Best Time to Visit
Madagascar
The best time to visit Madagascar depends on what you want to do and see. The country is green and fresh after the rain that falls between January and March, with lemurs and reptiles active and easy to spot. While there are some heavy downpours from April to June, these are interspersed with sunshine, while July and August are cool and dry, making this an ideal time for exploring. The whales arrive on Île Sainte-Marie in July and remain until the end of September. Between September and November the weather is particularly lovely, remaining fine and warm. This is also when jacarandas are in flower and many lemurs have young. While December is hot, lemurs, reptiles and tenrecs are active, which makes for good wildlife viewing.
Madagascar's month-by-month visit guide
Visiting in January
January in Madagascar brings warm, humid, and wet conditions, with up to 340 mm (13 inches) of rainfall. The east coast gets the most rain, prompting visitors to favor the slightly drier south. This season, prone to floods, makes roads to national parks hazardous. Some accommodations may close, making it less favorable for travel. From January to March, the rainy season, though causing river-related isolation in remote areas, offers cost benefits like cheaper airfares and accommodation, with fewer tourists.
Visiting in February
February in Madagascar beckons botanists with a vibrant display of orchids amidst the rain-soaked landscapes. Embrace the allure of the island’s distinctive flora, as enthusiasts navigate the challenges of the rainy season.
Visiting in March
March welcomes the persistent rainy season, rendering some remote locales challenging to reach due to swollen rivers. However, this time presents off-peak advantages, allowing for economical travel with fewer fellow tourists. Ideal for budget-conscious explorers seeking unique experiences.
Visiting in April
April in this region marks the end of the wet season, transforming the countryside into a vibrant canvas of blooming flora. The lush landscapes create an idyllic setting for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike. Birdwatchers will find April particularly rewarding, as it presents the optimal conditions for observing a diverse array of bird species.
Visiting in May
That sounds like a wonderful description of the transition from spring to summer, with the blooming flora creating a picturesque scene. National parks indeed offer stunning landscapes during this time, providing great opportunities for photography and enjoying the beauty of nature. If you’re planning a visit, make sure to check the specific conditions and activities available in the national park you’re interested in. Whether it’s hiking, wildlife viewing, or simply taking in the scenic views, I hope you have a fantastic time! If you have any specific questions or need information about a particular national park, feel free to ask.
Visiting in June
June in Madagascar offers clear coastal weather and cool temperatures, providing ideal conditions for beach days. It signals the beginning of whale season. The island’s dry months generally span April to September, but rainfall patterns vary widely across regions.
Visiting in July
July marks the beginning of Madagascar’s peak season, making advanced bookings crucial for an optimal visit. Positioned in the middle of the Madagascan winter, the temperatures are cooler compared to other months, creating ideal conditions for exploring the island’s rainforests. However, steer clear of July/August and the Christmas/New Year period to avoid crowds at popular destinations.
Visiting in August
August mirrors July’s cool climate, making it the prime time to visit Madagascar. The peak season offers optimal conditions for scuba diving and snorkeling. Avoid the crowded periods of July/August and Christmas/New Year.
Visiting in September
September in Madagascar signals the end of the cooler season, ideal for safaris. Rising temperatures bring out local wildlife like chameleons, lemurs, and lizards in the desert plains and jungles. It’s the last chance for whale watching as humpbacks return to Antarctic waters. While pleasant, September is often windy in the south.
Visiting in October
Optimal for wildlife enthusiasts, October is prime for lemur encounters in Madagascar during their breeding season. Ringtail lemurs, born in September, fill the islands, creating a unique experience. The month also boasts ideal beach conditions, offering clear underwater visibility for scuba diving and excellent surfing conditions. For a perfect visit, our recommended months are October and November, featuring pleasant weather, blooming jacarandas, adorable lemur offspring, and the chance to savor roadside lychees in the east.
Visiting in November
November marks the onset of summer in Madagascar, just before the rainy season. Ideal for visits, the breeding season enhances birdwatching, while active wildlife, including geckos, frogs, chameleons, and lemurs, can be spotted across tourist hotspots like Nose Be and Tana. Optimal months are October and November for pleasant weather, blooming jacarandas, lemur offspring sightings, and roadside lychee stalls in the east, providing a captivating experience without excessive heat.
Visiting in December
December signals the onset of Madagascar’s rainy season, marked by intense heat. Travelers should be cautious of tropical storms due to heavy rainfall, making early-month visits preferable. Steer clear of the Christmas/New Year rush to avoid crowds at popular destinations.
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Places to visit in Madagascar
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Rick McIntyre
Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we'll make your African dreams a reality.
Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
Rachel resides on the vibrant West Coast of Canada, specifically on Vancouver Island. She has a profound love for travel, having explored nearly 30 countries. However, it was a solo journey to Africa that truly ignited her passion. Upon stepping foot in Botswana for the first time, Rachel was captivated and knew she needed to explore more of the continent. Since then, she has ventured solo to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya, where she traveled with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.
It was during these experiences that Rachel realized her desire to be a part of the Gamewatchers team. More about Rachel
You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.com or call +1-250-588-9112
Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let's embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
Brad Wierman
Brad Wierman
Hello there, I'm Brad, and my safari odyssey began with my first expedition to Kenya in 1984. Since then, I've had the privilege of guiding and exploring various African destinations, from Tanzania to Ethiopia, Rwanda to Zambia, and beyond. Yet, after 34 years, East Africa still captivates me like no other. My most recent adventure here was in June 2018. As an Environmental Conservation major in college, I found my perfect match in Gamewatchers and Porini Camps, whose groundbreaking conservation efforts in Kenya are unparalleled. The moment you witness an elephant in the wild for the first time, you're irrevocably hooked, just as I was. Whether you're embarking on your inaugural safari or your tenth, I'm here to curate the ideal experience tailored to your expertise level, accommodation preferences, and budget.
I'm based in Bend, Oregon, and you can reach me at brad@gamewatchers.com or by calling +1 224-558-1887. Let's make your safari dreams come true!
