The best time to visit Reunion Island

January is hot and humid, with cyclone risk, especially along the east coast. Rainfall feeds spectacular waterfalls in Salazie and Sainte-Rose, and the landscape turns brilliantly green. While beach conditions on the west coast remain inviting, rougher seas can impact water activities. The volcanic Piton de la Fournaise may show activity, so check local alerts.

East Coast Waterfalls
Explore the east’s waterfalls at their finest, including the Cascade de Grand Galet near Saint-Joseph and Voile de la Mariee in Salazie. The rain-swollen rivers make for breathtaking photography, especially amid the misty, jungle-like surroundings.

Cultural Festivities in Saint-Denis
Chinese New Year brings colour and energy to Saint-Denis, with lanterns, dragon dances and markets showcasing the island’s diverse heritage. It’s a chance to experience Reunion’s multicultural identity beyond its natural beauty.

February continues the wet season, keeping the east lush and the waterfalls roaring, but the west stays relatively sunny, with quieter beaches and fewer crowds. Cyclone season peaks, so flexibility is key, and some mountain trails may close.

Indoor Creole Experiences
In Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre, visit museums like Musee Stella Matutina or join Creole cooking classes, diving into the island’s unique fusion of cultures, from French to Malagasy influences.

Rainforest Walks in Sainte-Rose
Enjoy atmospheric rainforest walks in the east and explore lava tubes or the Route des Laves, where molten rock meets the sea, shaped by past volcanic eruptions.

March marks the transition from wet to dry season, with rains easing and the landscape at its greenest. It’s an excellent time for nature photography across the cirques and coastal forests, and accommodation is often discounted.

Thermal Springs of Cilaos
Relax in the natural hot springs of Cilaos, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.

Kabare Ocean Indien Music Events
Music fans can tap into Reunion’s lively scene at Kabare Ocean Indien, a festival blending traditional maloya rhythms with global beats, held at various venues across the island.

April is a shoulder-season gem, balancing warm weather and fewer tourists. The landscape remains lush and conditions improve for hiking in the cirques and around Piton de la Fournaise.

Whale Season
While peak whale watching comes later, April marks the start of sightings off Saint-Gilles, with humpbacks beginning their migration.

Florileges Floral Festival
Saint-Paul bursts with colour during Florileges, a festival celebrating Reunion’s tropical flora. Expect flower displays, local food stalls and craft markets.

Cooler, drier weather arrives in May, marking the start of peak trekking season. The cirques of Mafate and Salazie offer clear, invigorating hikes, while the coast remains warm and inviting.

Liberte Metisse Festival in Saint-Paul
Celebrate Reunion’s Creole heritage at Liberte Metisse, with music, dance and storytelling, commemorating the abolition of slavery.

Volcano Hikes at Piton de la Fournaise
With stable weather, explore trails around Piton de la Fournaise. Hike through lunar landscapes, peer into craters, or join a guided trek to recent lava flows.

June brings crisp, clear days, perfect for outdoor adventures. West coast beaches like Saint-Gilles sparkle under the sun, while the highlands cool down, ideal for cycling and paragliding.

Leu Tempo Festival
Saint-Leu transforms with street performances, theatre and circus acts during this celebrated arts festival.

Paragliding in Saint-Leu
Ride the thermals over Saint-Leu, with jaw-dropping views of coral reefs, mountains and sugarcane fields, one of the world’s premier paragliding spots.

July offers the best of both worlds: sunny beaches and prime hiking conditions. It’s also peak season, with families arriving on school holidays. The cool highlands provide a refreshing escape from the coastal heat.

Bastille Day Celebrations
Enjoy French-style fireworks and festivities across Saint-Denis, Saint-Paul and coastal towns.

Whale Watching off Saint-Gilles
Humpback whales delight spectators with their acrobatics. Join a boat tour or spot them from shore, particularly from Cap la Houssaye.

August continues the dry season, offering superb visibility for treks across Mafate and Cilaos. The west coast is lively, while the highlands remain calm and cool.

Mafate Cirque Hikes
Accessible only on foot or by helicopter, Mafate offers dramatic trails past volcanic peaks and remote villages. Stay in a mountain gite for a true immersion.

Reunion Film Festival
Cinephiles gather in Saint-Denis for the Reunion Film Festival, celebrating local and international cinema with screenings, workshops and director talks.

September signals warming temperatures and fewer crowds, ideal for diving and beach escapes. Hiking remains excellent, with wildflowers adding colour to the cirques.

Journees du Patrimoine
During European Heritage Days, landmarks open their doors across Saint-Denis, Saint-Pierre and beyond, offering guided tours and cultural programmes.

Diving Saint-Leu and Saint-Gilles
Calm seas and superb visibility make September perfect for diving. Explore coral reefs, underwater caves and marine reserves, teeming with tropical fish and turtles.

October warms up, with ideal conditions for canyoning and coastal walks. It’s also one of the most exciting months, thanks to the Grand Raid ultramarathon.

Grand Raid Ultramarathon
Known as La Diagonale des Fous (“The Madmen’s Diagonal”), this epic race crosses the island, drawing elite athletes and enthusiastic spectators.

Canyoning in Takamaka Valley
Adventure-seekers can abseil, jump and swim through the canyons of Takamaka, near Saint-Benoit.

November ushers in heat and humidity, with rain beginning in the east. It’s a vibrant month for cultural festivals and beaches are quieter before the December rush.

Diwali Celebrations
Join Tamil communities in Saint-Andr for Diwali, with temples lit in dazzling colours, music and shared sweets, offering a fascinating cultural window.

Rainforest Treks in Sainte-Rose
Enjoy early wet-season treks as the rain returns, reviving the east’s rainforests. Spot waterfalls, unique flora and maybe even the first signs of lava activity near the volcano.

December is festive and warm, drawing holiday crowds to the beaches of Saint-Gilles and Saint-Leu. Expect lively markets, concerts and Christmas events across the island.

Christmas on the Beach
Celebrate with locals and visitors alike on the west coast, where beach picnics and parties light up Saint-Gilles and Saint-Leu.

Festive Markets in Saint-Denis
Browse Christmas markets in Saint-Denis for artisanal crafts, spices and local treats.