Reunion Island in April: weather, things to do and tips for 2026
April is a turning point: cyclone season officially ends, mountain trails are fully open, the sea is still 27°C and the light is crystal clear. One of the most underrated times to visit.
April marks the official end of cyclone season (30 April). The 2025-2026 season spared Reunion Island (the major systems, Fytia and Gezani, hit Madagascar instead). The most recent direct hits: Garance in February 2025 and Belal in January 2024. Cyclones in April are historically rare but possible, especially early in the month.
April in Reunion Island is a turning point. The wet season ends, the light turns crystal clear, and the mountain trails are fully walkable again. The sea stays at 27°C, the lagoon is still perfect for swimming, and the vegetation is at its lushest after the southern summer. It's also the month when everything finally opens up: Mafate, Piton des Neiges, Trou de Fer, the volcano road, the Fleur Jaune canyon… it's all possible again.
There is one catch: the French Easter holidays (often around 15 April 2027) push prices up for a while. Outside those 2 weeks, April offers an exceptional balance of peace and quiet, weather and budget.
April marks the end of lychee season and the start of Victoria pineapple season.
April in Reunion Island in 3 cards
- Settled weather and clear light
- All mountain trails open again
- Sea still at 27°C
- End of cyclone season
- First good month for Piton des Neiges
- Peak crowds during Easter holidays
- Hotel prices up for 2 weeks
- A few lingering showers in the east
- No whales yet
- Book mountain gîtes early
- Hikers (Piton des Neiges, Mafate)
- Photographers (clear light)
- Families outside school holidays
- Sea and mountains in 10 days
- Travellers looking for balance
April's climate at a glance
Météo France data (1991-2020 averages) for the west coast. April is the switch between the wet and dry seasons, with a sharp drop in rainfall.
night min: 20-23°C
still warm enough to swim
6 to 10 rainy days
crystal-clear light
A typical day in April
Clear skies across the island. The perfect time to set off for Piton des Neiges or the volcano, a helicopter flight or a boat trip.
Sun high, calm sea, clear lagoon. Harsh light for photos.
A few clouds building over the Hauts and the east. The west coast is usually still clear.
Some of the year's best sunsets from Saint-Leu. Golden light on the casuarina trees.
April compared with May and September
April measured against May (start of the dry season) and September (the driest month).
April is very close to May on every measure: the first properly dry month of the year. For the full calendar, see when to go to Reunion Island.
The whole island is in play in April
For the first time since November, all 4 parts of the island are good to visit, and the Hauts even work again as a base for a hiking trip.
The volcano as the season gets going: clear skies at sunrise, a dry trail.
What to do in Reunion Island in April?
April is the first month the island is fully accessible. It's the time for mountain hikes: a guided Mafate hike over 1 to 2 days, Piton de la Fournaise at sunrise (setting off around 4am), and Trou de Fer from Bélouve. It's also the first reliable month for climbing Piton des Neiges.
By the sea, swimming is still ideal (27°C) and underwater visibility improves after the last rains. Snorkelling in the Ermitage lagoon, a first dive in Saint-Leu and catamaran cruises remain safe bets. Whales arrive from late May onwards; in April, you can still spot dolphins.
For views from the air, conditions are at their best: clear skies and crystal-clear light, ideal for a helicopter tour or tandem paragliding in Saint-Leu. For adrenaline, the Fleur Jaune canyon in Cilaos usually reopens in April, worth confirming with the operator.
The 6 activities to prioritise in April
Mountains and lagoon: April finally lets you combine both. The same listings as in the activity search.
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Sea at 27°C, ideal visibility, quiet beaches outside Easter.
Where to stay in Reunion Island in April?
The west coast is still the safest base, but April opens up real options in the Hauts. Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, l'Ermitage and La Saline for the lagoon; Cilaos, Hell-Bourg or Plaine des Cafres for a 2-3 night hiking stay in between. Moving between the lagoon and those mountain villages takes a few winding drives, so see what a hire car costs once your stops are settled (since January 2026 the stretch of path from the Bélouve gîte has been closed, a closure renewed by prefectural order on 22 September 2026; the Trou de Fer walk now starts on the Fleurs Jaunes forest road, 350 m before the gîte car park, worth rechecking with the ONF before you go).
Upmarket: upmarket hotels in Reunion Island. On a budget: 10 cheap ways to stay. Mafate gîtes (hiker guesthouses): €25-40 a night with meals; book 2-3 months ahead for the Easter holidays.
April tip:the Mafate gîtes (La Nouvelle, Marla, Roche Plate) are finally all open. Add a night in l'Ermitage at the start and end of the trip and you'll have seen every landscape.
How much does a trip to Reunion Island cost in April?
| Item | Outside Easter holidays | During Easter (≈ 2 weeks mid-April) |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight Paris-Reunion Island | €600-850 | €850-1,100 |
| 3-star hotel (per night) | €90-130 | €120-180 |
| Car hire (per day) | €35-50 | €40-60 |
| Guided trip (catamaran, canyon, volcano) | €40-95 | €40-95 |
| Meal at a Creole restaurant | €10-15 | €10-15 |
April offers some of the best value for the weather of the whole year. The trick: avoid the 2 weeks of French Easter holidays.
The Hauts in April: dry trails, still lush and mossy all around.
Reunion Island in April: your questions answered
What's the weather like in Reunion Island in April?
Is there still a cyclone risk in Reunion Island in April?
What is there to do in Reunion Island in April?
Is April a good time to visit Reunion Island?
When are the Easter holidays in April?
Can I climb Piton des Neiges in April?
Can I see whales in Reunion Island in April?
How much does a trip to Reunion Island cost in April?
Is April a good time to visit Reunion Island?
Yes, it's one of the best times of the year: glorious weather, all trails open, a warm sea, clear light and few crowds (outside Easter). For travellers who want to combine sea and mountainsin the same trip, it's the ideal month.
Only give it a miss if you mainly want to see humpback whales (season June-October).