Reunion Island is a blend of paradisiacal landscapes, rich culture, and unique biodiversity. This gem of the Mascarene Archipelago offers a spectrum of discoveries and adventures for travelers eager for wonder. However, with its tropical climate, choosing the ideal time to organize a vacation is the key to an unforgettable experience. In this article, we guide you through the seasons and climate specifics of Reunion Island to help you pinpoint the best time for your escape to this intense island.
When to Travel to Reunion Island?
Generally, one can visit Reunion Island at any time of the year. However, each season has its peculiarities, and the choice of vacation period will mainly depend on your preferences and the activities you wish to pursue.
If you are looking for stable weather conditions and sunny days, opt for the dry season (the austral winter). Conversely, if you are drawn to lush nature and want to enjoy tropical fruits, consider visiting Reunion Island during the austral summer.
Which is the Best Season to Travel to Reunion Island?
To choose the best time to visit Reunion Island, it’s essential to consider the island’s weather conditions, activities you want to do, and personal preferences. The island has a tropical climate, but its various regions can show significant variations in temperatures and rainfall depending on the seasons.
Traveling in the Austral Summer to Reunion Island
The austral summer spans from November to April. During this period, temperatures are at their highest, usually averaging between 77°F and 95°F on the coast. Rainfalls are more frequent at this time, with showers being quite heavy, especially in January and February. However, the rain feeds the rivers and waterfalls, providing spectacular lush landscapes.
The austral summer also marks the blooming of flamboyant trees, those magnificent red trees scattered across the island, signaling the onset of the end-of-year festivities. It’s also the season for lychees, longan fruits, and other tropical fruits in the market stalls.
During the austral summer, you can relish the beautiful beaches (barring the rainfalls) and water sports. Hiking is possible, though occasional rain showers or heat might surprise you.
Traveling in the Austral Winter to Reunion Island
The austral winter stretches from May to October. During this period, temperatures are somewhat cooler. In higher elevations, there can even be frost early in the morning. Therefore, if you plan to visit Reunion Island during the austral winter, be sure to pack some sweaters.
In the austral winter, you won’t experience the intense heat on the coasts. For those not bothered by cooler temperatures, swimming in the lagoon, typically at around 72°F, is still possible. Hiking becomes more enjoyable as rains are less frequent and temperatures more tolerable. During this season, temperatures on the coast usually range between 68°F and 86°F during the day, offering a very pleasant climate to explore the island and engage in hiking or excursions.
A significant highlight of the austral winter is the chance to witness whales. These giants of the sea make a stop in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean during this time. From July to October, it’s common to see them performing awe-inspiring leaps off the coast.
The Cheapest Time to Travel to Reunion Island
Generally, it’s less expensive to visit Reunion Island during the low season than during the high season. The low season occurs from January to July and in September, while the high season runs from October to December, including August.
Accommodations, car rentals, and flight prices tend to be higher during the high season than in the low season. The island also welcomes more visitors during this period. Thus, for attractive rates and more privacy, consider planning a trip to Reunion Island during the low season rather than the high season.
Vacationing in Reunion: What About Cyclones?
As a tropical island in the Indian Ocean, Reunion Island faces the risk of cyclones during the cyclone season, typically from November to April. It’s ideally recommended to avoid planning vacations during the cyclone season as you could end up confined to your hotel room with a strict prohibition on going out.
However, if your only option is to plan a vacation to Reunion Island between November and April, take some precautions:
- Stay updated with weather bulletins and heed warnings from local authorities.
- In case of a cyclone alert, strictly follow the Prefect’s instructions.
- Check cancellation policies of airlines, accommodations, and tourist service providers to ensure flexibility if needed.
Now that you know in detail when to travel to Reunion Island, all that remains is to plan accordingly, anticipate the joys ahead, and soon enjoy all the intense experiences the island offers.
