If you want to know when is the best time to visit Africa for a gay-friendly beach getaway, you’re in for a treat because the short and sweet answer is that the continent offers year-round beach destinations! Yes, you read that right. Just like Freddie Mercury’s famous crooning (not to mention his figure-hugging jeans!), these beaches will never get old, and you can visit them again and again and again… But where to go, when and why? You better grab the sunscreen because things are about to get HOT in our blog post as we share when is the best time to visit Africa for a beach getaway.
Clinking drinks in Mozambique
I’m An Island Boy…
We hope you’ve been buying the sexiest cossies because the Indian Ocean Islands bring you plenty of heat, bottomless cocktails, and warm waters to explore. Here are our favourite Indian Ocean Islands, and when is the best time to visit Africa to explore them.
Mesmerising Maldives
The Maldives is an island destination that’s always dressed to impress, with sunny weather, crystal clear ocean water, and overwater bungalows that allow you to plunge straight into the deep blue sea from your bed.
When is The Best Time to Visit the Maldives?
The best time to visit the Maldives is…well, when can you get leave? Because the Maldives is quite the show-off, with sunshine 365 days a year. However, some days will be a bit wetter. Therefore, we generally recommend you visit between December and April for the best experience and to avoid downpours.
If you’re interested in diving and snorkelling specifically, then you should look at visiting in November or April, whereas surfers will love the swell between May and October.
Welcome to paradise, welcome to the Maldives
Magical Mauritius
Mauritius is an iconic beach destination in Africa. Just like Madonna, Mauritius has a naughty and nice side, with sweet sunsets to make you swoon and sultry nightlife to rev up your engine. It’s the perfect all-rounder beach destination.
When is The Best Time to Visit Mauritius?
The best time to visit Africa if you want to include Mauritius is towards the end of the year, from October onwards. Yes, Mauritius is “sun’s out, bums out” year-round. However, it does have a summer and winter season. Both bring plenty of sunshine, but the winter months bring some gusts of wind accompanied by downpours. If you want to ensure you get the dry beach days you’re lusting after, avoid the rainy months from January to March.
Mauritius island from a bird’s-eye view
Mozambique
Want to take a trip to somewhere beachy that’s a bit more off the beaten track? Mozambique is an underrated beach destination with plenty to offer! We also love how easily it combines with a Big 5 safari in Kruger National Park or in East Africa.
When is The Best Time to Visit Mozambique?
The best time to visit Mozambique for a beach getaway specifically is during its dry months, so plan your trip around May to October. The sun’s divine and the water at its clearest, so you can take full advantage of exhilarating watersports or simply soak up that envied holiday glow.
The height of summer can get very hot and humid (not always as steamy as it sounds!), and it’s also the rainy season with grey, moody skies. Not ideal if you’re craving a double serving of beach day, every day!
Also, just remember that the best season is busy and can get pretty packed, so let our LGBTQ+ Travel Experts start planning your island getaway today to secure your spot!
Like long walks on the beach? Say hello to Mozambique’s coastline
Sexy Seychelles
Malaria-free? Check. 365 days of sunny weather? Check. Luxury resorts on private islands? Check. The best setting for drool-worthy Instagram shots? Check, check, CHECK! Seychelles has it all. She’s like the most glam drag queen dripping in diamonds and just as entertaining! From plenty of underwater activities to fascinating cultural gems and natural wonders, it will be love at first sight!
When is The Best Time to Visit Seychelles?
The best time to visit Seychelles is from May to October as these are the drier, cooler months. Yes, you want the heat to be able to bring the heat, but you don’t want sweltering days with monsoon-like downpours, as is the case around November to January.
Granite rocks set against the flawless white sand in Seychelles
Exotic East Africa
Now that we’ve covered the classic beach destinations, how about something a little more exotic? If that tickles your fancy, keep reading, as East Africa has plenty of underrated beach bum havens.
Kaleidoscopic Kenya
Kenya needs no introduction as a safari destination. However, did you know that this celebrity of a destination has a little trick up her sleeve? She has beaches that will leave you drooling. The Lamu archipelago in Kenya is simply stunning and offers plenty of opportunities to explore underwater, on land, and to sip the refreshing ice-cold local beers like the famous Tusker.
When is The Best Time to Visit Kenya for a Beach Holiday?
If you want to combine bush and beach, the best time to visit Kenya is between December and March. The game viewing is still excellent whilst the beaches and weather are bringing their A-game!
Slice of heaven in Kenya, Image Credit: Manda Bay
Tantalising Tanzania
Just like with Kenya, if you think about Tanzania, images of the Great Migration and hot air balloon safaris across the vast savannahs likely come to mind. While these are certainly headlining acts, there are some beaches begging to be explored. For example, Pemba Island offers some of the best year-round snorkelling! Then there’s also the Afro-Arab spice islands of Zanzibar, featuring settings and cuisine that’s a party for the senses!
When is The Best Time to Visit Tanzania for a Beach Holiday?
If you want to visit Tanzania specifically for its beaches like Zanzibar, you should try to plan your trip between June and March. And the good news is that this is the same time that safaris are also at their best!
Zanzibar is all about spices and sunshine
Sassy South Africa
She’s beauty, she’s grace, she’s Africa’s gay capital! Say hello to South Africa’s many gay-friendly beach destinations. Cape Town, of course, is at the top of the list for rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, not to mention the drop-dead gorgeous. With high-end neighbourhoods like Clifton and Camps Bay sporting swathes of pearly, powdery beaches and vibey cocktail lounges and nightclubs, you’ll easily sip and sunbathe your way through weeks of your holiday.
Venture a little further on the ultimate road trip along the scenic Garden Route, and you’re further spoilt for choice when it comes to picture-perfect coastlines and lush forests. This part of South Africa is famous for honeymooners, and you’ll quickly see why it’s the perfect setting for lovebirds.
When is The Best Time to Visit South Africa for a Beach Holiday?
The best time to visit for the ultimate beach weather is during South Africa’s summer, which is from November to February. However, winter is generally considered the best time for a safari, so if you want to combine the best of both worlds, you can opt for a shoulder season in between the two.
If you want to visit KwaZulu-Natal, however, we suggest winter, as summer can be quite a scorcher paired with high humidity, whereas winter is still deliciously warm but not as extreme.
Cape Town’s Camps Bay looking fab as ever
Book Your Dream Gay-Friendly Beach Holiday to Africa Today
Can you already feel the sand between your toes and taste that piña colada? Let’s make it happen! Contact our LGBTQ+ Travel Experts, and let’s start planning today!
