makes rain clouds form and clear quickly. The air can feel sticky, especially after a shower, but sea breezes often help.
You’ll want to plan for warm, moist conditions whether you’re hiking, cycling, or just relaxing on the sand.
Sunshine Hours and Day Length
During winter in La Digue, you’ll get a mix of sunny and cloudy days. Daylight hours hold steady thanks to the island’s spot near the equator.
Average Daily Sunshine
La Digue averages 4 sunny days per month in winter. The rest are partly cloudy or rainy.
December and January bring more rain, so you’ll see fewer clear skies. February tends to be a little drier.
You still get several hours of direct sunlight each day, even when it’s cloudy. Gaps in the clouds let the sun through for parts of the day.
If you’re planning outdoor adventures, mornings usually offer the best shot at clear skies before afternoon showers roll in.
That’s pretty typical for tropical climates, and it helps you make the most of limited sunshine hours.
Typical Day Length
Day length barely changes in La Digue during winter. You’ll get between 11.4 and 12.4 hours of daylight from December through February.
For example:
| Month | Daylight Range |
|---|---|
| December | 12.4 hours |
| January | 12.3–12.4 hrs |
| February | 11.4–12.3 hrs |
You won’t experience long, dark nights like places farther from the equator. Sunrise comes around 6 a.m. and sunset is close to 6:30 p.m.
That makes it easy to plan your days.
Sea Water Temperatures in Winter
Sea water around La Digue stays warm all winter. Temperatures barely change from month to month.
Average Sea Temperatures
In December, the sea averages about 28.5°C. January is close at 28.4°C, and February nudges up to 28.8°C.
That’s barely any variation, so you can count on warm waters all season.
At night, the water is often a degree or two warmer than the air. Evening swims feel great, and the sea doesn’t cool off fast after sunset.
Here’s a quick look at average sea temperatures in winter:
| Month | Avg. Sea Temp (°C) |
|---|---|
| December | 28.5°C |
| January | 28.4°C |
| February | 28.8°C |
These numbers are pretty standard for Seychelles. The Indian Ocean keeps things warm year-round.
Swimming and Water Activities
You can swim any time of day without worrying about cold water. With temperatures above 28°C, you won’t need a wetsuit—even for longer swims.
Snorkeling is a favorite in La Digue during winter. Warm water brings out active marine life.
On many days, calm conditions make it easy to spot coral and fish. Diving is also popular, since steady water temperatures help you stay comfortable.
Kayaking and paddleboarding work well too. If you fall in, it’s not a big deal.
Whether you’re after a quick dip or a full day on the water, the winter sea around La Digue is always inviting.
Weather Patterns and Conditions
During winter in La Digue, you’ll get warm tropical weather and slightly cooler temperatures than the rest of the year.
Rainfall drops compared to the wettest months. Humidity and breezes still shape how the weather feels each day.
Cloud Cover and Sky Conditions
Winter in La Digue usually brings partly cloudy skies. You’ll notice a mix of sun and passing clouds as the day goes on.
January feels wetter, with heavier clouds hanging around, while July tends to be drier and clearer, which means more sunshine.
On most days, you get 5–8 hours of sunlight, but it really depends on the month. January averages about 5 hours, but by May and July, you might see closer to 8 hours.
This change in sunshine can shape your outdoor activities. Mornings are often brighter, and then those quick afternoon showers can roll in.
Steady trade winds push clouds across the sky pretty fast, so weather can flip from sunny to overcast in no time. Even during rainy months, the skies usually clear up after showers, letting the sun peek through again.
Humidity stays high, hovering between 79% and 83% most of the time. That makes the air feel heavier, especially with the cloud cover.
If you plan your activities early, you can dodge the stickiest part of the day.
Wind Patterns in Winter
The southeast trade winds have a big impact on La Digue’s winter weather, blowing steadily from May through September. These winds bring in cooler, drier air, and they take the edge off the humidity compared to wetter seasons.
Wind speeds usually stay moderate, around 15–25 km/h, but along the coast and on open beaches, they can feel a lot stronger. That’s great if you’re into sailing, windsurfing, or other water sports.
Inland, breezes calm down, so walking or cycling feels more relaxed. On the eastern and southern shores, winds pick up, making the sea a bit choppier and surf a little rougher.
These wind patterns change the rainfall too. In July and August, when the winds are strongest, rain drops to about 70–80 mm per month. That’s a big difference from January, which gets over 200 mm.
Winter really does offer some of the most comfortable weather for getting outside and exploring.
Summary: What to Expect in La Digue During Winter
Winter in La Digue, Seychelles feels warm and steady, with that classic tropical weather everyone dreams about. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 28–29°C (82–84°F), while nights cool off just a bit to about 26–27°C (79–81°F).
Honestly, you won’t need heavy clothing—just light stuff will do.
Rain does show up this season. December and January bring about 10–11 rainy days per month, and the totals reach around 180–190 mm.
February backs off a little, with fewer rainy days and less rainfall. Showers can be heavy, but they don’t last long.
The sea? Still warm and welcoming. Water temperatures stick to 28–29°C, so swimming and snorkeling never really feel chilly.
You might notice there aren’t as many sunny days as in the drier months. Usually, you get about 4 sunny days per month.
Still, daylight lasts a solid 11–12 hours daily, so you have plenty of time to explore or just relax.
Here’s a quick look at what winter usually brings:
| Month | Day Temp | Night Temp | Sea Temp | Rainy Days | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 28.5°C | 26.8°C | 28.5°C | 11 | 186 |
| January | 28.3°C | 26.7°C | 28.4°C | 11 | 193 |
| February | 28.7°C | 27.0°C | 28.8°C | 5 | 91 |
Expect warm, humid conditions with a real mix of sunshine and rain. It’s smart to pack light clothing, sun protection, and maybe a rain jacket just in case.