Best Time to Visit Madagascar

°C°F
  • Excellent
  • Good
  • Fair
  • Poor
  • JanAvg Daily: 26 ° CAvg Nightly: 17 ° C
  • FebAvg Daily: 26 ° CAvg Nightly: 17 ° C
  • MarAvg Daily: 26 ° CAvg Nightly: 16 ° C
  • AprAvg Daily: 25 ° CAvg Nightly: 15 ° C
  • MayAvg Daily: 23 ° CAvg Nightly: 12 ° C
  • JunAvg Daily: 21 ° CAvg Nightly: 10 ° C
  • JulAvg Daily: 20 ° CAvg Nightly: 10 ° C
  • AugAvg Daily: 21 ° CAvg Nightly: 10 ° C
  • SepAvg Daily: 24 ° CAvg Nightly: 11 ° C
  • OctAvg Daily: 26 ° CAvg Nightly: 13 ° C
  • NovAvg Daily: 27 ° CAvg Nightly: 15 ° C
  • DecAvg Daily: 26 ° CAvg Nightly: 16 ° C
  • 644 views
  • ~ mins read
You can share the above illustration on your site via this link

Madagascar may be a forest paradise, in the veritable heart of Africa, and that makes it a perfect holiday destination all year round. Madagascar is known for its lush forests, varied wildlife, rich history and cultural heritage. Visit the Rova forts of Tana, the plantations of Domaine Aavyland or the presidential palace, and have a blast doing so. Madagascar definitely has something for everyone! As with most countries, it may be critical to find out the weather in Madagascar so you can visit when it’s just right. Want to know when to visit Madagascar? Read on to find out!

Great tour
  • Adel Zakaria
  • From USA
5 - Excellent
“I really enjoyed this tour, it gives a very good overview of the country, culture, Na...” Read More
View Incredible Tours in Madagascar

Quick Facts

  • High Season: July - August.
  • Low Season: January - March.
  • All Seasons: April - June, July - August, September - November, December - March.
  • The best time to visit Madagascar is between July - August when the weather is comparatively cooler as these are the winter months for Madagascar. While Madagascar may not get as wet or cold as some of its other African counterparts, a decent chill may be felt in most areas. July to August is also a high season as that is when most schools in Europe have vacation, and most major tourist areas get a lot of tourists.
  • The low season is between January to March when the coasts are susceptible to cyclones and the rainy season renders many areas inaccessible.
  • The shoulder periods of Madagascar from April to June and September to November are also good times to visit as the climate is in transition from winter to summer, and days are on the warmer side.

Madagascar is a country that enjoys beautiful weather almost the entire year round. When to visit Madagascar is a question you need to ask yourself, after you have decided which parts of the country you’d wish to visit. The northern part of the country is mostly hot, whereas the east is rather wet. The only season you should definitely avoid is between January and March, which is the peak of the hurricane season (February is the peak cyclone month).

The best time to visit Madagascar is between July and August. This is the peak tourist season, but the skies are usually clear, and the beaches are welcoming. This is the best time to explore the island, for all areas of the country will be open and accessible.

The shoulder months of April to June, and September to November, are also good months to visit the country. The weather in Madagascar is pleasant, and beautiful. The off-season means that you will have a number of discounted travel and accommodation options to choose from as well.

Seasonal Overview

July to August — Winter Season / High Season

Limestone formations in Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve
Madagascar has many interesting sites to visit, like the unique limestone formations of Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve.

The weather in Madagascar is rather pleasant during these months. The temperature is lower, and there is lesser rain, making this the ideal season to travel in. All parts of the country will be accessible, making it easier for you to explore without having to worry about blocked roads! This is the peak season, as it is the summer season for European and North American travelers, so make sure you book your tickets and accommodation early.

  • Avg. Temperature: 50 – 70° F / 10 – 21° C (in Antananarivo)
  • Rainfall: 10 – 11 mm
  • Season: Winter
  • Highlights: This is the best time to visit Madagascar if you want to see the humpback whales. Madagascar offers great beachside accommodation, such as Diego Suarez, Ile Sainte - Marie, or Nosy Be, where you will be able to relax and explore the marine life (especially in Ile Sainte Marie). This is also a great time to spot baby lemurs, or go bird watching in Andasibe - Mantadia, or Masoala. This is the best season to visit Tsingy de Bemaraha, one of Madagascar’s most unique and astonishing natural structures (be prepared for a daring adventure)!

September to November — Spring Season / Good Season

Madagascar is home to some of the most beautiful beaches
Relax and enjoy the sunset by the most beautiful beaches in Madagascar.

Between September and November, the weather is quite good, but in some parts of the country, rains do pick up. The weather is warm, and the nights will be warmer than they were in July and August. Most of the tourists would have already left, so you will not have to worry about high costs of accommodation.

  • Avg. Temperature: 52 – 81° F / 11 – 27° C (in Antananarivo)
  • Rainfall: 11 – 188 mm
  • Season: Spring
  • Highlights: This is still a good season for you to head to Ile Sainte Marie and spot the humpback whales migrating from the cold waters of the Antarctic. This is the best time for you to spot a number of migratory birds at Andasibe, Mantadia, and Ranomafana National Parks. It will be the experience of a life time! In October, a Jazz festival, Madajazzcar Festival, celebrating musicians from around the Indian Ocean, is hosted in Antananarivo.

December to March — Monsoon Season / Low Season

It is the peak monsoon season between December and March, and it is highly recommended that you do not visit Madagascar during this period. February is the peak season for cyclones, and most channels of transport within the island will be restricted due to the rains and bad road conditions.

  • Avg. Temperature: 61 – 79° F / 16 – 26° C (in Antananarivo)
  • Rainfall: 204 – 310 mm
  • Season: Monsoon
  • Highlights: This would be the cheapest time to visit Madagascar, as there will be little to no tourists. You will get extreme discounts on accommodation, but travel availability will be highly restricted.

April to June — Fall Season / Good Season

Madagascar is famous for its unique wildlife and its various landscapes
Madagascar, the Great Red Island's breathtaking landscape under the sunset.

The rains begin to reduce by April, in most parts of the country. The sun starts to shine between these scattered showers. This makes it a decent season to travel to Madagascar as well!

  • Avg. Temperature: 50 – 77° F / 10 – 25° C (in Antananarivo)
  • Rainfall: 8 – 65 mm
  • Season: Fall
  • Highlights: The Santabary Festival, an ancient celebration that gives thanks for the harvest is celebrated in the month of April and May. This festival is particularly beautiful, and is full of music, dance and local traditions.
Plan a trip to MadagascarWe offer different tour types. You can also chat with a local travel specialist if you want a customized tour to Madagascar.
  • Lanto Andrianasolo
    Lanto AndrianasoloTravel Expert in Madagascar
  • Belaza Zafifenjaha
    Belaza ZafifenjahaTravel Expert in Madagascar
Our travel experts are recommended by:
  • BBC
  • Independent
  • Lonely Planet
0 COMMENTSWe welcome your questions or comments to this article. Our travel experts will respond within 48 hours.