Preparing your Réunion hike: the climate
Réunion, located in the Indian Ocean, offers a unique hiking experience thanks to its diverse landscapes and tropical climate. However, this climate—which oscillates between intense heat, high humidity and heavy rainfall—requires meticulous preparation. Depending on the time of year, weather conditions can vary considerably, directly influencing your comfort and safety during your hikes.
From October to March, Réunion experiences tropical summer, characterised by temperatures around 28°C and often high humidity. This is also the season for cyclones and heavy rain, which can make some trails slippery and muddy. In contrast, from April to September, the island enters its austral winter, with cooler temperatures around 20°C and drier weather. This is the ideal season for hiking, with trails less muddy and temperatures more pleasant.
The right clothing to pack in your suitcase
To succeed on your Réunion hike, it's crucial to choose clothing suited to the island's varied conditions. Depending on altitude, the climate can change drastically, with hot, humid zones at the base of the mountains and much cooler temperatures at height. You'll therefore need to plan for technical, practical clothing that offers comfort, protection and safety throughout your adventure.
Protecting yourself from mosquitoes
In a tropical climate, mosquitoes are omnipresent and can carry serious diseases such as dengue or malaria. To protect yourself effectively, one of the best solutions is to wear anti-mosquito travel clothing. These garments are treated with permethrin, a highly effective 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 in the form of shirts, trousers, shorts and even socks, allowing complete protection. The main advantage of this solution is its practicality: no need to apply lotions or repellent sprays to your skin before each hike. Put on your clothing and you're protected for the entire duration of your activity. This long-lasting protection is particularly appreciated when you venture onto isolated trails where mosquitoes are numerous.
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 favour lightweight, breathable clothing made from technical materials. Choose thin garments in polyester or natural materials like linen, which allow the skin to breathe while wicking away perspiration. These technical fabrics evacuate moisture and allow your skin to stay dry, reducing the risk of irritation and rashes.
Additionally, opt for loose-fitting clothing, such as t-shirts or shirts with long sleeves 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 that 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 trails of the high plateaus or into the island's volcanic massifs, you'll be exposed to cooler, windier conditions, particularly at the summit of Piton de la Fournaise. It's therefore essential to protect yourself from wind and cold.
For this, a softshell jacket is an ideal choice. These jackets are designed to be both breathable and waterproof, offering excellent protection against wind while allowing body moisture to escape. They're generally composed of three layers: a waterproof membrane, thermal insulation (often fleece) and a resistant outer layer that protects against the elements. This type of garment is particularly suited to mountain environments and will allow you to stay comfortable even in cool, windy weather.
Waterproof clothing for the rainy season
During the wet season, especially from November to March, rain is an integral part of Réunion's climate. Tropical downpours can occur quickly and unpredictably. It's therefore essential to have waterproof clothing in your pack to stay dry. Favour a waterproof hiking jacket, lightweight and stretch, to guarantee your mobility while protecting you from rain.
Quality waterproof jackets must feature taped seams and a breathable membrane to prevent internal moisture while protecting you from external weather. Opt for a jacket that offers good ventilation, so you can wear it without risk of overheating during exertion. The goal is to maintain your comfort while staying well protected against rain and humidity.
It's also wise to plan for waterproof trousers for hikes on muddy terrain or if you expect to cross rivers or waterlogged areas. A pair of waterproof trousers will ensure you stay dry even if you have to walk through water.
Favour multifunctional clothing
During your Réunion hikes, it's often more practical to have versatile, multifunctional clothing. For example, convertible trousers are an ideal option: you can transform them into shorts when the heat becomes overwhelming, then convert them back to trousers in the evening or in cooler areas. This type of garment allows you to optimise space in your pack while offering great flexibility during your hikes.
Additionally, choose clothing with practical pockets to slip in your personal items, such as a phone, map or energy bars. Some trousers and jackets are even equipped with hidden pockets to protect your valuables, which is particularly useful when hiking in more isolated areas.
Footwear suited to mountains and tropical conditions
Hiking trails in Réunion can be highly varied, ranging from muddy paths to rocky terrain at altitude. It's therefore essential to have suitable hiking boots: robust, breathable and waterproof.
Footwear must offer good ankle support, especially if you're hiking on rough trails or steep terrain. Favour boots with good grip to ensure maximum stability, and make sure they're suited to wet conditions, such as those often found at the base of mountains or when crossing rivers.
Hiking socks are also a key element of your comfort. Choose breathable, anti-blister socks that quickly wick away moisture and reduce the risk of irritation. Don't forget to pack several pairs to stay dry throughout your hike.
