RΓ©union Β· Indian Ocean
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We compare the 7-day forecast to the last 5 years of marine data for the same week at Saint-Leu. The delta tells you whether conditions are shaping up better, worse, or about the same as a typical early July.
We score each day of the 7-day forecast using the same algorithm as the leaderboard, and highlight the highest scorer.
Open-Meteo's Marine API (swell height, period, water temperature) and Weather API (wind and conditions).
Honestly, no. Every break has tide windows, swell directions and reef contours that a global model cannot see. Treat the score as a starting point, then check a local cam.
The best week for surf at Saint-Leu is the week of 30 November (score 3/5) with low crowds.
Barely any swell. Not much to work with today. Light offshore holding the lip up. Clean rides on offer.
Heads up: rocks exposed at low tide, and jellyfish: high.
Indicators derived from forecast data, not official warnings. Always check local lifeguard or official advice.
The air here is 70% cleaner than the average comparison city right now.
Significantly cleaner air than a typical city. Ideal for outdoor exercise with minimal respiratory strain.
Not a pollutant. Ozone is naturally higher at altitude and near the coast, and lower in cities where traffic exhaust breaks it down. High readings here typically indicate clean air. Can cause short-term airway irritation during intense exercise but is not linked to the long-term health risks of particulate pollution.
Additive health score: each pollutant contributes points relative to its WHO 2021 guideline and long-term health impact (PM2.5 9, NOβ 5, Oβ 3, PM10 2, SOβ 1 at WHO limits). Data via Open-Meteo. City markers show live readings. Red line marks the WHO guideline. Updated 03:00
Crystal clear water: ~28m visibility
This guide was generated from conditions data. Know this spot? Submit your own tips below.
Saint-Leu is a world-class left-hand reef break on Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean, producing fast, barreling walls over a shallow coral reef shelf. The wave has a professional pedigree, having hosted international competitions. However, the documented presence of bull sharks in the surrounding waters has significantly impacted the surf community here, with government-imposed swimming bans at times affecting access. When conditions align and access permits, the wave is among the finest lefts in the Indian Ocean.
South-westerly groundswells from May through October deliver the most powerful conditions. The wave needs 4ft-plus swell and handles up to 10ft. Easterly offshore trade winds are consistent during the dry season. The wave works best on a mid-tide when the reef has adequate water coverage.
The take-off zone sits on the outside reef ledge where the swell first pitches. The left barrels immediately from the drop before opening into a fast, racing wall. Position on the boil at the reef edge. The deep channel provides entry and exit.
Bull sharks represent a serious and documented threat. Multiple attacks have occurred in the waters around Reunion. Local authorities have imposed swimming/surfing bans at times. The coral reef is shallow and sharp. The wave breaks with significant force. Check current regulations and shark risk assessments before surfing.
Parking in Saint-Leu town near the beach. Access to the water is straightforward. Check local shark alert systems and any active bans before entering. The town has full facilities. Reunion is a French overseas department accessed by flights from Paris or regional hubs.
The shark threat has reduced the number of surfers significantly from historical levels. Those who paddle out are committed and experienced. The French surfing community on Reunion remains dedicated despite the risks. The atmosphere is intense but camaraderie is strong among those sharing the water.
Always check the shark monitoring systems (Vigishark) before entering the water. Never surf alone. Avoid murky water, dawn/dusk sessions, and areas near river mouths. The wave quality is exceptional when conditions align; the barrel section on the take-off rivals anything in the Indian Ocean. A standard shortboard works well. The French-speaking community is welcoming to respectful visitors.
Surf at Saint-Leu
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Daily scores over the last 12 months at Saint-Leu
Based on historical weekly averages
Conditions at Saint-Leu tend to be best between 07:00 to 10:00 in July.
Average score during this window: 34/100
See timing scores, school holiday busyness, and lift pass pricing to find the best time to book.
View Best Time to Go βCombining historical conditions with school holiday crowd pressure to find the sweet spot.
The timing score combines two signals: historical conditions quality (how good the skiing or surfing typically is in a given week, based on 5 years of weather data) and crowd pressure (how many of this destination's feeder markets have school holidays that week).
Crowd pressure is weighted by each feeder country's share of visitors. If 40% of a resort's visitors come from France and France is on holiday, that contributes 0.40 to the crowd pressure score. Crowds can reduce the timing score by up to 35%, ensuring conditions still matter most.
Scores: 5 = great conditions with low crowds (the sweet spot). 4 = great conditions with moderate crowds, or good conditions with low crowds. 3 = average. 2 = below average conditions or very crowded. 1 = poor conditions or peak holiday chaos.
Last 31 days of logged conditions.
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