Planning 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 — swinging between intense heat, high humidity and heavy rain — demands careful preparation. Indeed, depending on the time of year, weather conditions can vary considerably, directly affecting your comfort and safety on your hikes.
From October to March, Réunion experiences its 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 bag
To make your hiking trip to Réunion a success, choosing clothing suited to the island's varied conditions is essential. Depending on altitude, the climate can change dramatically — from hot and humid at lower elevations to much cooler temperatures at height. You'll 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 everywhere and can carry serious diseases such as dengue fever and malaria. One of the best ways to protect yourself effectively is to wear mosquito-repellent travel clothing. These garments are treated with permethrin, a 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 full-body protection. The main advantage of this solution is its practicality: no more applying repellent lotions or sprays to your skin before every hiking trip. Just put on your clothes and you're protected for the duration of your activity. This durable protection is particularly valued when venturing onto remote trails where mosquitoes are abundant.
Lightweight, breathable clothing for the heat
In the tropics, heat and humidity can quickly become exhausting. To handle these conditions, it's essential to prioritise lightweight, breathable clothing made from technical materials. Choose thin garments in polyester or natural fibres such as linen, which allow the skin to breathe while wicking away sweat. These technical fabrics draw moisture away from the skin and keep it dry, reducing the risk of irritation and rashes.
Also, 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 airflow. 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 exposed 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 face cooler, windier conditions — particularly at the summit of Piton de la Fournaise. Protecting yourself from the wind and cold is therefore essential.
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 protective outer layer that shields 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 life on Réunion. Tropical downpours can strike quickly and unpredictably. It's therefore essential to carry waterproof clothing in your pack to stay dry. Go for a lightweight, stretch waterproof hiking jacket to keep you mobile while protecting you from the rain.
Quality waterproof jackets must have sealed seams and a breathable membrane to prevent internal moisture build-up while protecting you from the elements outside. Choose a jacket that offers good ventilation, so you can wear it during exertion without overheating. The goal is to keep you comfortable while staying well protected against rain and moisture.
It's also worth packing waterproof trousers for hiking 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.
Opting for multi-functional clothing
On your hikes around Réunion, it's often more practical to wear versatile, multi-functional clothing. For example, convertible trousers are an ideal option: you can switch them to shorts when the heat becomes stifling, then convert them back to trousers in the evening or in cooler areas. This type of clothing helps you save space in your pack while giving you great flexibility throughout your hikes.
Also, choose clothing with practical pockets to store your personal items, such as a phone, a map or energy bars. Some trousers and jackets even come with hidden pockets to keep your valuables safe, which is particularly useful when hiking in more remote areas.
Footwear suited to mountain and tropical conditions
Hiking trails on Réunion can be extremely varied, ranging from muddy paths to rocky terrain at altitude. It's therefore essential to wear suitable hiking shoes: robust, breathable and waterproof.
Shoes must offer good ankle support, especially if you're hiking on uneven trails or steep terrain. Prioritise shoes with a strong grip for maximum stability, and make sure they are suited to wet conditions, such as those commonly found at lower mountain elevations or when crossing rivers.
Hiking socks are also a key part of your comfort. Choose breathable, blister-resistant socks that wick moisture away quickly and reduce the risk of irritation. Don't forget to pack several pairs to stay dry throughout your hike.
