Seychelles
Quieter than Mauritius, and priced accordingly
Seychelles and Mauritius get mentioned in the same breath and then behave completely differently once you start booking. Mauritius is a resort market where packages routinely beat booking separately. Seychelles is fragmented — smaller properties, guesthouses, self-catering — so the packaging advantage largely disappears, and the islands stay quieter because the price never falls far enough to fill them.
April and October — the changeover months, when the wind drops and the sea is calmest
The year, season by season
Southeast trades
May to SeptemberDrier, cooler and windier. Excellent for sailing and walking, less so for still-water swimming, and seaweed accumulates on some southeast-facing beaches. Overlaps with the South African winter holidays, so July and August are busy.
Changeover
April and OctoberThe winds turn and briefly drop. Calm, clear water and the best conditions for diving and snorkelling. Short windows, and the ones worth aiming for.
Northwest monsoon
November to MarchWarmer, more humid, with heavier but usually short rain. The sea is calmer on the southeast coasts. December and January are peak on price despite the weather, driven by holiday demand.
Where to base yourself
Getting around
Mahé has a reasonable road network and hiring a small car is common and worthwhile. Moving between the main islands means a ferry to Praslin and La Digue, or a short domestic flight — both add cost and a half day. On La Digue, bicycles are the normal way to get around.
Compare car hire →Worth knowing
- 01Do not assume a package deal wins here the way it does for Mauritius. The accommodation market is fragmented and booking direct is frequently competitive — check both.
- 02Island-hopping sounds easy and costs real time and money. Decide whether you are basing yourself on one island or moving before you price the trip.
- 03Seaweed on southeast-facing beaches is a genuine seasonal issue during the trade winds. Ask about the specific beach rather than the island.
- 04Self-catering is far more established than in most Indian Ocean destinations, and food costs are high, so it can change the economics of a longer stay substantially.
Getting to Seychelles
Current fares and availability are shown on Travelstart, our booking partner.
Search flights to SeychellesPlanning the flight? Read the Johannesburg to Seychelles route guide for when to book.
Common questions
What is the best time to visit Seychelles?
April and October, the changeover months between the two monsoon winds, when the sea is calmest and clearest. Both are short windows.
Is Seychelles or Mauritius better value?
Mauritius, generally — it has a large resort market with aggressive package pricing that Seychelles lacks. Seychelles is more expensive and noticeably quieter as a result.
Do I need to visit more than one island?
Not necessarily. Mahé alone supports a full trip. Praslin and La Digue are worth adding if you have a week or more, but each transfer costs money and roughly half a day.