The climate of Fianarantsoa
Situated in
Madagascar,
Fianarantsoa basks in a Marine West Coast climate—warm summer, excellent for vineyards in the city. Based on the Köppen climate classification, the predominant climate is classified as Cfb.
Weather throughout the year remains mild, with temperatures from 9.3°C (48.7°F) to 25.5°C (77.9°F). Significant temperature variations occur, with the warmest months being
October to
January where temperature ranges from 20.3°C (68.5°F) to 25.5°C (77.9°F) and the coldest months are observed from
June to
September when temperatures dip between 9.3°C (48.7°F) and 20.4°C (68.7°F). Relative humidity stays high throughout the year, with averages from 74% to 89%, giving the city its moist and refreshing atmosphere.
Rainfall varies distinctly throughout the year, recording an average peak rainfall of 259mm (10.2") in January, while the driest periods are seen from June through to September, with less than 9mm (0.35") on average. Wind speed stays relatively consistent throughout the year, fluctuating mildly from 7.8km/h (4.8mph) to 10.1km/h (6.3mph).
The best time to visit Fianarantsoa
Visiting
Fianarantsoa provides an immersive experience in the Malagasy culture and natural beauty, but weather-wise, the optimal period to visit is from
June to
August. During these months, the city experiences the least rainfall, marked by an average of just 9mm (0.35") to 13mm (0.51"). The temperatures are also mild, with comfortable highs from 17.8°C (64°F) to 20.4°C (68.7°F). Also, the period sees an average of around 19 to 21 sunshine days per month, and a reasonably good visibility of 7km (4.3mi), which means the city's stunning landscape and architecture can be fully appreciated.
The worst time to visit Fianarantsoa
On the other end of the spectrum, the least favorable time to visit
Fianarantsoa would be from
November to
January. These months record the highest rainfall, with an average of 144mm (5.67") in November to 259mm (10.2") in January. The city sees more rainfall days during this period, which could potentially dampen travel plans. Temperatures are high during these months, going up to 25.5°C (77.9°F), which might feel quite uncomfortable when coupled with the increased humidity.
Spring weather in Fianarantsoa
Spring, taking place between
September to
November, is marked by a temperature increase, with averages from 20.4°C (68.7°F) to 25.3°C (77.5°F). Rain begins to gradually pick up from 7mm (0.28") to 144mm (5.67") over these months, signaling the end of the dry season. Sunshine hours also increase, peaking at 10.1 hours in November.
Summer weather in Fianarantsoa
Summer spans from
December to
February, with the city experiencing its warmest and wettest conditions. Rainfall is high, especially in December and
January with 201mm (7.91") and 259mm (10.2") of rainfall. Temperatures hover between 25.4°C (77.7°F) and 25.5°C (77.9°F), the highest throughout the year. Despite the predominant rain and clouds, the city experiences robust sunshine hours, with an average of 9.9 to 10.1 hours.
Autumn weather in Fianarantsoa
Autumn in
Fianarantsoa takes place from
March to
May. The temperature begins to drop from 23.7°C (74.7°F) to 20.4°C (68.7°F). The rainfall also starts to decline significantly, from 170mm (6.69") in March to just 27mm (1.06") in May. It's a period of transition, with decreasing humidity and a clear sky with just 55% cloud cover in May.
Winter weather in Fianarantsoa
Winter is from
June to
August, where
Fianarantsoa experiences its coolest temperatures, ranging from 9.3°C (48.7°F) to 20.4°C (68.7°F). Rainfall is at its annual lowest at this time, ranging from 5mm (0.2") to 13mm (0.51"). The significant decrease in rainfall corresponds with increased sunshine days and the city often enjoys clear skies with lower cloud coverage, making it a pleasantly mild season.
Weather in January
January in
Fianarantsoa,
Madagascar sees consistent temperatures with the month’s high averages at 24°C (75.2°F) and low averages around 16.9°C (62.4°F). Rainfall is most prominent during this time, providing a damp start to the year.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
February rolls in,
Fianarantsoa experiences a slight dip in rainfall compared to
January. The month ushers in a transition phase in the weather, where temperatures and rainfall start to gradually decline. The UV index remains constant in the moderate range, indicating a mix of cloudy and sunny days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings a further reduction in temperature, dropping from 24.1°C (75.4°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F), while night temperatures slightly decrease to 15.9°C (60.6°F). The city experiences frequent cloud coverage, which provides a respite from the intense daytime heat.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April witnesses substantial changes in weather, with the most significant being a considerable drop in rainfall to 45mm (1.77"), from 170mm (6.69") in
March. With fewer rainy days, the temperature decreases, leading to mild and mostly dry days.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Moving into
May,
Fianarantsoa fully transitions into the dry weather phase. The city experiences a visible reduction in cloud percentage, offering more clear skies and extended hours of sunlight. Cool breezes softly envelop the city, while the average high temperature dips to 20.4°C (68.7°F).
Weather in May »Weather in June
June stands out as the coolest month of the year, with the average low temperature dropping to 10.2°C (50.4°F). With less humidity and more enjoyable heat, June marks the start of the peak season for tourist activity in
Fianarantsoa.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the prevailing dry and chilly trend, further dropping the low temperature average to 9.3°C (48.7°F). Sunshine continues to capture the skies, casting bright, clear days over
Fianarantsoa. With the minimized rainfall and lowered cloud%, stargazers can witness a clear night sky.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August experiences a modest rise in temperatures, reaching 20.3°C (68.5°F) on average, but maintains cool nights. The month demonstrates a significant increase in the visibility index, making it a peak time for sightseeing. With the days being longer and sunnier, lies the opportunity for an array of outdoor activities.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September,
Fianarantsoa starts to gradually transition back to the wet season. The winds advance, reaching an average speed of 10.1km/h (6.3mph), stirring up the city's tranquility. A marginal increase in cloud coverage hints at the impending monsoon.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in warmer days in
Fianarantsoa,
Madagascar as the average high temperature increases to 25.3°C (77.5°F). This month is characterized by a dramatic increase in rainfall, signaling the onset of the wet season. While the cloudy cover stands at an annual low, October draws in more hours of sunshine per day.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Rainfall continues to intensify in
November with an average precipitation of 144mm (5.67"). Now well within the rainy season, the climate turns increasingly humid. With the onset of longer showers, the temperatures remain high, making November a relatively warm month.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December lands on the peak of the wet season, experiencing the highest rainfall of the year at 201mm (7.91"). Being the last month of the year, this month offers a balance of warm days and cool nights with averages of 25.4°C (77.7°F) and 16.8°C (62.2°F), respectively.
Weather in December » [Resources]