An intense rainy season
The climate of Mayotte is governed in summer, from October to March, by the monsoon regime coming from the north, it is the rainy season, or hot and humid season, with high temperatures (between 29 and 34 °C) during the day and with a high humidity rate (it can be close to 95%). This southern summer season concentrates almost all the annual rainfall (about 60 to 70% of it), the humidity rate becomes very high and the risk of beautiful tropical showers in February and until mid-March is very frequent. In other words, there is no point in trying to blow dry your hair! Note that rainfall is more abundant in the north than in the south, so there is always a way to continue your journey to get through the drops. It is also the season of cyclones or tropical depressions during this period, even if Mayotte is theoretically protected by Madagascar and its Cape Amber which acts as a shield ("The island-continent protects"). However, in March 2014, Cyclone Hellen caused damage when it passed within 200 kilometres of the coast. Finally, the rainy months are also the months chosen by the sea turtles to come and lay their eggs on the beaches, then at the end of the rainy season, the babies break their shells to leave for the open sea. A show that makes you forget the last rainfall.
Holiday parties in a swimsuit
Fortunately for us, the rainy season is also the season of tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapples, baobab etc. It's a good opportunity to sip fresh juices while enjoying the lagoon whose waters are happily over 28°C. Moreover, the days are quite long (sunrise at 5am and nightfall around 7pm), ideal for a discovery of the island with a busy schedule. The connoisseurs of the destination therefore appreciate going there for the end of year celebrations, just before the thermometer takes off.
A mild and windy winter
In winter, from April to September, it is the dry and temperate season dominated by the drier trade winds coming from the southeast. Temperatures are then lower, but still very pleasant between 24 and 28 °C in winter (austral) and 20 °C in minimum. The humidity is lower and rain is rare. The days get shorter (daybreak at 6am, nightfall at 6pm). Mayotte, even if it is small, has microclimates. On the relief, the thermal amplitude during a day is more accentuated and the rainfall is more abundant. The sunshine varies from 6 to 7 hours 30 per day, against 5 hours in Paris. The temperature of the lagoon is always pleasant. In winter, it is around 25°C, not enough to refuse a swim, especially since the whales are out during this period. This is the best period for people suffering from heat.
