Mauritius in winter: will it rain? Karen Neilson writes We are thinking of going to Mauritius in February or March and are slightly concerned about the weather. It's a lot of money to pay if it pours down! We just need an honest opinion - would you risk going at that time? Nicki Grihault, Mauritius expert, replies Mauritius is a popular destination for British people looking for winter sun, despite the fact that December to March (the Mauritian summer) is also the rainy season. February and March (each with over 10 inches of rainfall on average on the coast) are easily the wettest months of the year and humidity is high, with top temperatures nudging 90F (32C). It is true that summer rain occurs in a short heavy bursts, before the sunshine soon returns, so it rarely interrupts holiday fun for long (February and March still average seven or eight hours of sunshine a day). So if you like it hot and don't mind the humidity, you might consider travelling then. However, there is a slight risk of cyclones hitting the island January to March, when rain can spoil play for three to four days. So, if you're worried, it might be better to head somewhere like the Caribbean instead, or to travel later in the year (the dry season is May to November). PS: If you're on the island on February 27, try to catch Maha Shivaratri, a colourful Hindu pilgrimage to the sacred lake of Grand Bassin, presided over by a 108ft statue of Shiva. About Nicki Grihault Nicki Grihault first visited Mauritius as a teenager on holiday from boarding school. Making Mauritius a specialist country when she became a travel writer 15 years ago, she has a guidebook under her belt, but is best known on the island as the daughter of the dodo expert and island celebrity, after her father Alan became a presenter on Mauritius TV. She'll be visiting, and dodging the cameras, for some years to come.