Reunion Island in December: weather, festivities and things to do in 2026
December brings the southern summer in full swing, the sea at 28°C, the festive Creole atmosphere, and landscapes saturated with green. But also the absolute peak in prices (Christmas plus New Year) and active cyclone season. Book 3 to 6 months ahead.
December is in the middle of cyclone season, which peaks in January-February. The 2025-2026 season (which closed at the end of April 2026) spared Reunion Island (major systems hit Madagascar instead). The most recent direct impacts: Garance in February 2025 and Belal in January 2024. For December 2026, checking Météo France Réunion daily and taking travel insurance with cancellation cover are essential.
December in Reunion Island means the southern summer in full swing and the festive Creole atmosphere. Sea at 28 °C, a perfect lagoon, lush vegetation after the first heavy rains, Christmas markets in Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre, family picnics on 25 December on the west coast beaches. It's the island at its most festive and tropical.
The main downside: prices soar around the holidays (Christmas plus New Year). A return Paris-Saint-Denis flight at €1,200-1,800 between 20 December and 5 January, versus €800 early in the month. Hotels are booked up 3-6 months ahead, and it is cyclone season. For the best compromise, aim for before 15 December(outside mainland France's school holidays).
Sea at 28°C, beaches full of Creole families, a festive atmosphere. The hot season at its peak.
December in Reunion Island in 3 cards
- Sea at 28°C, perfect lagoon
- A unique Creole festive atmosphere
- Christmas markets in Saint-Denis
- Waterfalls at full power
- Lychee season
- Prices at their absolute peak around the holidays
- Active cyclone season
- Book 3-6 months ahead
- Waterlogged altitude trails
- Daily stormy showers
- Lagoon and water activities
- Travellers tied to school holidays
- Fans of local Creole festivities
- Families seeking the tropics
- Travellers who booked early
December's climate at a glance
Météo France data (1991-2020 averages) for the west coast. December is the height of the southern summer: heat, humidity, the first heavy rains, active cyclone season.
night min: 22-25 °C
ideal for swimming
10 to 14 rainy days
mostly in the morning
A typical day in December
Clear sky on the west coast. The ideal window for boat trips, the helicopter, snorkelling and paragliding.
Cumulus clouds over the Hauts and the east. West coast often still clear. Crystal-clear lagoon, ideal for swimming.
Frequent stormy showers, sometimes intense. Indoor visits: museums, vanilla plantations, Stella Matutina.
Clear spells often return. Golden sunsets, festive Creole atmosphere in the villages.
December compared with two reference months
December measured against May (dry season starting) and September (the driest month).
December is warmer than May and September, but it rains 8x more than in Septemberand there's 25% less sunshine. For the full calendar, see when to go to Reunion Island.
Humidity returns everywhere
The gap between the west coast (still very sunny in the morning) and the Hauts (misty) is pronounced. Choosing your base makes a real difference.
The rivers swell again, the waterfalls regain their power. The wild south comes fully alive.
Things to do in Reunion Island in December
December is the top month for the lagoon and water activities. Snorkelling in l'Ermitage (28°C, accessible from age 4-6), the catamaran cruise from Saint-Gilles (dolphins daily), and a first dive in Saint-Leu all benefit from warm, clear waters.
For aerial views, December mornings are ideal for the helicopter and tandem paragliding in Saint-Leu (booking 6 weeks ahead is essential during the holiday period). For adrenaline, the Langevin canyon (wild south) benefits from the high water flow.
Best avoided in December: an ascent of Piton des Neiges (waterlogged trails, fog, storm risk), multi-day Mafate crossings (gîtes uncertain under cyclone alert), the Fleur Jaune canyon in Cilaos (dangerous water flow), the volcano road under weather alert. Favour the lagoon and indoor visits: the Jardin des Parfums, vanilla plantations, the Stella Matutina museum. Stella Matutina, in Saint-Leu, closes on 25 December and from 1.30pm on the 24th and 31st. The Jardin des Parfums is far down the south coast in Saint-Philippe: to keep it within reach on a wet day, compare hire car prices.
The 6 activities to prioritise in December
A selection focused on the lagoon, warm sea and activities that hold up well against stormy weather. Same cards as the search engine.
Snorkelling5 optionsSnorkelling in Reunion Island: 5 Packages, Prices
4 guided excursions from €40 in Saint-Gilles, Saint-Leu, Le Port and Étang-Salé: coral reef, dolphins, humpback whales in season.
Catamaran9 optionsCatamaran Cruises in Reunion Island: 3 Packages
3 catamaran packages from €35, departing from Le Port: sunset sail, whale and dolphin watching, night cruise with an astronomy guide.
Helicopter6 optionsHelicopter Flights Over Reunion Island: Prices
9 helicopter flight options over Reunion Island from €204: volcano, cirques, waterfalls. Prices, operators and honest advice.
Scuba diving4 optionsFirst Dive in Reunion Island
A first scuba dive in Reunion Island from €85 across 4 spots (Saint-Leu, Saint-Gilles, Le Port, Étang-Salé). 4.9/5 from 145 Manawa reviews in Saint-Leu.
Canyoning7 optionsLangevin River Canyoning
Canyoning on the Langevin river in Saint-Joseph from €55: family, classic, sporty Grand Galet and aquatic hike packages with CilaosAventure.
Paragliding5 optionsParagliding at Saint-Leu: 3 Packages, Prices
Paragliding in Reunion Island at Saint-Leu, one of the three best spots in the world for it. 2 packages from €110, 97 verified Manawa reviews.
The cliffs in tropical mist, an atmosphere thick with humidity. Beautiful in photos, best approached with caution when hiking.
Where to stay in Reunion Island in December?
Head for the west coast: the Saint-Gilles seaside resort, l'Ermitage, La Saline and Saint-Leu have most of the accommodation. It's also the liveliest area for the end-of-year festivities. Saint-Denis for the Christmas markets and an urban atmosphere.
Booking 3 to 6 months ahead is essential around the holidays (20 December to 5 January). For a treat: upscale hotels in Reunion Island. On a budget: 10 budget accommodation solutions (very limited during peak period).
Best avoided in December:isolated altitude gîtes (Mafate, Plaine d'Affouches, the Bélouve gîte). Access is sometimes cut off under cyclone alert, trails are very waterlogged, and supplies can be unreliable. Favour the coast as a base, with day trips up to the Hauts.
How much does a trip to Reunion Island cost in December?
| Item | Before 15 December (outside holidays) | 20 Dec - 5 Jan (holiday peak) |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight Paris-Reunion Island | €800-1,100 | €1,200-1,800 |
| 3-star hotel (per night) | €100-150 | €150-220 |
| Car rental (per day) | €40-60 | €50-75 |
| Guided excursion (catamaran, canyon) | €40-95 | €40-95 |
| Meal at a Creole restaurant | €10-15 | €10-15 |
The verdict is clear: travelling before 15 December saves 40 to 60% on the whole trip, for weather that's almost identical to the holiday peak.
All your questions about December in Reunion Island
What's the weather like in Reunion Island in December?
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Is it a good idea to travel to Reunion Island in December?
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Can you swim in Reunion Island in December?
What budget should you plan for Reunion Island in December?
Which region should you choose in Reunion Island in December?
Should you travel to Reunion Island in December?
Yes, if you're after the festive Creole atmosphere, a warm lagoon, and are willing to accept unsettled tropical weather. Sea at 28°C, Christmas markets, family picnics on 25 December, a unique atmosphere. For travellers tied to school holidays, it's one of the best times to go.
Downsides: prices at their absolute peak around the holidays (flights up to €1,800), active cyclone season, and mountain trails often in poor condition. Aim for before 15 December for the best price/weather compromise.