When to go
The best time to visit Réunion is the austral winter, ie
from mid-May to October, since it's the coolest and driest period of the year, and out of the hurricane season. However, during this period, the weather can be a bit cool for a beach holiday, also because of the trade winds, which blow especially along the eastern and southern coasts. You can then take advantage of the mild temperatures to explore the interior of the island (but remember that in winter, it is cold in the high mountains).
Alternatively, you can prefer
the second half of May and the month of October, which are slightly warmer, and in any case, you can choose the north-west coast, which is more sheltered from the wind.
Orchids bloom especially at the end of winter, ie between late September and October.
If you want to go in January and February, a period which in any case is not recommended because of the risk of cyclones, you can choose the west coast, from Le Port to Saint-Pierre, which is less rainy even during this period.
What to pack
In
winter (May to October): on the coast, bring light clothes, a sweatshirt or sweater, a light jacket, and a scarf for the breeze. In Cilaos, spring/autumn clothes, and a raincoat. When going mountain climbing, bring hiking boots, a fleece, a jacket, and a raincoat.
In
summer (December to arch): along the coast, bring tropics-friendly, loose-fitting clothing, light shirts and pants of natural fibers (cotton, linen), a light sweatshirt for the evening, and a light raincoat or umbrella. In Cilaos, bring light clothes, a sweatshirt or sweater, a light jacket, and a raincoat.
Back to the climate of
Reunion