When to travel
Conditions across the Indian Ocean vary depending on where you go, so the right time to travel depends on the type of trip you have in mind.
The Maldives tends to work best between November and April, when the weather is drier and the sea is calmer. This is the most consistent period for time on the water, snorkelling, and moving between islands.
Mauritius and the Seychelles are more flexible. Both can be visited for much of the year, but the most settled conditions are usually between April and November, when temperatures are slightly lower and humidity is reduced. The Seychelles, in particular, works well in April, May, October, and November, when the seas are calmer for swimming and boat trips.
Sri Lanka depends on which side of the island you are visiting. The south and west coasts are best between December and April, while the east coast is better between May and September. This allows you to plan a journey that moves with the seasons rather than against them.
If you are combining destinations, such as a safari in East Africa with time on the coast or in the Maldives, timing becomes more important. These journeys need to be planned carefully so that conditions work well across each part of the trip.
