The best time to visit Madagascar is during the dry season from April to October, with fewer rain showers and optimal conditions for seeking out wildlife, hiking and enjoying the beach. Whilst Madagascar holidays can be enjoyed year-round, the principal wet season is from late December through to the month of March; often involving cyclones so is probably best avoided! Madagascar is a huge country and therefore the climate varies and weather patterns do not necessarily stick to the traditional seasons, you should be prepared for all weather conditions.
Lemurs are more active during these months, making it simpler to see these endearing animals in national parks and reserves. This time of year is ideal for birdwatching because so many different bird species are on full display. Whether you're diving in pristine marine reserves or hiking through the Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar's incredible wildlife awaits you throughout the dry season.
From south to north, the temperature ranges from about 33 to 27 degrees Celsius, cooling slightly the further north you go, with heavy rainfall spreading unevenly across the country. Rains are heavy and more prolific in the north, with the south remaining much drier in comparison. There is a risk of cyclones in January, although this peaks in February.
We do not recommend travel to Madagascar in January as certain lodges and local operators will be closed. The weather is hot and very wet, turning some roads into deep mud, making some national parks and accommodations inaccessible.
If you prefer to travel out of season and don’t mind some heavy rains, travel to Madagascar in the shoulder seasons of April or December.
The Madagascan winter runs April through November and this drier milder season is the best time to visit, especially to see lemurs. July and August specifically are the coolest months of the year, as well as the busiest. September to November is an excellent time to visit, as it marks the end of the cool, dry season albeit before the rainfall increases. April and May are noticeably greener months with verdant countryside following the rainier months.
December through March is Madagascar’s tropical summer and the hottest and wettest period, with January to March being particularly wet with heavy rains and cyclones. Travel in the northeast and east during these months can be notoriously difficult, with roads sometimes impassable and muddy. We usually would not recommend travelling at this time as often lodges will be closed or inaccessible.
As part of a small group of just eight guests you will visit the wildlife rich rain forest reserves of Andasibe and Mantadia listening out for the early morning calls of the Indri lemurs, before the landscape shifts to vineyards, savannah and the rocky outcrops at Isalo National Park and encounters with the distinctive ring tailed lemurs before exploring the remote national park of the Masoala Peninsula, where the rainforest meets the sea.
From 9300 per person
This exhilarating adventure through some of Madagascar’s most biodiverse regions showcases the best of its wildlife and natural splendour. Lacking in the big game and fierce predators of its African relatives, Madagascar offers a unique and ‘hands on’ experience for your safari. A range of weird and wonderful insects and reptiles can be discovered and closely inspected, and the instant appeal of cuddly lemurs is magnetic for many travellers.
From 35000 per person
In this safari you can experience a vast amount of wildlife in a short amount of time. Head into Andasibe National Park and Mantadia Reserve to offer you a truly unique insight into the initial fauna and flora of Madagascar.
From 5000 per personIf you want to see humpback whales, travel from July to September when the whales arrive into Madagascan waters off the east coast, to give birth and nurture their calves.
Generally, lemurs can be seen all year round but travel in October or November to see baby lemurs during their birthing season.
For the highest chances of spotting fossa, it is best to travel between September and October which is their mating season, they tend to be found using the same tree year after year.
Visit the well-known Avenue of the Baobabs, a stunning location with age-old baobab trees lining a gravel road that makes for wonderful photo opportunity.
Explore Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park's surreal limestone formations, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a great location for rock climbing and trekking.
Explore Madagascar's many offshore islands, each with its own unique charm and attractions, including Nosy Be, Île aux Nattes, and Île aux Cerfs.
Discover the Avenue of the Palms, a charming avenue near Morondava that is bordered with tall palm trees and offers a tranquil and picturesque experience.
For a look at Madagascar's unique habitats and fauna, visit the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves Mananara-Nord and the Tsingy de Bemaraha.
