Climate and monthly weather forecast
Reunion

Reunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean to the east of Madagascar and southwest of Mauritius, has a highly varied topography, which consequently impacts its climate. It is characterized by a Tropical Savanna Climate, but one must understand this as an average descriptor. The overall weather in the island nation is influenced by two primary seasons: the hot, humid summer from November to April, and the cooler, drier winter from May to October.

Rainfall is particularly diverse due to the island's rugged terrain, with the east being much wetter than the west. Reunion holds the world records for the most rainfall in 12, 24, 72 and 96 hours. Coastal regions experience annual temperatures between 21°C (69.8°F) to 26°C (78.8°F), whereas the interior highlands range from 13°C (55.4°F) to 18°C (64.4°F). The annual rainfall varies from 800mm (31.5") on the leeward coasts to 6,0mm (0") in the interior.

The ideal time to visit Reunion is during its winter season, which spans from May to October. During this period, the island experiences cooler temperatures and less rainfall, especially on the coast. This cooler, drier period is perfect for hiking and exploring the island's diverse landscapes, including its stunning beaches, lush forests, and the breathtaking Piton de la Fournaise volcano. The average coastal temperatures during this season range from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F).

The least favorable time to visit Reunion extends from November to April. This period corresponds to the austral summer and is characterized by hot, humid weather with substantial rainfall, particularly on the east coast and in the mountains. It is also the cyclone season, which can lead to severe weather conditions and disruptions to travel. The coastal temperatures can rise up to 30°C (86°F) during this period.

Spring in Reunion, which corresponds to September and October, is a time of gradual transition. It signals the end of the cooler, drier winter and the onset of the warmer, wetter summer. During this period, temperatures begin to rise, and rainfall gradually increases, particularly in the mountainous regions. Average temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 26°C (78.8°F), with precipitation levels gradually rising from the winter's lows.

Reunion's summer, from November to April, is characterized by high temperatures and heavy rainfall. This season is also the cyclone season for the island. The coastal regions experience temperatures from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F), while the highlands range between 19°C (66.2°F) and 24°C (75.2°F). The east coast and mountainous areas receive the brunt of the rainfall, with precipitation levels often exceeding 500mm (19.69") per month in the wettest locations.

Autumn in Reunion, observed in May and June, signifies a shift from the hot, wet summer to the cooler, drier winter. During this period, both temperatures and rainfall start to decrease across the island. Coastal regions experience average temperatures between 22°C (71.6°F) to 27°C (80.6°F), while in the highlands, it ranges from 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F). Rainfall levels start decreasing, but the east coast and interior highlands continue to receive substantial rainfall.

Winter in Reunion, from July to August, is the coolest and driest season. This is the best time for outdoor activities such as hiking and beach visits. The coastal regions experience temperatures from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F), whereas the highlands experience cooler temperatures, ranging from 13°C (55.4°F) to 18°C (64.4°F). Rainfall is considerably lower during this season, especially on the west coast, although the east coast and the interior highlands can still receive a moderate amount of rain.

January in Reunion is at the height of the austral summer, making it one of the hottest months of the year. In coastal areas, temperatures typically range from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). The inland regions are somewhat cooler, with temperatures varying from 19°C (66.2°F) to 24°C (75.2°F). One of the island's principal cities, Saint-Denis, located on the northern coast, experiences similar weather patterns, with high temperatures and considerable humidity. Weather in January »

February continues the trend of hot and humid conditions in Reunion, as it is still in the midst of the austral summer. Coastal regions experience temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), while inland areas generally have a cooler climate, with temperatures varying from 18°C (64.4°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). Major cities like Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre continue to experience these temperature patterns, with high humidity levels adding to the overall warmth. Weather in February »

March in Reunion signifies the tail-end of the austral summer, with temperatures starting to decrease slightly. Coastal areas experience average temperatures from 24°C (75.2°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), while temperatures in the highlands range from 18°C (64.4°F) to 22°C (71.6°F). Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre, two significant urban areas, follow similar temperature patterns, although they may be marginally warmer due to the urban heat island effect. Weather in March »

April in Reunion marks the start of the transition from the hot and humid austral summer to the cooler and drier winter. Coastal regions typically experience temperatures from 23°C (73.4°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), while temperatures in the inland areas range from 17°C (62.6°F) to 21°C (69.8°F). Major cities like Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre continue to experience a similar range of temperatures. Weather in April »

May in Reunion marks the onset of the cooler, drier winter season. Coastal regions experience temperatures between 21°C (69.8°F) to 26°C (78.8°F), a noticeable drop from the preceding months. The highlands, where the climate is generally cooler, see temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F). Cities like Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre mirror these temperature patterns, and the reduced humidity levels make the cooler temperatures feel quite comfortable. Weather in May »

June in Reunion witnesses the progression of the island's winter season, marked by cooler temperatures and diminished rainfall. Coastal regions experience temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F), while the inland areas, which are cooler, see temperatures between 13°C (55.4°F) to 18°C (64.4°F). Major cities, including Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre, follow these temperature patterns. Weather in June »

July in Reunion is at the heart of the island's winter season, marked by the coolest temperatures of the year. Coastal regions typically experience temperatures from 19°C (66.2°F) to 24°C (75.2°F), while the highlands, which are always cooler, see temperatures ranging from 12°C (53.6°F) to 17°C (62.6°F). The major cities, such as Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre, experience similar temperature patterns. Weather in July »

August in Reunion continues the winter season, characterized by cool temperatures and limited rainfall. Coastal regions experience temperatures from 19°C (66.2°F) to 24°C (75.2°F), which are similar to the conditions in July. Weather in August »

September in Reunion represents the beginning of the transition from the cool, dry winter to the warmer, wetter summer. Coastal areas experience temperatures between 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F), marking a slight increase from the preceding winter months. Weather in September »

October in Reunion signifies the advancement of the transition period from winter to summer, marked by a further increase in temperatures. Coastal regions experience temperatures between 21°C (69.8°F) to 26°C (78.8°F). In the highlands, temperatures range from 14°C (57.2°F) to 19°C (66.2°F). Urban areas such as Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre reflect these temperature patterns. Weather in October »

November in Reunion marks the official start of the austral summer, characterized by hot temperatures and high rainfall. Coastal regions experience temperatures between 23°C (73.4°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), indicating a substantial rise from the preceding transitional months. Weather in November »

December in Reunion sees the full swing of the austral summer, with high temperatures and substantial rainfall. Coastal regions typically experience temperatures from 24°C (75.2°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), while the highlands see temperatures between 17°C (62.6°F) to 22°C (71.6°F). Cities such as Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre follow these temperature patterns. Weather in December »