Reunion Weather & Climate: Monthly Averages

Réunion, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, experiences significant temperature variations throughout the year with its tropical climate heavily influenced by elevation and location. The coastal areas maintain warm to very warm temperatures year-round, while the mountainous interior can be surprisingly cool, especially at higher altitudes where temperatures can drop significantly.

The island experiences distinct wet and dry seasons, with the wet season from November to April bringing heavy rainfall, high humidity, and the risk of tropical cyclones. The dry season runs from May to October which offers more comfortable conditions, less precipitation and lower humidity levels.

Most tourists come to this volcanic island to experience incredible biodiversity and amazing landscapes ranging from beaches to active volcanoes and rainforests. The island is also known for its unique Creole culture blending French, African, Indian, and Chinese influences, creating a distinctive cuisine and local traditions that make it unlike anywhere else in the Indian Ocean.

What makes Réunion particularly fascinating is its extreme geographical diversity packed into just 2,500 square kilometers (965 square miles) - you can literally go from tropical beaches to alpine conditions in less than an hour's drive covering only about 60 kilometers (37 miles). The island has one of the world's most active volcanoes, Piton de la Fournaise, alongside UNESCO World Heritage cirques (volcanic amphitheaters) offering some of the best hiking in the Indian Ocean region.

The coastal regions enjoy consistently warm ocean temperatures perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing year-round, though the best conditions typically occur during the dry season when trade winds provide relief from humidity. The interior highlands, reaching elevations over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet), offer cooler temperatures and spectacular hiking opportunities, though weather can change rapidly in the mountains.