Seychelles Weather in November – Temperature, Rain and Sea Conditions

Oct 7, 2026

Seychelles weather in November brings daytime highs of 84–86°F (29–30°C), nighttime lows of 73–77°F (23–25°C) and a sea surface close to 82°F (28°C). Rain falls on roughly 15 to 19 days of the month, mostly as short afternoon or evening showers, and monthly totals range from about 5.9 to 8.8 inches (150–223 mm) depending on the weather station and the period of records. November sits at the handover between the southeast trade winds and the northwest monsoon, so winds stay light and the water around the inner islands is usually calm.

Seychelles Weather in November at a Glance

The figures below are long-term November averages for Mahé, the main island of the archipelago and the location of the international airport and the longest weather records. Values from different sources vary, so the table shows ranges where the records disagree.

Indicator	November average	Comment
Daytime high	84–86°F (29–30°C)	Little change from week to week
Nighttime low	73–77°F (23–25°C)	Warm nights, no need for layers
Sea surface temperature	82°F (28°C)	Slightly warmer than October
Monthly rainfall	5.9–8.8 in (150–223 mm)	Depends on station, elevation and period
Days with rain	15–19 (17 typical)	Most showers last under an hour
Bright sunshine	About 7 hours per day	Around 54% of daylight
Daylight	About 12 hours 20 minutes	Sunset shortly after 6 PM
Relative humidity	About 75%	Higher after showers
Average wind	8–9 mph (7–8 knots)	Light and variable, turning northwest
UV index	11+	Extreme category

How to Read November Averages

Each figure in the table summarizes many years of observations, so a single November can run wetter or drier than the mean. A month with an early start to the northwest monsoon may collect most of its rain in the second fortnight, while a late start leaves the first three weeks almost as dry as October.

Rainfall shows the widest spread between sources. Datasets built from station records and long climate series report about 8.8 inches (223 mm), while model-based averages for 1991–2021 put the coast nearer 5.9 inches (150 mm). Both describe real conditions: the higher number reflects stations that catch rain coming off the granite mountains, and the lower one reflects open coastline.

Temperature and sea readings agree far more closely across sources. Travelers can treat the heat and water figures as reliable and use the rainfall range as a guide to how often plans will need a short pause.

November as the Transition Between Monsoons

The Seychelles climate runs on two wind seasons, and November belongs fully to neither. Seychelles meteorological reports place the northwest monsoon, the rainy season, between November and March, and treat October as the transition period when winds swing from southeast to northwest and become light and variable. November inherits that calm and gradually hands it over to the monsoon.

The Southeast Trades Fade Out

From May to September the southeast trade winds blow steadily across the islands, raise a short chop on exposed coasts and keep the air drier and slightly cooler. By October those winds weaken, and in the first days of November only occasional southeasterly breezes remain.

The result is a stretch of flat mornings and weak breezes that shift direction during the day. Exposed southeast-facing beaches that were rough in July and August lose most of their swell, and sea crossings between the inner islands become smoother.

The Northwest Monsoon Takes Over

As November progresses, air from the northwest begins to dominate. This flow meets winds arriving from the south of the archipelago and forms the convective rain belt known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone, which drifts closer to the islands toward the end of the year.

The monsoon brings warmer, more humid air and more frequent showers. Its winds stay lighter than the southeast trades, and the sea around the inner islands generally remains calm during the northwest season.

Early November Versus Late November

The first half of the month usually behaves like an extension of October, with fewer showers, long sunny spells and the calmest sea of the late year. Visitors arriving in the first two weeks tend to see the lightest winds of the season.

The second half moves toward December, when the number of rainy days climbs to about 22. Humidity rises, afternoon cloud builds earlier, and short showers become a daily feature on many days. Heat and sea temperature stay the same throughout, so the difference between the two halves lies in rain frequency and cloud cover.

Temperature, Humidity and Sunshine in November

Heat in November barely changes between weeks or between islands. What varies is how the air feels, which depends on humidity, cloud and the time of day.

Daytime Heat and Night Temperatures

Afternoon highs reach 84–86°F (29–30°C) at sea level, and the temperature at night drops only about 10°F (5–6°C), to 73–77°F (23–25°C). Coastal readings above 90°F (32°C) are uncommon, because the surrounding ocean holds the air temperature within a narrow band.

Sea breezes keep beaches and boat decks more comfortable than inland roads. Hiking trails on the forested slopes of Mahé feel hotter by midday, which is why walkers start early and finish before the afternoon cloud arrives.

Humidity and How the Air Feels

Average relative humidity sits around 75 percent and climbs well above that after a shower. Climate guides rate the combined heat and humidity in November as high, a step above the moderate level of October and December, mainly because the month pairs full heat with the first moist monsoon air.

For most visitors this means sweating faster during walks and needing more water than usual. Shaded terraces, swimming breaks and time on the water ease the effect, and the evenings stay warm enough for outdoor dinners without a jacket.

Sunshine Hours, Cloud Cover and UV Index

November averages about 7 hours of bright sunshine per day, roughly 54 percent of the available daylight of a little over 12 hours. Mornings are typically the clearest part of the day, while cumulus clouds pile up over the mountains by early afternoon.

The UV index reaches 11 and above, the extreme category, even when thin cloud covers the sun. Reflection from white sand and open water adds to the dose, so sunburn develops within minutes for unprotected skin during midday hours.

Sunset arrives shortly after 6 PM, and darkness follows quickly near the equator. Sunset swims and evening cruises fit easily into the day, though there is little twilight after the sun drops below the horizon.

Rainfall in November – Amount, Timing and Pattern

Rain is the main variable of the month. November brings more rain than October and much less than December and January, and its showers rarely last long enough to cancel a full day.

How Much Rain Falls in November

Mahé typically records about 17 days with some rain in November. Long-term station data put the monthly total at roughly 8.8 inches (223 mm), and model-based averages for coastal areas show closer to 5.9 inches (150 mm).

A day with rain, in weather statistics, means any measurable amount, including a ten-minute burst. On a typical November rain day the sun is out for most of the hours between showers.

When Showers Usually Arrive

Most November rain comes from convective showers. Morning sun heats the granite hills, moist air rises over them, and clouds release heavy rain in the afternoon or early evening before breaking up again.

Toward the end of the month, as the rain belt approaches, showers also arrive at night and in the early morning, and some days bring longer spells of grey weather. Thunder occurs during the stronger cells, usually over or near the mountains.

Practical planning follows this rhythm. Beach time, boat trips and hikes fit best before lunch, and indoor visits or rest fill the hours when clouds peak.

Why Rain Totals Differ Between Weather Sources

Mahé rises steeply to Morne Seychellois at 2,969 feet (905 m), and the slopes catch far more rain than the coastline. A station on high ground or under the mountains logs heavier totals than one on the flat coastal plain, and averages built from either kind of record spread from 6 to almost 9 inches.

Different calculation periods add to the gap. Some datasets include very wet years from past decades, and others rely on more recent satellite and model estimates. For trip planning, the number of rain days and the short duration of showers say more about daily life than the monthly total.

Sea Conditions in November

The sea gives November its strongest advantage. Warm water, light wind and low swell combine for some of the most comfortable swimming and boating conditions of the year around the inner islands.

Sea Temperature

The average sea surface temperature around Mahé in November is about 82°F (28°C). Water is marginally warmer than in October and keeps warming slightly into December.

At this temperature swimmers stay in the water for hours without a wetsuit, and snorkelers can spend a full morning on a reef. Children and less confident swimmers find the conditions easier than in July, when the water drops to around 79°F (26°C) and wind adds chop.

Waves, Swell and Wind on the Water

Average wind speed in November stays around 8–9 mph (7–8 knots), well below the steady trade winds of the southeast season. Whitecaps are rare on most days, and the bays of the inner islands often lie flat in the morning.

Crossings between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue become smoother as the southeast swell fades. Small boats reach outlying anchorages more easily, and seasickness affects fewer passengers than during the windy months.

Afternoon showers are the main exception. A passing storm cell can bring a few minutes of gusty wind and short chop before the water settles again, so skippers watch the clouds building over the mountains and plan around them.

Underwater Visibility for Snorkeling and Diving

Light wind means less sediment stirred up over the reefs, so November visibility is often good on sheltered sites. Coral gardens in the marine parks close to Victoria, such as the reefs around Moyenne Island in Sainte Anne Marine National Park, show their colors well in flat morning water.

Two factors can reduce clarity. Plankton blooms, which draw whale sharks to the area at this time of year, turn the water greener in places. Heavy downpours also wash runoff from the mountains into bays near river mouths on Mahé, so snorkelers get clearer water on outer reefs and around smaller islands after a wet afternoon.

November Weather by Island

The same air mass covers the whole archipelago, yet terrain and exposure create local differences. Granite islands with high ground collect more rain, while flat coral islands stay drier.

Mahé

Mahé has the highest mountains and the most varied rainfall. Its forested interior and the slopes above Victoria receive the heaviest showers, while the coast around the island gets shorter bursts and more sunshine.

Wind direction changes which coast offers the calmest water. The southeast trades push waves onto the east coast and leave the west sheltered, and the northwest monsoon reverses that pattern. In early November the northwest-facing bays, including Beau Vallon, usually stay calm; once the northwest flow settles late in the month, the southern and eastern shores gain shelter and the northwest coast can pick up a small swell.

Praslin and La Digue

Praslin and La Digue lie northeast of Mahé and share its weather pattern, with warm days, short afternoon showers and light winds. Their granite hills are lower, so the islands produce smaller cloud build-ups than the Mahé mountains on many afternoons.

Calm conditions favor the shallow lagoons and reef-protected bays of both islands, and ferry and boat crossings from Mahé are steadier than during the trade wind months. Rain showers that pass overhead usually clear within the hour.

The Outer Islands

The outer islands are flat coral atolls and cays spread far to the south and southwest of Mahé. Without mountains to lift moist air, they generate fewer convective showers and often enjoy more sunshine than the granitic group.

The southernmost groups lie closer to the cyclone belt of the southwest Indian Ocean, whose season starts in November. The inner islands sit about 4 degrees south of the equator, too close for tropical cyclones to form or pass regularly, and they rarely feel more than distant swell from such systems.

Marine Wildlife in November

November overlaps with two of the most sought-after wildlife seasons in Seychelles. Both depend on the warm, calm water of the transition period.

Hawksbill Turtle Nesting

The hawksbill nesting season runs from October to March, and peak activity falls between November and January. Seychelles hosts one of the largest remaining hawksbill populations in the western Indian Ocean, and Cousin Island is regarded as the single most important nesting site for the species in the region.

Seychelles is one of the few places in the world where hawksbills come ashore to lay eggs during the day. Visitors walking quiet beaches in November can encounter tracks or a nesting female, and conservation rules require keeping a wide distance so the turtle does not abandon the nest. Species, nesting beaches and viewing etiquette are covered in our guide to Seychelles turtles.

Whale Shark Season

Seychelles park authorities place the whale shark season between September and November, so the month marks its final weeks. Plankton concentrations around the north coast of Mahé and nearby marine parks attract the sharks, and sightings become less frequent as December approaches.

Encounters are never guaranteed and follow national guidelines on distance and approach. Calm water helps in two ways: spotters see the shadow of a shark more easily on a flat surface, and swimmers enter and leave the water more safely from a boat.

November on a Yacht – Charter Conditions and Planning

CharterClick operates private charters with captain and crew from Eden Island Marina on Mahé, and November ranks among the calmer months for that kind of trip. Light winds, low swell and warm water favor day trips, swimming stops and island hopping across the inner islands. Our overview of Seychelles weather for yacht charter explains how these conditions shift across the rest of the year.

Why the Calm Water Suits Day Charters

Flat seas shorten the ride to anchorages and keep the deck stable at rest. Catamarans in particular sit level at anchor, which helps passengers who feel uneasy on moving boats and families traveling with children.

A yacht also gives access to bays and reefs that are slow or awkward to reach from land. Snorkeling over coral, swimming off the stern or landing at a secluded beach becomes a matter of choosing a stop, and the route can change as the day develops.

Timing Outings Around Afternoon Showers

The daily rain cycle shapes the best charter schedule. Departures in the morning use the clearest hours and the flattest water, and a half-day trip returns around the time clouds gather over the mountains.

Longer charters handle showers by waiting them out. Shaded decks and covered saloons keep guests dry during a passing burst, and captains move to another bay or pause the route when a thunderstorm cell approaches. Most rain clears within the hour, and swimming resumes once it passes.

Choosing Anchorages as the Wind Shifts

The changing wind direction decides where a yacht spends the night or the lunch stop. In early November, light and variable breezes leave most bays usable, including those on the northwest side of the islands.

Late in the month, the settling northwest flow sends crews toward anchorages sheltered on that side. CharterClick captains check the forecast each morning and adjust the plan, so a multi-day itinerary between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue keeps calm water at every stop. Bookings around the year-end holidays fill faster, while most November dates remain easier to secure.

November Compared With October and December

November sits between the calm, drier October and the wet peak of December. Heat and sea temperature stay almost identical across the three months, so the comparison comes down to rain, wind and visitor numbers.

Month	Daytime high	Night low	Sea	Days with rain	Wind	Visitor flow
October	86°F (30°C)	77°F (25°C)	82°F (28°C)	About 15	Light and variable	Shoulder season
November	84–86°F (29–30°C)	73–77°F (23–25°C)	82°F (28°C)	About 17	Light, turning northwest	Shoulder season
December	84°F (29°C)	73°F (23°C)	82°F (28°C)	About 22	Northwest monsoon	Busy from the holidays

November Versus October

October usually offers slightly fewer rainy days and the clearest water of the late year, as the trade winds have dropped and the monsoon has not yet arrived. Our breakdown of Seychelles weather in October covers that month in detail.

November keeps most of those advantages during its first half and adds the peak of hawksbill nesting and the last weeks of whale shark season. Travelers choosing between the two months trade a small increase in showers for warmer water and the start of turtle activity.

November Versus December

December brings around 22 rainy days and monthly totals near 10.7 inches (272 mm) on Mahé, with longer spells of cloud as the monsoon settles in. Hotels and flights also fill up from mid-December with the holiday season.

November offers the same warm sea and heat with noticeably less rain and fewer visitors. For travelers flexible on dates, late November covers most of what December offers without the year-end crowds.

Who November Suits and Who Should Pick Another Month

Seychelles in November works well for travelers who value calm water and warm swimming over guaranteed dry days. The month fits some trip types far better than others.

Travelers Who Benefit From November

Beach-focused visitors get warm water, flat bays and quieter sand than during the holiday peak. Couples and families can plan mornings on the beach or the water and keep afternoons flexible for rest.

Snorkelers, divers and wildlife watchers gain the most. Calm reefs, nesting hawksbills and the tail of the whale shark season come together only in this part of the year, and boat-based outings run smoothly on most days.

Travelers from North America who want a warm escape before winter holidays also find November convenient, as resorts and transfers are less crowded than in December.

When Another Month Fits Better

Visitors who want the driest possible weather do better between June and September, when the southeast trades keep rain low. That season suits hikers and sailors who enjoy steady wind, though exposed coasts get choppy water.

Travelers who find heat and humidity tiring may prefer May or September, when the air feels lighter. Those planning a wedding or photography on fixed dates face a higher chance of an interrupted afternoon in late November than in the drier months.

What to Pack for Seychelles in November

Packing for November balances strong sun, warm humidity and brief rain. Light, quick-drying fabrics handle all three better than heavy cotton.

• Lightweight, breathable clothing in linen or technical fabric
• A packable rain jacket or poncho for afternoon showers
• Reef-safe sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, reapplied every two hours
• A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeve rash guard for snorkeling
• A dry bag for phones and cameras during boat trips
• Insect repellent, as mosquitoes become more active after rain
• Water shoes or sandals with grip for wet granite rocks

Evening wear can stay simple, since nights remain warm. A light layer helps only in air-conditioned rooms and restaurants. Travelers spending time on the water benefit from a spare set of dry clothes in the day bag, in case a shower catches them on deck.

Frequently Asked Questions