"Été austral chaud-humide, cyclones possibles."
Expert on Saint-Gilles · 1 contributions
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Africa & Americas Desk — Mowando·Editor
Africa & Americas Desk — Mowando·EditorThe best periods
The best time to visit Saint-Gilles is May to November (calm sea, humpback whales). The most recommended months are Mai, Octobre, Novembre.
Mai, Juin, Jui, Aoû, Sep, Oct, Nov
Hiver austral — saison reine du lagon
- ✅Mer calme et turquoise dans le lagon (1-3 m de profondeur), visibilité 15-25 m
- ✅Baleines à bosse visibles depuis la côte de juin à octobre (sorties bateau exceptionnelles)
- ✅Climat sec et ensoleillé (300 jours de soleil par an), températures stables (22-28 °C)
- ✅Couchers de soleil spectaculaires depuis Boucan Canot ou L'Hermitage
- ❌Eau du lagon plus fraîche (22-24 °C), légèrement moins agréable que l'été austral
- ❌Vacances scolaires métropolitaines (juillet-août) : plages bondées, hôtels au plus cher
- ❌Vent d'alizé soutenu certains jours, peut gêner la plongée hors lagon
Déc, Jan, Fév, Mar, Avr
Été austral — mer chaude mais risque houle
- ✅Mer chaude (26-28 °C), idéale pour la baignade prolongée
- ✅Coraux en activité reproductrice, snorkeling vivant
- ✅Activités nautiques actives, plages animées en soirée
- ❌Saison cyclonique : houle longue distance pouvant déformer le lagon
- ❌Pluies tropicales fréquentes même sur la côte ouest (épisodes intenses)
- ❌Risque requin renforcé hors lagon (présence accrue, eaux troubles)
Month-by-month climate
Temperatures, rainfall and sunshine in Saint-Gilles across the 12 months.
| Jan | Fév | Mar | Avr | Mai | Juin | Jui | Aoû | Sep | Oct | Nov | Déc | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min | 25° | 25° | 25° | 24° | 22° | 20° | 19° | 19° | 20° | 21° | 22° | 24° |
| Max | 28° | 28° | 28° | 27° | 26° | 24° | 23° | 23° | 23° | 25° | 26° | 27° |
| Mer | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Pluie | 508mm | 613mm | 513mm | 484mm | 144mm | 179mm | 228mm | 173mm | 184mm | 164mm | 173mm | 315mm |
| Soleil/j | 9.9h | 10.1h | 9.7h | 9h | 10h | 9.7h | 9.7h | 10h | 10.2h | 10.6h | 10.9h | 11.2h |
Tourist crowds
Monthly attendance levels (0 = empty, 100 = saturated).
Jan
70
Fév
65
Mar
55
Avr
55
Mai
75
Jui
85
Jui
90
Aoû
90
Sep
80
Oct
70
Nov
65
Déc
75
Frequently asked questions
Is the L'Hermitage beach really beautiful?+
Yes, it is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Fine white sand stretched over almost 2 km, bordered by alignments of filaos (casuarinas) that bring shade, shallow turquoise lagoon (1-3 m) and calm, protected by the coral reef. Family and quiet atmosphere, supervised by lifeguards (MNS) on the equipped zone. Ideal for young children (shallow water, no waves, fine sand) and for snorkelling from the edge. Different from a postcard tropical beach like Maldives or Bora Bora — more discreet, more French — but of authentic beauty. Even more peaceful at La Saline-les-Bains, 2 km south.
Is snorkeling worth it?+
Yes, provided you choose the right spot. The Marine Reserve of Trou d'Eau at La Saline-les-Bains (free access from the beach) is one of the best walk-in spots: parrotfish, angelfish, clownfish, leopard rays, sometimes green turtles. The L'Hermitage beach in front of the outer reef is also excellent. Bring your mask-snorkel or rent on site (€10-15/day). Avoid touching the coral (fragile and protected), only use ecological sunscreen without oxybenzone (banned in the Marine Reserve). Snorkelling outing supervised by boat possible (€40-60/person, 2h) to reach spots inaccessible from the edge.
When to see humpback whales?+
The season runs from June to October, with a peak in July-August-September. Humpback whales come up from Antarctica to give birth and mate in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean — Réunion's west coast is their main migratory corridor. Boat outings (€60-80/person, 3h on average) leave from Saint-Gilles and Saint-Leu, supervised by the Quiétude charter which imposes respectful distances and observation times. Several accredited providers: Le Grand Bleu, Bleu Marine Croisières, Mer Découverte. Book 2-3 days in advance in high season. Probability of observation: 70-90% depending on period and luck.
Why is swimming banned in places?+
Since 2011, several fatal bull shark attacks on the west coast (Saint-Paul, Étang-Salé, Saint-Leu outside supervised zone) have led to a prefectoral order banning swimming and surfing outside protected lagoons and a few zones supervised by Reinforced Shark Watchers (VRR). Inside the lagoon of Saint-Gilles, L'Hermitage, La Saline and Étang-Salé (protected by a continuous coral reef), swimming and snorkelling are safe and authorised. Outside the lagoon (Boucan Canot, partially Roches Noires, rocky beaches): strictly forbidden outside VRR zones (Saint-Leu, Boucan Canot summer). Strictly respect flags and signs: fine and vital danger.
Which hotels to choose in Saint-Gilles or L'Hermitage?+
Depending on your budget. Upper end: Lux Saint-Gilles (5 stars, private beach, spa, €280-450/night), Hôtel Le Récif (4-star superior, direct lagoon access, €200-350/night). Comfort: Iloha Seaview Hotel (4 stars, sea view, €180-280/night), Le Saint-Alexis (4 stars, Boucan Canot, €150-220/night). Mid-range: Akoya Hôtel & Spa (3-star superior, €120-180), Le Boucan Canot Hôtel (3 stars, €100-150). Budget: many guesthouses at L'Hermitage and Saint-Gilles (€60-100/night). Book 2-3 months in advance in high season (July-August, Christmas holidays).
What to do during 2-3 days in Saint-Gilles?+
Day 1: beach and lagoon at L'Hermitage or La Saline (snorkelling), sunset aperitif at Boucan Canot, dinner at the port of Saint-Gilles. Day 2: humpback whale outing by boat in the morning (3h, June-October) or scuba diving (2 dives, €80-110), afternoon beach relaxation or Saint-Paul market (Friday-Saturday). Day 3: paragliding flight at Saint-Leu (€90-110, 15-20 min, tandem discovery) in the morning, afternoon Kélonia (aquarium and turtle refuge, €9) or excursion to Maïdo (belvedere on Mafate at 1h30 from Saint-Gilles). Bonus: Saint-Paul market, largest market on the island (Friday 7am-2pm, Saturday 7am-12pm).
Where to eat in Saint-Gilles and L'Hermitage?+
Saint-Gilles concentrates the tourist offer but also some very good addresses. On the marina: Le Manta (modern Creole cuisine, port view), Loca Lova (seafood), Bonne Marmite (traditional carry). At L'Hermitage: Chez Loulou for feet in the sand (simple cuisine, beach atmosphere), Le Lagon Bleu. At Boucan Canot: Le Cap Méchant for the sunset. For street food: camions bars (mobile food stalls) along the seafront for samosas, bouchons and bols renversés. Absolutely taste the fish carry, rougail saucisse, and lychee in season (December-January). Local beers Dodo and Bourbon.
Our verdict
Saint-Gilles - L'Hermitage is the essential beach setting of a stay in Réunion. This is where you decompress from the long-haul flight, where you savour sunsets over the lagoon from Boucan Canot, where you swim with humpback whales from June to October and where you treat yourself to the tropical resort experience with French comfort. The protected turquoise lagoon is the only truly safe swimming area on the island, and the snorkelling quality at L'Hermitage and La Saline is remarkable. Plan 2 to 3 nights on site as part of a complete 10-14 day stay — enough to enjoy the lagoon, do a whale outing (season) and a paragliding lesson at Saint-Leu, without locking yourself into just beach comfort when the cirques and volcano await.
