Mauritius
The one destination where the package usually beats booking apart
Mauritius is a resort market first and a destination second, which changes how you should book it. Hotels release inventory to package operators at rates you generally cannot reach booking direct, so flight-and-hotel bundles frequently undercut the sum of the parts. It is also small enough that where you stay determines most of your trip.
May, June, September and October — dry, mild, and outside both peaks
The year, season by season
Cooler dry season
May to SeptemberThe island's winter: mild, dry and comfortable, with lower humidity. The most pleasant conditions of the year, and outside the July school-holiday weeks, good value.
Peak
December to JanuaryHot, humid and the busiest period, driven by South African and European holidays at once. The most expensive time to go by a considerable margin.
Cyclone season
January to MarchHot and wet, with a real if usually unrealised cyclone risk. February and March are the cheapest months of the year, and most trips are unaffected — but the risk is not zero.
Shoulder
October to NovemberWarming up, still largely dry, and priced below the December surge. A strong compromise window.
Where to base yourself
Getting around
The island is compact but transfers are slower than the map suggests — a northern resort is a good hour or more from the airport in the south east. Most visitors rely on hotel transfers and occasional taxis. A hire car is worthwhile if you intend to explore the interior or move between coasts.
Compare car hire →Worth knowing
- 01Price the package before pricing the flight. This is the route where bundling most reliably wins.
- 02The east coast is windier — excellent for kitesurfing, less so for still-water swimming. The west is more sheltered.
- 03February and March are the cheapest months precisely because of cyclone risk. If you book then, travel insurance is worth more than usual.
- 04May through September is the most comfortable weather of the year and avoids the December pricing entirely.
Getting to Mauritius
Current fares and availability are shown on Travelstart, our booking partner.
Search flights to MauritiusPlanning the flight? Read the Johannesburg to Mauritius route guide for when to book.
Common questions
When is the cheapest time to go to Mauritius?
February and March, which fall inside cyclone season. May and September offer the best balance of good weather and reasonable rates.
Is it better to book a package to Mauritius?
Frequently, yes. Resort inventory is often priced below the sum of separate flight and hotel bookings on this route specifically. Check both before deciding.
Which coast should I stay on?
North for variety and dining, east for the best beaches and quiet, west for sunsets and diving. The island is small but transfers are slow, so pick one base.