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Madagascar Island is nature’s bounty with beautiful beaches, excellent wildlife and a boatload of adventures waiting to be experienced. It is a paradise for safari visitors who can explore every corner. The five climatic regions of Madagascar are the south, north, east, west and highlands. Generally, the coasts have tropical climates, the southern region has an arid climate while the inland areas are temperate. The rainfall and temperatures vary from region to region and often the rain is accompanied by the hottest months. If you are planning a trip to Madagascar, it is a good idea to find out more about the weather and climate so you’ll know what to expect.
Seasons in Madagascar
Madagascar’s climate is subtropical with a hot, rainy season during the summer months from November to March and a cooler, drier season during the winter months from May to October.
However, the seasons of Madagascar vary from region to region based on altitude and topography. To give you an idea of what to experience in Madagascar, here are the four seasons of Madagascar along with their average temperature.
| Seasons | Months | Max Average Temperature | Min Average Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | March to May | 24.3°C (75.7°F) | 14°C (57.2°F) |
| Winter | June to August | 20.5°C (68.9°F) | 9.9°C (49.82°F |
| Spring | September to November | 24.5°C (76.1°F) | 12.2°C (53.96°F) |
| Summer | December to February | 25.7°C (78.26°F) | 15.9°C (60.62°F) |
Data: SeasonYear
Climate in Madagascar by Regions
Eastern Madagascar
The wettest region in Madagascar, the eastern part experiences a tropical-humid climate that brings constant rainfalls. February to March are the wettest months in eastern Madagascar while the period between end-December and March is the cyclone season that can be destructive, often blocking the roads and making travel impossible. The region experiences daily showers even in the dry season, which is from August to December. Travellers should pack rain gear if they plan on visiting here.
Western Madagascar
The periods of March to April and November to December are the hottest on the western coast. Unlike the eastern coast, the western coast is drier- with a dry tropical climate and from May to November no rainfall and pleasant temperatures. From December to April, the rainfall pattern varies based on area and the time of the year. The northern region of the western coast experiences torrential rainfall and is therefore lush with vegetation, whereas the southern part only experiences a few showers.
Southern Madagascar
With a dry tropical climate, the southern region of Madagascar is very arid. During February-May and October-December, the temperatures can reach as high as 30°C (84 °F). The winters (June-September), in comparison, are pleasant at 25°C (77°F). It rarely rains in southern Madagascar and when it does, it’s from January to March. The area from south to Toliara doesn’t experience any rainfall and is the driest area in Madagascar. Although Taolagnaro, in the eastern part, has a bit of rain, it’s still very dry.
Northern Madagascar
Northern Madagascar is large and has three major regions; the northwest, northeast, and the Tsaratanana Massif.
In the northwest region, there are two distinct seasons. Firstly, the wet season from December to April is very hot with temperatures that can reach up to 35°C (95°F). Secondly, the dry season from May to November with warm temperatures.
The climate in the northeast region is different from the majority of northern Madagascar. It is the wettest region with the heaviest rainfalls during the period of January-March. It is also plagued with cyclones. Compared to the rest of the year, May-November is drier with random rain showers.
The Tsaratanana Massif has a micro-climate with dry and wet seasons similar to the northwest region, but the rainfall is distributed evenly throughout the whole year.
Madagascar Highlands
The highland climate is dependent on its altitude. The temperature rise and drop follow the coastal pattern, with hot days and cooler nights. So, a trip to Madagascar highlands in the dry season (June To September) calls for warm clothes. The wet season from November to April experiences plenty of rainfall with thunderstorms and is the hottest time of the year, with temperatures ranging from 28°C (82.4°F)to 30°C (86°F).
Madagascar Safaris
Wildlife Heritage of Madagascar
- 11 Days
See Madagascar's fascinating lemurs; the indri lemur (babakoto) in Andasibe National Park, golden bamboo...
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Country:Madagascar,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:11 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Antananarivo
Deep South – Majestic Lemurs
- 10 Days
In the extreme south of Madagascar, almost inaccessible by car, discover a region rich in stunning landscapes...
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Country:Madagascar,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:10 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Antananarivo
10-Day Tsiribihina River Trip & Tsingy of Bemaraha
- 10 Days
On this safari discover the famous Tsiribihina River as well as many highlights which include beautiful...
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Country:Madagascar,
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Departures:Array
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Length:10 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Antananarivo
16-Day Madagascar, Island of Lemurs and A Thousand Cultures
- 16 Days
Embark on an extraordinary journey through Madagascar's diverse landscapes, from the serene wetlands...
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Country:Madagascar,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:16 Days
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Start/end:Start in Antananarivo, end in Antananarivo
14-Day Madagascar Highlight Tour
- 14 Days
Discover Madagascar on this superb safari, see the island's fantastic wildlife, much of it endemic, stunning...
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Country:Madagascar,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:14 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Antananarivo
10-Day Madagascar Baobabs, Lemurs & Saint Marie Island
- 10 Days
On the magical island of Madagascar discover lemurs and the famous avenue of baobabs as well as the paradise...
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Country:Madagascar,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:10 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Antananarivo
16-Day Adventure in the Heart of the Great West
- 15 Days
Embark on a luxurious journey through the heart of Western Madagascar, where breathtaking landscapes,...
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Country:Madagascar,
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Departures:Array
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Length:15 Days
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Start/end:Start in Antananarivo, end in Antananarivo
7-Day Madagascar Road and River Adventure
- 7 Days
Embark on an exhilarating journey along Madagascar's National Road N° 7, beginning in Antananarivo (Tana)...
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Country:Madagascar,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:7 Days
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Start/end:Start in Antananarivo, end in Antananarivo
6-Day Madagascar Coral & Forest Safari
- Days
Explore three beautiful islands in Madagascar's north-western tropical waters, Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely...
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Country:Madagascar,
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Departures:Year Round
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Start/end:Start/end in Antananarivo
8-Day Madagascar Nature and Culture Safari
- 8 Days
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the lush rainforests of eastern Madagascar. Explore the diverse...
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Country:Madagascar,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:8 Days
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Start/end:Start in Antananarivo, end in Antananarivo