Lying just below the equator, the Seychelles enjoy a tropical warm climate all year round, which makes it a great place to visit most times of the year. Whilst temperatures reach maximums of around 32°C (90°F) and rarely drop below 23°C (73°F), the islands do receive monsoon rains from November to April with the northwest trade winds, despite being outside the cyclone belt. There is no distinct dry season, but this time of year does tend to be more hot and humid season in general and those visiting from December to March are most likely to experience rain. From April onwards, the heat gives way to a period of cooler weather, and rougher seas when the trade winds blow from the southeast (May to October).
In general, Seychelles doesn’t have a weather-related tourist season – peak season is more dictated by the timing of school holidays.
Required clothing:For the all round warm weather lightweights and cottons are your best bet, with breathable waterproofs advisable during the rainy season. Sun hats and sunglasses are essential all year round, as is sunscreen.
The Seychelles Archipelago occupies 400,000 sq km (150,000 sq miles) of the Indian Ocean northeast of Madagascar and contains 115 islands and islets. These fall into two groups of markedly different appearance, stemming from their distinct geologies:
Granitic: A dense cluster of 43 islands, these are the only mid-ocean group in the world with a granite rock formation. Their lush green vegetation is tropical in character.
Coralline: Isolated coral outcrops speckling a vast area of the Indian Ocean to the southwest of the granitic group. They rise only a few metres above sea level but are covered with rich and dense vegetation due to fertilisation by copious amounts of guano. There is no permanent population. Aldabra, the largest atoll in the world, contains one-third of all Seychellois land and is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage site.
The largest island in either group is Mahé, lying 4° south of the equator. It is 27km (17 miles) long by 8km (5 miles) wide and is where Victoria, the capital and main port, and 90% of the population are located. Mahé is typical of the Granitic Islands, being mountainous and covered with jungle vegetation. Its highest point, indeed the highest point in the Seychelles, is Morne Seychellois which stands 905m (2,970ft) high. The isolated nature of the Seychelles has given rise to the evolution of many unique species of flora and fauna, including the coco-de-mer palm and unique varieties of orchid, giant tortoise, gecko, chameleon and 'flying fox' (fruitbat).
