Generally, the best time to visit Reunion Island is May to October, when it’s drier and less humid. But this Indian Ocean gem isn’t just a one-season travel location. Although around 70 km long, its dramatic volcanic landscape creates an astonishing variety of over 200 distinct microclimates. Temperatures and rainfall vary enormously between the sunny western beaches, the humid east coast and the cool interior mountainous cirques. Along the west coast, daytime temperatures remain warm throughout the year, while higher-altitude areas such as Cilaos can feel surprisingly cool after sunset, particularly during the austral winter. It’s entirely possible to experience tropical sunshine and Alpine-style scenery in a single day.
So, the best time to experience Reunion's naturally beautiful sights depends on what you wish to do, the pace you'd like to move at, and how it all fits around you. Whale watching off the Saint-Gilles-les-Bains coast, a helicopter flight over Cirque de Mafate, hiking to the active Piton de la Fournaise volcano – Reunion is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
No one knows this better than our Africa Travel Specialists, who've explored it first-hand across different seasons. With their expert insights and knowledge of meticulously tailoring itineraries for discerning travellers, they're best placed to create your very own holiday to Reunion Island.
To help you further, we've put together this travel guide, which includes month-by-month weather considerations, regional differences, and activities that require some extra thought.
In this article:
– Month-by-Month Guide
– West Coast vs East Coast vs Highlands
– Best Time to Visit by Activity
January: Start of the austral summer; cyclone season in full effect
Daylight: 13.3 hours
Temperature: 27°C highs / 15°C lows
Precipitation: 9.99mm
The start of the year is also the start of the austral summer. January is one of the hottest months, with coastal temperatures reaching beyond the island’s average 27°C. In the mountains, there are more pleasant conditions during the day.
Please note that this month falls during the cyclone season. Landscapes are flourishing and rich in shades of green, but the turbulent weather makes it very difficult to explore. Direct cyclone strikes are uncommon, but periods of heavy rain, strong winds and disrupted travel can occur.
Our take: We recommend timing your visit for later in the year to enjoy the very best of Reunion. In recent years, the South-West Indian Ocean cyclones have been particularly damaging.
February: Austral summer continues; weather warnings forecasted
Daylight: 12.8 hours
Temperature: 28°C highs / 15°C lows
Precipitation: 8.72mm
February is much of the same. The west sees long sunshine periods and warm sea temperatures, but the cyclones make any sort of ‘beach day’ unenjoyable. The east is much wetter, with heavy downpours that keep the island green, but difficult to traverse on foot.
Many of Reunion’s greatest experiences are centred on the outdoors, but February’s weather makes them very tough to enjoy. The rains can leave hiking trails muddy and slippery, while low clouds may obscure the sweeping views from the island’s cirques and volcanic peaks.
Our take: It’s not safe to travel, so delay your plans by an extra couple of months. Although the peaks and cirques are dressed up scenically, hiking is much tougher due to slippery conditions.
March: End of the austral summer; a transition in conditions
Daylight: 12.2 hours
Temperature: 27°C highs / 14°C lows
Precipitation: 9.61mm
Now that the austral summer is coming to a close, you can expect a slight shift away from the hotter temperatures toward the end of the month. March delivers both positives and negatives: promising nature photography opportunities, but unpredictable rains in the mountains.
The interior highlands provide you with a welcome relief from the coastal heat, though afternoon clouds often develop over the mountains. Piton des Neiges, for example, typically has 360-degree views of Cilaos, Salazie and Mafate calderas, which can be obscured at this time of day.
Our take: The peak period for the cyclone season ends this month. However, it’s still too risky to travel and thoroughly enjoy the island’s raft of outdoor activities to their fullest potential.
April: Start of the austral autumn; more pleasant weather
Daylight: 11.6 hours
Temperature: 26°C highs / 13°C lows
Precipitation: 6.83mm
Heading into the austral autumn, Reunion looks to recover from the worst of the cyclone hits. This shoulder season might still see cyclones, but they’re less prevalent. If you decide to travel now, you’ll visit with fewer tourists and improvements in the hiking conditions of the cirques.
Many consider autumn one of the finest times to experience Reunion. Humidity gradually decreases after summer, temperatures remain pleasantly warm and the rainfall becomes less frequent. This is in addition to the majority of landscapes, which retain a fresh shade of green.
Our take: If your travel dates are flexible, April is an enjoyable month in which to visit. The island is wonderfully green after the summer rains, the mountain scenery is particularly impressive, and you’ll often encounter fewer visitors than during the peak European holiday season.
May: End of the austral autumn; an excellent time to visit
Daylight: 11.1 hours
Temperature: 24°C highs / 11°C lows
Precipitation: 4.49mm
May marks the start of the best time to visit Reunion Island (May—October). The beaches along the west coast continue to enjoy plentiful sunshine, while the east is abundant in vegetation but generally experiences fewer prolonged periods of rain than during summer.
If you make your way into the mountains, you’ll find that the temperatures are particularly enjoyable, with clear mornings, comfortable daytime temperatures and cool evenings. This is ideal for hiking, especially since the trails are drier, making them easier to traverse.
Our take: We recommend travelling to Reunion in May. You now don’t have the looming presence of the cyclone season to contend with, and conditions are overall less humid.
June: Start of the austral winter; optimal window for visiting
Daylight: 10.9 hours
Temperature: 23°C highs / 10°C lows
Precipitation: 3.99mm
The austral winter arrives in June, bringing with it the driest and most settled weather across much of the island. On the coast, temperatures typically sit between 24°C and 27°C, making this an outstanding season for sightseeing, walking and outdoor activities such as cycling.
A trip to a roaring waterfall, such as Trou de Fer or Langevin, treats you to the sight of full, rushing cascades with clouds of spray forming in the air. Cirque de Salazie is often referred to as ‘The Kingdom of Waterfalls’, its abundant cataracts allowing very specific species to thrive.
Our take: Speak with one of our Travel Specialists to personalise your Reunion holiday for June. The country opens up at this time of year, presenting many spectacular experiences in the wild.
July: Austral winter continues; dry conditions for exploration
Daylight: 11 hours
Temperature: 22°C highs / 8°C lows
Precipitation: 3.53mm
One of the driest months on Reunion Island is July, with comfortable temperatures and clear skies creating great conditions for exploring the island’s diverse landscapes. The west enjoys abundant sunshine with little rainfall, making it an optimal time for you to enjoy coastal walks.
The east continues to receive regular showers from the south-east trade winds, although rainfall is usually lighter than in summer. Meanwhile, the cooler mountain regions offer clearer mornings, providing a better chance of enjoying sweeping views across the cirques.
Our take: This is a prime time to visit Reunion, so book as early as you can for better availability. The combination of dry trails and comfortable temperatures is superb for active adventurers.
August: End of the austral winter; cool mountains and clear skies
Daylight: 11.4 hours
Temperature: 22°C highs / 8°C lows
Precipitation: 3.30mm
The island’s dry winter period continues until the end of August, with some of the year’s clearest conditions. Along the west, warm days and low humidity make it a wonderful time to explore the beaches, viewpoints and volcanic scenery without the intensity of the summer heat.
In the mountains, temperatures will have fallen significantly. Daytime conditions are generally pleasant for hiking, but evenings and nights can become surprisingly cold, particularly in places such as Cilaos and at higher elevations around the volcanic massif. Warm clothing is essential.
Our take: August is a great month for discovering Reunion’s dramatic interior. And, if you’re planning longer hikes or staying in one of the mountain villages, pack accordingly.
September: Start of the austral spring; warm days and scenic hiking
Daylight: 11.9 hours
Temperature: 23°C highs / 9°C lows
Precipitation: 2.60mm
From September, the spring period combines warm temperatures with relatively low humidity. Wildflowers bloom across the highlands, waterfalls are impressive after the wetter months and hiking is often prosperous, usually in the morning before clouds develop over the mountains.
It’s also a quieter time to visit after the very busy July to August European holidays and before the end of the year peak travel period begins. Comfortable temperatures and clear conditions mean you can make the most of Reunion’s outdoor activities, such as hiking to the spectacular waterfall at Grand Bassin.
Our take: If you’re looking to experience the best of Reunion’s natural landscapes, this is a fantastic choice. There are fewer visitors, favourable weather and excellent underwater visibility.
October: Austral spring continues; increasingly tropical conditions
Daylight: 12.6 hours
Temperature: 24°C highs / 11°C lows
Precipitation: 2.89mm
You can make the most of October’s balance between dry winter conditions and the warmer temperatures of the approaching summer. Just like May and September, this is the best time to visit Reunion Island. The mountains are accessible, with generally favourable hiking conditions.
The west coast is warm and beach-friendly as summer approaches, while the east remains green and tropical, with regular showers helping sustain its verdant vegetation. Via the road, experience the contrast between volcanic peaks, rainforest valleys and coastal scenery.
Our take: This month is sometimes overlooked. But the weather is settled, the landscapes are vibrant and you can enjoy many of the island’s highlights before the wetter summer months.
November: End of the austral spring; warm temperatures before the wet season
Daylight: 13.1 hours
Temperature: 26°C highs / 13°C lows
Precipitation: 3.29mm
Reunion’s climate and weather shift towards the warmer, wetter summer season in November. Temperatures begin to rise, particularly along the coast, while humidity gradually increases. However, rainfall is relatively limited, meaning you can explore the natural landscapes.
Although daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm throughout the island, nights in the mountains can still be surprisingly chilly, so pack plenty of layers. This is especially important if you plan to spend a longer time in high-altitude areas or begin early morning hikes.
Our take: If you want warmer weather while avoiding the busiest summer period, November is very rewarding. Keep your plans flexible and speak with our specialists for more information.
December: Transition between spring and summer; hot, humid and cyclones
Daylight: 13.4 hours
Temperature: 27°C highs / 14°C lows
Precipitation: 4.73mm
The end of the year brings the return of the austral summer, with warmer temperatures and longer days. It’s festive and warm, drawing holiday crowds to the beaches of Saint-Gilles and Saint-Leu. You can also expect hot conditions and coastal highs that regularly exceed 30°C.
Late December may witness cyclone activity, and while direct impacts are uncommon, tropical weather can bring heavy rain, strong winds and disruption to outdoor activities. The mountains become greener and waterfalls are dramatic, but hiking conditions are more challenging.
Our take: December can be a wonderful time to experience Reunion’s vibrant summer atmosphere, but we suggest considering the drier months between May and October instead.
The West Coast (Saint-Gilles, Hermitage, Saint-Leu)
Western Reunion is where you’ll spend most of your time unwinding, either on the white sandy beaches or with lagoon snorkelling. Across 12 months, it receives less than 1,000mm of rainfall on average, and is protected from the southeast trade winds by Grand Benare and Piton Maido. Should you wish to visit in the wet season, you could still enjoy sunny conditions if you plan accordingly. LUX* Saint Gilles is the premium option for beach time, fringed by a calm lagoon.
The East Coast (Sainte-Rose, Saint-Benoit)
The East is a world away from the West, defined by the southeast trade winds that bring abundant rainfall. This creates humid evergreen forestry, dramatic waterfalls and flourishing tropical vegetation, while the Route des Laves showcases landscapes formed by successive volcanic eruptions. Some areas receive 3,000mm of rain annually, with the Cilaos area holding a world record for 24-hour rainfall totals. For more reliable conditions, visit between May and October.
The Highlands (Cilaos, Mafate, Plaine des Cafres)
Reunion’s mountainous interior has an almost temperate climate, offering a refreshing contrast to the tropical coast. In the dry season, the clear mornings are perfect for hiking, although clouds commonly develop over the peaks by afternoon, making early starts worthwhile. This is also the ideal time to visit Piton de la Fournaise, when visibility is often at its best and trails are generally drier underfoot. Temperatures fall after sunset, so pack a fleece and light waterproofs.
Best Time to Visit Reunion Island by Activity
– Hiking
– Birdwatching
– Beach and Swimming
– Helicopter Flight
– Canyoning
Hiking the Cirques and Piton de la Fournaise
Best: May—October
Perhaps the most rewarding of the top ten things to do in Reunion, hiking invites you to experience the natural beauty of the island up close. The dry season ensures reliable trail conditions and clear, jaw-dropping views (especially in the early morning hours) of waterfall-draped green amphitheatres and isolated Creole mountain villages. Cirque de Mafate is only accessible on foot or by helicopter, so conditions matter more here than anywhere else
For an example of how you can self-drive around Reunion, our Reunion Island Self-Drive sample itinerary is a great starting point. You can explore the three cirques, enjoy Les Sources Petrifiantes hot springs, observe endemic birds in Bebour Forest and more.
Birdwatching
Best: May—October
Although Reunion has relatively few endemic bird species (10), several are readily seen in the island’s mountain forests, particularly around La Roche Écrite and Bébour-Bélouve. These include the Reunion bulbul, Reunion olive white-eye and Reunion stonechat, while the endangered Reunion harrier may occasionally be seen soaring above the forested slopes.
One of the island’s greatest conservation successes centres on the critically endangered Reunion cuckoo-shrike, one of Africa’s rarest birds. Intensive conservation work has helped stabilise its tiny population in recent years, offering renewed hope for the future of this remarkable endemic species.
Beach and Swimming
Best: November—April for warmest sea temperatures (27–28°C)
From the west coast, you can enjoy safe and inviting swimming beaches, with the lagoon at Hermitage-les-Bains protected by a coral reef – its calm, clear waters are perfect for snorkelling. While the sea reaches its warmest temperatures between November and April, the west coast remains swimmable year-round. Our Travel Specialists can also advise on where it’s safe to swim, as shark activity means bathing is recommended only in the protected lagoon areas.
Helicopter Flight
Best: May—October for the clearest views
Image credit: HELILAGON, The Helicopter Company in Réunion
One of the most memorable ways to appreciate Réunion’s extraordinary scenery is from the air. A scenic helicopter flight reveals a landscape shaped by volcanic forces and erosion on a scale that’s difficult to comprehend from the ground. Soar above the dramatic waterfalls plunging into Trou de Fer, the rugged Cirque de Mafate—whose isolated villages are accessible only on foot or by helicopter—and the stark volcanic landscapes of Piton de la Fournaise. From above, the island unfolds in striking contrasts, from emerald forests and deep ravines to ancient lava flows and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
We work with HELILAGON, whose more than 30 years of experience have made them one of Réunion’s leading scenic flight operators, providing unforgettable aerial access to some of the island's most spectacular and otherwise inaccessible landscapes.
Canyoning
Best: November—March (rivers at their fullest)
The steep volcanic landscape and countless waterfalls make Reunion one of the world’s premier canyoning destinations. During the wet season, rivers flow at their fullest, creating exhilarating descents through narrow gorges, natural pools and cascading waterfalls. Fleurs Jaunes is an exceptional introduction for first-timers, while more experienced adventurers can tackle increasingly technical routes. Guided trips operate throughout the year.
Plan your Reunion Island Holiday
With May—October being the best time to visit Reunion Island, you have plenty of scope for a memorable trip. So, speak with our Travel Specialists to map out your detailed itinerary.
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