Mahé may lie close to the equator, but the annual temperatures remain fairly constant with average daytime temperatures at about 80°F (27°C). At higher altitudes, temperatures are lower, especially at night-time. Mahé's dry season runs from May to October but this is the period when the southeast monsoon winds can bring brief showers every few days. From December to March the monsoon arrives bringing heavy rainfall and high humidity, especially in the coastal regions.

Creole, English and French are all spoken in the Seychelles.

The Seychelles currency is the Rupee (SCR), divided into 100 cents. The country's foreign exchange regulations require visitors to pay for all services provided by hotels, guesthouses and self-catering enterprises, as well as things like car hire, entrance fees to parks and reserves, scuba diving and boat charter, in major foreign currency notes (Euros are the most widely used) or by credit card. Taxis and restaurant bills (not connected to hotels) are payable in foreign or Seychelles Rupees. Rupees can only be used in local shops, markets, and bars. Credit cards are widely welcomed throughout the Seychelles. Money can be exchanged at banks and the airport on Mahé, or at hotels, and banks process travellers cheques. To change Rupees back into foreign currency on departure requires the official receipt from the initial transaction. ATMs are available at major banks on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.

Local time is GMT +4.