Port Louis is the capital city of Mauritius, an island country located in the Indian Ocean and just to the east of Madagascar. It is a small country that is situated in the tropics of the Southern Hemisphere. As a result, the seasons are the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere. However, because the island is located in the tropics, it remains warm year round. Because of its warmth, the island is a great place to visit no matter the season or the month.
Spring Weather In Port Louis
Rain
Spring in the Southern Hemisphere is considered to be September, October and November. These happen to be some of the driest months of the year making it a good time to visit. The region and Port Louis will receive between 36mm and 46mm of precipitation each month. It is also during this time that the area gets its greatest amount of sun with an average of 10 hours of sunshine in November.
Temperature
Temperatures both on land and in the sea are very consistent from one month to the next. The average daily temperature for the three months climbs from 21°C (70°F) in September to 23°C (73°F) in November. In the meantime, the average afternoon high will climb from 23°C (73°F) to 26°C (79°F) by the end of the three month period. The average overnight lows will also see a climb over the same timeframe.
Sea Temperature
In the ocean, there is never a bad time to enjoy the various water sports of the island. Water temperatures will vary from 23°C (73°F) in September to 25°C (77°F) in November. With waters this warm, the entire family is able to take advantage of them.
Summer Weather In Port Louis
Summer is made up of December, January and February in the Southern Hemisphere. This is the warmest, but also the wettest time of the year. The good news is that most of the showers and thunderstorms will take place in the later afternoon hours. While the rain may be heavy at times, it typically doesn't last very long allowing the sun to reappear.
Rain
Rainfall amounts and days will increase steadily throughout the summer season. December is the driest season with 117mm of precipitation. However, this number will steadily climb to 216mm in January and 198mm in February. The number of days recording rain also increases from 7 at the start of the period to 11 by the end.
Temperature
Despite the rain, temperatures will continue to climb and reach their highs for the year. The average daily temperature for the three months will range from 25°C (77°F) to 26°C (79°F). Afternoon highs will vary just slightly between 28°C (82°F) and 29°C (84°F) with January being the warmest month. Combined with the amount of humidity in the air, these numbers can also feel much warmer than the actual temperature.
Average overnight lows range from 21°C (70°F) in December to 22°C (72°F) in both January and February. With warm numbers throughout the day, it is important to make sure your hotel room comes equipped with air conditioning.
Sea Temperature
This is the prime time to hit the beach and the waters range from a temperature of 26°C (79°F) in December to 28°C (82°F) in February. As a result, the whole family can participate in water sports such as swimming, surfing or scuba diving. Additionally, the region sees an average of 7 to 9 hours of sunshine a day giving visitors plenty of time to soak up some rays.
Autumn Weather In Port Louis
Autumn comes to the region during March, April and May and continues the trend of very wet conditions, especially early in the season. If visitors are planning a trip during this time, you must consult an extended forecast before leaving home to make sure that you have the proper rain gear packed.
Temperature
Despite the numerous showers and thunderstorms, temperatures are warm enough to enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities around the island. Both the average afternoon high and average overnight low fall somewhat, but there are no wild temperature swings in the tropics. The mornings will begin with temperatures ranging from 21°C (70°F) in both March and April to 19°C (66°F) in May.
Afternoon temperatures will fall from 28°C (82°F) to 26°C (79°F) by the end of the three months.
Sea Temperature
During this same time frame, sea surface temperatures will also cool off, but at a slower rate. This is because water heats and cools much slower than land. The water temperatures around the island will fall from 27°C (81°F) in March to 26°C (79°F) by May.
Rain
Umbrellas and rain gear will definitely be needed as a lot of the rain in the region falls over these three months. In fact, March is the wettest month of the year with an average of 221mm of precipitation. This rain falls over a period of 11 days. Rain will begin to taper off, however, later in the season with only 127mm of precipitation in April and 97mm in May.
Winter Weather In Port Louis
Winter consists of June, July and August in the Southern Hemisphere, but this can be a great time to visit and escape the heat and humidity of the Northern Hemisphere's summer. While it is not cold enough on the island to warrant a heavy coat, it will be chilly enough first thing in the morning to require a light jacket or long sleeves.
Temperature
Average overnight lows over this period will remain fairly steady and hover between 18°C (64°F) and 17°C (63°F). Average afternoon highs are also cooler with temperatures ranging from 24°C (75°F) in June to 23°C (73°F) in both July and August.
Sea Temperature
Despite the calendar saying this is the winter season, the seawater is still warm enough to enjoy. Water temperatures will range from 25°C (77°F) in June to 23°C (73°F) in August. This is warm enough for visitors to enjoy swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and more.
Rain
This season is one of the driest on the west side of the island with between 66mm and 58mm of rain falling during each month. Each month will experience approximately 6 days of measurable precipitation. Thanks to warm conditions, there is no chance of frozen precipitation. Additionally, each month receives an average of 8 hours of sunshine per day.
Conclusion
While it might be difficult to get to, visiting the island and city of Port Louis is well worth the effort. There isn't a bad time to visit even though there are wetter periods throughout the course of the year. With plenty of outdoor activities, high end resorts and warm water, there is a lot to like about this small island in the middle of the Indian Ocean.