Mauritius is a volcanic island in the Indian Ocean, 900 kilometres east of Madagascar. It is roughly the size of Luxembourg and ringed by a coral reef that encloses a turquoise lagoon — making it one of the great calm-water snorkelling destinations. The interior is dramatically mountainous, the culture a creole mix of Indian, African, French and Chinese, and the resort industry one of the most polished in the southern hemisphere. The climate is tropical with a clear cool-and-dry winter and a warm-and-wet summer.
May through November is the dry season — sunny, warm rather than hot, low humidity, and the southern hemisphere winter is a comfortable 22-25°C. December to April is the warmer wet season with more humidity and the cyclone risk window.
Mauritius's southern-hemisphere winter (June-August) brings 22-25°C daytime, low humidity and steady trade winds. Sea is around 23°C. Cooler than the wet season but very pleasant — many returning travellers consider this the best time to visit. The east coast can be windy; the north and west more sheltered.
September and October are the prime months: 25-27°C, dry, sunny, and the trade winds easing. Sea warming to 24-25°C. Crowds are moderate. Many regard this as the single best window of the year.
December through February is warm (29-31°C) and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms common. This is the cyclone-risk season — direct hits happen roughly once a decade; tropical-storm-grade weather more frequent. Sea at its warmest (28°C), but visibility for snorkelling can drop after storms.
March and April are the tail of the wet season — still warm and humid, with the last serious cyclone risk through March. By April humidity starts dropping and the dry season begins to set in.
Mauritius is bigger, more varied (mountains, multi-cultural towns, history), and has activities beyond beach and water. Maldives is purer beach-and-reef, with one resort per island. Mauritius is a better fit for travellers wanting variety; Maldives for pure switch-off.
November to April, peaking January-February. Direct cyclone hits are rare (every decade or so) but tropical storm conditions are more frequent. Travel insurance with cyclone cover is recommended in this window.
No — English is the official language and widely spoken in tourism. French and Mauritian Creole are also widely used; a few words of either are appreciated.
Almost — the reef encircling much of the island creates calm, shallow turquoise water. Resort beaches are universally safe; ask locally before swimming at unfamiliar beaches.