Mauritius Travel Forum

Hi All
I'm so delighted I found this forum because I'm going crazy trying to work it out myself!!
My dilemma is this: Which side of the island should we stay on in the first 2 weeks of Feb? Weather charts seem to indiate it rains LESS (like half the rainfall) on the west coast in February but other written reports state that the "east coast weather differs from that of the west coast - the former being much drier during January and February, when prevailing winds drive in from the east, race up the mountains and dump rain on central and western Mauritius". So you can see why I'm confused!

Our family of 4 (grown up children) don't mind it hot but we don't want to spend our holiday cooped up indoors. 3 of us love diving and I was originally thinking the Hilton at Flic en Flac looked good.

Anyway, I'd very much appreciate some advice if anyone can help.

Many thanks.
Dee

I have been a good few times to mauritius- never in Feb though, all i can say is that feb is mid summer and the island is not that huge - Some people say the south is cooler- although I have stayed at paradis in the south ans it was awesome - the thing with the rain is that its so tropical the rain will pass over and the sun shines again in a matter of half an hour.

I have stayed at the following - Club Med (point aux cannoniers, Paradis - south

La pirogue - not even sure where

all were great

My advice is dont get too technical with the weather and stay somewhere that appeals to you.

Dee you should be aware that January to March are the rainiest months,and also prone to tropical storms and cyclones at that time. The past two Februaries have seen a few tropical storms and one cyclone Cat 4 two years ago. Its very hot and very humid. I have been most months, and much prefer the Mauritian winter from May to September, with less rain and less humidity. Problem then is the wind on the east and south coasts, although the north and west would be ideal. The Hilton, Taj Exotica, Sugar Beach, Sofitel, La Pirogue and Sands are all good choices on the west at Flic en Flac and Wolmar. If you must go Feb be aware of the risk of cyclones and tropical storms, which even when out to sea and quite distant bring very windy and wet weather. I would change the dates if possible. October is supposedly the driest month. The east is usually rainier than the west and north.
Krissy

Hi, I live in Mauritius, and quite honestly, as long as you are at the coast, you will be fine regarding the weather. Mauritius is so small, if there is any major rainfall, it will effect the whole island. Anyway, February is a good month to be here, even though it is in our cyclone season. (We havent had a direct hit in I think about 4 years!)The west coast (Black River area) is a lot quiter and hotter than say... the north (grand bay) Grand Bay is well known for its night life and is well populated by tourists. It just depends on what your objectives are for your holiday! Have a great stay!

Dear Dee,

I've been to Mauritius a few times already and was there last February. I think the West coast is dryer and it rains very rarely. So I wouldnt really worry about the rain but only of cyclones which are very troublesome! I keep in touch with a few mates over there and apparently it rained quite a lot in January, hopefully February will be much better.

Hilton is a nice hotel, there are a few good diving sites around the West Coast. La Pirogue, Sugar Beach and the Sofitel are all good hotels next to the Hilton. I visited all and they are all nice. I know that the Sugar Beach and la Pirogue just got renovated.

Finally, one advice is to rent a car so that you are free to go anywhere. If you stay at the Hilton there isnt much to see around and taxis are so expensive. I was recommended a very nice car rental company called DH Car rental Mauritius. The deals were great and the service very reliable and good. www.dhcarrental.com

I wish you a very nice holiday and keep us updated.

all the best

Ross
Perth