Reunion Island in October: weather, things to do and tips for 2026
October brings the end of the dry season and the Diagonale des Fous ultra-trail. Glorious weather, the last whales, a sea warming to 25°C, perfect trails. An excellent time to go before the humidity returns.
In late October, the whole island lives to the rhythm of the Grand Raid: 165 km and 10,000 m of ascent, from south to north across all 3 cirques and the volcano. Over 2,500 runners, festive aid stations in the villages, a unique atmosphere across the whole island. Book hotels in Saint-Denis (the finish) and Saint-Pierre (the start) 3 months ahead for the relevant dates.
October in Reunion Island is a gentle changeover. The dry season ends on a high, and the southern summer starts to show itself. The sea warms back up to 25°C (nicer for swimming than in July-August), mountain trails are still perfect, and the last humpback whales can still be seen on trips from Saint-Gilles before they head back to Antarctica.
It's also a month full of events. The Diagonale des Fous(or Grand Raid) in late October creates a unique atmosphere across the island, with festive aid stations in every village along the route. The French All Saints' school holidays (Toussaint, late October depending on the zone) briefly push up crowds and prices. Outside them, October is an excellent balance of peace and quiet, weather and budget.
The clouds are coming back and the heat is rising: the last settled weeks before the southern summer.
October in Reunion Island in 3 cards
- Glorious weather, the last dry weeks
- Sea warming to 25°C
- The last whales early in the month
- The Diagonale des Fous, a unique atmosphere
- Mountain trails still perfect
- French school holidays late in the month
- Prices rising around the Grand Raid
- The first afternoon clouds over the Hauts
- Whales gradually departing
- Saint-Denis hotels booked up for the Raid
- Hikers and trail runners
- Grand Raid spectators or runners
- Sea and mountains in 10 days
- Whales and warmth in one trip
- Photographers (warm light)
October's climate at a glance
Météo France data (1991-2020 averages) for the west coast. October is still largely in the dry season, with the sea and air gradually warming up.
night min: 19-22°C
warming up
3 to 5 rainy days
settled skies
A typical day in October
Clear sky, calm sea. The best time for boat trips, helicopter flights or setting off up Piton des Neiges.
Sun high, sea warmer than in September. Pleasant lagoon swimming, perfect snorkelling.
Clouds build over the Hauts and the east. The west coast is often still clear. The first scattered showers in the east.
Golden sunsets from Saint-Leu. Mild nights on the coast, still cool in the mountains.
October compared with May and September
Compared with May (start of the dry season) and September (the driest month).
October is very close to September weather-wise, but with a warmer sea (25°C against 24°C) and the Grand Raid atmosphere. For the full calendar, see when to go to Reunion Island.
Most of the island is still at its best
The humidity slowly returns, especially late in the month and in the east. The west coast is still unbeatable.
Basalt rocks and turquoise waves: the west coast at its most stable.
What to do in Reunion Island in October?
October lets you do a bit of everything. At sea, the last humpback whale trips (50-70% success rate early in the month) before they head back to Antarctica. The sea is warmer than in September, perfect for swimming and snorkelling, and diving in Saint-Leu is in ideal conditions.
On land, hikes are still at their best. A guided Mafate crossing (3-5 days staying in gîtes), the sunrise climb up Piton des Neiges (clear 90% of the time), the Piton de la Fournaise. The Grand Raid in late October draws runners from all over the world.
For views from the air, the helicopter and tandem paragliding in Saint-Leu benefit from still very clear morning skies. For thrills, the Fleur Jaune canyon in Cilaos is at its best.
The 6 activities to prioritise in October
A mix of hiking, the last whales and diving. The same listings as in the activity search.
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.
Helicopter6 optionsHelicopter Flights Over Reunion Island: Prices
9 helicopter flight options over Reunion Island from €204: volcano, cirques, waterfalls. Prices, operators and honest advice.
Whales & dolphins5 optionsWhales and Dolphins in Saint-Gilles: 4 Packages
Prices for whale and dolphin watching trips from Saint-Gilles. 4 boat packages from €37 with Manawa partners. Humpback whales from July to October, dolphins year-round.
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.
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.
Sea at 25°C, ideal for swimming after the cooler months of July-August. Beaches still quiet before the French school holidays.
Where to stay in Reunion Island in October?
The Saint-Gilles seaside resort is handy for the last whale trips. L'Ermitage, La Saline, Saint-Leu for the lagoon. To watch the Diagonale des Fous, aim for Saint-Denis (the festive finish line) or a checkpoint such as Hell-Bourg (the 2026 route no longer goes through Cilaos). Following the runners from the start at Ravine-Blanche in Saint-Pierre to the finish at La Redoute stadium means a lot of driving: track down a rental car for race week.
Upmarket: upmarket hotels. On a budget: 10 cheap ways to stay.
Plan ahead: hotels in Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre book up around the Grand Raid (book 3 months ahead). Outside the Raid and the French school holidays, October is very affordable.
How much does a trip to Reunion Island cost in October?
| Item | Outside school holidays and the Raid (early to mid-October) | French school holidays and the Raid (late October) |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight Paris-Reunion Island | €750-1,000 | €1,000-1,300 |
| 3-star hotel (per night) | €100-140 | €130-180 |
| Car hire (per day) | €40-55 | €50-65 |
| Whale watching / catamaran trip | €60-95 | €60-95 |
| Mafate gîte (with meals) | €25-40 | €30-45 |
Aim for the first half of October for the best prices and to catch the last whales. Late in the month (French school holidays plus the Grand Raid) is still superb but 30-40% pricier.
Reunion Island in October: your questions answered
What's the weather like in Reunion Island in October?
What is there to do in Reunion Island in October?
Can I see whales in Reunion Island in October?
What is the Diagonale des Fous?
Is October a good time to visit Reunion Island?
Can I swim in Reunion Island in October?
How much does a trip to Reunion Island cost in October?
Can I climb Piton des Neiges in October?
Is October a good time to visit Reunion Island?
Yes, an excellent time to go: glorious weather, a sea warming to 25°C, the last whales early in the month, mountain trails still perfect, and the unique atmosphere of the Grand Raid in late October. It's one of the best months of the year across the board.
Downside:the French All Saints' school holidays and the Grand Raid push hotel prices up late in the month. For the best value, aim for the first half of October.