Reunion Island sits in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, and its seasons run opposite to Europe's. Here's when to go for dry trails, humpback whales, warm lagoon water or the cheapest flights, plus a tool that picks your ideal month.
The best time to visit Reunion Island is the dry season, from May to November. My favourite month: September (ideal weather, whales, fewer crowds). To avoid: January to March, the heart of the rainy and cyclone season.
Sous Les Étoiles 974 is an independent guide for planning a trip to Reunion Island: bookable activities, places to stay, weather, and practical tools like this interactive calendar. Pick the right time, and the rest falls into place.
Being in the southern hemisphere, Reunion Island has seasons the other way round from Europe. The year splits in two: a dry austral winter from May to November, and a hot, humid austral summer from December to April, which coincides with cyclone season.
Not every month within a season is equal, though. Whether you're coming for hiking, the lagoon, the whales, lush green landscapes or a tight budget, the ideal window shifts. This page breaks it all down, month by month, and every month links to its own full guide.
Select what you're after: the tool highlights the best months. Tap a month to see its detailed weather and reach its full guide.
My verdict: the best month. The driest of the year, whales still present, and far fewer crowds than August.
Understanding these two opposite seasons is the key to picking the right time.
The best window to visit the island. Dry, sunny weather, mild temperatures on the coast (24 to 28°C), cooler nights up in the highlands. Clear skies in the morning, hiking trails in good condition, and cyclone risk close to zero.
The hot, humid season, which coincides with cyclone season. High heat (up to 32°C), frequent tropical downpours, especially on the east coast and in the highlands. The landscape turns a vivid green and the sea reaches 28°C.
The best time depends on your plans. Here's the ideal window for each type of trip.
The dry season keeps trails walkable and skies clear at altitude. For Piton des Neiges and Mafate, aim for June to October. September offers the best balance of weather and crowds.
Guided hikesFor sunshine and blue skies, the dry season wins. The lagoon water drops to 24-25°C in July-August but stays pleasant. For a warmer 27-28°C sea, November and April combine warm water with still-stable weather.
Humpback whales travel up from Antarctica to calve in Reunion Island's waters. Sightings peak in July, August and September, with boat trips departing from Saint-Gilles.
Whale and dolphin watching guideMost visitors come from France, so prices follow the French and local school holidays. Travel outside them and flights run 30 to 40% cheaper than in July-August or December. May and November are historically the cheapest months, and the weather still holds up well.
Detailed 15-day budgetRight after the rainy season, the island turns a deep green and waterfalls run at full flow. April and May combine vivid landscapes with settling weather: the ideal window for photography.
These months bring excellent weather without the July-August crowds. September is the clear winner: the dry season is well established, whales are still around, and the French summer holidays are over, so sites feel calmer.
The full breakdown of all twelve months. Each month links to its own complete guide, with weather by area, activities and my tips.
Best kept for tight budgets on the calendar: heavy heat, frequent rain and peak cyclone risk.
Reunion Island in JanuaryThe wettest month of the year and the most exposed to cyclones. The landscapes are green but the weather is unstable.
Reunion Island in FebruaryStill humid, but the rainy season is winding down and rates are at their lowest.
Reunion Island in MarchA transition month: the rain eases off, the sea is still warm. A good compromise outside the Easter holidays.
Reunion Island in AprilThe start of the dry season: ideal climate, workable trails and still-low crowds. Excellent value for money.
Reunion Island in MayDry and cool, with the first humpback whales arriving offshore. A beautiful period, still quiet.
Reunion Island in JuneBeautiful weather and whale season at its peak, but this is high season: maximum crowds and top-dollar flights.
Reunion Island in JulyDry, bright, whales present: superb, but the most expensive and busiest month of the year.
Reunion Island in AugustMy verdict: the best month. The driest of the year, whales still present, and far fewer crowds than August.
Reunion Island in SeptemberExcellent: dry, very sunny, the water warms up and the whales are still around. A safe bet.
Reunion Island in OctoberThe last good window before the rains: still very pleasant, warm and bright, without the winter crowds.
Reunion Island in NovemberThe return of humid heat and festive spirit, but frequent rain and rates at their highest.
Reunion Island in December
The main long-haul route is from Paris, with Air Austral, Air France, Corsair and French Bee, and those flights are best booked 4 to 6 months ahead. Outside July-August and the Christmas holidays, a Paris to Saint-Denis return costs around €600 to €800. Flying from elsewhere? Fares depend on your connection, so compare routes early. Either way, a low-season month brings down the cost of both the flight and the accommodation.
See the detailed 15-day budgetCrowds and prices follow French school holidays as much as the weather.
February, March, May, June, September and November. Flights and stays at their best prices, sites less crowded. May, September and November combine good prices with great weather.
July-August (the French summer holidays) and late December (Christmas and New Year). Peak crowds, peak prices, and accommodation to book well ahead. Trails and the lagoon get noticeably busier.
4 to 6 months ahead for the flight. For July-August and Christmas, aim for 6 to 9 months. Mafate gîtes and the Piton des Neiges hut also fill up well in advance during high season.
Cyclone season runs from November to April, peaking in January-February-March. A powerful cyclone hits the island roughly once every 5 to 10 years on average. Most austral-summer trips go off without a hitch, but the weather can bring heavy rain, trail closures and rescheduled activities. If you travel during this period, follow the Météo-France Réunion weather bulletins and keep your plans flexible.
To prepare with peace of mind, check my full weather guide for Reunion Island (4 climate zones, calendar, alert levels).
Guide updated in September 2026.