Preparing your hiking trip to Réunion: the climate
Réunion, located in the Indian Ocean, offers a unique hiking experience thanks to its diverse landscapes and tropical climate. However, this climate — oscillating between intense heat, high humidity and heavy rainfall — requires thorough preparation. Depending on the time of year, weather conditions can vary considerably, directly affecting your comfort and safety during your hikes.
From October to March, Réunion experiences a tropical summer, characterised by temperatures around 28°C and often high humidity. This is also the season for cyclones and heavy rainfall, which can make some trails slippery and muddy. From April to September, on the other hand, the island enters its austral winter, with cooler temperatures around 20°C and drier weather. This is the ideal season for hiking, with less muddy trails and more pleasant temperatures.
The right clothing to pack in your suitcase
To make your hiking trip in Réunion a success, it's crucial to choose clothing suited to the island's varied conditions. Depending on altitude, the climate can change dramatically, from warm and humid zones at the foot of the mountains to much cooler temperatures at height. You'll therefore need to pack technical, practical clothing that delivers comfort, protection and safety throughout your adventure.
Protecting yourself from mosquitoes
In a tropical climate, mosquitoes are ubiquitous and can carry serious diseases such as dengue fever or malaria. To protect yourself effectively, one of the best solutions is to wear mosquito-repellent travel clothing. These garments are treated with permethrin, a highly powerful repellent that protects against insects and other arachnids. Permethrin is not only effective against disease-carrying mosquitoes but also against ticks, fleas and other parasites.
Permethrin-treated clothing is available as shirts, trousers, shorts and even socks, providing complete protection. The main advantage of this solution is its practicality: no more applying lotions or repellent sprays to your skin before every hiking trip. Simply put on your clothing and you'll be protected for the full duration of your activity. This durable protection is particularly appreciated when venturing onto remote trails where mosquitoes are plentiful.
Lightweight, breathable clothing for the heat
In the tropics, heat and humidity can quickly become exhausting. To cope with these conditions, it's essential to opt for lightweight, breathable clothing made from technical materials. Choose thin garments in polyester or natural materials such as linen, which allow the skin to breathe while wicking away sweat. These technical fabrics draw moisture away and keep your skin dry, reducing the risk of irritation and skin rashes.
Additionally, opt for loose-fitting clothing, such as t-shirts or long-sleeved shirts to protect your arms from the sun and insects while allowing good air circulation. To avoid overheating, choose light colours: they reflect heat and will keep you cooler than dark clothing, which absorbs light.
Clothing for wind and cold
Although Réunion is primarily tropical, the island is subject to strong winds, especially at altitude. If you venture onto the high plateau trails or into the island's volcanic massifs, you'll be exposed to cooler and windier conditions, particularly at the summit of Piton de la Fournaise. It's therefore essential to protect yourself from the wind and the cold.
For this, a softshell jacket is an ideal choice. These jackets are designed to be both breathable and waterproof, offering excellent wind protection while allowing body moisture to escape. They are generally made up of three layers: a waterproof membrane, thermal insulation (often fleece) and a durable outer layer that protects against the elements. This type of garment is particularly well suited to mountain environments and will keep you comfortable even in cool, windy conditions.
Waterproof clothing for the rainy season
During the wet season, especially from November to March, rain is an integral part of the Réunion climate. Tropical downpours can arrive quickly and without warning. It's therefore essential to have waterproof clothing in your bag to stay dry. Go for a lightweight, stretch waterproof hiking jacket to ensure your freedom of movement while staying protected from the rain.
Quality waterproof jackets should feature taped seams and a breathable membrane to prevent internal moisture build-up while protecting you from the elements outside. Opt for a jacket that offers good ventilation, so you can wear it without risking overheating during exertion. The aim is to maintain your comfort while staying well protected against rain and humidity.
It's also wise to pack waterproof trousers for hikes on muddy terrain or if you expect to cross rivers or waterlogged areas. Indeed, a pair of waterproof trousers will ensure you stay dry even if you have to walk through water.
Opting for multifunctional clothing
During your hikes in Réunion, it's often more practical to have versatile and multifunctional clothing. For example, a convertible trouser is an ideal option: you can convert it into shorts when the heat becomes overwhelming, then switch back to trousers in the evening or in cooler areas. This type of garment lets you optimise space in your bag while giving you great flexibility during your hikes.
Furthermore, choose clothing with practical pockets for storing personal items such as a phone, a map or energy bars. Some trousers and jackets are even fitted with hidden pockets to keep your valuables safe, which is particularly useful when hiking in more remote areas.
Footwear suited to the mountains and tropical conditions
Hiking trails in Réunion can vary enormously, ranging from muddy paths to rocky terrain at altitude. It's therefore essential to have suitable hiking shoes: robust, breathable, and waterproof.
Footwear should offer good ankle support, especially when hiking on rough or steep terrain. Prioritise shoes with a good grip to ensure maximum stability, and make sure they are suited to wet conditions, such as those frequently encountered at the base of mountains or when crossing rivers.
Hiking socks are also a key element of your comfort. Choose breathable, blister-resistant socks that wick away moisture quickly and reduce the risk of irritation. Don't forget to pack several pairs to stay dry throughout the hike.
