Sea temperature in Reunion
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 2 beaches on the Reunion coast.
Best time to swim in Reunion
The sea in Reunion peaks in February, when the water averages around 25°C.
The main swimming season runs from January – December, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 12 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
The coldest month is typically July at around 20°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Reunion sits in the Southern Hemisphere, so the warmest sea coincides with the December–February summer and the coolest with July–August.
Reunion sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Reunion shows an annual mean sea temperature of 22°C, ranging from 20°C in winter to 25°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 5°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Reunion, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Reunion sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Reunion?
February is the warmest month in Reunion, when the sea averages about 25°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Reunion?
The coldest month in Reunion is typically July, when the water averages around 20°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Reunion without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Reunion runs from January – December — about 12 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Reunion?
Outside peak summer the water in Reunion drops toward 20°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable. In peak months most swimmers go without.
What is the average sea temperature in Reunion?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Reunion is about 22°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Reunion?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Reunion, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Reunion sea temperature by month
Average sea temperatures around Reunion for every month of the year, based on long-term Open-Meteo marine climatology.
| Month | Average sea | Swimming comfort |
|---|---|---|
| January | 24.0°C | Warm swimming |
| February ⭐ | 25.0°C | Warm swimming |
| March | 24.0°C | Warm swimming |
| April | 23.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| May | 22.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| June | 21.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| July | 20.0°C | Swimmable, refreshing |
| August | 20.0°C | Swimmable, refreshing |
| September | 21.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| October | 22.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| November | 23.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| December | 24.0°C | Warm swimming |
Monthly figures are modelled climatology averages, not live readings. How accurate is our data?
Warmest beaches in Reunion right now
| Beach | Region | Sea | Swim score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hermitage Beach | Reunion | 21.7°C | Excellent |
| Boucan Canot | Reunion | 21.2°C | Excellent |
Sea temperature in Reunion — FAQ
How warm is the sea in Reunion in September?
The sea off Reunion averages about 21.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in Reunion?
Reunion is warmest in February (around 25.0°C) and coldest in July (around 20.0°C). There are typically 8 months a year when the water sits above 22°C.
What is the average yearly sea temperature in Reunion?
Across all twelve months, the sea in Reunion averages about 22.4°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in Reunion?
In peak season (around February, ~25.0°C) most swimmers are comfortable without a wetsuit. Outside summer, when the water drops toward 20.0°C, a 3/2mm to 5/4mm wetsuit is recommended.