The Republic
of Seychelles; located in
a region of 115 islands amongst the Archipelago Nation is a small country with
a tropical climate all-year round. Seychelles situated in the Indian Ocean
approximately 1500km east of the African mainland is an ideal holiday for beach
lovers and tourists who love to vacation in the sun.
Situated just south of the equator; Seychelles provides a
topical climate, meaning daily forecasts rarely dropping below 26oC
and high humidity levels all year round. The region is hot and clammy for most
of the year but the heat is usually moderated by cooler sea breezes flowing in
between the islands.
Although the beaches on the islands are famous for the
year-round satisfaction this region of Africa
does not experience one distinct dry season. July recognised as the country’s
driest month, still receives 70mm of average rainfall. July is also the coolest
month with an average temperature of 27oC.
Pre-Southeast Monsoon – April
This is the calmest and warmest
period of the year as the winds die down from earlier months, before reversing
to the Southeast.
Southeast Monsoon - May to October
This is a characteristically drier
and cooler time when the winds that flow above Seychelles are subjected by the “South-east Trades” when they
reach their most highest in the months of July and August. Precipitation throughout
this period is usually minimal in character and relatively brisk.
Pre-Northwest Monsoon – November
This
season is noticed by the movement in wind command from Southeast to Northwest connected
with the “onset” of the rainy season. Through out this time the temperature
remains reasonably warm with very light winds.
Northwest Monsoon - December to March
This is the primary rainy season throughout the Seychelles and
it can get tremendously damp in December and January. This period is also warm
even with winds that are mainly directed from the West to northwest but are not
strong.
Although the country
experiences variances within its monsoon seasons, the climate in Seychelles is never extreme, due to the
closeness with the Indian Ocean. This soothing
climate will normally offer rains at one part of the island, while the other
part remains dry and sunny. The weather will generally remain pleasant and arid
during the period from May to September making the sea calm while the weather
remains hot and humid. Seychelles
climate also remains cool during these months when the sea is lively especially
in the south western coasts.
Beaches Affected By the Monsoon
On Mahe the south-western beaches are most pretentious. On
the south-western beaches of Praslin large quantities of seaweed can be
expected to be washed up on the beach shores in between the months of May to
October
Even though the Monsoons bring physically powerful winds all but the furthest
southern islands lie contentedly outside the cyclonic belt making Seychelles’ a
year round destination for sun worshippers and beach lovers.
Given Seychelles
is situated within the Southern Hemisphere the difference between night and day
barely changes. It is estimated that the islands receive about seven hours of
consistent sunshine daily. Because the Seychelles are within the southern
hemisphere they present a completely diverse night sky, this beautiful gift
will astound many visitors for various places in the world.
Climate Change
Recent studies show changes in the regional climate in
Seychelles such as sea-level rise, changes in precipitation and elevated
sea-surface temperature are affecting many physical and biological systems,
which have an impact on social and economic systems. It is therefore necessary
for tourists to be aware of this matter and for locals to take urgent action to
address climate change at the global level. Forceful adaptation strategies need
to be developed such as a need for improved water-resource management to meet
the change in the rainfall pattern and the protection of coral reefs from
bleaching.
Seychelles
enjoys a near perfect climate with temperatures always ranging between 24oC
and 32oC. Even though it rains more than frequently throughout the
islands; resulting in high humidity up to eighty percent, the light winds that
course among the region tend to keep the climate at a more pleasant level.
Mahe, Praslin and Silhouette for example are the islands known to have
significant peaks of much higher rainfall than the smaller islands resulting in
cooler climates. The surrounding mountains are also often engulfed by a cool
wet mist keeping temperatures relatively low. In other words it never gets cold
on the islands but the moderating influence of the Indian
Ocean means that it also never gets too hot. The serenity amongst
these beautiful islands is almost irresistible and should be recommended as a
pleasurable relaxing vacation to travellers at any time of the year.
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