Réunion in May
Great time to visit
May hits the sweet spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Excellent weather, manageable crowds, and all activities running at full capacity make this a top-tier month to visit.
Weather
Autumn arrives with perfect hiking weather. Temperatures sit in that ideal range where you're comfortable in shorts during the day but want a light jacket for mountain evenings. Humidity holds steady around 65-70%, and rain is mostly brief afternoon affairs.
26°C high19°C low6 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$105/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Fête de la Musique preparations
- •Labor Day (May 1st)
May Tips
- •Perfect month for the GR R2 trail around the island
- •Book volcano tours early - weather is ideal for summit attempts
- •Coastal waters are still warm enough for comfortable swimming
All Months
Réunion's seasons flip the script. April through November brings the dry season – cooler temperatures, less humidity, and clearer skies for hiking. This is peak time for the high country, when trails stay passable and views stretch to the horizon.
December through March is cyclone season. The weather gets hot, humid, and unpredictable. But here's the thing – this is when the waterfalls rage and the vegetation explodes in green. If you can handle afternoon downpours and the occasional flight delay, you'll have the island mostly to yourself.
July and August see French families descend for school holidays. Book accommodations early and expect crowds at popular beaches. But the weather stays perfect – 25°C on the coast, 15°C in the mountains.
Shoulders seasons (April-May and September-October) offer the sweet spot. Good weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable prices. The ocean stays warm from summer, perfect for water activities.
Réunion Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
7/10
Families
7/10
Adventure
9/10
Budget
6/10
Luxury
6/10
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