Mauritius cyclone season in brief:
- The season runs roughly from November to mid-May. A warning is issued only if a cyclone may approach the island.
- A warning class shows how much time is left before dangerous winds. It says nothing about the strength of the cyclone itself.
- Under Class III, life on the island almost stops. Most shops and offices are closed, and buses usually do not run. Under Class IV, people stay indoors.
- Go outside only after the official bulletin that lifts the warning.
- Check your flight with the airline. Plan your trip to the airport before the class goes up.
Your tickets are booked for February, and the news mentions a cyclone near Madagascar. The Mauritius cyclone season is no reason to cancel your holiday. Still, it pays to know what to do in advance.
When is the Mauritius cyclone season?
The season falls in the southern summer. Officially it runs from 1 November to 15 May. Cyclones are tracked by the Mauritius Meteorological Services (MMS). It issues a warning only when a cyclone may approach the island. Without a warning, life on the island goes on as usual.
Cyclone warning classes: what each one means
A warning class answers one question: how much time is left before gusts of 120 km/h. The higher the class, the less time you have to prepare. Definitions below come from the rules of the meteorological service. Tips in the right-hand column are based on past seasons.
| Class | What it means | What a visitor should do |
|---|---|---|
| I | Dangerous gusts are possible within 36–48 hours | Check your flight, charge your phone, buy water and food for a couple of days. Finish any trips around the island early |
| II | MMS aims to leave at least 12 hours of daylight before dangerous winds | Return to your hotel and postpone excursions. Plan your airport trip now, while buses run and Class III has not been declared |
| III | MMS aims to leave at least 6 hours of daylight before dangerous winds | Stay indoors. Most offices and shops are closed, and buses usually do not run |
| IV | Gusts of 120 km/h have already been recorded in places and will continue | Do not go out at all, keep away from windows, follow your hotel’s instructions |
Not every warning reaches the higher classes. MMS may lift it as early as Class I if the cyclone changes course.
Is the airport open during a cyclone?
Under a severe warning, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport may close, and flights are cancelled or rescheduled. That happened during cyclones Belal (January 2024) and Garance (February 2025), for example. Both times the airport closed under Class III.
If a warning is in force, check your flight status with the airline. The airline also sets the new departure time. Contact it about rebooking too, as the airport itself does not reschedule flights. Sign up for the airline’s notifications and keep your booking reference to hand.
If your new flight lands after midnight, see our guide to Mauritius airport late night arrival.
How to get to the airport during a warning
Leave before the class goes up. Under Class III the roads empty, and public transport usually stops running. So plan your trip to the flight while it is still Class I or II.
Check-in desks at the airport open three hours before departure and close an hour before. Leave with time to spare. If you fly out during cyclone season, book an airport taxi ahead, for a time before the class rises. In the DodoGo app, choose your route, then set the pickup day and time. You can pick a date up to about two weeks ahead. A driver is assigned shortly before pickup, and the app sends you a notification.
If the airline moves your flight, cancel the pre-booking in DodoGo with the cancel pre-booking button on the ride screen. Then make a new one for the new time. Our guide on how to book a taxi in advance covers the steps in detail.
After the cyclone: when can you go out?
You can go out only after the official bulletin that lifts the warning. MMS issues it once the danger outside has clearly eased. Calm outside the window means nothing yet. In the eye of a cyclone the wind drops for a while, then returns from the other side.
After the storm, roads can stay difficult for some time. Trees and branches fall onto the road, and low-lying stretches flood. Do not walk or drive through flooded areas, and keep away from fallen power lines. If someone needs help, the emergency numbers in Mauritius will come in handy.
Where to follow cyclone warnings
The main source is the Mauritius Meteorological Services website, metservice.intnet.mu. It publishes the current class and the bulletins. The same messages go out on television and radio, including MBC. Hotels usually post announcements at reception, where staff also explain the rules during a storm. Trust social media news less, because only MMS declares a class.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Mauritius cyclone season?
The Mauritius cyclone season runs roughly from November to mid-May. Officially it lasts from 1 November to 15 May. A warning is issued only when a cyclone may approach the island.
What does a Class 3 cyclone warning mean, and Class 4?
Class III means roughly six hours of daylight remain before gusts of 120 km/h. Most offices and shops are closed, and people stay at home. Class IV means such gusts are already blowing, so nobody goes outside.
Is Mauritius airport open during a cyclone?
Under a severe warning the airport may close, as happened in 2024 and 2025. Check your flight status with the airline, which handles rebooking.
Can I leave my hotel during a cyclone warning?
Under Classes I and II you can, but it is better to finish your errands and head back. Under Classes III and IV, people stay indoors until the official bulletin lifts the warning.
Where can I follow cyclone warnings in Mauritius?
Mauritius Meteorological Services publishes the warnings on metservice.intnet.mu. They are also broadcast on television and radio, including MBC. At your hotel, announcements are usually posted at reception.
Getting to a flight in cyclone season is less stressful with a plan ready. Install DodoGo in advance, for Android or for iPhone, and book an airport taxi for your departure time.
