Last updated: January 18, 2025
Réunion, an enchanting island in the Indian Ocean, showcases a unique climate characterized by a blend of As (tropical savanna) and Cfb (temperate oceanic) classifications. With a minimum temperature of 11°C (53°F) recorded in August and a maximum of 30°C (85°F) in February, the island experiences a mild yet diverse climate. The average temperature hovers around 21°C (71°F), creating an inviting environment for both residents and visitors year-round. This climate fosters a rich biodiversity, making Réunion not only a destination for adventure but also a haven for ecological study.
Réunion experiences distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year. The warmest months, January and February, feature minimum temperatures around 17-18°C (63-65°F), with averages consistently at 24°C (75°F) and maximums reaching 29-30°C (85°F). As the island transitions into late autumn and winter, from March to August, temperatures gradually decline, with averages dropping to 19-20°C (66-68°F) and minimums reaching a cooler 11-13°C (53-56°F) in August. This cooler phase is followed by a gradual warming trend from September to December, where temperatures rise again, with averages around 22-23°C (71-74°F) and minimums returning to 13-17°C (55-62°F). Overall, Réunion's climate reflects a vibrant interplay of tropical warmth and temperate air, creating a unique environment that varies pleasantly throughout the seasons.
In the region of Reunion, Saint-Louis and Saint-Pierre share similar climate patterns, with minimum temperatures reaching 11°C (53°F) in August and maximums soaring to 29°C (85°F) in January, as detailed in their respective links: monthly temperatures in Saint-Louis and monthly temperatures in Saint-Pierre. In contrast, Saint-Denis experiences slightly warmer minimums of 13°C (56°F) in August and a maximum of 29°C (84°F) in January, which can be explored further at monthly temperatures in Saint-Denis.
Réunion experiences a distinct precipitation pattern, characterized by its wet season from January to March, when rainfall peaks. January and March see the highest precipitation levels at 200 mm (7.9 in) and 230 mm (9.1 in), respectively, accompanied by a higher number of rainy days, with March recording 25 days of rainfall. February follows closely with 190 mm (7.5 in) over 22 days, presenting a continuous flow of moisture that nourishes the island’s lush landscapes.
As the island transitions to the dry season from May to September, precipitation significantly decreases. The months of June and July are particularly dry, recording only 71 mm (2.8 in) and 61 mm (2.4 in) respectively, with July having the least number of rainy days at just 15. However, the trend reverses in the spring months of October and November, where rainfall increases again, with October observing 78 mm (3.1 in) and November slightly higher at 107 mm (4.2 in). Overall, these seasonal changes in precipitation contribute to the island’s diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes.
Réunion enjoys a notable variation in sunshine duration throughout the year, with the island basking in ample sunlight, especially during the summer months. The peak sunshine occurs in December, where residents and visitors can revel in 394 hours of sunshine, followed closely by November with 371 hours. This upward trend becomes evident as the year progresses, with a consistent increase from 305 hours in January to 352 hours in March, just before the summer reaches its zenith in late spring and early summer.
Conversely, the period from May to August experiences a slight dip in sunshine hours, although still offering an impressive amount of light. May starts with 320 hours, slightly declining to 302 hours in June before rebounding in July and August. Notably, October stands out as a transitional month with 365 hours of sunshine, signaling the return of brighter days as the island shifts gears into summer. This seasonal variation not only enhances the island's natural beauty but also underscores the diverse experiences available throughout the year, from sun-soaked adventures to more temperate exploration.
Réunion experiences a notably high Ultraviolet (UV) Index, particularly during the peak summer months from January to March. With values soaring to 16 and 17 in January and February, respectively, the UV Index falls within the extreme exposure category, indicating an urgent need for protective measures against sunburn, which can occur in as little as 10 minutes. Even as the season transitions into April, the UV Index remains elevated at 12, continuing to emphasize the importance of sun safety during these months.
As the year progresses into the cooler months, the UV Index begins to decline but still presents significant levels. May sees a decrease to 9, classified as very high, extending the burn time to 15 minutes. July and August maintain a very high rating with indices of 8 and 10, respectively, while September through November returns to extreme levels of 11 to 14, with the burn time consistently at 10 minutes. This seasonal fluctuation highlights the need for residents and visitors alike to remain vigilant about sun exposure and skin protection, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on this sun-kissed island.
UV Risk Categories
Réunion showcases a relatively consistent daylight duration throughout the year, with notable variations associated with the changing seasons. In January, the island enjoys the longest days of the year, basking in 13 hours of daylight, which gradually decreases to 12 hours in February and early March. As the southern hemisphere transitions into autumn, daylight continues to decline, reaching 11 hours in April and May before further dropping to 10 hours during the winter months of June and July.
As winter fades and spring approaches, daylight hours begin to increase once again, with 11 hours noted in August and September. By October, daylight extends to 12 hours before returning to the invigorating 13 hours from November through December, coinciding with the arrival of summer. This cyclical variation in daylight not only influences daily activities and lifestyle choices for residents, but it also offers visitors the chance to fully savor the island's natural beauty under the gentle and ample light.
Cilaos, Réunion experiences a mild and temperate climate characterized by warm summers and cool winters. January and February are the hottest months with average temperatures around 23°C (73°F) and maximums reaching 29°C (85°F), while July and August are the coolest months, with averages dropping to 17°C (63°F). Precipitation is highest during the first quarter of the year, with March seeing around 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while drier months like July and August have less than 70 mm (2.7 in) of rainfall. Abundant sunshine is a hallmark of Cilaos, especially in the latter part of the year, with December boasting 394 hours of sunshine. For more information, visit the Cilaos climate page.
Saint-Denis, Réunion enjoys a tropical maritime climate with warm temperatures year-round, ranging from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) in August to a maximum of 29°C (84°F) in January and March. The city experiences its highest rainfall in March (241 mm) and significant precipitation from January to April, while the drier months are June to August with less than 67 mm of rain. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in October to December, with hours peaking at 394 in December. This blend of warm temperatures and varied precipitation makes Saint-Denis an appealing destination for both locals and visitors. For more details, visit Saint-Denis climate.
Saint-Leu, Réunion, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year. Average monthly temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) in July and August to around 25°C (77°F) in January through March. Precipitation varies seasonally, peaking at 182 mm (7.2 in) in March and significantly decreasing to just 19 mm (0.8 in) in July. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, with December boasting the highest at 394 hours. For more details, visit Saint-Leu climate.
The climate in Saint-Louis, Réunion is characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. January and February are the warmest months, with average temperatures around 23°C (73°F) and precipitation peaking at approximately 230 mm (9.1 in). The cooler months from June to August see average temperatures drop to around 17°C (63°F) and minimal rainfall, around 64 mm (2.5 in) in August. Notably, sunshine hours are abundant, especially in the last quarter of the year, with December boasting up to 394 hours. For more detailed information, visit Saint-Louis climate.
Saint-Paul, Réunion enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Average highs range from 24°C (76°F) in July and August to 29°C (84°F) in January, while nightly lows vary from 17°C (63°F) in winter months to 23°C (73°F) in February. Rainfall is most abundant in March (182 mm/7.2 in) and minimal during the dry season from June to July, which receives only about 23 mm (0.9 in). The region boasts a significant number of sunshine hours, peaking in December with 394 hours. For more detailed information, visit Saint-Paul climate.
Saint-Pierre, Réunion, enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. The average monthly temperatures range from 17°C (63°F) in July and August to 23°C (73°F) in the peak months of January, February, and March. Rainfall is prominent during the first half of the year, with January and March receiving the highest precipitation at 230 mm (9.1 in) and 242 mm (9.5 in), respectively. The area benefits from ample sunshine, particularly in the later months, with December boasting the most hours at 394. For more detailed information, visit Saint-Pierre climate.
The climate in Sainte-Suzanne, Réunion, features a tropical pattern with warm temperatures year-round. From January to March, average temperatures hover around 24°C (75°F), with highs reaching up to 29°C (84°F). The cooler months of June to August show average temperatures of 19°C (66°F), along with the least precipitation, particularly in July, which receives only 51 mm (2.0 in) of rainfall. The area enjoys ample sunshine, with December boasting the highest at 394 hours. For more detailed information, visit Sainte-Suzanne climate.
Salazie, Réunion, enjoys a tropical climate with mild temperatures year-round. Average monthly temperatures range from a low of 13°C (56°F) in August to a high of 29°C (84°F) in January and March. While January and March see the highest precipitation at 195 mm and 241 mm respectively, the dry season from July to September has significantly lower rainfall, averaging around 48-51 mm. The region also boasts abundant sunshine, particularly in October, with up to 365 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Salazie climate.
In conclusion, Réunion's climate, characterized by its unique temperature patterns, varying precipitation, high UV index, and consistent daylight duration, creates an inviting and dynamic environment throughout the year. The island's warm summers are complemented by a lush wet season, while its impressive sunshine hours foster a vibrant ecosystem and support diverse outdoor activities. As UV levels peak during the summer months, it becomes vital for both locals and tourists to prioritize sun safety. Overall, Réunion's climatic attributes not only enhance its natural beauty but also enrich the experiences of those who come to explore its stunning landscapes and intricate ecosystems.