When to go · Réunion
Réunion in May
Great month. Clear skies return; good hiking and fewer visitors.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Great
- Crowds
- Low
- Réunion
- Prices
- Medium
- Réunion
Verdict
Clear skies return; good hiking and fewer visitors.
Is another month better than May?
No other month rates higher than May for Réunion in this guide.
Weather in May
- West coast (leeward) · Saint-Gilles, L'Hermitage, Saint-Leu, Saint-Pierrebest weather
The dry, sunny side; lagoon swimming all year, hot and humid in summer.
- East coast (windward) · Saint-Benoît, Sainte-Rose, Saint-Philippefine
Among the rainiest places on earth in cyclone season; green, waterfalls, lava flows.
- Cirques · Cilaos, Salazie, Mafatebest weather
Clear mornings, cloud by late morning; June–August nights near 5 °C (41 °F) in Cilaos.Clear mornings, cloud by late morning; June–August nights near 41 °F (5 °C) in Cilaos.
- High peaks and volcano · Piton des Neiges, Piton de la Fournaise, Plaine des Cafresbest weather
Frost possible at the summits June–August; start before dawn for views.
- Saint-Gilles28 °C (82 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 4 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 4 rain days
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Labour Day
1 May
Public holiday.
Victory in Europe Day
8 May
Public holiday.
Ascension and Whit Monday
May–Jun (moves yearly)
Long weekends.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Réunion
- Low
- Prices · Réunion
- Medium
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Réunion, side by side.
Verdict
May: Great
Sep: Great
Crowds
May: Low
Sep: Medium
Prices
May: Medium
Sep: Medium
Festivals listed
May: 3
Sep: 0
May: Clear skies return; good hiking and fewer visitors.
September: Excellent hiking; whales still passing.
Réunion: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
Nothing unusual for the weather this month.
Where to go in May
Rated best or good this month
West coast (leeward)
Best weather of the year (Saint-Gilles, L'Hermitage, Saint-Leu, Saint-Pierre)
Cirques
Best weather of the year (Cilaos, Salazie, Mafate)
High peaks and volcano
Best weather of the year (Piton des Neiges, Piton de la Fournaise, Plaine des Cafres)
Dry season begins; good hiking weather.