Seychelles Cruising Conditions

General Conditions
The archipelago, which rarely experiences really strong winds, is under the influence of a highly distinctive system consisting of two monsoons separated by a month of variable weather: the inter season. From May to October, almost constant winds blow south-easterly with clear skies. The winds drop in November and gives way to north-westerly’s bringing heavy rains clouds. Heaviest rainfall is in January and can reach 370mm/4.5 in. The south-easterly wind pattern returns in April. In between these two periods there are two shorts periods of flat calms or light winds. April and May are the sunniest months; however, the cloudiest months still manage a daily average of 5.30 hours of sun. These slight climate changes barely affect the temperature which remains at a steady 28°- 30°C (82°-86°F) and the level of humidity which is close to 80% year around. In the Seychelles, weather is constantly changing. Neither rain nor sun ever become set for long periods.
The entire Seychelles area is subject to currents that develop with the monsoon.
The NW monsoon gives rise to a current to the East from December to April. Its average speed is 1.5 Knots, though speeds of 4 knots have been recorded locally. In April the current reverses. From June to September, currents flow westwards at a regular rate of 1.2 Knots but passages through flats can increase the speed to approximately 4 Knots. The return to currents flowing east takes place in December.

Historical Weather (Averages by month):

Tides
Tides are semi-diurnal and asymmetrical with a gap of about 6 hours between high tide and low tide. The tidal range is as low as 1.80m at spring tides and 1.40m at neap tides.Tides give rise to currents which can be quite strong in the straits between the Islands or in the channel leading to lagoons, which may empty completely at low tide.There can be quite considerable differences in height between the two daily high tides. You will find on the yacht a tide table for your reference.

Weather Forecast
When you arrive at the base, we will provide you with a weather forecast for the next 24 hours. SBC, Seychelles Boarding Corporation, the public radio of Seychelles on medium wave 1368 KHz broadcasts a weather report in Creole between 7.30am and 8.15am. The same weather bulletin is broadcast in English between 8.30am and 8.45am. Seychelles Radio can provide a forecast on request on VHF channel 16. Clearance on channel 26 or 27.
The weather station on Mahe (37 33 37) issues a detailed bulletin covering the remote islands.