in Madagascar: when to go?

tropical climate

Madagascar enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a warm and humid rainy season from November to March, and a cooler dry season from April to October. Temperatures range between 20°C and 30°C depending on the region and altitude. The eastern coast receives more rainfall than the drier west. The central highlands benefit from a more temperate climate. The dry season offers the best conditions for exploring the island: passable roads, clear skies and pleasant temperatures. It's the ideal time to observe endemic wildlife, hike in national parks and enjoy the beaches. Avoid January to March, a cyclonic period with heavy rainfall that makes some roads impassable. The months from April to October represent the optimal window for discovering the Great Island in the best climatic conditions.

Best period
April to October
Good alternatives
November to December
Rainy season
January to March
Ideal:AprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctober
Avoid:JanuaryFebruaryMarch

Year-round overview

Select a month to plan your trip

Ideal (5)Favorable (4)Fair (3)Unfavorable (2)Not recommended (1)

Climate in numbers

Monthly temperatures and precipitation

Temperature (°C)

Precipitation (mm)

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Jan
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Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

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Month by month

Find detailed climate information for each month of the year.

Temperature

22° — 30°C

Precipitation

280 mm

Average temperature

26°C

Rating

Average

By climate zone

General climate Madagascar2/5

Heavy rainfall and cyclone risk. Roads difficult to access, limited activities.

Temperature

22° — 30°C

Precipitation

270 mm

Average temperature

26°C

Rating

Average

By climate zone

General climate Madagascar2/5

Peak rainy season with weather hazards. Travel disruptions.

Temperature

21° — 29°C

Precipitation

220 mm

Average temperature

25°C

Rating

Average

By climate zone

General climate Madagascar2/5

Significant rainfall still, but fewer cyclones. Progressive improvement beginning.

Temperature

19° — 28°C

Precipitation

120 mm

Average temperature

23.5°C

Rating

Good

By climate zone

General climate Madagascar4/5

Transition to the dry season. Improving conditions for visits.

Temperature

16° — 26°C

Precipitation

60 mm

Average temperature

21°C

Rating

Ideal

By climate zone

General climate Madagascar5/5

Ideal conditions: dry weather, pleasant temperatures. Perfect for all itineraries.

Temperature

14° — 24°C

Precipitation

45 mm

Average temperature

19°C

Rating

Ideal

By climate zone

General climate Madagascar5/5

The coolest and driest month. Excellent for hiking and wildlife observation.

Temperature

13° — 23°C

Precipitation

40 mm

Average temperature

18°C

Rating

Ideal

By climate zone

General climate Madagascar5/5

Dry and sunny austral winter. Cool but very pleasant temperatures.

Temperature

14° — 24°C

Precipitation

50 mm

Average temperature

19°C

Rating

Ideal

By climate zone

General climate Madagascar5/5

Excellent month with progressive warming. Ideal for all activities.

Temperature

16° — 26°C

Precipitation

55 mm

Average temperature

21°C

Rating

Ideal

By climate zone

General climate Madagascar5/5

Return of mild temperatures, still dry. Jacaranda blossoms.

Temperature

18° — 28°C

Precipitation

85 mm

Average temperature

23°C

Rating

Good

By climate zone

General climate Madagascar4/5

Final dry days before the rains. Rising temperatures.

Temperature

20° — 29°C

Precipitation

150 mm

Average temperature

24.5°C

Rating

Fair

By climate zone

General climate Madagascar3/5

Gradual onset of rainfall. Still possible but with deteriorating conditions.

Temperature

21° — 30°C

Precipitation

200 mm

Average temperature

25.5°C

Rating

Fair

By climate zone

General climate Madagascar3/5

Onset of the rainy season. Frequent but generally short rains.

Frequently asked questions

Everything about the climate and the best time to visit in Madagascar

The best months to visit in Madagascar are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. This period offers favourable weather and ideal conditions for exploring the country at its best.

Yes, the tropical climate of Madagascar remains warm and humid year-round (average temperature 24.5°C). Seasonal variations mainly concern rainfall rather than temperatures.

The rainy season in Madagascar mainly affects January, February, March. Showers are generally short and intense, often occurring late in the day, followed by beautiful sunny spells.

Absolutely. Traveling in Madagascar during the rainy season even has its advantages: lush landscapes, fewer tourists, more favorable rates. Our local agency adapts itineraries based on actual weather conditions.

Underwater visibility in Madagascar is optimal during the dry season, between April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Water temperature remains pleasant year-round (around 28-30°C). Our agency guides you to the best spots according to the season.

If your travel dates don't match the ideal season in in Madagascar, the Nomadays network brings together more than 100 local agencies worldwide. Get in touch to find out which destination would be ideal for your dates.

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