The climate of Saint-Denis
Saint-Denis, the capital city of the
Reunion Island, carries a Csa classification under the Köppen climate system. This classification identifies its climate as Mediterranean, more specifically, a hot summer Mediterranean climate. Geographically, it is located in the southern hemisphere, which means its seasons are reversed from those experienced in the northern hemisphere.
An examination of the climate data reveals that Saint-Denis experiences quite consistent weather throughout the year. Temperatures remain relatively high, with average monthly highs ranging from 25.2°C (77.4°F) to 30.1°C (86.2°F), and average monthly lows oscillating between 18°C (64.4°F) and 23.7°C (74.7°F). The warmest months tend to be
January and
February, displaying the city's characteristic warm summer Mediterranean climate.
Rainfall in Saint-Denis appears to be significant and more frequent during the beginning of the year, reducing gradually as the year progresses. January sees the highest rainfall at 351mm (13.82") and
December the second highest at 189mm (7.44"). The driest month appears to be
October with a significantly lower rainfall of only 43mm (1.69"), indicating a quite marked wet-dry season trend.
The UV index in Saint-Denis is notably high throughout the year, peaking at a maximum index of 12 from January to
March, and again in
November and December, owing to the city's proximity to the equator.
The best time to visit Saint-Denis
Considering cumulative parameters like temperature, sunshine hours, UV index, and rainfall, the most favorable time to visit
Saint-Denis tends to be between
May and
October. During these months, the city experiences less rainfall (ranging from 58mm (2.28") to 43mm (1.69") per month), pleasant temperatures (with highs from 25.8°C (78.4°F) to 27.5°C (81.5°F) and lows from 18°C (64.4°F) to 20.6°C (69.1°F)), and relatively low UV index levels (from 6 in
June and
July to 10 in October).
The worst time to visit Saint-Denis
The period of
January to
March is considered less favorable for visiting
Saint-Denis. During these months, the city experiences its highest rainfall (from 233mm (9.17") in March to 351mm (13.82") in
February), coupled with high temperatures (with highs from 29.7°C (85.5°F) to 30.1°C (86.2°F) and lows from 23.2°C (73.8°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F)). Moreover, the UV index reaches its peak of 12 during these months, requiring precautions for sun exposure.
Spring weather in Saint-Denis
In
Saint-Denis, spring occurs between
September and
November. During this time, the city experiences an increase in temperature, with highs ranging from 25.8°C (78.4°F) to 28°C (82.4°F) and lows from 18.6°C (65.5°F) to 20.9°C (69.6°F). The rainfall amount also begins to increase, starting from 50mm (1.97") in September to 70mm (2.76") in November. Sunshine hours remain steady around 7.1 hours per day, providing ample daylight for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Saint-Denis
Summer in
Saint-Denis spans from
December to
February, bringing with it the warmest temperatures and the highest amount of rainfall. The high temperatures reach between 29.1°C (84.4°F) and 30.1°C (86.2°F), and lows from 22.4°C (72.3°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F). Rainfall during this season is quite heavy, with amounts from 189mm (7.44") to 351mm (13.82") across the months, and the city also experiences the peak UV index of 12.
Autumn weather in Saint-Denis
Autumn occurs between
March and
May in
Saint-Denis. The weather gradually cools down in these months, with high temperatures declining from 29.1°C (84.4°F) to 27.5°C (81.5°F) and lows from 22.1°C (71.8°F) to 20.6°C (69.1°F). Rainfall also starts to decrease, moving from 233mm (9.17") in March to 98mm (3.86") in May. Sunshine hours hover around 7.1 hours to 7.4 hours a day, presenting a decent amount of daylight.
Winter weather in Saint-Denis
Winter in
Saint-Denis runs from
June to
August, and is the coolest and driest season. High temperatures are from 25.2°C (77.4°F) to 26.1°C (79°F), and lows range from 18°C (64.4°F) to 18.9°C (66°F). Rainfall during winter months drops to its lowest, reaching 58mm (2.28") in June and August. Sunshine hours stay consistent around 7.1 hours, and the UV index lowers to a minimum of 8 in August, providing a more comfortable atmosphere.
Weather in January
January is a month of mixed weather in
Saint-Denis,
Reunion. It usually experiences the hottest day and night temperatures, peaking at 30.1°C (86.2°F) and not falling below 23.5°C (74.3°F). An abundance of rainfall, reaching up to 279mm (10.98"), characterizes this month, providing the verdant landscape with vital humidity.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In the heart of the first quarter,
February holds its own in terms of weather patterns. The city,
Saint-Denis, continues to experience hot temperatures, similar to
January, while the rainfall increases to a maximum 351mm (13.82").
Weather in February »Weather in March
Transitioning into
March,
Saint-Denis undergoes a slight change in weather dynamics. The temperatures start to slowly cool down, with the highest averaging 29.7°C (85.5°F) and the lowest averaging 23.2°C (73.8°F). Rainfall begins to decrease, settling at 233mm (9.17"), which can make outdoor excursions more appealing.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Saint-Denis depicts a balance between contrasting weather elements. A further decrease in temperature is observed, with highs falling to 29.1°C (84.4°F) and lowest temperatures dropping to 22.1°C (71.8°F). There is significant reduction in rainfall to 154mm (6.06").
Weather in April » Weather in May
May ushers in noticeably cooler temperatures to the delight of those seeking moderate weather conditions. The coastal hub of
Saint-Denis benefits from a lower UV index, presenting more safe hours in the day for tourists and locals to explore.
Weather in May » Weather in June
As the halfway point of the year,
June represents the coldest month in
Saint-Denis,
Reunion, with temperatures decreasing further and heat giving way to cooler days and nights. Rainfall also decreases to 77mm (3.03") making the city less soggy compared to the months of the year so far.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the trend of cool temperatures and reduced rainfall in
Saint-Denis. A noticeable drop in sea temperature can be observed, implying cooler maritime currents along the shores. Despite lesser daylight hours, city life does not wane.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August, the city’s weather reveals a slight wrinkle as the temperatures plateau at a more consistent rate between day and night. Rainfall is nearly identical as the preceding month. With the receding high temperatures, tourists may find the weather more resilient to their itineraries.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September represents a moderate weather month for
Saint-Denis with temperatures presenting a small hike in comparison to the past month. Rainfall reaches its lowest point for the year, merely 50mm (1.97"). September therefore serves as a welcoming gateway to the year’s end, setting a premium for open-air activities and scenic excursions.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October provides an upward turn to the weather cycle in
Saint-Denis. A slight increase in temperatures is observed, while the amount of rainfall remains relatively low with only 43mm (1.69") recorded. The warmth returns slowly, and the city readopts the lively, outdoor spirit characteristic of its hotter months.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings a sense of familiarity as there is a noticeable rise in temperatures. The episode of low rainfall subsides as November receives rainfall totaling up to 70mm (2.76"). The sunlight offers a warm touch during the day, making it ideal for picnics or outdoor brunches.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December concludes the weather calendar of
Saint-Denis with variable elements. Temperatures take their last hike for the year and moderate rainfall resumes. The sea temperatures also begin to rise, highlighting a warming trend in anticipation of the upcoming first quarter.
Weather in December » [Resources]