REUNION
When is the best time to travel to Reunion Island ?
Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean
Located 8,420 km from Paris, Réunion Island lies in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
It is part of the Mascarene Archipelago, alongside Mauritius and Rodrigues, all formed by volcanic activity linked to an underwater hotspot.
The island shares its position in the Indian Ocean with several other island territories: to the west, the Comoros Archipelago in the Mozambique Channel; to the north, Sri Lanka and the Seychelles; to the east, Diego Garcia Island, a territory of the United States. Further south are the Éparses Islands, uninhabited lands belonging to the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF).
Thanks to its unique geographical location, Réunion Island is an excellent gateway for exploring the wonders of the Indian Ocean.
What is the best season to travel to Réunion Island?
On Réunion Island, located in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are reversed compared to mainland France, which lies in the Northern Hemisphere.
Summer Solstice
The summer solstice occurs on December 21 and marks the beginning of the austral summer, also known as the rainy season. It is the longest day in terms of sunlight duration, just like June 21 in mainland France. From November to April, warmer and more humid temperatures rise to around 30 °C along the coastlines of Réunion, and tropical rains become common. Despite abundant sunshine, Réunion’s insular position in the heart of the Indian Ocean helps to moderate the intense heat, offering a more temperate climate.
Winter Solstice
After the summer solstice, the days gradually shorten until the winter solstice on June 21, the shortest day of the year in terms of sunlight. The austral winter, which lasts from June to September, is a dry and pleasant season. Temperatures drop to around 20 °C, with a noticeable decrease in rainfall and tropical disturbances. It is the mildest season on the island.
