Best Time to Visit Saint-Denis

Two seasons, not four

Saint-Denis sits on Reunion's north coast, and the year splits into a warm, wet summer and a cooler, drier winter. Summer runs roughly from December to April. Winter runs from May to October. November is a short, pleasant bridge between them.

January to March is the rainy season. Expect sticky afternoons and heavy downpours. It rains on about 19 days a month, though that often means short, loud showers rather than all-day grey. This is also cyclone season in the southwest Indian Ocean. Storms are not constant, but one can close roads and trails for a few days, so keep your plans loose.

May to October: the easy months

This is when the island is at its best. Days are warm but not heavy, and evenings are cool enough for a light jacket. July and August are the coolest, with highs around 23°C. Rain is rare, and sunshine builds toward October.

Want to hike? This is your window. The trails in the Cirque de Mafate and Cirque de Cilaos (huge volcanic bowls inland) are clearer and safer. The drive up to Piton de la Fournaise, the active volcano, is also easier on a dry day. Hikers should still expect cold, misty mornings up high.

Beach days are fine in winter too, though the sea is cooler. Nearby Saint-Gilles on the west coast is the usual choice for swimming, and it's sunnier than the north.

Crowds and events

The busiest time is the southern-hemisphere summer break, mainly December and January, when French school holidays and family visits fill flights and rentals. July and August are also busy, because of the French summer holidays. If you hate crowds, May, June, September and October give you the same good weather with more room.

December is a good compromise if you like heat. It's warm, with rain at only 43 mm for the month. Late December brings the Christmas season, and Reunion's mix of Creole, Indian, Chinese and African traditions shows up in food and festivals.

November is the quiet sweet spot. It's warm, dry-ish and sunny, with fewer visitors. Travelling with kids? Early November is easier than the school holidays.

Try a rougail saucisse (sausage in a spicy tomato sauce) at a local snack stall, and walk the seafront Barachois at sunset whatever month you come.