Seychelles is said to be one of the most beautiful islands in the world-famed primarily for its white sandy beaches contrasted by the crystal clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean. It is an archipelago of a total of 115 islands most of which are characterised by mild, equable climate all around the year despite lying so close to the equator.
Seychelles In March
Even during the hottest months, the maximum temperature seldom exceeds 32 degrees Celsius, and during the coldest months also the minimum temperature lies above 22 degrees Celsius. Such comfortable weather makes the islands of Seychelles the perfect holiday destination almost at any time of the year. However, from season to season there are some slight variations, and in this article, we mainly focus on March.
Seychelles Weather in March
In Seychelles, March is a transitionary period when the north-west monsoon winds that blow between November to March are receding, and the trade winds from the south-east blowing from May to September has not yet arrived. The absence of both of these winds during this period makes March one of the hottest months of the year in Seychelles. However, if you have already made your travel plans, then there is nothing to worry because most decent resorts and restaurants on the island are air-conditioned. Furthermore, when you are on a beach holiday, the best way to beat the heat would be to take a dip in the seawater!
In March, the daily mean temperature is around 28 degrees Celsius with 177 mm of average precipitation and average relative humidity that lies about 75%. Per day the island receives around 7 hours of sunshine during this time, and it is hardly windy with wind speeds of 8 Mph. Water temperature lies approximately 29 degrees Celcius. Although in March some amount of rainfall can be expected, unlike in other places, it does not rain continuously for many days thus confining you indoors. It normally rains for short periods here and at any point of time, it rains only at a particular place and not the entire island so this should not hamper your travel plans.
Suggested places to visit in March
Listed below are some of the places that have favourable weather conditions in March and hence are advisable.
1. Grand Anse, Praslin
Grand Anse is a district in the western side of Praslin island. There are a number of virgin beaches in Praslin like Anse Citron, Anse Lazio, Anse Volbert and Cote d'Or Beach which are a must visit during any trip to Seychelles. If it's too sunny or raining, then Praslin Museum would be an excellent place to go. Another important area that attracts tourists is Vallee de Mai Natural Reserve which gives a glimpse of the unique species of plants and animals that Seychelles is home to. These include the rare black parrot, the Seychelles national bird and also the unique coco de mer palm trees found only in Seychelles in the world.
2. Baie Lazare
Baie Lazare is a bay located in the southern part of Mahe island. It has shallow waters favouring swimming and also water sports like windsurfing, surfing and kitesurfing. Petite Anse, Anse Intendance and Anse Takamaka beach close to Baie Lazare are some stunning beaches that the island nation boasts of and hence is recommended. Travellers can also head to Club Liberte Casino which is good enough for some night-time revelry.
3. Anse Royale
Anse Royale district lies on the south-eastern part of Mahe island and also has some lovely and popular beaches like Anse aux pins and Anse Royale. If you are a nature lover, then you will be delighted to visit the Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden and the Kot Man-Ya Exotic Flower Garden in Anse Royale which has a wide variety of colourful flowers and endemic creatures like the Seychelles giant tortoise. Visitors can also go to explore the Takamaka Rum Distillery.
Other districts in South and East Mahe which can be visited include Au cap, Cascade and Pointe La Rue.
Always keep in mind that the islands being small, the same places that can be visited from one district, can also be visited from some other district. Like for instance, Anse Intendance beach is 4 kms away from Baie Lazare, while it is about 6 kms away from Anse Royale. So, it is in close proximity to both the districts with only slight differences and easily accessible from both.
Suggested Activities for March - Things to Do in Seychelles
If you are of the adventurous type, then you must know that March is one of the best months in Seychelles for underwater activities like scuba-diving or snorkelling! At this time due to the absence of trade winds which reduce visibility, water remains quite clear with underwater visibility of nearly 100 feet and water temperature of 29 degrees Celsius as stated previously. Almost all major places on all three of the largest islands - Mahe, Praslin and La Digue offer snorkelling and diving opportunities.
Swimming is safe this time of the year with gentle water conditions and absence of seaweed. If you are susceptible to seasickness, then March would be a pretty good time for sailing from island to island due to the absence of any turbulent winds.
Some activities like surfing aren't preferable in March. They are better from May to September under the influence of the trade winds. If you are interested in bird-watching, then it might disappoint you to know that March is not the time for bird watching. Also since March receives some amount of rainfall, hiking would be unsafe as the paths tend to remain slippery.
Highlighted above are the usual weather conditions prevailing in March in Seychelles. However, it is always advisable to check with the local weather forecasts before travelling to any place due to the possibility of any unforeseen events.