Planning a journey with us? You have questions, concerns, or need information? Below you'll find a comprehensive collection of our most frequently asked questions and answers. A trip—especially a journey to Madagascar—deserves proper preparation so you can experience every moment to the fullest.

When is the best time to travel to the Great Island?

Madagascar experiences highly varied climate conditions depending on the region, season, and altitude. It's possible to travel to Madagascar year-round once you understand the climate you'll encounter.

Traveling during the rainy season (off-season, from January to March) is a fantastic experience because nature is extraordinary. Throughout most of the country, the dry season (April to October) generally contrasts sharply with the rainy season (November to March).

The coasts of the Mozambique Channel (west) are bathed in sunshine and warmth. Rainfall falls regularly along the East Coast (Indian Ocean), the eastern slopes (rainforests), and the northern tip of the Great Island. Located beneath the Tropic of Capricorn, the southwestern regions of the Highlands are considerably more arid. On the Highlands, during the dry season (winter), average temperatures range between 30/35°C on the coasts and 25°C. In Antananarivo, situated at 1,300 m altitude, and across the Highlands, nighttime temperatures can drop to 0°C in July–August.

In summary, key points to remember:

• Along the East Coast and Sainte Marie, monsoon rains are frequent in June and July.
• On the Highlands, evenings are cool. In July–August (austral winter), it's cold.
• When camping, bring a fleece jacket and down jacket for evenings at altitude.
• Cyclones form in the Indian Ocean between January and March, sometimes striking the East Coast, the northern tip, and occasionally the southern tip and west coast.
• Highlands: The center of Madagascar experiences a marked alternation between dry and rainy seasons. Heat is moderated by altitude during the dry season. Nights can be particularly cool. Many visitors are surprised by the chill that sets in during evenings and nights in Antananarivo and surrounding areas in July and August.
• Eastern Madagascar and the Indian Ocean: This is the most rainy region (and therefore the greenest) of the Great Island. Beyond the rainy season, which brings evening showers from November to March, rainfall can be abundant between June and late August, particularly on the island of Sainte-Marie. September and October see the least rainfall.
• Northern Madagascar: Dry and wet seasons are well-defined, but precipitation is lighter than on the East Coast. Trade winds can be fierce around Diego-Suarez between June and October. Nosy Be experiences a pronounced rainy season.
• The West and Mozambique Channel: Dry and wet seasons are marked, but rainfall is very limited and heat is often high. The rainy season lasts approximately from November to February.
• The South and Far South: Semi-arid climate. Precipitation is minimal and the dry season is long and scorching. Sparse rains fall for just a few short weeks in December and January.