Beaches & Islands · Best Apr–May, Oct–Nov
Seychelles packing list for families
The Seychelles is an island-hopping trip as much as a beach trip, with boat rides, bikes, and rocky coves that change what you need. Here is how I pack for families and pick the calmest months.
Photo by Christian Cacciamani on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Seychelles
- Seychelles asks visitors to complete a travel authorization online before arrival. I add it to the same checklist as passports so it does not get missed.
- On La Digue, bikes are the main way around. Kids love it, and older kids can ride, but bring a helmet if your child needs one that fits well.
- Which beach is calm depends on the season and the wind direction. Ask your hotel each morning, because a beach that is perfect in April can be choppy with seaweed in July.
Best timeApr–May, Oct–Nov
PlugsType G, bring an adapter
MoneySeychellois rupee
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Seychelles
This time of year
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Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick
Packing cubes, one color per personOur pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing4
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Shoes2
Sandals
Reef shoesOur pickRocky entries and coral are common between the boulders.
Beach & pool9
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsOur pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysOur pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Kids' snorkel mask setGranite coves are full of fish close to shore.
Adventure2
Dry bagKeeps phones and towels dry on boat hops between islands.
Kids' bike helmetFor biking on La Digue.
Little ones4
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Health & toiletries4
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Documents & tech3
Portable phone chargerOur pick
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterOur pickType G, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Island whites
White, sand, sea glass, coral
For the grown-ups
- Linen shirt or linen set
- A white cover-up dress
- Leather slides for dinner
For the kids
- Seersucker or linen shorts
- Matching-print swimsuits
- Soft cotton sundress
For photos
- Everyone in white and one pop of coral
- Shoot at golden hour on the sand
Month by month
Seychelles weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 86°F 30°C | Northwest monsoon: hot and humid, wettest Dec–Jan | Hawksbill turtles nest on quiet beaches, roughly Oct–Feb Giant Aldabra tortoises to meet on Curieuse and other islands |
| February | 87°F 31°C | Northwest monsoon: hot and humid, wettest Dec–Jan | Hawksbill turtles nest on quiet beaches, roughly Oct–Feb Giant Aldabra tortoises to meet on Curieuse and other islands |
| March | 88°F 31°C | Northwest monsoon: hot and humid, wettest Dec–Jan | Giant Aldabra tortoises to meet on Curieuse and other islands |
| April | 88°F 31°C | Calm transition: light winds, glassy water, great visibility | Calmest seas of the year for snorkeling and boat days Giant Aldabra tortoises to meet on Curieuse and other islands |
| May | 86°F 30°C | Calm transition: light winds, glassy water, great visibility | Calmest seas of the year for snorkeling and boat days Sooty terns nest by the hundreds of thousands on Bird Island, roughly May–Sep Giant Aldabra tortoises to meet on Curieuse and other islands |
| June | 83°F 28°C | Southeast trade winds: drier and breezier, choppier seas, seaweed on some beaches | Sooty terns nest by the hundreds of thousands on Bird Island, roughly May–Sep Giant Aldabra tortoises to meet on Curieuse and other islands |
| July | 82°F 28°C | Southeast trade winds: drier and breezier, choppier seas, seaweed on some beaches | Sooty terns nest by the hundreds of thousands on Bird Island, roughly May–Sep Giant Aldabra tortoises to meet on Curieuse and other islands |
| August | 82°F 28°C | Southeast trade winds: drier and breezier, choppier seas, seaweed on some beaches | Sooty terns nest by the hundreds of thousands on Bird Island, roughly May–Sep Giant Aldabra tortoises to meet on Curieuse and other islands |
| September | 83°F 28°C | Southeast trade winds: drier and breezier, choppier seas, seaweed on some beaches | Sooty terns nest by the hundreds of thousands on Bird Island, roughly May–Sep Giant Aldabra tortoises to meet on Curieuse and other islands |
| October | 84°F 29°C | Calm transition: warm, clear water and good snorkeling | Second calm window, with warm, clear water Hawksbill turtles nest on quiet beaches, roughly Oct–Feb Festival Kreol celebrates Creole music, food, and culture in late October Giant Aldabra tortoises to meet on Curieuse and other islands |
| November | 85°F 29°C | Calm transition: warm, clear water and good snorkeling | Second calm window, with warm, clear water Hawksbill turtles nest on quiet beaches, roughly Oct–Feb Giant Aldabra tortoises to meet on Curieuse and other islands |
| December | 86°F 30°C | Northwest monsoon: hot and humid, wettest Dec–Jan | Hawksbill turtles nest on quiet beaches, roughly Oct–Feb Giant Aldabra tortoises to meet on Curieuse and other islands |
Questions families ask
Seychelles with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Seychelles with kids?
The best time is Apr–May, Oct–Nov. Southeast trade winds: drier and breezier, choppier seas, seaweed on some beaches
What's the weather like in Seychelles?
Typical daytime highs range from about 82°F (28°C) in July to about 88°F (31°C) in March. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Seychelles?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Seychelles?
Type G, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Seychelles with kids?
Seychelles asks visitors to complete a travel authorization online before arrival. I add it to the same checklist as passports so it does not get missed.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.