Seychelles holiday in paradise! What sets Seychelles apart from so many other beach & honeymoon holiday destinations is its wide variety of islands. Each with its own geography and history.
The most popular islands are Mahe Island and Praslin Island.
The Republic of Seychelles comprises 115 islands occupying a land area of 455 square kilometers. The islands stretch like an array of jewels across 1.4million square kilometers in the Indian Ocean! Only a few of the islands are inhabited.
The granite islands of the Seychelles archipelago cluster around the main island of Mahé. And its satellites Praslin and La Digue.
Mahe is home to the international airport and the capital, Victoria. It is 27 kilometers long and 12 kilometers wide and is mountainous.
Many of the beaches are untouched by man’s influence and are refreshingly uncrowded. Vallee de Mai is a world heritage site and home to the world’s largest seed. The coco-de-mer. It is also home to many species of birds, fish (about 800 species), and other marine life. Together with a rich, unique flora.
Seychelles is a refuge for sun-seekers, honeymooners, and nature lovers.
When to go on your Seychelles holiday
The Seychelles islands enjoy a pleasant tropical climate year-round. The temperature seldom drops below 24 degrees or rises above 33 degrees centigrade. Rarely dropping below 22°C at night. Globally changing climate conditions, however, make it difficult to predict exact weather patterns.
Refreshing rain showers often last for only short periods before the sun comes out again. Although they can be unpredictable. Be careful of the sun between 11 am and 3 pm, it is often stronger than you think.
Throughout the year, natural fibres and breathable clothing are recommended.
There are two main seasons; the Northwest and Southeast trade winds with two short inter-trade wind periods.
The Southeast trade wind is between May and October and is relatively dry and cool. Cloudy at times. Though rainfall is normally sparse, light, and for short periods with moderate to rough seas. There can be strong wind mainly from the southeast.
Pre-Northwest trade winds in November bring frequent short showers late morning and afternoon. It is relatively warm and wind shifts from SE to NW; generally light and variable.
Northwest trade wind (rainy season) between December to March is relatively warm and wet. Especially in December and January; with wind mainly from the Northwest. The rainfall is often heavy with a few thunderstorms.
Pre-southeast trade wind in April is calm and hot with frequent short showers in the late morning and afternoon.
The wind shifts from NW to SE, generally light and variable.
Seychelles is situated outside the cyclonic belts.
Seychelles holiday activities
In Seychelles, it is safe to swim year-round. However, it depends on the tradewinds as stated above. During the Southeast tradewinds, the north of Mahe normally benefits from the calm seas. While the southern part of Mahe then becomes windy and the sea is not as calm. During the Northwest tradewinds; the sea is calmer in the south on Mahe. And not that calm in the northern part of the island.
The best times to visit Seychelles for different types of activities:
Bird watching: April (breeding season), May – September (nesting of Sooty Terns). And, October (migration)
Diving: March – May / September – November
Fishing: October – April
Hiking / Walks & Trails: May – September
Sailing: Year-round
Snorkeling: Year-round. However, there is seaweed on Praslin’s North and north-west coast between May and September
Surfing/Windsurfing: May – September
It is possible to dive all year round but the quality of dive sites varies depending on prevailing winds. In general, the best conditions for diving occur during the transaction periods from February to May. And from September to November. The water temperature is 29°C and visibility extends beyond 30 meters. From November till January; the trade winds blow from the northwest but conditions remain comparable to those periods of calm. With the exception of a greater movement of the turbidity of surface waters. From June to September; strong winds blow from the southwest (especially in August). Visibility is reduced and the water cools down to 25°C and a wetsuit of 3mm is recommended in this season.
