Travel to Réunion Island — everything you need to know
When to go to Réunion Island?
- April – November — Cool, dry season (west coast) : Best time to visit: sunny west coast (22–28°C), accessible cirques, volcano often erupting. Ideal for hiking.
- December – March — Hot, cyclone season : Cyclone risk (Réunion is frequently hit), heavy rain on the east side and in the cirques, temperatures 28–32°C. Less favourable for hiking.
Weather in Réunion Island
Check the weather city by city, starting with Saint-Denis.
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 24 to 29 °C depending on the season, 40 mm of rain per month on average.
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 19 to 26 °C depending on the season, 147 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Réunion Island?
Réunion Island is a French volcanic island in the Indian Ocean: Piton de la Fournaise (one of the most active volcanoes in the world, erupting almost yearly), the three mountain cirques (Cilaos, Mafate, Salazie — UNESCO-listed national park), ravines and tropical liana forests, and the west coast with its beaches and protected lagoon. A French territory with exceptional Creole cuisine.
Piton de la Fournaise — Active volcano
Piton de la Fournaise (2,632m) is one of the most active volcanoes in the world: erupting almost every year, some eruptions spectacularly sending glowing lava flows all the way to the ocean. The road via Plaine des Cafres and the descent into the Enclos Fouqué (caldera) are the classic approaches. A unique geological spectacle.
Highlights : Piton de la Fournaise — climb to the crater (if not erupting), Enclos Fouqué viewpoint — view over the caldera, Solidified lava flows (mineral volcanic landscape), Night eruption (unpredictable) — a show from the road.
Cirque de Mafate — Hiking with no roads
Mafate is the only cirque on Réunion Island inaccessible by car: its îlets (hamlets of a few dozen inhabitants) can only be reached on foot or by helicopter. The GR R1 and R2 trails cross basalt landscapes, tamarind forests and dizzying cliffs. An exceptional overnight stay at the heart of the National Park (UNESCO).
Highlights : Ilet à Cordes — village perched on the cliffs, Ilet La Nouvelle — the heart of Mafate with guesthouses, Grand Bénard trail (2,898m) — panorama over the 3 cirques, Overnight stay in a Mafate mountain lodge.
Cilaos — Cirque of thermal waters
Cilaos is the most accessible (via a spectacular mountain road) and most touristy cirque: its hot springs (thermal centre), local wines (Chai de Cilaos, unique at this altitude), handmade Cilaos lace, and hikes to Piton des Neiges (3,071m, the highest point in the Indian Ocean). The road of 400 hairpin bends to get there is a spectacle in itself.
Highlights : Route of 400 bends — spectacular access to Cilaos, Piton des Neiges (3,071m) — the roof of the Indian Ocean (overnight hike), Cilaos hot springs — relaxation after the hike, Chai de Cilaos — tasting local Réunion wine.
Saint-Gilles & Lagoon
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains is Réunion's seaside capital: the lagoon protected by the coral reef offers turquoise waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling, Ermitage beach, water sports, and restaurants serving rougail saucisses and fish cari. The sunset from the coast is exceptional.
Highlights : Saint-Gilles lagoon — snorkelling with turtles and colourful fish, Ermitage beach — Réunion's most beautiful beach, Marine reserve — diving with lemon sharks.
Travel budget for Réunion Island
Réunion is a French overseas department — prices are comparable to mainland France, and even slightly higher for groceries (transport costs). Accommodation varies widely: mountain lodges are very affordable, beach hotels pricier. The currency is the euro.
- Backpacker : 80–120 €/j — Gîte + Creole food + public transport
- Comfort : 160–250 €/j — Guesthouse + restaurants + car rental + activities
- Luxury : 350 €+/j — 4★ lagoon hotel + private excursions + helicopter
Practical tips for travelling to Réunion Island
- Flight from Paris : ~11h direct (Air Austral, Corsair, Air France) — daily flights from CDG and Orly
- Visa : No visa required — French territory. A national ID card is sufficient for French citizens.
- Currency : Euro (€) — no currency exchange needed. Bank cards accepted everywhere.
- Language : French (official). Réunion Creole among locals — understandable for a French speaker.
- Electricity : Type E/F (European) — 230V. No adapter needed.
- Health : No mandatory vaccines. No malaria. Dengue risk during the rainy season. Sunscreen essential.
- Tap water : Drinkable everywhere — mainland-quality water.
- Cyclones : Cyclone risk from November to April. Check Météo-France Réunion in case of alert.
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