Climate and monthly weather forecast
Toamasina, Madagascar

Situated on the east coast of Madagascar, Toamasina's geographical position greatly influences its climate. It's classified as Af in the Köppen climate classification - a climatic zone mainly characterized by tropical rainforest climate. This type of climate manifests in high temperatures, elevated humidity levels, and a significant quantity of rainfall throughout the year.

Diverse climate parameters reveal a consistent pattern - there are no distinct dry and wet seasons per sé, given the high amount of rainfall received each month. That said, a slightly drier period can be noticed from May to September with rainfall levels falling to 121mm (4.76") in September compared to a peak of 478mm (18.82") in March.

The heat is a constant presence in Toamasina, with the highest temperatures recorded from December to February, averaging from 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 30.3°C (86.5°F). Even the colder months maintain generous warmth, with the coolest month, July, showing a high of 24.8°C (76.6°F) and low of 17.1°C (62.8°F). Mirroring the temperature variations, sea temperatures are warmest from December to February, averaging from 28°C (82.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), and coolest from June to September, dipping to 24.6°C (76.3°F) to 25.2°C (77.4°F), which is still relatively warm and welcoming.

In terms of daylight, the duration ranges from about 11 hours from June to July, extending to approximately 13.2 hours in December. Correspondingly, with this variance in daylight duration, sunshine hours alter between a low of 5.3 hours in July, then steadily increase to reach a peak of 7.9 hours in November.

The optimal period to visit Toamasina relies significantly on an individual's tolerance for rainfall and preference for temperature. For those that can endure high humidity and prefer warmer temperatures, the best time to visit would be from December to February. During this period, high temperatures range from 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 30.3°C (86.5°F), coupled with warm sea temperatures averaging from 28°C (82.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F).

In comparison, the less favourable time to visit Toamasina would arguably be in March. Despite the high temperature that averages around 29.5°C (85.1°F), it stands out as the wettest month showcasing an impressive rainfall measure of 478mm (18.82") recorded over an average of 21 days. The high humidity level of 85% also adds to the discomfort, making it a challenging period for visitors not accustomed to tropical rainforest climates.

Differentiating the seasons in Toamasina's climate is slightly challenging due to its tropical rainforest nature; however, adopting a meteorological definition based on temperature, spring would fall around September to November. During this period, the high temperature ranges from 25.8°C (78.4°F) to 28.4°C (83.1°F) and the low temperature from 17.3°C (63.1°F) to 20.4°C (68.7°F). Humidity remains persistent at approximately 83%, and rainfall moderately decreases from 121mm (4.76") in September to 170mm (6.69") in November.

Summer in Toamasina spans from December to February. It brings the highest temperatures of the year, averaging from 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 30.3°C (86.5°F) for high temperatures and around 21.9°C (71.4°F) to 22.7°C (72.9°F) for low temperatures. Rainfall levels rise again, ranging from 357mm (14.06") in December to 410mm (16.14") in January. Sea temperatures reach their peak with values from 28°C (82.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F).

With autumn defined roughly from March to May, Toamasina experiences a slight fall in temperatures with highs between 27.3°C (81.1°F) and 29.5°C (85.1°F) and lows from 19.5°C (67.1°F) to 22.4°C (72.3°F). The highest rainfall of the year is seen in March with 478mm (18.82"), which then decreases to 228mm (8.98") in May. Sea temperatures mildly drop off from the summer's peak, averaging from 27.4°C (81.3°F) to 28.8°C (83.8°F).

The winter period from June to August in Toamasina seems slightly less harsh in comparison to what is typically associated with the season. During this period, high temperatures range from 24.8°C (76.6°F) to 25.6°C (78.1°F) with lows between 17°C (62.6°F) to 17.8°C (64°F). Even in these cooler months, sea temperatures hover at a comfortable 24.6°C (76.3°F) to 25.2°C (77.4°F). June also ushers in the driest period of the year with rainfall dipping to 259mm (10.2"). It's also the period with the least sunshine hours, averaging around 5.3 hours in July.

High humidity is one of the hallmarks of January's climate in Toamasina, Madagascar. With a relative humidity of 83%, expect a moist and warm atmosphere throughout the month. January also marks the onset of a rainy season, when downpours are frequent. Weather in January »

February continues to uphold the rainy profile set by January. Keeping the weather warm, the sea reaches a temperature near its yearly peak. More sunlight is visible when compared to upcoming months, indicative of the lingering summer. Weather in February »

March brings its special touch to the weather of Toamasina, Madagascar. Registering the highest rainfall of the year at 478mm (18.82"), expect prolific downpours. Sea temperatures start to mildly cool down, signaling a change in season. Weather in March »

In April, the weather begins to transition into a cooler phase. Unraveling from the heights of the rainy season, rainfall dramatically drops to 323mm (12.72"). This pivot comes along with a decrease in sea temperature, hinting towards approaching winter months. Weather in April »

May steps in with the first real taste of the cooler season. The weather starts to dry up with a significant reduction in rainfall. The hours of sunshine slightly decrease compared to April, indicating shorter days ahead. A dip in sea temperature starts to make itself felt, so it might not be the optimal time for beach outings. Weather in May »

The weather in Toamasina, Madagascar, during June showcases the winter season in full bloom. The rainfall chart continues to dip, and the earlier high humidity decreases marginally. As the sun hides away a bit more, daylight hours reach their annual minimum. Weather in June »

In July, the winter season continues its reign in Toamasina, Madagascar. With the reduced daylight, expect cooler days and more extended periods of dusk. July holds the distinction of having the highest number of rainfall days at 22, despite the overall lowered volume. Weather in July »

As August sets in, there is a very slight impulse towards warming. However, the predominant characteristics of cool and mild weather hold center stage. August shares the distinction with July for having the most humid environment with an 85% of relative humidity. Weather in August »

September presents itself with a clear indication of oncoming spring in Toamasina, Madagascar. The rainfall counter significantly decreases, making September the driest month of the year with 121mm (4.76"). Longer and brighter days are becoming the norm as the winter fades away. Weather in September »

October experiences noticeable warming up, both in water and air temperatures. Despite the sea temperature rising, the rainfall index remains relatively low. The extended daylight hours paint a brighter scenario, amplified by the gradual increase in hourly sunshine. Weather in October »

With the arrival of November, the weather in Toamasina, Madagascar leans towards the warmer side. Despite rainfall starting to increase, it does not reach the earlier peak levels of the year. Sea temperatures continue to ascend, making beach activities viable again. Weather in November »

December marks another turn in the weather saga of Toamasina, Madagascar. As the year closes, the weather offers up more rainfall, with the index reaching 357mm (14.06"). However, longer daylight hours and an increased sea temperature imply an overall warm and bright ambiance. Weather in December »