The climate of La Réunion
Situated in the tropical belt of the Indian Ocean,
La Réunion is classified under Af in the Köppen climate classification, indicating a tropical rainforest climate. Being a tropical paradise, it boasts consistently warm temperatures throughout the year and a relative humidity between 73% and 80%. The monthly high temperatures show minor fluctuations ranging from 26.4°C (79.5°F) to 29.3°C (84.7°F), while the low temperatures are consistent from 25.7°C (78.3°F) to 28.1°C (82.6°F).
The pattern of rainfall in La Réunion follows the typical profile of tropical climates, with a considerable amount of precipitation year-round. The rainfall oscillates between 50mm (1.97") in
August, marking the driest period and 220mm (8.66") in
January, denoting the wettest phase. The number of rainfall days also largely correlates with this pattern, peaking at 23.2 days in January and reaching a minimum of 17.3 days in
November.
The island has ample sea temperatures staying constant between 26°C (78.8°F) and 30°C (86°F), making it a summer-lover's haven all year round. The amount of sunshine hours also does not deviate dramatically, hovering between 7 hours in
September to 10.1 hours in November. Whilst the wind speed varies relatively more throughout the year, from 12.8km/h (8mph) in
April to 28.1km/h (17.5mph) in August, this does not significantly impact the overall climate.
The best time to visit La Réunion
The ideal time to soak in the tropical landscape of
La Réunion would be between
May and
October. During these months, the island experiences relatively lower rainfall, ranging from 50mm (1.97") to 134mm (5.28"), with the number of rainfall days also declining to under 21.5 days. The sea temperature sits comfortably between 26°C (78.8°F) and 29°C (84.2°F), perfect for beach activities. Furthermore, the UV index, at a level seven, is at a relatively safer range during these months.
Notwithstanding the slightly increased wind speed, ranging from 19.1km/h (11.9mph) to 28.1km/h (17.5mph), the daylight hours stay consistent from 11.9 hours to 12.2 hours, offering visitors plenty of time to enjoy outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit La Réunion
While
La Réunion has a delightful climate, it may not be an ideal destination from
December to
March. This period witnesses the highest rainfall levels of the year, peaking at 220mm (8.66") in
January and accompanied by an average of 20.7 to 23.2 days of rainfall. These months also experience the highest temperatures, with the mercury climbing up to a maximum of 28.8°C (83.8°F) to 29.3°C (84.7°F).
Contrarily, during this period, the absolute wind speed varies between 12.8km/h (8mph) and 18.3km/h (11.4mph), which is less than the annual average, thus offering little respite from the heat and humidity.
Spring weather in La Réunion
During the spring months from
September to
November,
La Réunion experiences an uptick in rainfall, starting at 79mm (3.11") in September and reaching 129mm (5.08") by November. The sea temperature is consistently enjoyable from 27°C (80.6°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), while daylight averages 12.1 to 12.3 hours. Temperatures hover between 26.1°C (79°F) to 27.8°C (82°F) on the lower end and 26.8°C (80.2°F) to 27.9°C (82.2°F) on the higher side, making it an enjoyable season to visit.
Summer weather in La Réunion
With the onset of summer, from
December to
February, the rainfall spikes with 166mm (6.54") to 220mm (8.66") expected and 19 to 23.2 days of rainfall. Temperatures too rise to their peak with an annual high of 28.3°C (82.9°F) to 29.3°C (84.7°F) and a low of 27°C (80.6°F) to 28.1°C (82.6°F). Despite the heightened rainfall and temperature, visitors can bask in extended daylight hours, averaging 12.3 to 12.4 hours.
Autumn weather in La Réunion
Autumn, from
March to
May, sees a gradual reduction in rainfall. Starting with 111mm (4.37") in March, it reduces to 74mm (2.91") by May. The number of rainfall days also reduces from 20.7 to 21.5 days. Temperatures show a substantive decrease with the maximum and minimum temperatures ranging from 26.5°C (79.7°F) to 28.9°C (84°F) and 25.7°C (78.3°F) to 27.8°C (82°F), respectively. These months provide a respite from summer's high humidity levels, setting in comfortable weather conditions.
Winter weather in La Réunion
Winter months from
June to
August are marked by the lowest rainfall, ranging from 50mm (1.97") in August to 62mm (2.44") in June. Simultaneously, the number of rainy days also hits the annual low, between 17.8 and 18.7 days. Winter temperatures comfortably range from a low of 25.7°C (78.3°F) to a high of 26.5°C (79.7°F) in June and
July, gradually increasing to a 26.4°C (79.5°F) high in August. These characteristics make winter an attractive period to explore
La Réunion.
Weather in January
The
Seychelles ushers in the New Year with often changing weather, with warm temperatures, high humidity and considerable rainfall. Notably,
January records the highest monthly average rainfall of 220mm (8.66"), with rains occurring over 23.2 days in
La Réunion.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Weather in March
March is a transitional month when the weather begins to gravitate towards drier conditions. Average temperatures show a slight increase to a peak of 28.8°C (83.8°F), making it the highest in the first three months of the year in
Seychelles.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the true onset of drier weather in
Seychelles as the rainfall reduces significantly to 111mm (4.37"). As the month progresses, temperatures become more consistent from day to night in
La Réunion. The presence of wind moderates the heat and humidity, providing a cooling effect on the islands.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May ushers in favorable weather conditions for
Seychelles, with a further reduction in rainfall, especially in
La Réunion. The amount of sunlight slightly increases from the previous month, reaching an average of 7.9 hours per day.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is commonly one of the drier and cooler months in
Seychelles, especially noticeable in
La Réunion where winds reach their peak speeds of 24.1km/h (15mph). With less rainfall and higher windspeed, the islands experience significant humidity and temperature reductions.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the coolest month in
Seychelles, making it an attractive destination for travelers seeking a balance between tropical warmth and mild temperatures. Average maximum temperatures drop further to 26.5°C (79.7°F) in
La Réunion.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August heralds the second half of the year, marked by the least amount of rainfall at 50mm (1.97"), and the prevalence of cooler days in
Seychelles. It exhibits similar weather patterns to
July, with consistent temperatures in
La Réunion.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the beginning of the transition from the cool dry season to the warmer wet season in
Seychelles. With the increase of rainfall to 79mm (3.11"), both the frequency and intensity of rains start to rise gradually in
La Réunion.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings warmer temperatures and increased precipitation marking the onset of the wet season in
Seychelles. Climatic transitions are evident in
La Réunion, where shine days observe a substantial increase, peaking at 8.7 days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November signals the real commencement of the wet season in
Seychelles, with an incremental increase in average temperatures. Sunshine days in
La Réunion peak at 10.9 days, the highest in the year. Rainfall levels rise, contributing to lush, revived landscapes.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December displays a microcosm of the
Seychelles' tropical climate features, with a rise in temperature, high humidity and increased rainfall. Waters around
La Réunion remain warm at a steady 28°C (82.4°F), remaining inviting for sea exploration.
Weather in December » [Resources]