Reunion Island

The seasons in Reunion Island are inversed compared to those of the Northern hemisphers. There are four seasons in Réunion Island : the « saison des fruits » from December to February, the « valse des cascades » from March to May, the « tropical winter » from June to August and from September to November the « ronde des fleurs ». You will notice that each season has something different to offer and that it is never really cold on the island.

The « Saison des Fruits » (from December to February)

This season could simply be called « summer » but the « saison des fruits » sounds much more poetic.

For tropical fruits amateurs this si the time to come as the markets are full of tempting tropical fruits : lychees known as the fruit for the Christmas period), longans, mangoes, peaches, papayas, passion fruits, pineapples and a lot more.
Flamboyant trees and jacarandas are in bloom.

On the coast, it is hot but usually supportable (from 25°C to 32°C). In the « hauts » region, the temperatures remain pleasant.

The « Valse des Cascades » (from March to May)

This season signals the end of the summer.

Along the coastline, it is around 28°C during the day. During the night, it gets cooler (mainly in the « hauts » region). Trade winds blow harder and the clouds become rare.
Grapefruits, oranges, clementines, lemons and kaffir limes are sold in the market. Sugar cane fields are in bloom.

This is the perfect season for hiking, mountain biking, golf and horse-riding. Watersports lovers will take advantage of the trade winds to practise sailing, surfing and windsurfing.

The Tropical winter(from juin to august)

Although it is winter, there is no need to bring scarfs or woolly hats.

Tropical winters cannot be compared to European winters. The weather is mild. Along the coast, the temperature is close to 22°C during the day and 16°C during the night. You ought to bring pullovers and sweatshirts if you intend to go to the « hauts » region but on the whole the weather is quite sunny.

Except in the Eastern region, the climate is usually dry. Vanilla is gathered and sugar cane harvesting begins. Guavas can be found in the markets. This is the best season for surfing and bodyboarding : the perfect atmospheric conditions for good waves.

La Ronde des Fleurs (from septembre to novembre)

Once the winter has passed, Réunion Island comes into bloom. This is the best season to visit thebotanical gardens and the « florilèges » in Le Tampon.

Endless quantities of colourful bougainvilleas can be seen everywhere and the roads are beautifully boardered with hydrangeas. There is no doubt, spring has arrived.
Days lengthen and nights get warmer..