Where to Go, When?

Let’s imagine you’ve hit the travel jackpot!

You’ve won four golden tickets to jet off to the Maldives, Dubai, Mauritius, and the Seychelles, with the luxury of travelling at a time of your choosing. Lucky you! 

You’ve hit the travel jackpot!

The only thing standing between you and sun-soaked perfection is one important decision: When is the best time to visit each destination to guarantee those dreamy beach days?

The non-negotiable

If you’re anything like me, a self-confessed beach bum (no judgment here) one thing is non-negotiable: you’ll want to spend every blissful minute sprawled on a luxuriously deep sun lounger, surrounded by powdery sand, with the glistening ocean just a lazy stretch away.

#GiveMeBeachDayEveryDay

I’ve been there, done that…

and felt the sand between my toes.

As someone who’s not only ticked all four of these destinations off my travel wish list, I have also stayed long enough to uncover their beach secrets, I’m here to share what I’ve learnt when it comes to ‘when is best to travel’ for a beach holiday. This isn’t just second-hand advice, what follows is my first-hand expertise, blended with a healthy dash of wanderlust and a genuine love of the beach. 

Of course, it’s important to note that while the weather patterns I talk about are ‘typical’ for each destination, global warming is shifting climates around the world. Unlike a decade ago, weather is no longer as predictable as it once was, so while I can certainly stack the odds in your favour, sadly, no time of year comes with absolute guarantees anymore. 

The Maldives:

Mid-January

Paradise Without the Crowds

For the best chance of perfect beach weather without the crowds, I recommend planning your trip to the Maldives for mid-January onwards. February, March, and April also tend to offer fantastic conditions: think clear skies, calm seas, and endless sunshine, making this period one of the most desirable times to visit.

Picture this: powdery white sand, aquamarine waters, and you, cocktail in hand, soaking up the best weather of the year. That’s the Maldives in mid-January. The monsoon season is long gone, and the skies are blue as far as the eye can see. Mid-January also means the festive-season prices have dropped, and the family crowds have disappeared, leaving you with quieter resorts and uninterrupted bliss. For divers, the visibility is incredible at this time of year, making it perfect for exploring the underwater wonderland.

Please note: From May through to September, the Maldives enters its southwest monsoon season. While temperatures remain hot, this time of year often brings heavy, sometimes daily, rainfall and choppier seas, which can put a dampener on the typical beach and snorkelling experience.

Late-December to mid-January is considered peak season. The weather tends to be good -BUT- during this period comes eye-watering rates, significantly higher flight prices, and limited direct route availability, especially in Business and First Class, as affluent families tend to book these premium seats well in advance for the festive holidays.

October, November and early December can be a pleasant time to visit, offering good value compared to peak months, but there remains a chance of occasional rain showers as the monsoon season tapers off.

Image courtesy of Niyama

Dubai: March

When the Desert City Truly Shines

By late March, the weather is perfect, think very warm averages (up to 28-32c), not super-scorching (by this I mean, 40+ that can be felt in the months that follow) making it prime beach weather. The city’s signature attractions like The Dubai Miracle Garden and numerous waterparks such as Aquaventure are all in full swing. Plus, March is just ahead of Ramadan (which varies year to year), so you can enjoy the full culinary scene without restrictions.

Pro tip regarding travelling in March: If you can, try and ensure your dates don’t run near to UK Easter holidays when the room rates go sky high.

Please note: February, early April, late September, October, and November are also ideal if you’re after comfortable beach weather without the searing heat. During these months, temperatures are pleasant enough for sunbathing and exploring without feeling overwhelmed by the desert climate.

By contrast, May through to early September, especially June, July, and August, can be unbearably hot, with soaring temperatures (40c+) making it less enjoyable for beach days or outdoor activities.

December and January also bring milder, pleasant weather, making them popular months for visitors. However, this period tends to coincide with travellers stopping over en route to (or returning from) destinations like Asia, the Indian Ocean, and Australia. As a result, demand is higher, and room rates are typically at their peak.

Image courtesy of Jumeriah Burj Al Arab

Mauritius: May

Serenity Before the School Holiday Rush

In my experience, the best time to visit Mauritius for those dreamy, sun-drenched beach days is typically between May and early December, when the weather is mostly dry, warm, and beautifully settled. If I had to choose, I would travel in May when the weather tends to be pure magic: it’s gorgeous. Think sunny days and pleasantly cool evenings, and the island is just waking up from the rainy season, so everything is lush and green. It’s a great time to explore the beaches, hike through Black River Gorges National Park, or take a catamaran to Île aux Cerfs.

Pro Tip for travelling in May: A word to the wise for travelling to Mauritius in May is to avoid the UK’s school half-term. The island sees a noticeable uptick in families during that week. Outside of those dates, it’s a haven of calm and attractive deals on luxury accommodations.

Please note: March and April can also be good months to visit. The days are usually hot and sunny, but it’s worth noting that evenings can feel quite humid, which might not be ideal if you’re hoping for cooler nights to unwind.

June, July, and August bring more comfortable daytime temperatures, making it pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, these months are also when the trade winds pick up, particularly along the east coast, often affecting beach and swimming conditions with stronger breezes and choppier seas.

By September, the weather remains mild and generally dry, but it’s a good idea to pack a jumper or a light jacket for cooler evenings.

October, November, and early December are when temperatures start to rise again, bringing beautifully warm days perfect for the beach. However, bear in mind that this period leads into cyclone season, so although still a lovely time to visit, short sharp showers and occasional bursts of rain become more likely as you move towards the end of the year.

One important note: I would advise against planning a trip to Mauritius during January and February. This is peak cyclone season, and while a direct hit is rare, the islands can experience heavy rains, strong winds, and highly unpredictable weather — far from the idyllic conditions most travellers are seeking.

Image Courtesy of MTPA

Seychelles: Early October

When Nature Puts on a Show

If you’re dreaming of the perfect Seychelles escape, I personally recommend aiming for early October. During this time, the islands bask in beautifully warm, calm conditions, ideal for lazy beach days, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, and soaking up that postcard-perfect scenery. This is transition season, meaning you get calm seas, gentle trade winds, and the perfect mix of sunshine and occasional light rain.

October is also prime time for wildlife lovers, think giant tortoises, fruit bats, and nesting birds making regular appearances. If you’re a diving or snorkelling enthusiast, this is when the waters are crystal clear, making coral reefs and marine life all the more spectacular.

Please note: April, May, and November are also fantastic months for a beach holiday in the Seychelles. These shoulder periods offer similar weather: warm days, gentle breezes, and excellent underwater visibility for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts.

June, July, August, and September bring slightly cooler temperatures, a welcome relief for many, and a time locals tend to relish. However, the trade winds are at their strongest during these months, particularly on the southeast-facing beaches, which can make the sea a little rougher and the conditions breezier.

December through to March is typically the wettest time of year. Expect high humidity and frequent tropical showers.

All that said, the Seychelles can be unpredictable: I’ve personally experienced heavy downpours on one island, while a colleague, just a few isles away, was basking under clear, sunny skies. Microclimates are very much part of the Seychelles’ charm, and challenge!

Image Courtesy of Seychelles Tourism Department.

Your Perfect Travel Year Awaits

So, there you have it, a tailored travel calendar, for your most unforgettable year yet. From the shimmering skyscrapers of Dubai to the secluded beaches of the Maldives, the wild beauty of Mauritius, and the natural wonder of the Seychelles, during the recommended months of travel, these destinations will delight you at their very best.

Start planning now, and remember: In short, choosing your travel dates carefully can make all the difference between a flawless beach escape and battling the elements.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including important travel advice, I always recommend consulting the official Tourist Boards for each destination. They are the best source for current insights on everything from weather patterns to entry requirements, helping you plan your journey with complete confidence.

Maldives: Visit Maldives

Seychelles: Seychelles Tourism Department

Mauritius: Mauritius Now

Dubai: Visit Dubai

I hope that helps.

Happy Travelling, Amanda :)