A Guide to Travelling Outside Peak Season

Warm, all-year round:

Expect balmy temperatures of 27–31°C throughout the year. From May to September, you may see short, tropical showers, but they’re typically brief and followed by sunshine. 

Manta Ray & whale shark season:

Low season is prime time for marine life. Manta rays and whale sharks gather in Baa Atoll, particularly at Hanifaru Bay, between May and November, while Ari Atoll offers excellent chances to spot whale sharks year-round. 

Exceptional value:

Rates can drop by up to 40–50%, often with added perks such as complimentary meal plan upgrades, resort credits or family offers. It’s the same overwater villas and powder-soft beaches, just at a far smarter price.

Things to note

Direct flights are more seasonal:

Non-stop UK services with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are focused on the winter peak seasons, between October and April. Outside these months, you still have seamless options via the Middle East with a short layover.

Warm, settled and comfortable weather: 

From May to September, Mauritius enjoys average temperatures of around 20–25°C with relatively little rainfall. Days are typically sunny and dry, with far less humidity than the summer months, ideal for those who prefer warmth without intense heat.

Perfect for golf, families & hiking: 

The cooler, drier conditions make this one of the best times for outdoor pursuits. Championship courses such as Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club are particularly enjoyable in these milder temperatures, while hiking in areas like Black River Gorges National Park feels far more comfortable with lower levels of humidity. It’s also a lovely window for families with young children, thanks to gentler heat and easier daytime exploring.

Excellent savings:

Travelling outside peak season can mean prices are 30–40% lower than high-season rates, with occasional added-value offers. The beaches, lagoons and service remain just as impressive and resorts offer outstanding value. 

Things to note

Cooler evenings:

Nights can feel fresh, particularly in July and August, so a light cardigan or jumper is worth packing.

Rougher seas on some coasts:

The south and east coasts can experience choppier waters due to trade winds during this period. Many west and north coast beaches, however, remain more sheltered and calm.

Year-round warmth, beautifully temperate:

The Seychelles enjoys consistently warm temperatures of around 26–30°C throughout the year. During the May to September trade wind season, conditions are typically drier with a refreshing breeze, making it feel pleasantly comfortable rather than humid with that same glorious sunshine. 

Perfect for exploring:

With lower humidity and slightly cooler evenings, this is an ideal time to get out and explore beyond the beach. Hike through the jungle trails of Mahé, tee off with ocean views, or island-hop at a relaxed pace. It’s a particularly good window for active travellers who want to balance beach time with walking, wildlife and a round of golf.

Attractive savings:

Travelling outside the peak season can save around 25–30%, with occasional added-value offers from hotels, all with the same dramatic scenery and castaway charm.

Things to note

Sea conditions can be challenging:

The southeast trade winds can mean choppier waters on some coasts, which may affect boat trips and reduce snorkelling visibility at certain times. Choosing the right beach locations and using light aircraft to travel between Mahé and Praslin makes all the difference.

Cosy weather, golden light & harvest season:

As autumn rolls into winter in Cape Town and the Cape Winelands, days are cooler (roughly 13–20°C) with crisp, clear light and occasional dramatic rain showers. April also coincides with harvest in the Winelands, bringing a wonderful energy. Meanwhile, the dry winter months in the Greater Kruger mean mild days, cooler mornings and excellent safari conditions as wildlife gathers around water sources.

Uncrowded restaurants, wineries & wildlife sightings:

Travelling outside the December–March peak brings a more relaxed feel. Securing reservations at sought-after restaurants in Cape Town is easier, wine tastings feel more personal, and there’s space to linger at viewpoints and beaches without the summer buzz. 

Shoulder-season value:

April, May and October in particular offer attractive rates across boutique city hotels, vineyard stays and luxury safari lodges. With greater availability and favourable pricing, it’s an ideal time to experience South Africa’s diversity at a smarter price point.

Things to note

Winter rainfall in the Cape:

June to August is the wettest period in the Western Cape, so be prepared to take a flexible approach, pairing outdoor exploration with indoor wine tastings, galleries and scenic drives.

Chilly safari mornings:

Early game drives in the Greater Kruger can be cold at dawn in mid-winter, so layers are essential, though sunshine usually warms things up quickly.

Warm weather and inviting seas:

From May through October, the Caribbean still enjoys sun-drenched days with average temperatures around 27–32°C and beautifully warm water. You can expect a mix of sunshine and short, tropical showers which are often intense but brief. 

Smarter island choices during hurricane season: 

While this period overlaps with the Atlantic hurricane season (June–November), not all islands are affected equally. The southern Caribbean, which includes Barbados and Grenada, sits outside the main hurricane belt and sees fewer direct impacts. Islands such as Saint Lucia and Antigua can still be wonderful options, particularly in May, June and October, when risks are lower. 

Excellent value & added perks:

Travelling outside the December–April peak can save up to 40%, alongside added-value offers such as resort credits, complimentary nights, or room upgrades. 

Things to note

Humidity & brief downpours:

Summer months can feel more humid, particularly in July and August, though showers are often short-lived and followed by sunshine.

Travel insurance & flexibility:

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential during hurricane season, as is being aware of the risks. With the right island and the right expectations, this can still be a rewarding time to visit.