Is Mauritius or Réunion cheaper?

They sit in a similar bracket — roughly $65–130+/day in Mauritius, $65–130/day in Réunion.

When is the best time to visit Mauritius vs Réunion?

Mauritius is at its best in May–October; Réunion peaks in May–October.

Is Mauritius or Réunion better in August?

Neither has a clear edge in August — they score the same that month. Mauritius has the edge in January, December, Réunion in March, and both are at their best in May, June, July, August, September, October.

How long do you need in Mauritius vs Réunion?

Plan 1–2 weeks for Mauritius and 1–1 for Réunion.

Should I choose Mauritius or Réunion?

Pick Mauritius if you want somewhere stronger for beach. Pick Réunion if you want somewhere stronger for nature, adventure, more off-the-beaten-path. Both deliver on food, so on those either works.

Mauritius vs Réunion

Two strong destinations, different in important ways. Here's the side-by-side, then a verdict on which suits which traveler.

Indian Ocean

Mauritius

A resort island that actually has an interior worth leaving the beach for.

Best time to visit

January: fine
February: avoid
March: avoid
April: fine
May: peak
June: peak
July: peak
August: peak
September: peak
October: peak
November: fine
December: fine

Peak Fine Avoid

Indian Ocean

Réunion

The Indian Ocean’s answer to Hawaii — an active volcano, roadless canyons, and world-class hiking, on French soil.

Best time to visit

January: avoid
February: avoid
March: fine
April: fine
May: peak
June: peak
July: peak
August: peak
September: peak
October: peak
November: fine
December: avoid

Peak Fine Avoid

Read our full guides about Mauritius and Réunion.

Side by side

Emphasised where they differ. Muted rows are much the same either way.

	Mauritius	Réunion
Best time	May–October	May–October
Climate	warm	warm
Budget	Mid-range – Premium · $65–130+/day	Mid-range · $65–130/day
Trip length	1–2 wks	1–1 wks
Visa	Visa-free for most Western passports (up to 90 days). Verify before travel.	France (Schengen rules apply) — visa-free for most Western passports. Verify before travel.
Currency	MUR (Mauritian Rupee).	EUR (€).
Language	Creole, French, and English.	French and Réunion Creole; limited English.
Tap water	Tap water generally safe; many prefer bottled.	Tap water is generally safe in populated areas.
Safety	Very safe; standard precautions for valuables on the beach.	Very safe on land; heed shark warnings and swim only in the protected lagoon areas.

General guidance — visas, safety, and health change, so check your government's travel advisory and the official sources before you go.

Mauritius or Réunion, month by month

Which of the two is the better bet for each month of the year, scored on how well the season suits each place.

Which to choose

Choose Mauritius if:

You want somewhere stronger for beach.

Choose Réunion if:

You want somewhere stronger for nature, adventure.
You want somewhere more off-the-beaten-path.

Both deliver on food — so on those dimensions either works.

Common questions

Is Mauritius or Réunion cheaper?: They sit in a similar bracket — roughly $65–130+/day in Mauritius, $65–130/day in Réunion.
When is the best time to visit Mauritius vs Réunion?: Mauritius is at its best in May–October; Réunion peaks in May–October.
Is Mauritius or Réunion better in August?: Neither has a clear edge in August — they score the same that month. Mauritius has the edge in January, December, Réunion in March, and both are at their best in May, June, July, August, September, October.
How long do you need in Mauritius vs Réunion?: Plan 1–2 weeks for Mauritius and 1–1 for Réunion.
Should I choose Mauritius or Réunion?: Pick Mauritius if you want somewhere stronger for beach. Pick Réunion if you want somewhere stronger for nature, adventure, more off-the-beaten-path. Both deliver on food, so on those either works.