Madagascar: safety advice from official sources
- Remote areas: for remote rural areas, get advice from your tour operator or a local guide; use a recognised tour operator for the south and the southern triangle between Ihosy, Toliara (Tuléar) and Fort Dauphin, where the security situation remains tense (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 9 September 2026)
- South and west: violent incidents involving cattle rustlers (“dahalo”) have caused fatalities; tourists have not been targeted, but avoid staying in rural areas without security arrangements (GOV.UK, updated 9 September 2026)
- Roads: avoid driving at night; armed robberies occur on main roads, particularly at night and outside major towns, and the UK FCDO advises avoiding taxi-brousses (GOV.UK, updated 9 September 2026)
- Cities and beaches: robberies and assaults are commonplace, including in the daytime on isolated beaches, especially if you are alone; the U.S. State Department lists Batterie Beach, north of Toliara, among the areas of violent crime (travel.state.gov, last updated December 12, 2025)
- The situation can change: check the latest advice from GOV.UK and travel.state.gov before booking and during your trip
The best time to visit Madagascar is from April to November, during the dry season, with an optimum from May to October: little or no rain on the Highlands, in the west and in the south, passable tracks and no cyclone risk. The rainy season, from December to March, coincides with the period when cyclones can occur, especially on the east coast.
The island is large and the climate varies by region. The Highlands, around Antananarivo, are temperate and cool in June–August. The west and south (Morondava, Toliara) are hot and very dry eight months of the year. The east coast (Toamasina, Sainte-Marie) gets rain almost all year. The figures on this page are official 1991–2020 normals from the Malagasy weather service, published by the World Meteorological Organization. Morondava, Toliara, Toamasina and Sainte-Marie can be located on the map of Madagascar.
When to go to Madagascar at a glance
- Best time overall May to October, dry season on the Highlands, in the west and in the south
- Rainy and cyclone season roughly December to March; the UK FCDO says the cyclone season normally runs from November to April, with coastal areas particularly at risk (GOV.UK, updated 9 September 2026)
- Highlands (Antananarivo) 20 to 22 °C (68 to 72 °F) in the afternoon and 11 °C (52 °F) at night in June–August: pack warm clothing
- West and south (Morondava, Toliara) less than 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain a month from April to November
- North (Nosy Be, Diego Suarez) May to October
- East coast (Toamasina) rainy all year; the least wet months are September to November
- High season July–August; book domestic flights early
When to go to Madagascar by priority
- Best weather: April to November, with an optimum from May to October
- Cheapest: January to March, in the rainy season, with tracks sometimes impassable and a cyclone risk
- Fewest crowds: May, June and September; July and August are busier
- Events: Independence Day (June 26), humpback whales at Sainte-Marie (usually July to September)
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Madagascar: the calendar at a glance
✅ Best months: April, may, June, July, August, September, October
❌ Period to avoid: January, February
Madagascar climate month by month
The table below gives the normals for Antananarivo (Tananarive), the capital, on the Highlands at about 1,300 m (4,265 ft). It is the arrival point for international flights and the starting point for most tours, notably on National Road 7 (RN7) to the south.
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26.4 °C (80 °F) | 17.4 °C (63 °F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) | Low | Low | Wettest month, cyclone risk ❌ |
| February | 26.3 °C (79 °F) | 17.5 °C (64 °F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | Low | Low | Very rainy, cyclone risk ❌ |
| March | 26.2 °C (79 °F) | 17.2 °C (63 °F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | Low | Low | Rain easing, cyclones still possible ⚠️ |
| April | 25.5 °C (78 °F) | 15.9 °C (61 °F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | Moderate (Easter) | Moderate | End of the rains, green landscapes ✅ |
| May | 23.5 °C (74 °F) | 14.0 °C (57 °F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | Moderate | Moderate | Dry and mild ✅ |
| June | 21.3 °C (70 °F) | 11.6 °C (53 °F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | Moderate | Moderate | Dry, cool nights ✅ |
| July | 20.4 °C (69 °F) | 10.7 °C (51 °F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | High | High | Dry, coolest month ✅ |
| August | 21.6 °C (71 °F) | 10.9 °C (52 °F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | High | High | Dry, school holidays in Europe and North America ✅ |
| September | 23.9 °C (75 °F) | 12.2 °C (54 °F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | Moderate | Moderate | Dry and sunny ✅ |
| October | 26.0 °C (79 °F) | 14.3 °C (58 °F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | High | High | Warm and still dry ✅ |
| November | 27.1 °C (81 °F) | 15.9 °C (61 °F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | Moderate | Moderate | Rains return ⚠️ |
| December | 27.1 °C (81 °F) | 17.1 °C (63 °F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | Moderate (year-end holidays) | Moderate | Rainy season under way ⚠️ |
The contrast is sharp: more than 1,000 mm (39.4 in) of rain falls from November to March in Antananarivo, compared with less than 50 mm (2.0 in) in total from May to September. In the rainy season, rain falls mostly as afternoon thunderstorms, but roads and tracks deteriorate badly.
Seasons in Madagascar: pros and cons
Madagascar lies in the Southern Hemisphere: the austral winter (June to August) is the cool, dry season, and the austral summer (December to March) the hot, wet season. Two main seasons therefore set the rhythm of a trip, with transition months in April and November.
Dry season (April to November): the ideal period
This is the season most tours aim for. On the Highlands, days are sunny and nights cool. In the west and south, rain almost disappears: less than 3 mm (0.1 in) a month from May to September in Morondava, around 5 mm (0.2 in) in Toliara. The tracks to the Bemaraha Tsingy and the Avenue of the Baobabs are passable.
- Pros: no cyclone risk, roads and tracks in better condition, good visibility for spotting lemurs, calm sea on the west coast
- Cons: cold nights on the Highlands (about 10 to 11 °C (50 to 52 °F) in July–August in Antananarivo, less at altitude), heavier crowds and higher prices in July–August
- Good to know: humpback whales visit the waters off Sainte-Marie Island during the austral winter, usually from July to September; check the season with local operators
- Our tip: September and October combine dry weather, milder temperatures and fewer people than August
Rainy season (December to March): heat, rain and cyclones
The hot, humid season brings more than 200 mm (7.9 in) of rain a month to Antananarivo from December to February, and up to 450 mm (17.7 in) in March in Toamasina. The UK FCDO says the cyclone season normally runs from November to April, that coastal areas are particularly at risk, and that storms can cut access to remote parts of the country and contaminate water supplies; it also notes that in the rainy season, from December to April, many secondary roads are impassable except by 4-wheel-drive vehicles and bridges are often washed away (GOV.UK, updated 9 September 2026).
- Pros: very green landscapes, flooded rice paddies, lower prices, breeding season for many species
- Cons: cut tracks (the Bemaraha Tsingy become inaccessible for part of the season), disrupted domestic flights, impassable secondary roads
- Who is it for? Mainly for a beach stay in the southwest (Ifaty, Anakao), which is drier, or for very flexible travelers
Sea temperature month by month
In the southwest, the sea stays between 23 and 27 °C (81 °F) all year: it is warmest in February–March and coolest in June.
| Month | Toliara (Tuléar) |
|---|---|
| January | 26 °C (79 °F) |
| February | 27 °C (81 °F) |
| March | 27 °C (81 °F) |
| April | 26 °C (79 °F) |
| May | 25 °C (77 °F) |
| June | 23 °C (73 °F) |
| July | 24 °C (75 °F) |
| August | 24 °C (75 °F) |
| September | 24 °C (75 °F) |
| October | 24 °C (75 °F) |
| November | 25 °C (77 °F) |
| December | 26 °C (79 °F) |
When to go to Madagascar by region
The east of the island takes the full force of the humid trade winds from the Indian Ocean; the west and south, sheltered by the Highlands, are much drier. Here is a comparison of the normals at five stations:
| Month | Antananarivo (Highlands) | Nosy Be (northwest) | Morondava (west) | Toliara (southwest) | Toamasina (east) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26.4 °C (80 °F) / 312 mm (12.3 in) | 31.5 °C (89 °F) / 393 mm (15.5 in) | 31.8 °C (89 °F) / 292 mm (11.5 in) | 32.9 °C (91 °F) / 127 mm (5.0 in) | 30.7 °C (87 °F) / 412 mm (16.2 in) |
| February | 26.3 °C (79 °F) / 237 mm (9.3 in) | 31.5 °C (89 °F) / 334 mm (13.1 in) | 31.9 °C (89 °F) / 194 mm (7.6 in) | 32.9 °C (91 °F) / 90 mm (3.5 in) | 30.9 °C (88 °F) / 438 mm (17.2 in) |
| March | 26.2 °C (79 °F) / 156 mm (6.1 in) | 31.9 °C (89 °F) / 281 mm (11.1 in) | 32.4 °C (90 °F) / 75 mm (3.0 in) | 32.8 °C (91 °F) / 41 mm (1.6 in) | 30.4 °C (87 °F) / 455 mm (17.9 in) |
| April | 25.5 °C (78 °F) / 45 mm (1.8 in) | 32.2 °C (90 °F) / 106 mm (4.2 in) | 32.0 °C (90 °F) / 17 mm (0.7 in) | 31.6 °C (89 °F) / 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29.5 °C (85 °F) / 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| May | 23.5 °C (74 °F) / 15 mm (0.6 in) | 31.4 °C (89 °F) / 35 mm (1.4 in) | 30.8 °C (87 °F) / 3 mm (0.1 in) | 29.8 °C (86 °F) / 13 mm (0.5 in) | 28.0 °C (82 °F) / 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| June | 21.3 °C (70 °F) / 6 mm (0.2 in) | 30.2 °C (86 °F) / 29 mm (1.1 in) | 29.5 °C (85 °F) / 3 mm (0.1 in) | 28.2 °C (83 °F) / 8 mm (0.3 in) | 26.4 °C (80 °F) / 277 mm (10.9 in) |
| July | 20.4 °C (69 °F) / 6 mm (0.2 in) | 29.7 °C (85 °F) / 21 mm (0.8 in) | 29.2 °C (85 °F) / 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27.8 °C (82 °F) / 4 mm (0.2 in) | 25.2 °C (77 °F) / 280 mm (11.0 in) |
| August | 21.6 °C (71 °F) / 5 mm (0.2 in) | 30.0 °C (86 °F) / 27 mm (1.1 in) | 29.5 °C (85 °F) / 2 mm (0.1 in) | 28.5 °C (83 °F) / 4 mm (0.2 in) | 25.5 °C (78 °F) / 179 mm (7.0 in) |
| September | 23.9 °C (75 °F) / 8 mm (0.3 in) | 30.6 °C (87 °F) / 35 mm (1.4 in) | 30.4 °C (87 °F) / 3 mm (0.1 in) | 29.7 °C (85 °F) / 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26.3 °C (79 °F) / 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| October | 26.0 °C (79 °F) / 39 mm (1.5 in) | 31.8 °C (89 °F) / 30 mm (1.2 in) | 31.1 °C (88 °F) / 8 mm (0.3 in) | 30.7 °C (87 °F) / 9 mm (0.4 in) | 27.5 °C (82 °F) / 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| November | 27.1 °C (81 °F) / 117 mm (4.6 in) | 31.9 °C (89 °F) / 135 mm (5.3 in) | 32.0 °C (90 °F) / 24 mm (0.9 in) | 31.8 °C (89 °F) / 15 mm (0.6 in) | 28.9 °C (84 °F) / 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| December | 27.1 °C (81 °F) / 226 mm (8.9 in) | 31.6 °C (89 °F) / 302 mm (11.9 in) | 32.2 °C (90 °F) / 90 mm (3.5 in) | 32.4 °C (90 °F) / 35 mm (1.4 in) | 30.2 °C (86 °F) / 251 mm (9.9 in) |
The Highlands and the RN7 (Antananarivo, Antsirabe, Ranomafana)
A temperate highland climate: 20 to 27 °C (68 to 81 °F) in the afternoon depending on the season, cool nights from May to September (a low of 11 °C (52 °F) in July in Antananarivo, cooler still in Antsirabe and Fianarantsoa). The best period runs from April to October. Ranomafana park, in rainforest, stays wet all year: pack a rain jacket.
The west (Morondava, Avenue of the Baobabs, Bemaraha Tsingy)
Very hot and almost rain-free from April to November in Morondava. From December to March, the rains (292 mm (11.5 in) in January) make the tracks north toward the Bemaraha Tsingy difficult or even impassable. For the Tsingy, aim for May to November; access depends each year on the condition of the tracks. The UK FCDO notes that armed criminals have boarded boats on the Tsiribihina River and robbed passengers, and advises seeking alternative routes (GOV.UK, updated 9 September 2026).
The southwest (Toliara, Ifaty, Anakao, Isalo)
The driest region of the island: even in January, only about 127 mm (5.0 in) falls in Toliara, and less than 15 mm (0.6 in) a month from April to November. It is hot all year (28 to 33 °C (82 to 91 °F) in the afternoon). It is the best beach option in the rainy season, but also in the austral winter. Be aware that the UK FCDO describes the security situation in the southern triangle between Ihosy, Toliara and Fort Dauphin as tense, with greater risks at night (GOV.UK, updated 9 September 2026), and that the U.S. State Department lists Batterie Beach, north of Toliara, among the areas of violent crime (travel.state.gov, last updated December 12, 2025).
The north (Nosy Be, Diego Suarez)
Hot all year (30 to 32 °C, 86 to 90 °F), with a marked rainy season from December to March (nearly 400 mm (15.7 in) in January in Nosy Be) and a clear dry season from May to October (less than 40 mm (1.6 in) a month). Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) follows a similar rhythm, with strong winds for part of the austral winter. The UK FCDO advises using an official local guide for the Montagne des Français protected area and taking local advice before visiting beaches (GOV.UK, updated 9 September 2026).
The east coast (Toamasina, Sainte-Marie, Andasibe)
This is the wettest region: more than 2,500 mm (98.4 in) of rain a year in Toamasina, with no real dry season. The least wet months are September to November (about 100 to 120 mm (3.9 to 4.7 in)). It is also the coast most exposed to cyclones from January to April. Andasibe park, halfway between the capital and the coast, can be visited all year.
The table below summarizes, month by month, the recommended period for each region.
| Month | Highlands and RN7 | West (Morondava, Tsingy) | Southwest (Toliara) | Nosy Be and the north | East coast (Toamasina, Sainte-Marie) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ | ❌ | ❌ |
| February | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ | ❌ | ❌ |
| March | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ❌ | ❌ |
| April | ✅ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ❌ |
| May | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| June | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| July | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| August | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| September | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| October | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| November | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ✅ |
| December | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ❌ | ⚠️ |
When to go to Madagascar by trip type
| Trip | Best time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| First trip (RN7, parks, beach) | May to October | Antananarivo, Antsirabe, Ranomafana, Isalo, Ifaty |
| Tsingy and Avenue of the Baobabs | May to November | Morondava, Bemaraha |
| Lemurs and forests | September to November (also possible year-round) | Andasibe, Ranomafana |
| Humpback whales | Usually July to September | Sainte-Marie Island |
| Beach and diving | May to November | Nosy Be, Ifaty, Anakao |
| Beach in December–March | Outside cyclones, with caution | Southwest (Ifaty, Anakao), the least wet |
| Budget | April–June, November | Highlands and RN7 |
| Family trip | Summer and other school holiday periods | RN7, Nosy Be |
Major events to plan your trip around
| Period | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| June 26 | Independence Day (parades, festivities) | Nationwide, especially Antananarivo |
| Mainly June to October, depending on the family | Famadihana (“turning of the bones”, a family ceremony) | Highlands |
| Usually July to September | Humpback whale season | Sainte-Marie Island, east coast |
| Late December – early January | Year-end holidays | Nationwide |
Madagascar month by month: what to expect
January: Wettest month on the Highlands (312 mm, 12.3 in) and in the north, with a risk of cyclones. Only the southwest stays relatively dry. Best avoided for a tour.
February: Still very rainy and hot, cyclone risk. Tracks in the west are often impassable. Low prices.
March: Rain eases on the Highlands but stays heavy in the east (455 mm (17.9 in) in Toamasina). Cyclones still possible.
April: End of the rainy season on the Highlands and in the west. Green landscapes. According to the UK FCDO, the cyclone season runs until April.
May: An excellent month: dry, mild, few people. Start of the season for the west and the north.
June: Dry everywhere except on the east coast. Cool nights on the Highlands. Independence Day on June 26.
July: The coolest month (a low of 10.7 °C (51 °F) in Antananarivo). Dry in the west and south. Start of whale season at Sainte-Marie. Heavy crowds.
August: Same climate as July, with maximum crowds during school holidays in Europe and North America: book early.
September: One of the best months: dry, warmer, fewer people. A good time for whales and wildlife viewing.
October: Warm and still dry almost everywhere; the east is at its least wet.
November: The rains return on the Highlands and in the north (117 to 135 mm, 4.6 to 5.3 in). The west and south stay dry. A good month for the east coast.
December: The rainy season is under way on the Highlands and in the north. A festive atmosphere, but tracks are increasingly difficult.
When to book your trip to Madagascar
For July–August, book 4 to 6 months ahead: international flights are in high demand, as are domestic flights (Morondava, Toliara, Nosy Be, Diego Suarez) and the park accommodation, which is limited. Outside these periods, 2 to 3 months is usually enough. Domestic flights are sometimes rescheduled or cancelled: allow a buffer before your return flight.
Planning your trip to Madagascar
- Entry requirements: see our page on the entry requirements for Madagascar, with the rules for US and UK citizens.
- Time difference: Madagascar is on UTC+3 all year (no daylight saving time): 3 hours ahead of London in winter and 2 in summer; 8 hours ahead of New York in winter and 7 in summer.
- Currency: the ariary (MGA). Our currency converter helps you estimate your budget.
- Health: the UK FCDO lists malaria and dengue among the health risks (GOV.UK, updated 9 September 2026), and the U.S. State Department also lists chikungunya and rabies, and notes that plague is endemic, with outbreaks nearly every year since 1980 (travel.state.gov, last updated December 12, 2025). A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are coming from a country listed as a transmission risk (GOV.UK). Ask your doctor or a travel health clinic about malaria prevention, and make sure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation.
To go further, see our complete Madagascar travel guide. For a neighboring destination with a comparable climate, also see when to go to Réunion.
To compare with other destinations at the same time of year, see our selections where to go in July, in August and in October, or the best time to visit Réunion.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Madagascar?
September and October are among the best months: dry season over most of the island, pleasant temperatures and fewer people than in July–August. May and June are also very favorable.
When is the cyclone season in Madagascar?
According to the UK FCDO, the cyclone season normally runs from November to April, with coastal areas particularly at risk (GOV.UK, updated 9 September 2026); the U.S. State Department says December to April. It is also the rainy season, which makes many roads and tracks impassable.
Can you go to Madagascar in July or August?
Yes, it is the height of the dry season and the busiest period. Nights are cool on the Highlands (about 11 °C (52 °F) in Antananarivo, less at altitude): bring warm clothing.
When can you see whales in Madagascar?
Humpback whales visit the waters off Sainte-Marie Island during the austral winter, usually from July to September. Dates vary from year to year: ask local operators.
What is the driest region of Madagascar?
The southwest. In Toliara, less than 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain falls a month from April to November and about 127 mm (5.0 in) in January, the wettest month.
When should you not go to Madagascar?
If possible, avoid January and February: heavy rain, cyclone risk and cut tracks, notably toward the Bemaraha Tsingy.
Is July a good time to go to Madagascar?
Yes for the climate: it is the dry season in the west and south, and the start of whale season at Sainte-Marie. It is also the coolest month on the Highlands (a low of 10.7 °C (51 °F) in Antananarivo) and a period of heavy crowds: book early.
What is the weather like in Madagascar in November?
The rains return on the Highlands and in the north (117 to 135 mm, 4.6 to 5.3 in), while the west and south stay dry. It is a good month for the east coast.
Our sources
- Madagascar Meteorological Directorate, via the World Meteorological Organization 1991–2020 climate normals (NOAA archive): Antananarivo, Nosy Be, Morondava, Toliara (Tuléar) and Toamasina (Tamatave) stations
- Safety, health and travel conditions read on 24 October 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Madagascar (GOV.UK, updated 9 September 2026), and U.S. Department of State, Madagascar country information (travel.state.gov, last updated December 12, 2025)
- Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD), Klimatafeln: average sea temperature at Toliara (Tuléar)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
