Things to Do in Port Louis in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Port Louis
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Winter season means reliably comfortable temperatures between 19-27°C (67-81°F) - warm enough for beach activities without the oppressive summer heat that hits from November onwards. You'll actually want to walk around Port Louis during midday, which is saying something for Mauritius.
- Minimal rainfall despite the 10 rainy days listed - when showers do hit, they're typically brief morning drizzles that clear by 9am rather than the afternoon downpours you get in summer. The 0mm average tells you these are light events, not trip-disrupting storms.
- Peak whale watching season as humpback whales migrate through Mauritian waters. June through September is when you'll spot them breaching off the west coast near Tamarin and Flic en Flac - tour operators report sightings on roughly 80% of trips during this window.
- Lower accommodation prices compared to the December-January peak season rush. Hotels in Port Louis and nearby coastal areas typically drop rates by 20-30% in June since it's winter, though you're still getting excellent weather - essentially shoulder season pricing for near-perfect conditions.
Considerations
- Southeast trade winds pick up significantly in June, creating choppy conditions on the east coast beaches. Grand Baie and Trou aux Biches on the northwest remain calm, but if you're planning to stay on the east side, swimming becomes less pleasant and boat trips get cancelled more frequently.
- Winter means shorter daylight hours - sunrise around 6:45am and sunset by 5:45pm. You lose roughly 90 minutes of evening light compared to summer months, which affects how much you can pack into a day, especially if you're trying to catch sunset at popular viewpoints.
- The 70% humidity combined with morning dew means things don't dry quickly. Beach towels, swimwear, and hiking gear stay damp overnight if you're not near proper ventilation - pack quick-dry fabrics rather than cotton, and consider bringing an extra swimsuit so you're not putting on something clammy each morning.
Best Activities in June
West Coast Whale Watching Excursions
June marks the beginning of humpback whale migration season, with pods traveling through the warm Indian Ocean waters off Mauritius. The west coast from Tamarin Bay to Flic en Flac offers the best sighting opportunities, with success rates around 80% during June through September. Morning departures between 8-10am typically provide calmer seas and better visibility. The cooler winter weather makes being on the water more comfortable than summer months when the heat can be draining during 3-4 hour excursions.
Port Louis Central Market and Street Food Tours
June's cooler temperatures make wandering the covered Port Louis Central Market actually pleasant rather than sweltering. The market operates Tuesday through Sunday from 5:30am to 5pm, with peak activity between 8am-2pm. This is when you'll find the freshest produce, spices, and the famous dholl puri vendors setting up around the perimeter. The lower humidity compared to summer months means the indoor market sections feel less oppressive, and you can comfortably explore the textile stalls upstairs without feeling like you're in a sauna.
Black River Gorges National Park Hiking
Winter hiking conditions are ideal in June - trails are drier after the cyclone season ends in May, and temperatures in the elevated interior plateau stay comfortable between 15-22°C (59-72°F). The park's 60 km (37 miles) of trails range from easy 2 km (1.2 mile) walks to challenging 10 km (6.2 mile) ridge hikes. Macchabee Forest and the Black River Peak trail to 828 m (2,717 ft) are particularly rewarding in June when morning mist creates dramatic views over the gorges. Native birds like the Mauritius kestrel are more active in cooler weather.
Ile aux Cerfs and East Coast Island Excursions
While the east coast gets windier in June, this actually creates perfect conditions for parasailing and kite activities around Ile aux Cerfs. The trade winds that make swimming less appealing power water sports instead. Catamaran day trips typically include stops at the GRSE Waterfall and snorkeling at protected reefs where the water stays clearer in winter months. The cooler air temperature makes spending a full day on the water more comfortable than the humid summer season.
Le Morne Peninsula and Underwater Waterfall Viewing
June's clearer winter skies provide excellent visibility for the optical illusion of the underwater waterfall off Le Morne Peninsula, best seen from helicopter tours or the Le Morne Brabant summit hike. The 556 m (1,824 ft) hike takes 3-4 hours round trip and is significantly more manageable in June's cooler weather than summer heat. The UNESCO World Heritage site also offers excellent kitesurfing conditions as trade winds strengthen - June through September is considered peak season for kiters.
Chamarel Seven Colored Earth and South Coast Exploration
The south coast's attractions like Chamarel Seven Colored Earth, Chamarel Waterfall at 100 m (328 ft), and the Rhumerie de Chamarel distillery are perfect for June's variable weather days. When morning drizzle hits Port Louis, the south often stays clear, and even if it doesn't, the rum distillery tours and tastings provide excellent indoor alternatives. The cooler winter temperatures make the exposed viewing platforms at Chamarel more comfortable - summer heat can be brutal with no shade.
June Events & Festivals
Père Laval Feast Day Pilgrimage
September 9th is the main feast day, but June typically sees smaller prayer gatherings at the Père Laval shrine in Sainte-Croix, just outside Port Louis. Père Laval is considered the patron saint of Mauritius, and the shrine attracts both Catholic pilgrims and locals of other faiths seeking blessings. While not a major tourist event, visiting on a Sunday in June offers insight into Mauritian religious syncretism - you'll see Hindu and Muslim visitors alongside Christians. The shrine is open daily from 6am-6pm.