Reunion Island in September: the best time to visit? Weather and tips for 2026
September is the best time of the yearfor many: the driest month, humpback whales still around, perfect trails, a calmer sea than in August, few crowds and falling prices. Local operators' favourite month.
September ticks more boxes than any other month of the year in Reunion Island: the most settled weather, whales still around, perfect trails, and with the French summer holidays over, prices drop 40-50% compared with August. Local operators all name it as the best month for anyone free to choose their dates.
September is Reunion Island at its easiest. With children back at school in mainland France and on the island, the hotels empty out, the humpback whales are still around for boat trips, and the mountain trails are perfectly dry. The trade winds ease, and the sea is calmer than in July-August.
It's also the best value of the year: flights 40 to 50% cheaper than in August for almost the same weather, hotels down 30 to 40%, Mafate gîtes easier to book, and helicopter flights bookable 3-4 weeks ahead (against 6 in August). It's the favourite month of most seasoned travellers.
A calmer sea, a clear sky, empty beaches: the west coast at its most peaceful all year.
September in Reunion Island in 3 cards
- The driest month of the year
- Humpback whales still around
- Sea calmer than in August
- Prices 40-50% lower than in August
- Few crowds after 5 September
- Sea still cool (24°C)
- Cool nights in the mountains (5-11°C)
- Whales starting to leave late in the month
- Book Mafate 1-2 months ahead
- Some Grand Raid qualifying races on the trails
- A first trip to Reunion Island
- Sea and mountains in 10 days
- Travellers on a mid-range budget
- Couples and photographers
- Hikers avoiding peak season
September's climate at a glance
Météo France data (1991-2020 averages) for the west coast. September is statistically the driest and most stable month of the year in Reunion Island.
night min: 18-20°C
starting to warm up
2 to 4 rainy days
the highest of the year
A typical day in September
Clear sky, calm sea, light trade winds. The best time for whale trips, helicopter flights or setting off up Piton des Neiges.
Sun high. Lagoon swimming (pleasant despite the cool water), diving in Saint-Leu, snorkelling.
Moderate trade winds, sea calmer than in August. West coast clear all day, exceptional light.
Some of the year's most beautiful sunsets from Saint-Leu. A cool night, and plenty of stars in the mountains.
September compared with May and September
Compared with May (start of the dry season, low prices) and August (peak whales but peak prices).
September is statistically the driest and sunniest month. For the full calendar, see when to go to Reunion Island.
The whole island is at its best
In September, the difference in humidity between areas is the smallest of the year. Even the east coast is a good option.
The volcano at its most accessible: clear skies, dry trails, exceptional light.
What to do in Reunion Island in September?
In September you can still do everything. At sea, the humpback whales are still around for whale watching from Saint-Gilles (80-90% success rate), with a calmer sea than in August.
On land, it's the perfect time for the big hikes. A guided Mafate crossing (3-5 days staying in gîtes), the sunrise climb up Piton des Neiges (clear 95% of the time), the Piton de la Fournaise and Trou de Fer from Bélouve. For Trou de Fer, the stretch of path from the Bélouve gîte has been closed since January 2026, a closure renewed by prefectural order on 22 September 2026: the walk now starts on the Fleurs Jaunes forest road, 350 m before the gîte car park. If you're driving up on your own, arrange a hire car.
For views from the air, conditions are at their best: the clearest skies of the year. The helicopter and tandem paragliding in Saint-Leu should be booked 3 to 4 weeks ahead (against 6 in August). For thrills, the Fleur Jaune canyon in Cilaos and diving in Saint-Leu are at their best.
The 6 activities to prioritise in September
A selection built around whales and the big hikes. The same listings as in the activity search.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Perfect trails, clear skies, and few crowds once the French summer holidays are over.
Where to stay in Reunion Island in September?
The Saint-Gilles seaside resort is the most practical base (for whale trips), with prices back to more reasonable levels after 5 September. L'Ermitage, La Saline, Saint-Leu for the lagoon and sunsets. Mountain gîtes are easier to book again than in August.
Upmarket: upmarket hotels. On a budget: 10 cheap ways to stay.
September tip: arriving on 6-7 September means you avoid the last school-holiday flights and get lower prices. Combining a Mafate stay (2-3 nights) with a Saint-Gilles base for whale trips is the ideal itinerary.
How much does a trip to Reunion Island cost in September?
| Item | September 2027 price (outside school holidays) | vs August (reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight Paris-Reunion Island | €700-900 | −40 to −50% |
| 3-star hotel (per night) | €90-130 | −40% |
| Car hire (per day) | €35-50 | −30% |
| Whale watching / catamaran trip | €60-95 | stable |
| Mafate gîte (with meals) | €25-40 | stable |
For a 10-day trip in September from mainland France, allow €2,000-2,600 per person all in. The same trip in August costs €2,800-3,800: the biggest savingof the year if you're not tied to school holidays.
Reunion Island in September: your questions answered
What's the weather like in Reunion Island in September?
What is there to do in Reunion Island in September?
Is September a good time to visit Reunion Island?
Can I see whales in Reunion Island in September?
Can I swim in Reunion Island in September?
How much does a trip to Reunion Island cost in September?
Can I climb Piton des Neiges in September?
What events are on in Reunion Island in September?
Is September a good time to visit Reunion Island?
Yes, without hesitation. September is the best month to visit Reunion Island according to most travellers and local operators: the driest and sunniest month, whales still around, perfect trails, a calmer sea than in August, few crowds and prices 40-50% lower than at the July-August peak.
Downside:if you're tied to the French school calendar, September only works at the very start or end of the month. Otherwise, it's the month to go for.