The climate of Cilaos
Found nestled in the heart of
Reunion,
Cilaos enjoys a maritime west coast climate with warm summers, classified as Cfb in the Köppen climate classification. The town's yearly weather pattern reveals gentle, nearly consistent temperatures, running from 20.7°C (69.3°F) to 25.9°C (78.6°F).
Rainfall exhibits a more significant fluctuation, with monthly average precipitation ranging from a low of 19mm (0.75") in
September to a high of 193mm (7.6") in
January. Similarly, the number of rainy days follows this pattern, with the lightest falls occurring from September to
November and a peak taking place in the month of January, where an average of 25.1 days of rainfall associates with this location.
Across the year, the daylight ranges from a low of 10.9 hours in
June to a maximum of 13.4 hours in
December. Corresponding with this, the average sunshine hours vary from a minimum of 6.7 hours during
May, June, and
July to a maximum of 10.5 hours in
October. Furthermore, the UV index stays around the value of 5 throughout the year but elevates to 6 during some months.
One aspect that differentiates Cilaos is its cloud cover, which varies less than might be expected, staying between 24% and 41%. This results in adequate visibility of approximately 10 km throughout the year.
The best time to visit Cilaos
The best time to visit
Cilaos often depends on the type of activities the visitor is interested in. For those seeking warmth and sunshine,
October presents the most favorable conditions. During this month, the average temperature is about 22.6°C (72.7°F), and the region experiences 10.5 hours of sunshine, which is the highest for the year, and an average rainfall of a mere 49mm (1.93"). Wind conditions are also favorable, with speeds averaging 14.3km/h (8.9mph).
The worst time to visit Cilaos
January is typically the least favorable month to visit
Cilaos, owing to the high precipitation levels. Rainfall in January averages 193mm (7.6"), considerably higher than other times of the year. Additionally, this inflow of precipitation accompanies an average of 25.1 days of rainfall which implies incessant showers. The average temperature during this period is 25.8°C (78.4°F), with a high relative humidity level of 82%.
Spring Weather in Cilaos
Spring in
Cilaos, which spans from
September to
November, brings mild temperatures and reduced precipitation. Average temperatures stay comfortably between 21.4°C (70.5°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F), making this a time of pleasant, balanced weather. Rainfall during this period is minimal, ranging from 19mm (0.75") to 107mm (4.21"). The number of sunshine hours increases steadily from 9.1 hours in September to 10.3 hours in November.
Summer Weather in Cilaos
The summer months, from
December to
February, are characterized by warmer temperatures and higher levels of precipitation. Temperatures range from 25.3°C (77.5°F) to 25.9°C (78.6°F), but the increased rainfall, peaking at 193mm (7.6") in
January, makes this a much wetter period than other parts of the year. Despite this, sunshine hours remain high, averaging about 10 hours per day.
Autumn Weather in Cilaos
Autumn in
Cilaos, observed between
March and
May, sees average temperatures moderating from 25.7°C (78.3°F) in March to 23.1°C (73.6°F) in May. Rainfall decreases significantly through this period, from 159mm (6.26") in March to 66mm (2.6") in May. Despite the reducing sunlight hours, from 8.1 hours in March to 6.7 hours in May, the conditions during these months are fairly pleasant.
Winter Weather in Cilaos
The winter months of
June to
August are marked by cool temperatures and the least amount of rainfall for the whole year. Temperatures drop to a low of 20.7°C (69.3°F) in
July but rebound to 20.9°C (69.6°F) in August. Rainfall bottoms out at 24mm (0.94") in August, the lowest in the year, and the number of sunshine hours considerably increases to 8.6 hours in August. Therefore, despite being winter, the weather conditions are reasonably pleasant for outdoor activities.
Weather in January
January in
Cilaos,
Reunion basks in warm temperatures, ranging from 23.3°C (73.9°F) to 25.8°C (78.4°F). A high humidity level of 82% contributes to January's atmospheric heaviness. Compared to
February, January experiences a slightly warmer atmosphere, coupled with a higher volume of rain.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February's weather is marginally cooler than
January with a slight reduction in rainfall, coming down to 139mm (5.47") from 193mm (7.6") in the previous month. Although slightly cooler, the weather conditions still maintain a tropical charm.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The arrival of
March brings about a surge in rainfall, jumping to 159mm (6.26"). While the temperatures are more or less stationary with highs touching 25.7°C (78.3°F), the noticeable up-tick in the rain is what distinguishes March.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The weather in
April takes a turn as temperatures slightly dip and reach a high of 24.8°C (76.6°F), and rainfall diminishes to 117mm (4.61"). April bears the signs of the transition from summer to fall, as the rainfall drastically reduces from the prior month.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
May, there's a noticeable downturn in temperatures and rainfall, reaching a low of 66mm (2.6") from 117mm (4.61") in
April. With the increasing fall in temperatures, May marks an amicable retreat of the rainfall and the gradual onset of winter.
Weather in May »Weather in June
As
June advances, winter announces itself with temperatures descending to a minimum of 19.1°C (66.4°F). A mere 40mm (1.57") rainfall characterizes June. Comparing it to
July, June is cooler and experiences a greater quantum of rainfall.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings in the peak of winter with the lowest temperatures of the year and a further fall in the rainfall to 33mm (1.3"). It stands out as the coolest month of the year in
Cilaos, with temperatures remarkably lower than those in
August.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August, the climate slightly heats up with a maximum temperature reaching the mark of 20.9°C (69.6°F). A visible fall in rainfall is marked; just 24mm (0.94") is observed during this month. While the turning temperatures and the reducing rainfall differentiate August from
July, comparing it to
September, August appears slightly cooler and with more rainfall.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Cilaos reassures the ascent of temperatures, with the mercury reaching an average high of 21.4°C (70.5°F). It experiences the year's minimum rainfall of just 19mm (0.75"). Stepping ahead from
August, September brings a rise in temperature with a remarkable fall in precipitation.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October experiences a rise in temperatures and a considerable hike in rainfall touching 49mm (1.93"), from 19mm (0.75") in
September. Despite the climbing temperatures, October is most recognized for its hike in rainfall. Contrastingly, when moving towards
November,
Cilaos climatic conditions showcase an abrupt increase in both maximum temperatures and the volume of rainfall. Cilaos sees the arrival of October with an average high-temperature of a still pleasant 22.6°C (72.7°F), indicating a subtle variation from September.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November, with a jump in rainfall to 107mm (4.21") and an increase in temperatures to 23.7°C (74.7°F), announces the onset of the summer season. Its tropical warmth and substantial rainfall set it apart from the slightly cooler and drier
October.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December, the last month of the year, holds on to the warmth of the summer season with the temperature scale touching 25.3°C (77.5°F). A slight dip in rainfall to 81mm (3.19") marks the arrival of December. Comparing it to the preceding month, December brings reduced rainfall while holding onto the
November warmth.
Weather in December »