Weather on La Réunion: A comprehensive overview

La Réunion, a fascinating tropical island in the Indian Ocean, is a dream destination for anyone looking to experience a unique holiday. The island’s climate is varied and offers ideal conditions for various activities all year round. In this article, you will get a comprehensive overview of the weather on the island as well as useful travel recommendations to help you plan your stay as best as possible.

On the holiday island of La Réunion there are two distinct seasons:

– Rainy season (December to April): These months are particularly warm and humid, with temperatures on the coast reaching up to 30°C. During this time, you can expect frequent rain showers, which make the lush green of the tropical island appear even more intense. The high humidity creates the perfect atmosphere for an authentic tropical holiday.

– Dry season (May to November): Winter on La Réunion is cooler and drier, making it the ideal time to travel for outdoor activities such as hiking in the mountains or relaxing beach holidays on the coast. Temperatures drop to a pleasant 24-25°C on the coast, while it gets noticeably cooler at higher altitudes.

The cyclone season lasts from January to March, and these are the months when the risk of tropical storms is highest. On average, Reunion Island experiences 1 to 2 cyclones per year, which can bring rain and strong winds. This time is less suitable for an island holiday, as many activities may be restricted due to the weather. It is advisable to pay particular attention to the weather forecasts in order to be flexible in adapting your holiday and to be prepared for unforeseen weather changes.

Thanks to its diverse geography, Reunion Island has a highly differentiated microclimate. On the coast, temperatures range all year round from 21°C in winter to 30°C in summer. The water temperatures of the Indian Ocean remain consistently warm, between 23 and 27°C, making the island a perfect destination for a beach holiday.

In the mountains, however, cooler conditions prevail. Especially around the Piton des Neiges, one of the highest peaks on the tropical island, temperatures drop to 0°C or below in winter. Hikers should be well equipped, especially if they plan to spend the night in the mountains. In summer, daytime temperatures in the mountains are around 18°C, while in winter they can drop to 12°C.

A classic weather phenomenon on the island of La Réunion is the change from sunny mornings to cloudy afternoons. This is due to the special geography of the island: the high mountain ranges in the interior of the island attract moisture during the day, which collects as clouds in the warmer morning hours. In the afternoon, these clouds can thicken and rain can occur, especially at higher altitudes. It is therefore advisable to plan outdoor activities such as hikes on the tropical island in the morning.

For an optimal island holiday on La Réunion, the dry season from May to November is the best choice. The pleasant temperatures and low rainfall create perfect conditions for exploring and outdoor activities such as hiking holidays in the spectacular mountains or relaxing days on the beach. For hiking enthusiasts who want to explore the island’s impressive mountains, the cooler months are ideal. On the coast, however, you can enjoy a relaxing beach holiday all year round.