When to Go to Madagascar
When is the Best Time to Go to Madagascar?
The great thing about this destination is that there is no one best month to visit Madagascar, but rather a season. May to October is the island country’s dry season and is widely considered the best time to go to Madagascar as it’s much cooler, there’s less rainfall, and conditions are ideal for observing wildlife, as well as enjoying the outdoors.
This does not mean that September to April is any less exciting. There are plenty of reasons to visit Madagascar outside of dry season too. Our month-by-month guide takes you through everything you need to know about travelling to Madagascar no matter the time of year.
Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Antananarivo |
27°C
340mm |
27°C
290mm |
27°C
191mm |
26°C
55mm |
24°C
19mm |
21°C
4mm |
21°C
8mm |
22°C
6mm |
24°C
10mm |
26°C
68mm |
27°C
135mm |
27°C
311mm |
Amber Mountain National Park & Joffreville |
27°C
313mm |
27°C
278mm |
27°C
225mm |
26°C
99mm |
26°C
25mm |
25°C
22mm |
23°C
30mm |
24°C
23mm |
25°C
15mm |
26°C
24mm |
27°C
70mm |
27°C
222mm |
Anakao |
33°C
88mm |
32°C
76mm |
32°C
36mm |
32°C
13mm |
30°C
15mm |
28°C
12mm |
27°C
5mm |
27°C
4mm |
29°C
10mm |
31°C
14mm |
31°C
34mm |
33°C
76mm |
Fort Dauphin |
29°C
222mm |
30°C
187mm |
29°C
215mm |
28°C
111mm |
27°C
119mm |
25°C
116mm |
24°C
114mm |
24°C
109mm |
25°C
67mm |
27°C
74mm |
28°C
110mm |
28°C
110mm |
île Sainte-Marie |
29°C
334mm |
30°C
416mm |
29°C
484mm |
28°C
406mm |
27°C
309mm |
25°C
266mm |
24°C
261mm |
24°C
181mm |
25°C
119mm |
26°C
77mm |
28°C
113mm |
29°C
251mm |
Mantadia National Park |
27°C
325mm |
27°C
333mm |
27°C
268mm |
26°C
108mm |
24°C
72mm |
22°C
90mm |
20°C
90mm |
20°C
78mm |
22°C
58mm |
25°C
52mm |
27°C
129mm |
27°C
263mm |
Ranomafana National Park |
27°C
375mm |
27°C
295mm |
26°C
284mm |
25°C
97mm |
24°C
60mm |
22°C
63mm |
20°C
57mm |
21°C
51mm |
23°C
45mm |
26°C
43mm |
27°C
148mm |
27°C
271mm |
Wet Season | ||||||||||||
Dry Season | ||||||||||||
Whale Shark Season | ||||||||||||
Lemur Breeding Season | ||||||||||||
Best Time to Go |
Scroll For More
Month-by-Month Guide for Travelling to Madagascar
Visiting Madagascar from January to March
January to March is Madagascar’s low season, also known as cyclone season. It’s advised to not travel to the Southern African country during this time as heavy rains and cyclones are prevalent, with many accommodations closing and roads becoming muddy and impassable. Not to mention, it’s the region’s summertime, which means soaring temperatures and humid weather.
However, if you prefer to travel out of season and don’t mind a bit of heavy rains, there are benefits to visiting the island in the off season. For one, hotels in Madagascar lower their prices. And with the sparse number of tourists visiting, you’ll feel like you have this haven all to yourself.
Sojourning Madagascar from April to June
April, May and June are shoulder season on the island and regarded as the best time of year to visit Madagascar to see newborn animals and the lush, green landscape. The weather begins to cool down and bar the odd heavy downpour, days are characterised by light showers with the sun peeking through.
Now that cyclone season is over and the sun starts making an appearance, the wildlife is enticed to come out from hiding. And since it’s not yet peak season, visiting during this time means fewer tourists and better weather for outdoor activities.
The rainforest also comes alive with unique flora and fauna. Be sure to take some time to immerse yourself in the untamed nature.
Travelling to Madagascar in July & August
July and August are the beginning of high season in Madagascar. During these months, visitors flock to the island from all over the world – so it’s important to book as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment.
The region heads into winter around this period and temperatures are at its lowest for the year. In a humid rainforest, this translates to dry, refreshing, and airy. Madagascar is also ripe for exploring. Hikes through the rainforest are wonderful at this time of year, while the coast beckons with perfect weather for swimming and sunbathing on pristine beaches. Island hopping between Madagascar’s offshore isles are a must, while UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park offers great rock-climbing opportunities with its surreal limestone formations.
Peak season also marks the start of whale migration, where humpback whales arrive at Madagascan waters to birth and nurture their calves. Spot the migrating whales from shore or hop onto a boat and get a closer look around the island of Île Sainte-Marie.
Visiting Madagascar in September
Many Madagascar travel guides detail September as the best time to visit. Madagascar safaris are at their peak, as the temperature begins rising, drawing wildlife out from hibernation. September is also birthing season for lemurs, offering the opportunity to spot newly born babies, while bird enthusiasts can get their fill of spotting over 200 species. And if you can’t make it for July and August, September is the last month of whale watching season.
Beach days are best enjoyed in this month, as the temperate weather is great for snorkelling and canoeing along the coast or soaking up the warmth of the sun.
Travelling to Madagascar in October
If the fossa is on your list of wildlife to see, the best time to go to Madagascar is in October. These cat-like, carnivorous mammals are endemic to Madagascar and particularly active in October and November in the forests of western Madagascar – it’s their mating season. Baby lemurs are more commonly spotted in October, with hundreds of young ringtail lemurs running around the forest. Birding is also excellent.
Weather conditions are much warmer than September, and October is the best time to travel to Madagascar before the rainy season starts. Make the most of the beach, as the eighth month of the year brings clear underwater visibility for scuba diving and great conditions for surfing.
When not enjoying the clear turquoise waters of Madagascar’s coast, head inland to explore the gems of the rainforest. The Avenue of Baobabs is one of the must-see places in Madagascar. A stunning location comprising a gravel road lined with age-old baobab trees, there are few spots in the world that rival a photo opportunity at the Avenue of Baobabs – especially as the sun sets.
Speaking of picturesque settings, Anjajavy Private Nature Reserve thrives in October. Not only are the gardens a beautiful sight to behold, but Anjajavy is also backed by a beach – ensuring you won’t have to choose between land and ocean.
Traverse Madagascar in November & December
Temperatures spike in November and December, bringing the rains with it. Fortunately, wildlife is still active during these months with no species going into hibernation just yet. The rainforest is still bright and vibrant, with the local flora making for a striking backdrop to your pictures. And during November, the beach is still a great place to spend a day snorkelling, swimming, or canoeing.
However, December tells a different story. The tropical storms are well and truly underway during the last month of the year and the heat is sweltering. If you plan to travel during this time, it is highly suggested that you visit earlier in the month.
Ready to Start Planning Your Madagascar Safari?
Chat with someone who has first-hand experience with all that Madagascar has to offer. Get in touch with one of our African Safari Experts to help tailor-make a trip that’s right for you.