Need help with timing your visit to Madagascar? As the island is huge, it's helpful to know when and where the dry - and rainy seasons take place, what the best time is to spot wildlife, and when the peak season starts.
We have gathered all you need to know and more, ensuring a well-prepared trip to Madagascar. More questions? Feel free to get in touch with our team at Roadtrip Africa via our contact form!
Since Madagascar is big, the weather differs greatly around the island. This is Madagascar's weather per region:
1. Northern Madagascar is nice to visit year-round. Even though most rain falls between January - March, the temperatures remain pleasant. Furthermore, the countryside is at its prettiest this time of year.
Roadtrip itinerary for North Madagascar
2. Eastern Madagascar is possible to visit year-round, but the weather is more unpredictable than in the north. No matter the time of year, days of rain and wind will alternate with calm, sunny moments. It will always be warm though. The most stable months tend to be June and August till December. The unpredictable weather in east Madagascar has its advantages - you'll see hundreds of shades of green, the air is filled with the scent of fresh flowers, and it's not as busy as in other places.
Roadtrip itinerary for East Madagascar
3. Southern Madagascar and the RN7 are possible to travel year-round. Want to stay as dry as possible? Then keep in mind that most rain will fall between January - March. This can impact the quality of the roads and impact your travel time.
Roadtrip itinerary for South Madagascar
4. The West Coast of Madagascar and the Tsingy de Bemaraha are usually only accessible from May up to mid-November. The accessibility depends on the start/end of the rainy season which influences the river tides. When you are visiting Madagascar in May or November, there is no guarantee that the area is accessible, so keep this in mind when booking your trip.
Tourists come to visit Madagascar year-round, but peak season is from January to October. In this timeframe, we advise you to reserve your rental car and accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Prefer travelling in low season? Then January to April are the best months for you to visit Madagascar.
Do you prefer warm weather?
Then visit Madagascar from August to May. The coolest months in Madagascar are June and July. Winter daytime temperatures are still very pleasant and warm at the coast, but night temperatures drop to 5-10C in the highlands (Antananarivo, Andasibe, Antsirabe).
Do you want to spot whales, turtles or dolphins in Madagascar?
July to September is the best time to see humpback whales in Madagascar. The island of Ile Saint Marie is the prime whale-watching location, but whales can also be spotted along the west coast from Tulear up to Belo sur Mer. Around Nosy Be, humpback whales can be seen until October. Turtles and dolphins can be spotted year-round.
Do you want to go kitesurfing in Madagascar?
Kitesurfing is good year-round at Ramena, close to Diego Suarez in Northern Madagascar.