When is the best time to visit Réunion?
Located in the Indian Ocean, on the southern side of the equator, Réunion is known for its tropical climate and pleasant temperatures all year round. This makes it an ideal destination for getting away from it all at any time of year, but what time of year is the best?
The seasons on Réunion are the opposite of those on mainland France: summer, or the hot season, runs from November to April, while the rest of the year, from May to October, is winter, or the cool season. But whichever month it is, it rarely gets below 20°C on the island at sea level, a strong point that attracts many holidaymakers in search of warmth. However, it's important to bear in mind the island's rugged topography, which has given it more than 200 microclimates. As a result, it can be hot and sunny in one corner of the island, but very rainy and a few degrees cooler just a few kilometres away! So when is the best time to go to Réunion for a holiday in favourable weather conditions?
Depending on your wishes and the objectives that define your trip, the ideal travel period may vary. Here are our tips for flying to Réunion at the best time of year, depending on what you have planned.
Swimming and lounging on the beaches to the west of the island
From Boucan Canot to Grande Anse to the south of Saint-Pierre, the west of Réunion offers a wide range of beaches for swimming and relaxing in the sun. They are one of the island's highlights, thanks in particular to the lagoons that line them and provide ideal conditions for taking to the water. And best of all, you can enjoy it all year round, whatever the season!
Also known as the Côte-sous-le-vent (windward coast), Réunion's west coast is much less affected by rainfall than the east coast and has a much sunnier, drier climate. This inevitably leads to a desire to relax on the beaches, facing the turquoise blue of the lagoon, whose water temperature generally fluctuates between 24 and 28°C throughout the year. So you can also go snorkelling on Réunion Island in both summer and winter!
Whale watching
Majestic animals that many people would like to be able to admire with their own eyes, whales are part of the underwater fauna that it is possible to encounter on Réunion Island. But this can only be done during the austral winter, generally from June/July to October. This is the period when the island is most popular with tourists, but it is also the most pleasant, thanks to its mild temperatures and weather.
As well as whale watching and snorkelling, you can also see other cetaceans, such as dolphins, on Réunion Island all year round! Excursions take place off the west coast of the island, from Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, Saint-Paul and Le Port.
Hiking in the cirques and on the island's peaks
Renowned for its national park, packed with breathtaking scenery, Réunion is home to a host of hiking trails that make it a veritable paradise for hikers. Whether it's the 3 cirques (Mafate, Salazie and Cilaos), the ramparts or the peaks, you're sure to set foot on one of these footpaths if you want to discover the island's natural wonders! April to December is the best time to go hiking in Réunion, outside the January to March season when the risk of cyclones is highest.
The other weather factor to take into account for this outdoor activity is the temperature: if your itinerary takes you to the heights of the island, such as Piton de la Fournaise or Piton des Neiges, remember to take extra layers of clothing with you, as the air gets cooler the higher you climb! Finally, there's nothing like hiking in Réunion with a guide to help you discover the island and its secrets, while taking you off the beaten track for a unique experience.
Scuba diving
Whether you're a seasoned diver or simply want to try scuba diving for the first time to discover this extraordinary activity, ensuring good conditions at sea is essential for a great experience. And on the intense island, you can enjoy exceptional launches all year round! Depending on the season, a few things can vary, to help you decide which period between summer and winter is best for diving in Réunion:
- During the austral summer, from November to April, the water temperature averages 26°C, which is very pleasant and allows you to meet many species of fish;
- During the austral winter, from May to October, the water gets cooler (23°C on average), but the sea is less rough than in summer and offers incredible visibility, not to mention the presence of whales from June/July to October!
In short, you can travel to Réunion all year round without any problems, even if the period from January to March is the least favourable because of the higher risk of cyclones. So your travel dates will only really be restricted if you plan to take advantage of the whale season, in the middle of the austral winter when tourism peaks; to escape the cold of winter in the northern hemisphere for the much warmer temperatures on the island; or to take advantage of more affordable rates for your flight and accommodation on the island, i.e. in the shoulder season (April-May or September-October) or during the cyclone season.
But you should know that, whatever season you choose to visit Réunion, you'll always be able to enjoy a whole host of activities on the island! And for an unforgettable stay on this island renowned for its intensity, don't hesitate to take a look at the top activities to do on Réunion!