Climate and monthly weather forecast
Madagascar

Madagascar, the world's fourth-largest island, lies off the southeast coast of Africa. With varying topography, it is divided into eastern and western regions, each with its distinct climate patterns. The eastern region, encompassing the northernmost and northeastern parts of the country, predominantly experiences a tropical climate. Here, the weather remains warm to hot throughout the year, with high rainfall, particularly in the tropical rainforest and monsoon climate zones. Precipitation levels and temperature fluctuate depending on whether the area is a rainforest (no dry season), a monsoon region, or a savannah (with a distinct dry season).

The central part of Madagascar, characterised by high plateaus, possesses a wet subtropical climate. This region experiences drier winters and either hot or warm summers, depending on the specific area. Meanwhile, the western region, characterised by grassy plains, is mostly arid, and identified as a warm steppe climate zone. Here, the climate is primarily hot with lower rainfall compared to other parts of the island.

The optimal time to visit Madagascar typically falls between April and October, when the country experiences its dry season. During this period, the climate is pleasantly warm, ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F), making it suitable for outdoor activities such as wildlife viewing, hiking, and beach vacations. Moreover, the lesser rainfall makes travelling across the country more comfortable, offering the opportunity to explore its diverse geography, from rainforests to arid plains.

The least recommended period to visit Madagascar is during its wet season, from November to March. The country experiences a significantly high volume of rainfall, leading to potentially challenging travel conditions, particularly in the northeastern monsoon regions. Moreover, the risk of cyclones is elevated between December and March, making travel not only difficult but also potentially dangerous. The average temperature during this period can reach up to 30°C (86°F), contributing to high humidity levels.

Spring in Madagascar occurs from September to November, overlapping with the end of the dry season and the onset of the wet season. During this transitional period, temperatures start to increase, ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 27°C (80.6°F), while rainfall also begins to incrementally rise. The landscapes across the country gradually rejuvenate, offering a beautiful spectacle of blooming flora, particularly in the tropical rainforest areas.

Summer in Madagascar, from December to February, coincides with the wet season. During this time, the country experiences its highest rainfall, especially in the eastern tropical regions. Despite the wet conditions, temperatures remain high, averaging between 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F), resulting in a humid climate. While travel can be challenging due to the weather, the lush green landscapes and abundant wildlife offer a unique experience.

The autumn season in Madagascar, from March to May, witnesses a gradual shift from the wet to the dry season. Rainfall starts to decrease, while temperatures begin to cool down, ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). As the weather becomes more manageable, this period provides an excellent opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and wildlife of the country.

Winter in Madagascar, spanning from June to August, coincides with the dry season. During this period, the country experiences less rainfall and cooler temperatures, especially in the central subtropical region, where temperatures can drop to 10°C (50°F). The western warm steppe region remains relatively warm, with temperatures around 20°C (68°F). Despite the cooler conditions, winter offers an ideal climate for exploring Madagascar's various landscapes and wildlife.

January is the peak of the summer season in Madagascar, characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall. The month sees some of the highest levels of precipitation throughout the year, with averages ranging from 100mm (3.94") to 300mm (11.81") across the country. In the eastern and northeastern tropical regions, the temperature typically hovers between 25°C (77°F) and 30°C (86°F). Weather in January »

February continues the trend of high temperatures and significant rainfall in Madagascar, as it is the last month of the summer season. Across the country, average temperatures tend to remain between 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F), with minimal variance between regions. In the eastern and northeastern tropical regions, rainfall continues to be abundant due to the monsoon influence, although there is a slight decrease compared to January. Weather in February »

March signifies the beginning of the autumn season in Madagascar and brings about a gradual shift in weather conditions across the country. During this month, the overall temperatures begin to slightly cool down, and rainfall continues to decrease compared to the wetter summer months of January and February. In the eastern and northeastern tropical regions, the average temperatures range from 23°C (73.4°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). Weather in March »

April brings a more pronounced transition into the autumn season in Madagascar, characterised by further reductions in rainfall and declining temperatures. This month is the beginning of the dry season for most parts of the country, resulting in more predictable and manageable travel conditions. In the eastern and northeastern tropical regions, average temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F), continuing the cooling trend. Weather in April »

May marks the middle of the autumn season in Madagascar, characterised by continuing decreases in temperature and rainfall across the country. This month further cements the dry season, providing favourable conditions for exploration and wildlife viewing. In the eastern and northeastern tropical regions, the average temperatures drop slightly, ranging between 18°C (64.4°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). Weather in May »

June in Madagascar signifies the onset of the winter season and the heart of the dry period. The month is characterised by a further drop in temperatures and low rainfall, making it an excellent time for travel and exploration across the country. In the eastern and northeastern tropical regions, the average temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F), a noticeable drop from the warmer months. Weather in June »

July is the peak of the winter season in Madagascar, exhibiting the coolest temperatures and lowest rainfall of the year. This month offers some of the most comfortable conditions for exploration and wildlife viewing across the country. The eastern and northeastern tropical regions experience average temperatures between 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F). Weather in July »

August in Madagascar continues the trend set by the winter season, featuring cool temperatures and minimal rainfall. The favourable conditions for wildlife viewing and exploration of the country's diverse landscapes persist. In the eastern and northeastern tropical regions, the average temperatures continue to range from 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F). Weather in August »

September marks the beginning of the spring season in Madagascar and the start of a gradual increase in temperatures and rainfall. Despite the shifting weather, conditions for travel and wildlife viewing generally remain favourable throughout the month. In the eastern and northeastern tropical regions, the average temperatures slightly increase, ranging from 17°C (62.6°F) to 22°C (71.6°F). Weather in September »

October in Madagascar marks a further progression into the spring season. During this month, temperatures continue to rise, and rainfall increases across the country, signalling the transition towards the wetter months of the year. In the eastern and northeastern tropical regions, the average temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F). Weather in October »

November in Madagascar signifies the end of the spring season and the start of the summer season. The month is characterised by rising temperatures and an increase in rainfall, indicating the arrival of the wetter period of the year. In the eastern and northeastern tropical regions, the average temperatures range from 22°C (71.6°F) to 27°C (80.6°F), further elevating the humidity levels. Weather in November »

December in Madagascar marks the onset of the summer season, a period characterised by high temperatures and significant rainfall. This month is typically the start of the wettest period in Madagascar, affecting the accessibility of certain regions. In the eastern and northeastern tropical regions, the average temperatures reach between 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F), intensifying the humid conditions. Weather in December »