An intense rainy season
Mayotte's climate is governed in summer, from October to March, by the monsoon from the north. This is the rainy season, or hot and humid season, with high temperatures (between 29 and 34°C) during the day and high humidity (it can approach 95%). This austral summer season concentrates almost all annual precipitation (around 60-70%), so humidity levels are very high and the risk of heavy tropical showers from February to mid-March is very frequent. In other words, there's no point in trying a blow-dry! Note that rainfall is more abundant in the north than in the south, so there's always a way to get through the drops. This is also the season for cyclones and tropical depressions, even though Mayotte is theoretically protected by Madagascar and its Cap d'Ambre, which acts as a shield ("The island-continent protects"). However, in March 2014, cyclone Hellen caused damage when it passed within 200 kilometers of the coast. Finally, the rainy months are also the months preferred by sea turtles to come and lay their eggs on the beaches, then at the end of the rainy season, the babies break their shells and head out to sea. Although they are present all year round, they prefer the April-May period. A spectacle that makes you forget the last rain shower.
Holiday parties in a swimsuit
Luckily for us, the rainy season is also the season for tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapples, baobabs and so on. There's plenty of time to sip fresh juices while enjoying the lagoon, whose waters soar above 28°C. What's more, the days are fairly long (sunrise at 5 a.m. and nightfall around 7 p.m.), ideal for exploring the island with a busy schedule. Connoisseurs of the destination will be delighted to visit during the festive season, just before the thermometer takes off.
A mild and windy winter
Winter, from April to September, is the dry, temperate season, dominated by drier trade winds from the southeast. Temperatures are lower, but still very pleasant, between 24 and 28°C in winter (austral) and 20°C at minimum. Humidity levels are lower and rain is rare. Days get shorter (daybreak at 6 a.m., nightfall at 6 p.m.). Despite its small size, Mayotte has a number of microclimates. In the highlands, the thermal amplitude over the course of a day is greater, and rainfall is more abundant. Sunshine varies from 6 to 7.5 hours a day, compared with 5 hours in Paris. The lagoon's temperature is always pleasant. In winter, for example, it hovers around 25°C, which is no reason to turn down a swim, especially as the whales are out in force at this time of year. This is the best time of year for those suffering from heatstroke.
