Mahe, Seychelles
Victoria, Mahé, enjoys a tropical climate all year. Two main seasons shape the weather, influenced by trade winds. Northwest Trade Winds (October to March/April) bring warmer, wetter conditions. Temperatures range from 27°C (81°F) to 31°C (88°F). Humidity is higher. Rainfall can be heavy but often comes in short bursts. The sea typically stays calm.
Southeast Trade Winds (May to September) carry cooler, drier, and windier weather. Temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) to 29°C (84°F). Humidity is lower. The sea can get choppier, especially on southeastern coasts. This sometimes results in seaweed accumulation on certain beaches.
Trade winds dictate seasonal changes. The northwest monsoon brings more rain. The southeast monsoon brings drier, windier conditions. Seychelles lies outside the main cyclone belt; direct hits are rare, but distant storms sometimes cause rough seas or heavy rain. Temperatures consistently stay warm all year, without extreme highs or lows.
December to January & July to August
Good weather for sunbathing (July-August breezy but pleasant). Lively atmosphere, all tourist services fully open.
Higher prices for lodging and flights. Attractions and beaches are more crowded. Book well in advance.
April, May, October, November
Good weather as trade winds transition. Fewer crowds, moderate prices. Superior for diving and snorkeling due to calm seas and good visibility.
An increased chance of rain exists in October and November.
June, September, February, March
Lowest prices, fewer tourists. Excellent for surfing on certain beaches from June to September.
Can be windy in June and September, or have more rainfall in February and March. Seaweed may cover some beaches during the Southeast Trade Winds.
Seychelles welcomes visitors with a visa-free policy for all nationalities. All visitors must complete a Travel Authorisation before departure. Access the official Seychelles Electronic Border System for this process. It gathers personal details, passport information, flight details, and where you plan to stay. Approval usually arrives quickly, often within minutes, but can take up to 24 hours. A paid "Fast Track" option exists for quicker processing.
Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from your entry date. Confirmed return or onward ticket: For your entire stay. Proof of confirmed accommodation: For your entire stay in Seychelles. Sufficient funds: To cover your stay (for example, SCR 150 per day or similar, though this is rarely checked if other documents are in order). Travel Authorisation: Pre-approved through the online portal.
Standard processing for the Travel Authorisation is free.
Present your pre-approved Travel Authorisation (digital or print), passport, and other documents at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) or port. An Entry Permit for up to three months is issued; extensions are possible.
Entry fees apply for most marine national parks (e.g., Sainte Anne Marine National Park). Pay these upon entry or through tour operators.
Some islands are privately owned and need prior booking or permission.
A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is necessary if you arrive from or transit through a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
Plan your budget for a trip to Victoria, Mahé. Costs vary based on your travel style.
Currency: Seychellois Rupee (SCR), symbol SR or SRe. Notes are 10, 25, 50, 100, 500. Coins are 1, 5 rupees and 1, 5, 10, 25 cents. Exchange major currencies (USD, EUR, GBP) at banks, bureaux de change, and some hotels. ATMs are available in Victoria and popular tourist areas on Mahé. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted at most hotels, larger restaurants, and tour operators. Carry local currency for small purchases, local markets, and local buses. As of late 2023/early 2024, approximately 1 USD equals 13.2 SCR.
Prices for various categories:
| Category | Budget Traveler (SCR / USD) | Mid-Range Traveler (SCR / USD) | Luxury Traveler (SCR / USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 800 - 1,500 / $60 - $115 | 1,500 - 4,000 / $115 - $300 | 4,000+ / $300+ |
| Meals | 200 - 400 / $15 - $30 | 400 - 800 / $30 - $60 | 800+ / $60+ |
| Transportation | 20 - 50 / $1.50 - $4 | 100 - 300 / $7.50 - $22 | 300 - 1,000+ / $22 - $75+ |
| Activities/Tours | 0 - 300 / $0 - $22 | 300 - 1,000 / $22 - $75 | 1,000+ / $75+ |
| Total Daily Cost | 1,020 - 2,250 / $77 - $171 | 2,300 - 6,100 / $174 - $462 | 6,100+ / $462+ |
Prioritize health and safety when traveling to Victoria, Mahé.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is necessary if you arrive from or transit through a country with Yellow Fever transmission risk.
Consult a healthcare professional. Common recommendations include routine vaccinations, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid. Hepatitis B for longer stays or higher risk.
Dengue fever is present. Use a Strong insect repellent, especially at dawn and dusk. Consider wearing long sleeves or pants in the evenings. A Mosquito repellent with DEET offers better protection.
Sunburn and Heatstroke: The UV index is high. Use High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen, wear hats, Sunglasses, and seek shade during peak sun hours. Stay hydrated.
Traveler's Diarrhea: Drink Bottled water. Be cautious with street food. Ensure food is hot and freshly prepared. Wash hands often.
Jellyfish/Sea Urchins: They appear in coastal waters sometimes. Wear Water shoes, especially when walking on rocky areas or shallow reefs.
Consider bringing a Reusable water bottle with a filter to reduce plastic waste.
Victoria Hospital on Mahé is the main public hospital. Smaller clinics and private medical facilities also exist. Pharmacies are available in Victoria and other populated areas. Emergency services are generally responsive.
Tap water in Victoria is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available and often recommended. Food standards are generally good; choose street food vendors with high turnover and visible hygiene practices.
Seychelles is very safe with a low crime rate, especially violent crime. Petty theft is the most common issue. Stay watchful with belongings. Victoria is generally safe, but be aware of pickpockets in crowded market areas or bus terminals. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night.
Tropical cyclones are very low risk. Tsunamis are rare, but early warning systems are in place. Rough seas can occur during the Southeast Trade Wind season (May-September) on the south and east coasts. Always follow local warnings about swimming conditions.
A well-stocked First aid kit is a smart inclusion. Adventure Medical Kits offer various options.
Include Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen), Anti-diarrhea medication, and antihistamines.
Add Hydrocortisone cream for rashes or bites. Consider LifeStraw water filtration products for peace of mind.
Carry prescription medications in original packaging with documentation. Pack common cold and flu remedies.
