The climate of Sambava
Lying within the tropical rainforest zone denoted as "Af" by the Köppen climate classification,
Sambava experiences a characteristically hot and humid climate. Temperature stays consistent throughout the year, with sea temperatures showing a similar pattern. The monthly temperature fluctuates from a high between 31°C (87.8°F) in
January,
February, and
March, to a low of 26°C (78.8°F) in
July and
August. It then begins to rise again reaching 30°C (86°F) in
December.
Night temperatures provide a mild drop, fluctuating between 23°C (73.4°F) in January, February, and March, dipping to 18°C (64.4°F) in July and August, and returning back to 22°C (71.6°F) in December. Rainfall bears a significant presence throughout the year, however, it also portrays a notable pattern. The highest rainfall reaches 342mm (13.46") in January and gradually decreases to 176mm (6.93") in July and August, again increasing to 219mm (8.62") in December. Seeking sunshine? Daylight hours vary slightly from month to month, with January offering as much as 12.9 hours, while
June and July offer 11.3 hours.
The best time to visit Sambava
The optimal period to visit
Sambava extends from
July to
September. This period exhibits lower temperatures, fluctuating from 26°C (78.8°F) to 27°C (80.6°F), making the weather relatively cool and comfortable for outdoor activities. Rainfall is also lowest during these months, falling from 176mm (6.93") in July to 100mm (3.94") in September, indicating less frequent showers in this period. Furthermore, daylight is fairly substantial, ranging from 11.4 hours in July to 12 hours in September, allowing tourists ample time to explore.
The worst time to visit Sambava
Visiting
Sambava is least recommended in the first quarter of the year.
January,
February, and
March manifest the highest temperatures of the year, reaching a peak of 31°C (87.8°F). Coupled with the highest rainfall totals of 342mm (13.46") in January, 257mm (10.12") in February, and 284mm (11.18") in March, these months may disrupt travel plans and outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Sambava
Weather in
Sambava showcases minor season variations.
April,
May, and
June present temperatures hovering between 30°C (86°F) to 27°C (80.6°F). While rainfall is typically prominent across these spring months, the range of rainfall observed is from 227mm (8.94") in April to 183mm (7.2") in June. Days remain generously long with daylight spanning between 11.8 hours in April to 11.3 hours in June.
Summer weather in Sambava
The months of
July,
August, and
September mark the summer season in
Sambava. Temperatures during these months are slightly lower than spring, falling between 26°C (78.8°F) to 27°C (80.6°F). Remarkably, rainfall decreases during this period, from 176mm (6.93") in July to a year-low of 100mm (3.94") in September. Daylight hours are fairly constant, with a slight increase from 11.4 hours in July to 12.0 hours in September.
Autumn weather in Sambava
Autumn remains remarkably consistent in
Sambava. Between
October to
November, the temperature gradually rises, from 28°C (82.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F). Rainfall increases slightly from 109mm (4.29") in October to 132mm (5.2") in November, whereas daylight duration remains consistent at approximately 12.4 hours in October to 12.8 hours in November.
Winter weather in Sambava
In
December, temperature continues to rise, reaching 30°C (86°F), hinting at the onset of warmer months. Rainfall registers an increase from 132mm (5.2") in
November to 219mm (8.62") in December. Despite the increased rainfall, the duration of daylight at 13 hours, matched with slightly cooler sea temperatures of 27.9°C (82.2°F) makes winter an enjoyable season in
Sambava.
Weather in January
The first month of the year ushers in the height of
Sambava,
Madagascar's wet season with an astounding 342mm (13.46") of rain, brought in by the highest amount of rainfall days of 16. One can expect to carry an umbrella while exploring the vibrant city during this month.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Weather patterns in
February tend to mimic the conditions experienced in
January. Although rainfall lessens, it still remains relatively high at 257mm (10.12"), signaling the continuation of the wet season. The weather remains warm, with nighttime temperatures only slightly cooler than daytime ones.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March marks the ending phase of the wet season in
Sambava,
Madagascar. A decline in both the intensity of rainfall, averaging 284mm (11.18"), and occurrence of rainfall days bears witness to this change. Beachgoers will appreciate the slight rise in sea temperature despite the rain.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the transition from the wet to the drier season. This month experiences three fewer rainfall days and a decrease in precipitation to 227mm (8.94"). Sightseeing and outdoor activities become more pleasurable with longer, sunnier periods.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Moving into the drier season,
May presents a marked drop in all areas: rainfall, temperature, and sea temperature. With precipitation down to 183mm (7.2"), outdoor enthusiasts have a higher chance of experiencing rain-free days. The sea temperature follows suit, becoming noticeably less warm albeit remaining suitable for swimming.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June brings more predictable weather, marking the beginning of the dry season. A low precipitation of 183mm (7.2") coupled with a lower number of rainfall days signifies the dominance of the dry season. Even though the daytime and nighttime temperatures exhibit a gentle decline, they remain warm enough for comfort.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings the coldest temperatures of the year to
Sambava, with highs and lows ranging from 26°C (78.8°F) to 18°C (64.4°F). Despite this, the "cold" is relative, and likely pleasurable to many, especially those coming from colder climes.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August stands out for having the highest amount of rainfall days - 18 in total. Despite this, it also records one of the lowest rain measurements, standing at 195mm (7.68"). Moreover, the sea temperature begins to rise again, beckoning to beach lovers and surfers.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signals the end of the cold season, with temperatures beginning to rise once again. The dramatic drop in rainfall to 100mm (3.94") indicates the start of the transition into the wetter period of the year. With the increasing sea temperature, more and more people make a beeline for the beach.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October continues the warming trend established in
September while keeping rainfall relatively low at 109mm (4.29"). A remarkably stable sea temperature makes this month a favorite among water sport enthusiasts and beach-goers.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November initiates the noticeable transition towards the wet season, ushered in by a rise in precipitation to 132mm (5.2"). It marks the final period before the arrival of the heavy rains, offering a balance between increased daytime temperatures and still-comfortable nighttime conditions.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Sambava,
Madagascar rings in
December with a significant jump in rainfall to 219mm (8.62"), a clear indication of the wet season's onset. The sea temperature reaches its second-highest peak for the year, a delight for those who enjoy warmer waters.
Weather in December » [Resources]