Things to Do in Port Louis in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Port Louis
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means accommodation costs drop 20-30% compared to peak winter months, with hotels in the Caudan Waterfront area running Rs 2,500-4,000 per night instead of Rs 4,500-6,000
- Spring weather brings comfortable temperatures between 19-27°C (66-81°F) with minimal rainfall despite those 10 rainy days - most are brief morning drizzles that clear by 9am, leaving afternoons perfect for exploring
- September marks the tail end of whale watching season in Mauritian waters, giving you a final chance to spot humpback whales migrating north before they disappear until June, with success rates still around 60-70%
- The Maha Shivaratri pilgrimage aftermath means Hindu temples like Ganga Talao are quieter than usual after the August crowds, but still buzzing with local energy - you'll actually get to talk with devotees without fighting through tour groups
Considerations
- Wind picks up significantly in September as spring transitions toward summer - coastal areas around Le Caudan and the waterfront see gusts of 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) that can make outdoor dining uncomfortable and mess with boat schedules
- The 70% humidity combined with variable conditions means you're constantly playing wardrobe roulette - mornings start cool enough for a light sweater, by noon you're sweating through cotton, then evenings cool down again
- September sits in an awkward festival gap between the major August celebrations and the Diwali preparations starting in October, so if you're specifically chasing cultural events, you'll find Port Louis relatively quiet on that front
Best Activities in September
Central Market and Chinatown Walking Tours
September's mild mornings make the 7am-11am window perfect for exploring the Central Market without the oppressive summer heat. The humidity is there but manageable, and you'll catch vendors at their most energetic. Chinatown's street food stalls are in full swing, and the cooler evenings mean you can actually enjoy walking through the narrow streets without feeling like you're in a sauna. The market is less crowded than winter peak season, so you'll have space to browse the spice vendors and fabric stalls without getting elbowed.
Le Morne Peninsula Day Trips
The spring winds that make Port Louis blustery actually work in your favor at Le Morne - kitesurfers love September for consistent 20-30 km/h (12-19 mph) winds, and even if you're not surfing, watching from the beach is spectacular. The 556m (1,824 ft) Le Morne Brabant hike is more comfortable in September's temperatures than summer's scorching heat. Water visibility for snorkeling sits around 20-25m (65-82 ft) as the ocean settles after winter storms.
Aapravasi Ghat and Colonial Architecture Tours
September's variable weather makes indoor-outdoor combination tours ideal - you can duck into the Aapravasi Ghat museum during brief drizzles, then walk the colonial district when it clears. The UNESCO site tells the indentured labor story that shaped Mauritius, and September's smaller crowds mean you'll actually absorb the exhibits instead of shuffling through. The Blue Penny Museum and Natural History Museum nearby provide perfect rainy day backup within 500m (0.3 miles) walking distance.
Pamplemousses Botanical Garden Visits
The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden is 11 km (6.8 miles) north of Port Louis and September brings it to life as spring blooms kick in. The giant water lilies are at their best, and the 85-hectare garden is comfortable to walk in morning hours before humidity peaks. The spice garden section is particularly fragrant in September. Rain actually enhances the experience here - the garden smells incredible after a brief shower.
Port Louis Waterfront Evening Experiences
September evenings cool down to 19-21°C (66-70°F), making the Caudan Waterfront and La Citadelle areas perfect for sunset walks and dinner. The wind that's annoying during day actually provides pleasant breeze by 6pm. This is when locals come out - you'll see families promenading, street musicians setting up, and the casino crowd arriving. The craft market stays open until 8pm, and restaurants offer outdoor seating that's actually comfortable in September unlike summer months.
Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran Day Trips
While it's a 50 km (31 mile) journey east from Port Louis, September's conditions make this worthwhile - the sea is calmer than winter months but not yet summer-flat, giving you a proper sailing experience. The island's beaches are less crowded than peak season, and water temperatures sit around 23-24°C (73-75°F), which is refreshing without being cold. The BBQ lunch stops taste better when you've got a breeze keeping you cool. That said, windier days mean rougher crossings, so this is weather-dependent.
September Events & Festivals
Father Laval Feast Day Preparations
While the main pilgrimage happens September 9th at Sainte-Croix, Port Louis sees increased activity in late September as devotees visit the Pere Laval shrine at Sainte-Croix, about 8 km (5 miles) north. You'll notice more street vendors selling candles and religious items around the city, and churches hold special masses. It's not a tourist spectacle but offers genuine insight into Mauritian Catholic devotion - locals from all backgrounds participate regardless of their own faith.