Things to Do in Port Louis in December

December Weather in Port Louis

30°C (87°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 10 scattered shower days vs 20+ in summer months, making outdoor activities reliable
Comfortable southeast trade winds (15-20 km/h or 9-12 mph) provide natural cooling, especially along the waterfront and in the Caudan area
Festival season brings authentic cultural experiences - December hosts Tamil ceremonies, Chinese New Year preparations, and Creole celebrations without tourist markup
Shoulder season pricing for accommodations - rates drop 30-40% after November cyclone season ends but before January peak tourist influx

Considerations

High humidity (70%) combined with 30°C (87°F) temperatures creates energy-draining conditions for walking tours between 11am-3pm
Brief but intense afternoon downpours occur without warning - 20-30 minute deluges can flood Central Market area and make streets impassable
Limited indoor attractions mean rainy days significantly impact sightseeing plans - most cultural sites and markets are semi-outdoor spaces

Best Activities in December

Port Louis Waterfront and Market Walking Tours

December's cooler morning temperatures (23-26°C or 73-79°F) make early market exploration ideal. The Central Market buzzes with locals preparing for year-end celebrations, offering authentic interactions unavailable during peak tourist season. Trade winds from the harbor provide natural cooling.

Booking Tip: Start at 7am when temperatures are coolest and vendors are setting up. Self-guided tours work best - typical guided walking tours cost Rs 800-1,200 ($18-27) but you'll experience more authenticity exploring independently. Check booking options below for structured tours with cultural context.

Black River Gorges National Park Day Trips

December offers perfect hiking conditions - minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures at elevation. The 500m-800m (1,640-2,625 ft) altitude provides 3-5°C (5-9°F) cooler temperatures than Port Louis. Endemic wildlife is most active during December's breeding season.

Booking Tip: Book transport 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators. Half-day trips typically cost Rs 1,800-2,500 ($40-55) including transport from Port Louis. Start early - return by 2pm to avoid afternoon showers. See current tour options in booking section below.

Ile aux Cerfs and Eastern Coast Excursions

December's calm seas and reliable weather make this ideal for island hopping. Water temperatures reach 26-27°C (79-81°F) - perfect for swimming without wetsuits. Southeast trade winds create excellent conditions for catamaran trips and water sports.

Booking Tip: Book 10-14 days ahead as December is popular with locals on holiday. Full-day catamaran trips cost Rs 3,500-4,500 ($78-100) including lunch and transfers from Port Louis area. Choose operators with covered areas for the 45-minute journey. Current island tours available in booking section.

Tea Route and Highland Cultural Tours

December's dry weather makes mountain roads accessible to the tea estates around Curepipe and Quatre Bornes. Cooler highland temperatures (18-23°C or 64-73°F) provide relief from Port Louis humidity. Tea harvest season offers working plantation experiences.

Booking Tip: Mountain tours require 4WD vehicles during December due to occasional afternoon showers creating muddy conditions. Day trips typically cost Rs 2,200-3,000 ($49-67) including tastings and cultural village visits. Book through licensed mountain guides for safety.

Sunset Sailing and Dolphin Watching

December's stable weather patterns create predictable dolphin watching conditions off Tamarin Bay. Calm evening seas and reliable southeast winds make sunset sailing trips comfortable. Water visibility reaches 20-25m (65-82 ft) for optimal marine life viewing.

Booking Tip: Evening trips avoid midday heat and humidity. Half-day sailing excursions cost Rs 2,800-3,800 ($62-84) including snorkeling equipment and refreshments. Book 7-10 days ahead for preferred departure times. Dolphin sightings are 80-90% reliable in December.

Street Food and Night Market Tours

December evenings are perfect for food exploration - temperatures drop to comfortable 25°C (77°F) after sunset. Local food stalls prepare special year-end dishes not available other months. The humidity actually enhances aromatic spice experiences in Mauritian cuisine.

Booking Tip: Evening food tours start around 6pm when temperatures cool and markets come alive. Guided food tours cost Rs 1,500-2,000 ($33-44) but independent exploration at places like Flacq Market offers better value at Rs 200-300 ($4-7) per meal. See cultural food tour options below.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

Cavadee Festival Preparations

Tamil community begins intensive preparations for January's Thaipoosam Cavadee. Witness traditional vel construction, body preparation rituals, and community gatherings at Tamil temples throughout Port Louis. Authentic cultural immersion without tourist commercialization.

Late December

Year-End Market Festivals

Local markets transform with special food stalls, traditional craft displays, and cultural performances. Central Market and Flacq Market host evening celebrations featuring live sega music, authentic street food competitions, and artisan demonstrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain poncho (not umbrella) - December's sudden 20-30 minute downpours are too intense for umbrellas, and you'll need hands free for walking

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps moisture and becomes uncomfortable within hours

SPF 50+ sunscreen minimum - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days, and reflection from Port Louis harbor intensifies exposure

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - wet marble and stone surfaces in Central Market area become extremely slippery during brief showers

Light cotton sweater for air-conditioned spaces - malls, restaurants, and transport maintain 18-20°C (64-68°F) creating 10°C+ temperature differences

Quick-dry shorts and pants - high humidity means clothes stay damp longer, especially after unexpected rain

Waterproof phone case - protect electronics during sudden downpours and if doing any water activities

Electrolyte tablets or powder - 30°C (87°F) heat plus 70% humidity causes faster dehydration than expected

Insect repellent with DEET - December's humidity increases mosquito activity, especially near the harbor in evening hours

Portable fan or cooling towel - invaluable for the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm) when exploring outdoor markets and attractions

Insider Knowledge

Shop Central Market before 9am - vendors offer better prices and fresher produce before tourist groups arrive, plus temperatures are 5°C (9°F) cooler

Take the 11am or 3pm ferry to outer islands - avoid the crowded 1pm departure when day-trippers peak and afternoon showers often begin

Book accommodation in Caudan Waterfront area - December trade winds are strongest near the harbor, providing natural cooling that inland areas lack

Carry Rs 500-1000 in small bills - many local transport and market vendors don't accept cards, and December's festival season creates cash-heavy transactions

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities for midday hours - the 11am-3pm period combines peak heat, humidity, and afternoon shower risk making sightseeing miserable

Bringing only flip-flops - wet season remnants make December streets unpredictably slippery, and proper shoes are needed for any highland or nature excursions

Underestimating hydration needs - the combination of 30°C (87°F) heat and 70% humidity causes dehydration 40% faster than dry climates