Climate and monthly weather forecastAntananarivo, Madagascar

The climate of Antananarivo

Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, lies in the highlands of the island. Its climate predominantly adheres to the Köppen climate classification of Cwb - a temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters. A discernment of the overall climate indicates moderate temperatures throughout the year and distinct wet and dry seasons.

Average monthly high temperatures fluctuate moderately, peaking at 26.6°C (79.9°F) in November, and dipping to their lowest at 20.4°C (68.7°F) in July. However, the lower temperatures consistently hover from 16.6°C (61.9°F) in January to 9.5°C (49.1°F) in July. This reveals that the city experiences a mild climate due to its considerable altitude.

Relative humidity stays within the range of 67% in October to an elevated 81.5% in February - indicating substantial variations. The occurrence of rainfall is correlated with the humidity levels. Rainfall, measured in millimeters (mm), peaks from December to February, culminating at 310mm (12.2") in December. Conversely, the dry period, from May to September, witnesses minimal rainfall, recording the least at 8mm (0.31") in June.

Antananarivo enjoys a substantial amount of daylight throughout the year, ranging from 13.3 hours in December to 11 hours in June. Sunshine hours oscillate but broadly correlate with the daylight hours data, from a high of 8.3 hours in September to a lower limit of 6.4 hours in February and March. The UV index stays mostly high, peaking at 12 from January to March, November, and December.

The best time to visit Antananarivo

Sunny months with minimal rainfall provide the best opportunity for tourists to explore this highland city. Thus, May to September serves as an ideal time to visit. These months witness a decrease in humidity, rainfall, and lower temperatures, creating an enjoyable climate. Further, these months also see an increase in sunlight hours, the uppermost being 8.3 sunshine hours in September. So, visitors can bask in the sunlight and tourist spots without much rain disruption.

The worst time to visit Antananarivo

Overcast skies and frequent rainfall characterize the months from December to February. High humidity coupled with the maximum precipitation, reaching 310mm (12.2") in December, often leads to an escalation in discomfort. Thus, for those who don't enjoy soggy weather conditions, this span could be the least favorable time to visit.

Spring weather in Antananarivo

Presenting a transition from drier months to the wet period, Spring, from October to December, offers varied weather conditions. Early spring (October) still enjoys the dry conditions with lower rainfall at 76mm (2.99"), while late spring (December) sees the highest annual rainfall at 310mm (12.2"). Temperatures hover between 23.6°C (74.5°F) to 26.6°C (79.9°F) for high and between 10.6°C (51.1°F) to 16.2°C (61.2°F) for low.

Summer weather in Antananarivo

As summer sets in, between January and March, rainfall remains high, gradually tapering off in March. Temperatures sustain agreeable levels ranging from 25.2°C (77.4°F) to 26.5°C (79.7°F) in high and from 15°C (59°F) to 16.8°C (62.2°F) in low. Despite higher humidity in these months, the UV index hits 12, indicating strong sunshine.

Autumn weather in Antananarivo

Marked by a shift towards the dry season, Autumn from April to June sees a decline in rainfall across these months with June recording the annual lowest at 8mm (0.31"). The fall in precipitation goes along with a reduction in higher temperatures from 23.2°C (73.8°F) in April to 20.4°C (68.7°F) in June, lower temperatures too follow the same trend.

Winter weather in Antananarivo

Winter months, from July to September, are the driest with a consistent rainfall around 10mm (0.39"). Higher temperatures persist from 20.4°C (68.7°F) in July to 23.6°C (74.5°F) in September. This period also witnesses increased sunlight hours hitting a maximum of 8.3 hours in September, offering pleasantly cool and dry conditions.

Weather in January

The first month of the year in Antananarivo, Madagascar brings along with it hot and humid conditions. January sees the highest monthly rainfall, with 274mm (10.79") falling over 15 days, befitting of it being part of the peak Monsoon season. Weather in January »

Weather in February

As February arrives in Antananarivo, there is a slight dip in the rain intensity even though the tropical weather prevails. This month records a rainfall of 279mm (10.98"), an increase from the previous month, keeping it just as wet. Weather in February »

Weather in March

Entering the month of March, the weather in Antananarivo is a mix of warm afternoons and pleasant evenings. The rainfall decreases by a considerable amount allowing the residents some respite from the constant dampness. The sun's rays continue to be intense, with high UV index readings, making sun-protection necessary during daytime. Weather in March »

Weather in April

In April, Antananarivo transitions into a drier phase, with a significant drop in rainfall to 65mm (2.56"). This change in weather dynamics opens up more opportunities for outdoor activities, with less disruption from sudden downpours. Weather in April »

Weather in May

The month of May in Antananarivo is defined by even cooler and drier conditions as compared to the previous month. The temperature becomes more refreshing and the days continue to shorten slightly. The characteristic afternoon showers of the hot, wet months cease, only to be rarely replaced by brief, sporadic showers. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June introduces the winter season in Antananarivo, with a marked drop in temperature. This is evidenced by the lower daytime temperatures which hover around 21.1°C (70°F), representing the onset of the coolest part of the year. The weather can be quite unpredictable at this time due to the transitioning seasons, an aspect which makes Antananarivo truly interesting. Weather in June »

Weather in July

With July, Antananarivo is in the middle of the winter season with daytime temperatures continuing to remain subdued. The appearance of the landscape is distinctly remarkable due to the lack of rainfall and lush greenery. The shorter days, frequent sunshine, and cooling temperatures define the dry winter season. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August maintains Antananarivo's typical winter weather with cooler temperatures and minimal rain. The slight increase in temperature and a nominal change in rainfall signify the departure from the winters. The UV index sees a rise, hinting towards the arrival of the sun-drenched days. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September reflects a transition in Antananarivo's climate, from cooler to slightly warmer temperatures. As the month progresses, a steady increase in the length of day and rise in temperature is observed. The September sun is quite strong, making it necessary to wear protection during daytime. Weather in September »

Weather in October

The October weather in Antananarivo brings with it warmer days and an increase in the intensity of sunlight. With temperatures reaching 25.8°C (78.4°F), the environment morphs from cool to warm in a matter of weeks. The persistent dry spell breaks with a slight increase in rainfall, still infrequent enough to not disrupt daily activities. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November represents the start of the hot, wet summer season in Antananarivo. With a noteworthy increase in rainfall to 188mm (7.4"), the landscape transforms into a characteristic lush tropical cityscape. Despite the rain, the unpredictable sunshine decorates the sky, creating a beautiful contrast of colours. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December marks the peak of the rainy season in Antananarivo. With rainfall reaching 310mm (12.2"), it becomes the wettest of the summer months. The tropical cyclones that sometimes pass through the region are largely responsible for this significant rise in rainfall. Weather in December »