Things to Do in Port Louis in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Port Louis
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- December sits squarely in Port Louis's summer season, which means warm temperatures around 30°C (87°F) and generally dry conditions despite those 10 rainy days listed - most showers are brief afternoon affairs that clear within 30 minutes. You'll actually get more sunshine hours than the winter months, making this ideal for outdoor exploration and beach time.
- The festive atmosphere in December is genuinely special here. Port Louis transforms with Christmas decorations blending Creole, French, Indian, and Chinese cultural traditions. The Caudan Waterfront becomes particularly lively with evening markets, and you'll find Pere Noel decorations next to Hindu temples - that multicultural mix is authentic to the city, not staged for tourists.
- December marks the start of cyclone season technically, but early December rarely sees actual storms - those typically arrive January through March. What you do get is excellent visibility for water activities. The lagoons around Île aux Cerfs and the northern islands are crystal clear, with water temperatures around 26-27°C (79-81°F), perfect for snorkeling without a wetsuit.
- Accommodation pricing in early to mid-December is surprisingly reasonable before the Christmas week spike. You can book quality guesthouses in the Rs 2,500-4,000 range per night and even upscale hotels drop their rates by 20-30% compared to the Christmas-New Year period. Book before December 20th and you'll avoid the premium pricing that kicks in for the holiday week.
Considerations
- That 70% humidity combined with 30°C (87°F) temperatures creates a sticky, energy-sapping heat that catches first-timers off guard. The kind where you'll shower twice daily and your clothes never quite feel dry. If you struggle with humid heat or have respiratory sensitivities, the December conditions can be genuinely uncomfortable, especially midday between 11am-3pm.
- The city center essentially shuts down on December 25th and operates on skeleton schedules December 26th-January 1st. Most local restaurants close, public transport runs limited services, and even the Central Market operates reduced hours. If you're here over Christmas week, you'll be reliant on hotel restaurants or the handful of tourist-focused spots that stay open - limiting your authentic food experiences considerably.
- Those 10 rainy days are unpredictable in timing and intensity. While most are short afternoon downpours, you might get a full day of grey skies and persistent drizzle that washes out beach plans. Port Louis lacks the museum and indoor attraction infrastructure of larger cities, so rainy days can leave you somewhat stranded, particularly if you're staying outside the main tourist zones without a car.
Best Activities in December
Northern Islands Catamaran Excursions
December offers some of the year's best conditions for full-day catamaran trips to Île aux Cerfs, Île Plate, or Gabriel Island. The seas are typically calmer than mid-summer, visibility underwater reaches 20-25 m (65-82 ft), and you'll avoid the peak-season crowds that arrive in January. The warm water temperatures mean you can snorkel for extended periods without getting cold, and the UV index of 8 makes deck lounging pleasant with proper sun protection. Most tours include BBQ lunch on the beach and stop at multiple snorkeling sites where you'll see parrotfish, sergeant majors, and if you're lucky, sea turtles feeding on seagrass beds.
Le Morne Brabant Hiking
The UNESCO World Heritage mountain at the island's southwest tip is actually more accessible in December than you'd think, despite the heat. Start your hike at 6am when temperatures are still around 23°C (73°F) and you'll reach the summit by 8:30am before the midday heat kicks in. December's drier conditions mean the trail is less muddy than winter months, though those occasional rain showers can make the rocky sections slippery. The 556 m (1,824 ft) climb takes 2.5-3 hours up and offers phenomenal views across the lagoon. The historical significance - Le Morne was a refuge for escaped enslaved people - adds emotional weight to the physical challenge.
Port Louis Market and Street Food Walking Routes
The Central Market is genuinely at its best in December mornings between 7am-10am when it's bustling but not yet overwhelmingly hot. You'll find seasonal tropical fruits at peak ripeness - lychees, mangoes, and Victoria pineapples - plus the spice vendors are stocking up for Christmas cooking. The surrounding streets in the Chinatown district offer some of the island's best street food, particularly the mine frite noodle stalls and dholl puri vendors. December means you can explore on foot comfortably if you stick to morning hours, and the festive decorations add visual interest to the colonial-era architecture around Place d'Armes and Company Garden.
Chamarel Seven Colored Earth and Southwest Scenic Drives
December's variable weather actually works in your favor for the southwest circuit - the occasional clouds create dramatic lighting on the colored earth formations and Black River Gorges viewpoints. The drive from Port Louis takes about 90 minutes through sugarcane fields and forest reserves, with the route offering stops at Chamarel Waterfall (100 m / 328 ft drop), the rum distillery, and various viewpoints over the gorges. December's vegetation is lush from recent rains but the roads are generally dry and safe. The afternoon light around 3pm-4pm creates the best colors at the Seven Colored Earth, and you'll often have the site nearly to yourself mid-week.
Pamplemousses Botanical Garden Morning Visits
The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, about 11 km (6.8 miles) northeast of Port Louis, is spectacular in December when the giant water lilies are in full bloom and the palm collection provides welcome shade from that 30°C (87°F) heat. Morning visits between 8am-10am offer the best experience before tour buses arrive and while the air is still relatively fresh. The 37-hectare garden includes over 650 plant species, including the famous Talipot palm that flowers once after 40-60 years then dies. December's humidity actually benefits the tropical plants, creating that lush, almost prehistoric atmosphere.
Sunset Sailing and Dolphin Watching from Tamarin Bay
December offers excellent conditions for sunset sailing along the west coast, with calmer seas than the height of summer and spectacular light as the sun drops behind Le Morne. Tamarin Bay is also a reliable spot for spinner dolphin encounters - they feed in the bay most mornings between 7am-9am. The ethical operators keep respectful distances and don't chase the pods. December's clear water and good visibility mean you'll actually see the dolphins underwater if you snorkel nearby. Evening sails typically run 4pm-6:30pm, catching the golden hour light and avoiding the midday heat entirely.
December Events & Festivals
Christmas Market at Caudan Waterfront
The Caudan Waterfront shopping complex transforms into a festive market throughout December with evening stalls selling local crafts, Christmas decorations, and seasonal foods. You'll find Mauritian takes on Christmas traditions - think tropical fruit cakes, rum-infused treats, and handmade decorations incorporating seashells and local materials. The waterfront stays open late with live music most evenings, and the mix of locals and tourists creates a genuinely festive atmosphere rather than a staged tourist event. The decorations blend French, Creole, and Indian influences in ways you won't see elsewhere.
New Year's Eve Celebrations
Port Louis celebrates New Year's Eve with fireworks displays visible from the Caudan Waterfront and various beach clubs along the northwest coast. Grand Baie becomes the main party hub with beach clubs hosting countdown events, though these tend to be pricey at Rs 3,500-5,000 per person with dinner and drinks. The more local experience is joining families at public beaches like Flic en Flac or Pereybere where people gather for picnics and fireworks. Many restaurants require advance bookings for New Year's Eve and charge premium set menus.