Mauritius in January: A Travel Guide For Visitors

New Year’s in January in Mauritius is a special time of the year for a tropical holiday. This island paradise attracts curious travellers with greenery, beautiful beaches and colourful local life. Since it is one of the warmest months, January is the perfect season to go to the island, in order to approach its beautiful natural sculpture, learn to better appreciate local culture, and enjoy adventure trips. Whether you’re a beach lover, adventure enthusiast, or culture seeker, Mauritius guarantees an unforgettable holiday.

This guide is all about travel guides in Mauritius in January, tourist attractions in Mauritius in January, activities to do in Mauritius in January and the best time to travel to Mauritius in January.

Table of Content

Why Visit Mauritius in January?
Mauritius Weather Guide for January
Tourist Spots in Mauritius in January
Festivals and Celebrations in Mauritius in January
Best Activities in Mauritius in January
Famous Dishes to Try in Mauritius
Packing Guide for Mauritius in January
Why Choose OneVasco?
FAQs

Why Visit Mauritius in January?

January is the season in which Mauritius’ summer is strong and the weather is warm, bright sunshine with the occasional tropical rain. The world is certainly in its prime for relaxing on sandy beaches of pure white sand sea coasts, snorkeling on coral reefs and also being immersed into the colorful local culture. The lush and vibrant green plant vegetation as well as the floriferous green plant life give the island a beautiful appearance. In particular, the New Year celebrations and Chinese Spring Festival increase the appeal and thus, visiting Mauritius in January is a colourful and festive one.

Mauritius Weather Guide for January

Mauritius has a warm tropical climate in January with mean temperatures of 25 and 30 degrees C (77 and 86 degrees F). Although transient peals of rain may occur, such rain is invigorating and, frequently, is succeeded by sunshine. Sea temperature is constant at 27°C (80°F), ideal for all kinds of water activities. Humidity may be high, so airy clothes and sun cream are necessary. Use this Mauritius weather guide for January to plan outdoor activities accordingly.

Parameter	Details
High Temperature	30°C
Low Temperature	25°C
Rainfall	170 mm (Low seasonal)
Sunset Time	Around 6:45 PM

Tourist Spots in Mauritius in January

Grand Baie

Grand Baie is still a prime location for tourists wanting relaxation and entertainment. The turquoise waters and white sands of the beach town provide a relaxing setting for sunbathing and swimming. Grand Baie is a hub for thrills and for watersports enthusiasts, deep-sea fishing and glass-bottom boat trips, through which one can experience the marine world closely.

Shopaholics would also be spoilt for things at the Grand Baie Bazaar, where the products of local craftsmen are sold alongside colorful fabrics and souvenir items that are unique. At night, the town becomes a vibrant center with bars and nightclubs on the beach offering live music and themed parties.

Major Attractions:

Grand Baie Beach
La Cuvette Beach
Grand Baie Bazaar

Black River Gorges National Park

The Black River Gorges National Park is Mauritius’s largest Nature Reserve offering a serene getaway into the wilderness. Hiking routes spanning 60 km across a range of ecosystems, from thick tropical rainforest to open grassland meadows, are available.

Birders will be delighted to witness endangered species, like echo parakeet and Mauritius bulbul. Scenic overlooks of the park, like Plaine Champagne, provide vista of the island’s southwest.. Besides, cascading Tamarin Falls, hewn with rich vegetation all around it, offers a cool place for picnics and taking pictures.

Major Attractions:

Alexandra Falls
Plaine Champagne Viewpoint
Tamarin Falls

Ile aux Cerfs

This serene private island is an absolute must-see for holidaymakers looking for a day or a beautified day of party indulgence. Ile aux Cerfs has powdery white sands, quiet lagoons, and many options for water sports. Visitors can snorkel to explore vibrant coral reefs, indulge in jet skiing, or simply unwind in the shade of palm trees. With the beautiful 18-hole course, Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club can be considered a golfing dream come true. Numerous beachside restaurants on the island serve freshly caught seafood and tropical cocktails, enhancing the leisurely vibe.

Major Attractions:

Lagoon Activities
Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club

Chamarel

Chamarel’s natural beauty is a feast for the senses. The Seven-Coloured Earth is a geological phenomenon, and the sand dunes show brilliant colours that vary from red, blue, yellow and green, due to the volcanic eruption and the resulting mineral deposits. Chamarel Waterfall, plunging 100 meters down lush cliffs, is a stunning sight, especially after January’s rains. Visitors can also tour the nearby Chamarel Rum Distillery to sample artisanal rums made from local sugarcane. The serene nature of the village provides the best setting to those who wish to immerse themselves in nature.

Major Attractions:

Seven-Coloured Earth
Chamarel Waterfall
Rum Distillery

Port Louis

Port Louis, the bustling capital of Mauritius, is a blend of cultures, plurality and modernity. The city’s iconic Le Caudan Waterfront is a bustling area with luxury boutiques, food courts, and entertainment venues. History lovers can access Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which describes the history of indentured workers coming to the island. Central Market is an olfactory and tactile sensory treat, including tropical fruits and spices, as well as handmade crafts. Mauritian Street food, for example dhal puri and fried noodles, can be enjoyed by food lovers at street stalls throughout the city.

Major Attractions:

Le Caudan Waterfront
Central Market
Aapravasi Ghat (UNESCO site)

Festivals and Celebrations in Mauritius in January

Here are the festivals and celebrations in Mauritius in January:

New Year Festivities

Mauritius begins the year with remarkable New Year Festivities which attracts local residents as well as foreigners to enjoy the festive events. When things come alive on the island, citing dazzling fireworks bursting over the night skies, with music, dancing and beach parties that last all night, and into the morning. Visitors can experience the island’s cultural wealth in the form of Mauritian folk cooking, especially fresh seafood, curries and sweets. The festive scene, against the backdrop of Mauritius glorious white sands, makes this a of the most vibrant periods to travel to.

Key Highlights:

Fireworks illuminating the beaches
Traditional music and dance performances
Beach parties and feasts

Chinese Spring Festival Preparations

Mauritius embraces its multicultural heritage by celebrating the Chinese Spring Festival, also known as the Lunar New Year. By January, work on this colorful festival is in full swing, streets are lined with red lanterns and decorations of wealth and luck. Markets are alive with both local residents and tourists, as they browse festival supplies, or are able to experience the wonder of lion and dragon dances. Food lovers can savor traditional Chinese delicacies, such as dumplings and mooncakes, during food festivals organized in various parts of the island.

Key Highlights:

Traditional lion and dragon dances
Chinese food festivals featuring authentic delicacies
Streets adorned with festive red decorations

Cavadee Festival

The Cavadee Festival is an important Tamil festival in Mauritius, and happens during the month of January. Worshipers take part in colorful processional, along with carrying richly decorated arches called Cavadee as a sign the devotion to Lord Muruga. Rituals involve piercings, musical instruments and chanting which bear testimony to the strong spiritual bond of the Tamil community. This special festival represents the richness of cultural diversity in Mauritius, while providing visitors with the possibility of observing its rich cultural tradition and religious beliefs. The energy and colorful decor of this festival make it an unforgettable cultural experience.

Key Highlights:

Colorful processions accompanied by traditional Tamil music
Elaborately decorated Cavadee arches
Spiritual rituals and vibrant temple celebrations

Best Activities in Mauritius in January

Dolphin Watching

Take a truly unforgettable early morning trip and watch mischievous dolphins play in the azure waters of Mauritius. The peaceful waters in January create the ideal conditions for this mystical moment, and it is one of the nicest things to do in Mauritius in January. Even tourists can playfully swim together with these tame animals, resulting in unforgettable memories.

Key Highlights:

Early morning boat tours for dolphin spotting
The opportunity to swim with dolphins in their natural environment.

Scuba Diving

Swallow into the mesmerizing underwater realm of Mauritius and delve into its fascinating marine biodiversity. The island’s crystal waters show the most colorful coral reefs and colorful tropical fish, as well as historic wrecks each presenting an adventure unlike any other. January scuba diving, in particular, is highly rewarding because of the high sea temperatures and good visibility. Some of the most popular dive sites include Blue Bay and Trou aux Biches, renowned for their breathtaking underwater scenery.

Key Highlights:

Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life
Known dive locations (i.e., Blue Bay, and Trou aux Biches).

Hike Le Morne Brabant

To meet the challenge of Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a challenging but fulfilling hike that leads you through green spaces to panoramic views with spectacular views at the view in the island and its turquoise lagoons. January weather with its chance of cool clear air makes it easy climbing. Along the way, you’ll learn about the mountain’s poignant history as a refuge for maroon slaves, adding cultural depth to this incredible experience.

Key Highlights:

Stunning panoramic views of Mauritius and its lagoons
Learn about the historical importance of maroon Africans and their fight for freedom.

Visit Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

Peaceful stroll through the historic Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, which overflows with exotic flora and botanical marvels. This park boasts its stunningly vast water lilies and the rarest tropical vegetation and in January, when the seasonal rains add extra magic to the park’s lush foliage. Visitors can enjoy the view of special plants such as spices, medicinal herbs and centuries-old trees in a relaxed atmosphere in this natural haven.

Key Highlights:

Discover rare and exotic plant species
Marvel at the iconic giant water lilies

Snorkelling at Blue Bay Marine Park

Enter an underwater paradise at Blue Bay Marine Park, one of the most famous snorkelling locations in Mauritius. This MPA exhibits extremely clear waters, colourful coral gardens, and a rich diversity of marine life. Because of the good weather, January has clear sky providing for full view, snorkelers can enjoy the bright mix of colors under the surface. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a beginner, this activity is a must for nature enthusiasts visiting Mauritius.

Key Highlights: