When Is the Best Time to Visit La Réunion?

La Réunion isn’t a beach break destination where any month will do. The island has microclimates, serious altitude differences, and a real cyclone season. You can leave a sunny coast and find yourself in freezing fog an hour later—especially if you're hiking or exploring inland.

This isn’t to scare you off. It’s to help you choose the right month for the type of trip you want.

This guide breaks down what to expect by season, by activity, and based on my own experience hiking, swimming, eating, and being very cold despite being in the tropics.

Overview: La Réunion Climate Basics

• Dry season: May to October (best for hiking, drier trails, cooler temps)

• Wet season: November to April (warmer, risk of cyclones, muddy trails)

• Cyclone risk highest: January to March

• Microclimates: Always. Coast ≠ highlands.

Best Time for Hiking: May–October

If you’re coming for trails, this is the window. The best time to visit La Réunion for hiking is during the dry season, when trails are less muddy, rivers are lower, and mornings are clear.

Even then, fog usually rolls in by midday. So start early, wear layers, and don’t expect sunshine on every trail.

My pick: October. It’s still dry, but slightly warmer and more stable than early winter.

Best Time for the Coast and Swimming: October–December

The lagoons are calmest around the end of dry season. Water is warmer, visibility better, and conditions ideal for snorkeling.

• Best beaches in La Réunion for families: La Saline, L’Ermitage (safe, shallow lagoons)

• Best snorkeling spots in La Réunion: reef edges near Saint-Leu and Hermitage

Note: The black sand beaches (like Étang-Salé) are scenic, but not great for swimming due to currents. Stick to protected lagoons.

Best Time for Volcano Visits: Any clear day in the dry season

Visiting Piton de la Fournaise is hit-or-miss with the weather. You want a clear, stable morning. Best chances are in May–October.

• Volcano tours in La Réunion are often timed for early morning departures.

• Fog can roll in by 10 a.m. We left at 3 a.m. and still missed the sunrise.

• Lava tunnels in La Réunion are visitable year-round—weather doesn’t affect them much.

What to Know About the Wet Season (November–April)

It’s not constant rain, but it’s unpredictable.

• Afternoon storms are common.

• Flash flooding or washed-out trails can cancel hikes.

• December = start of mango and lychee season (a plus).

• January to March = cyclone watch. Some gîtes close, and hikes may be dangerous.

You can still visit during this time but plan a slower pace and build in extra flexibility.

Month-by-Month Summary

• May to October is the dry season. This is widely considered the best season to visit La Réunion, especially for hiking. The weather is cooler in the highlands, rainfall is minimal, and trails are more stable. It’s also a popular time for outdoor adventures.

• June to September brings cooler nights, especially at altitude. If you’re sleeping in mountain gîtes, bring proper layers.

• October is my personal pick for the best month to hike La Réunion. Trails are still dry, but coastal temperatures are warmer and the winds less harsh.

• November to April is the wet season. It’s hotter, more humid, and prone to cyclones, especially between January and March. Some trails may close due to landslides or flooding.

So When Should You Go?

Go in October if:

• You want to hike and relax at the beach.

• You prefer mild temps and clear mornings.

• You want to avoid school holiday crowds.

Go in June–August if:

• Hiking is your only focus.

• You don’t mind chilly nights in gîtes.

Go in November–December if:

• You’re sticking to the coast.

• You want warm water and lush scenery.

Avoid January–March if:

• You want consistent weather and open trails.

• You don’t like trip plans being changed by cyclones.

Check More Than the Forecast

The coast and the highlands operate on different rules. A sunny forecast in Saint-Leu doesn’t mean anything if you’re hiking in Cilaos or Salazie. Always check trail conditions locally, ask at gîtes, and use weather radar apps for better context.