Weather, temperatures and climate in Réunion
Going to Reunion is the guarantee of being able to enjoy the tropical climate and the mildness of the Indian Ocean. In this region of the world, summer starts in December, but that does not mean that our winter will be the best time to travel. In the following lines, I will present the particularities of the Reunionese climate, and what awaits you on this island depending on the time of year, to help you choose when to go to Reunion.
The climate at the meeting
Reunion Island is in the southern hemisphere, where the seasons are reversed. In the areas located near the sea, it is never cold in Reunion, and the water temperature is pleasant throughout the year. The climate of Reunion is tropical, the rains and the humidity in the air vary greatly from one season to another, as does the threat of hurricanes.
Temperatures also vary quite widely from place to place. On the parts located at altitude, they are cooler, and it can even snow during the austral winter. On the coasts, however, the thermometer almost never shows a temperature below 20 degrees.
Austral summer in Reunion
While Europe is going through winter, summer is in full swing on this island, the period from November to April is when the weather is the hottest and most humid. The average air and water temperature during these months is close to 28 degrees. However, in this region with a tropical climate, the rains are very abundant during this period, since it rains on average more than two days out of three from November to April. The months of January, February and March are particularly to be avoided, because it is during this period that the risk of cyclones is greatest.
At the end of November, December and April are somewhat of an off-season, the precipitation is a little less abundant there and the rains are short, and even if this will not be the ideal period for lazing on the white sand beaches, you you can still take advantage of your stay to go diving and discover the land on the occasion of hikes. With August and October, the months of November and December are also the months when tourist numbers are the most important on the island of Reunion.
The austral winter in Reunion
From May to October, the climate is a little more temperate and above all much drier. Average temperatures remain well above 20 degrees and rainfall is much lower.
It is during the driest period, from July to October, that you can benefit from perfect weather to discover to the fullest all that the island has to offer. In Reunion, even if this period is called the dry season, rainfall remains frequent throughout the year. The rainy episodes are however often very short, and the sun is present for most of the day.
The austral winter will be the right time to enjoy the beaches and natural landscapes of Reunion, go hiking in the middle of the forest and set off to discover the Piton de la Fournaise (one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world!) without suffering too much from humidity. From August to October, you will even have the opportunity to go whale watching.
The cyclone season in Reunion
The risks of cyclones are present at the meeting only from November to April. It is during the three months of the austral summer, from January to March, that they are the most important. The reliefs present on the territory of Reunion can have an effect on these cyclones, and even amplify their force. Inland, the rains, already very present during this time of the year, are often even more important during hurricane episodes.
The inhabitants of Reunion are used to this season and know how to prepare and how to react to limit the risks as much as possible, but this period is of course not the most favorable for a stay in Reunion. You will still be able to travel during this season, but even if you will of course have the advantage of being able to enjoy the island at a slightly less touristy time, in return, many hotels and restaurants will be closed, and few activities will be accessible to you.
When should you go to Reunion to enjoy the beaches and the sea?
The water is warm all year round in Reunion. During the wet season, the water temperature is even higher, but it is the frequent rains, storms and even cyclones that will prevent you from enjoying the sea.
From May to November, the conditions are very good for going to the beach, swimming and practicing a large number of water activities such as diving and jet skiing. It is from July to October that the conditions are truly ideal.
When should you go to the meeting to discover nature?
Reunion Island is a dream destination for hiking enthusiasts. If you want to take advantage of your stay to go out in the middle of nature on the hiking trails, I advise you to organize your trip during the months of the year when the weather is driest, between the month of June and the month of november.
During the other months of the year, heavy rainfall can sometimes make some trails difficult to pass. The hot weather and the very high humidity can also dampen the enthusiasm of some people. During the austral summer, the weather is also very unstable, thunderstorms, even if they rarely last long, can occur very suddenly and are often particularly violent. Of course, the cyclone season is also to be avoided if you want to go hiking during your stay on Reunion Island.
When to go to the meeting for the best price?
Traveling at the best price often means avoiding peak periods. This also applies to Reunion, but the good news if your budget is tight is that on this island, the peak period is not really when all the best conditions are met. The high tourist season takes place in August, then from October to December. The dry season, from May to early November, is the best time to travel. Some less frequented months are therefore very interesting to stay in Reunion.
During cyclone season, you may find cheaper flights, but since many hotels are not open, accommodation prices are often higher. In addition, going to Reunion during this period will not allow you to take advantage of all the activities that you can practice at other times. Your stay will really be weather driven, and traveling during this season is almost a coin toss.
Taking into account accommodation, ticket prices and the quality of the stay you can spend, I advise you to leave in June or September. During these months, tickets and hotels are cheaper, attendance is rather low and the climate is not humid. In April and May you can also find great prices for your tickets and accommodation, but the wet season will not really be over yet. From October, the high season begins and prices rise.
When should you go to discover the culture of Réunion?
If you want to take advantage of your trip to discover the culture of the inhabitants of Reunion as closely as possible, here are some dates when you can attend important events and gatherings:
*. In June, the Safiko Musik Festival is organized in Saint-Pierre. This festival, created in 2004, quickly became one of the major musical events in the Indian Ocean. For 3 days, the whole city lives to the rhythm of music, and you will have the opportunity to attend concerts of all styles.
*. Also in June, you can attend the Grand Boucan, the carnival of the meeting, which takes place in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. Every year, a big parade is organized, hundreds of dancers and street artists and dozens of floats parade through the city. In the evening, you can even watch a superb fireworks display.
*. In October, Reunion highlights hiking during the Festival de la Rando. During this very friendly festival, you can go hiking with guides in the Cirque de Mafate and walk the trails to admire the beauty of the landscapes of this region.
*. In November, Deepavali, one of the most important Tamil celebrations, celebrates Latchimi, the goddess of light and prosperity in Hindu mythology. For the occasion, during night processions, Tamils roam the streets dressed in traditional costumes. In Saint-André, you can attend a great parade of flowery floats and visit the traditional Indian village, which highlights crafts, gastronomy and many aspects of Indian culture.
*. On December 20, the feast of the Kaffirs takes place. This great event commemorates the abolition of slavery. During this festival, everywhere on the island, free concerts are organized. This event is a perfect opportunity to discover some of Reunion's greatest musicians.
