Best time to travel to Reunion Island

Location

Climate

La Réunion is a volcanic island in the Indian Ocean, about 200 km east of Madagascar. This destination offers a variety of activities and cultural events that attract tourists from all over the world.

Reunion's climate and tourist seasons

Réunion benefits from a tropical climatewith pleasant temperatures all year round. Nevertheless, there are two main seasons on the island: the dry season and the wet season.

Dry season (April to September)

The dry season extends from April to September, when rainfall is lower. Temperatures generally vary between 20 and 26°C along the coast, while they can drop as low as 10°C in the upper reaches of the island. This is the ideal time to discover the lunar landscapes of Piton de la Fournaise, or to enjoy the beaches and lagoon of the west of the island. The dry season also coincides with high tourist seasonwhere prices for accommodation and activities are generally higher.

Wet season (October to March)

The wet season, from October to March, is characterized by higher temperatures (up to 34°C by the sea) and heavy rainfall. Beware of cyclones between January and March. This period corresponds to the low tourist seasonThis can be a great way to take advantage of low rates on accommodation and activities. However, the changeable weather and regular rainfall may limit some outdoor activities.

Main cultural events and public holidays on Reunion Island

Throughout the year, Réunion is the scene of numerous cultural and festive events that set the pace for local life. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the main events not to be missed during your trip:

• Labour Day (May 1st): public holiday celebrated across the island with parades and demonstrations by trade unions.
• Le Grand Boucan (June): a very popular carnival held every year in the streets of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, with floats, masquerade costume and entertainment for all ages.
• Fête de la Musique (June 21): a free, island-wide event featuring open-air concerts and shows, showcasing local and international talent.
• The Liberté Métisse Festival (December 20): a major cultural event celebrating the abolition of slavery on La Réunion and the island's cultural mix. On the program: parades, concerts, exhibitions, workshops, conferences and much more.
• Christmas Party (December 25): a holiday when families get together to share a meal and exchange gifts. The island's churches also host popular midnight masses.
• New Year's Eve (December 31 - January 1): big festivities and fireworks in Réunion's main towns to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.

Low and high season: what to expect?

Low and high season have an influence on the prices of accommodation, transport and tourist activities in La Réunion. Here are a few things to bear in mind when planning your trip:

High season (April to September)

• Rates for accommodation and activities are generally higher.
• It's advisable to book your accommodation and activities in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Tourist numbers are higher, particularly in iconic sites such as Piton de la Fournaise, the Cirque de Cilaos and the beaches on the west side of the island.

Low season (October to March)

• Rates for accommodation and activities are often lower.
• Availability is generally better for accommodation and tourist activities.
• The risk of cyclones between January and March can impact certain outdoor activities and lead to temporary closures of tourist sites.

Reunion, a paradise island in the Indian Ocean, is a French overseas department that attracts thousands of visitors and immigrants every year.

Immigration trends and statistics for Reunion Island

According to the French National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), Réunion's population grew by 35% between 1990 and 2020, from 647,000 to almost 860,000. This rapid demographic growth is partly due to international migration. Indeed, recent years have seen a significant increase in the number of immigrants to Réunion. Between 2006 and 2016, the proportion of immigrants in Réunion's population rose from 3.5 % to 4.8 %. The main countries of origin of immigrants are Madagascarmetropolitan France, the Comorosand Mauritius.

Most popular visas for Reunion Island

As Réunion is a French department, EU nationals do not need a visa to settle here. However, certain categories of visa are particularly popular with foreign nationals wishing to stay on the island.

Short-stay visas

These visas are intended for people wishing to stay in Réunion for a period not exceeding 90 days. They mainly concern tourists and business travelers. In 2019, nearly 17,000 short-stay visas were issued to foreign nationals coming to Réunion.

Long-stay visas

Long-stay visas are granted to people wishing to settle in Réunion for more than 90 days. They include the following:

• The student visa, for people wishing to study in Réunion
• Work visas for employees and self-employed workers
• Family reunion visa, to join a family member already living on the island

In 2019, around 3,400 long-stay visas were issued to foreign nationals in Réunion.

International tourism figures for Réunion

Reunion Island is a popular destination for international tourists, thanks to its breathtaking scenery, pleasant climate and numerous outdoor activities. Let's take a look at some key figures for international tourism on the island.

Tourist numbers

According to the Observatoire du tourisme de la Réunion, around 550,000 visitors came to Réunion in 2019, an increase of 7% on 2018. The main outbound markets are Mainland France (74%), followed by theGermany (4%), and the Belgium (2%).

Hotels and accommodation

The hotel sector plays a crucial role in the development of tourism on Réunion. In 2019, there were almost 200 hotels on the island, offering over 5,000 rooms. Total tourist accommodation capacity (hotels, B&Bs, vacation rentals, etc.) was estimated at around 26,000 beds.

Tourism and the economy

THE tourism is a key sector for reunion's economy. It generates around 5% of the island's gross domestic product (GDP) and employs almost 10,000 people, or 4% of the working population.

International tourist spending

Foreign tourists spend an average of €1,300 during their stay on Réunion. This spending mainly concerns accommodation, catering, leisure activities, and transport. In total, tourism revenues reached nearly €400 million in 2019.