Reunion Island in May: weather, things to do and tips for 2026
May is the official start of the dry season: settled skies, perfect trails, the first whales on their way and rock-bottom prices. The island's best-kept secret if you want to do a bit of everything without the crowds.
1 May marks the start of the dry season (the southern winter): no more cyclone risk, clear skies, steady trade winds and all mountain trails open again. The first humpback whales generally arrive in the last week of May, coming from Antarctica. The 2025-2026 cyclone season (which closed on 30 April 2026) spared the island, the last direct impacts being Garance in February 2025 and Belal in January 2024.
May is Reunion Island's best-kept secret. The dry season begins, the skies clear, and the mountain trails are perfectly dry. The sea stays at 25°C (a touch cooler than in summer), the lagoon is crystal clear, and the first whales arrive right at the end of the month. Above all, the island quietens down after the Easter holidays, and flight and hotel prices hit their lowest point of the year.
One thing to watch: the French zone B school holidays often fall in late April or early May. Outside those dates, May is unbeatable for price and peace and quiet.
The southern winter settles in, with clear skies, steady trade winds and glorious sunsets.
May in Reunion Island in 3 cards
- Official start of the dry season
- Mountain trails fully open
- Flight and hotel prices at rock bottom
- First whales late in the month
- Few crowds
- A cooler sea (25°C)
- Cool nights in the mountains
- Whales not yet at their peak
- French zone B holidays early in the month
- Book Mafate gîtes 2-3 months ahead
- Hikers (Piton des Neiges, Mafate, the volcano)
- A first trip to Reunion Island
- Travellers after peace, quiet and value
- Photographers (clear light)
- Sea and mountains in 10 days
May's climate at a glance
Météo France data (1991-2020 averages) for the west coast. May is the start of the official dry season, with a marked drop in humidity.
night min: 18-22°C
pleasant for swimming
6 to 8 rainy days
clear skies and trade winds
A typical day in May
Clear sky across the whole island. The best time to set off up Piton des Neiges or the volcano, or for helicopter flights and boat trips.
Sun high, calm sea. The ideal time for lagoon swimming, snorkelling, diving.
A few clouds over the east. The west coast stays clear all day.
Some of the year's most beautiful sunsets from Saint-Leu. A cooler night with bright stars.
May compared with May and September
Compared with July (peak crowds) and September (the driest month).
May is very close to July weather-wise, but with a fraction of the crowds and prices 30-40% cheaper. For the full calendar, see when to go to Reunion Island.
Every part of the island works
May really opens up the island: the Hauts become the second best base (after the west) for a hiking trip.
Mountain trails are finally dry. Mafate, Bélouve, the volcano: everything is open.
What to do in Reunion Island in May?
May is the hikers' month. Everything is open, dry and settled. A guided Mafate cirque trip (2-3 days staying in gîtes), Piton des Neiges with a night in the mountain hut, the Piton de la Fournaise at sunrise, the Trou de Fer from Bélouve and the Fleur Jaune canyon in Cilaos are all at their best.
By the sea, the lagoon is still pleasant (25°C) for snorkelling and swimming. The catamaran cruise from Saint-Gilles is still a dream trip, with dolphins every day and the first whale song in the last week. A first dive in Saint-Leu benefits from clear waters after the rains.
For views from the air, May offers the most stable skies of the first half of the year: the helicopter, the microlight flight and tandem paragliding in Saint-Leu are all in perfect conditions, with some of the year's most beautiful sunsets.
The 6 activities to prioritise in May
A selection built around hiking and the mountains, with the lagoon as a bonus. The same listings as in the activity search.
Helicopter6 optionsHelicopter Flights Over Reunion Island: Prices
9 helicopter flight options over Reunion Island from €204: volcano, cirques, waterfalls. Prices, operators and honest advice.
Canyoning5 optionsFleur Jaune Canyoning, Cilaos
Canyoning at Fleur Jaune (Cilaos), Reunion Island. 4 packages from €65, Mini, classic or full route. With CilaosAventure and my partners.
Guided hike4 optionsGuided Hike in Mafate, Reunion Island: Level, Packages, Prices
Guided hiking in the Mafate cirque from €55. Several packages (from Maïdo, Cayenne or an authentic immersion). 4.9/5 from 18 Manawa reviews.
Guided hike5 optionsPiton de la Fournaise Hike with a Guide
5 guided hiking packages on Piton de la Fournaise from €55, comparing Manawa and Viator, 4.9/5 from 47 verified reviews.
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.
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.
The volcano at its most accessible: clear skies, dry trails, fog rare before midday.
Where to stay in Reunion Island in May?
The west coast(Saint-Gilles, l'Ermitage, La Saline, Saint-Leu) is the most comfortable base. For a hiking trip, mountain gîtes (Mafate, Cilaos, Hell-Bourg, Plaine des Cafres) are finally open and in perfect condition. See also the Saint-Gilles seaside resort.
Upmarket: upmarket hotels. On a budget: 10 cheap ways to stay.
May tip: Mafate is at its best. La Nouvelle, Marla, Roche Plate and Îlet à Bourse all have gîtes at €25-40 a night with meals. Book 2-3 months ahead.
How much does a trip to Reunion Island cost in May?
| Item | Outside French zone B holidays | French zone B holidays (early May, varies by year) |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight Paris-Reunion Island | €550-750 | €800-1,000 |
| 3-star hotel (per night) | €70-110 | €100-150 |
| Car hire (per day) | €30-45 | €35-55 |
| Mafate gîte (with meals) | €25-40 | €25-40 |
| Guided excursion | €40-95 | €40-95 |
Outside the French zone B school holidays, May is the cheapest month of the year. For a 10-day trip from mainland France outside the school holidays, allow €1,500-2,000 per person all in.
Car hire follows the same curve and is at its lowest outside those holidays. View rental prices for your dates to firm up that part of the budget.
Reunion Island in May: your questions answered
What's the weather like in Reunion Island in May?
What is there to do in Reunion Island in May?
Is May a good time to visit Reunion Island?
Can I see whales in Reunion Island in May?
Can I swim in Reunion Island in May?
How much does a trip to Reunion Island cost in May?
Can I climb Piton des Neiges in May?
Is May a good time to hike in Mafate?
Is May a good time to visit Reunion Island?
Yes, without hesitation. May is the island's best-kept secret: dry season under way, rock-bottom prices, perfect trails and few crowds. For hikers and couples looking for peace and quiet, it's arguably the perfect month.
Downside: if whale watching is your main goal, aim for July-September instead. May only offers the first arrivals right at the end of the month.