Best Time to Visit Madagascar

• 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.

For an unforgettable journey, explore our recommendations for the best time of the year to go to Madagascar, ensuring you experience its incredible wildlife, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture under the most favorable conditions throughout the year.

1. Winter in Madagascar — July to August 

The weather in Madagascar is rather pleasant during these months. The temperature is lower, and there is less rain, making this one of the best months to visit Madagascar. 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)!

2. Spring in Madgascar — September to November 

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, making it one of the best time to travel to Madagascar. 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.

3. Monsoon in Madagascar — December to March 

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.

4. Fall in Madagascar — April to June 

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.