When to visit Madagascar? Seasons and essential tips

Without a doubt, Madagascar is a splendid destination that will surely blow your mind away. Once you arrive at the so-called Red Island, you will realize the place is not very populated, making it the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and enjoy the native wildlife. Though it may not be well-known to many, you can explore limitless extraordinary sceneries that you won’t find in other travel destinations.

Nevertheless, to enjoy to the fullest the fourth biggest island in the world, it is important to learn when to visit Madagascar. Let’s dive into the best time to visit Madagascar, why it's an exceptional destination, and more useful tips to make the most of your experience in the country.

Why visit Madagascar?

Madagascar is worth visiting because you can experience an extreme, exotic, and marvelous holiday. This country is undoubtedly a mystical gem that is rare and intriguing. While it is still underdeveloped, it is definitely full of travel possibilities. Some of the things to do in Madagascar are: 

Visiting the Avenue of the Baobabs (Allée des Baobabs)

No trip to Madagascar is complete without visiting the Avenue of the Baobabs, a stunning location with age-old baobab trees lining a gravel road, offering wonderful photo opportunities.

Baobabs are popular for growing massively by up to 98 feet in height and 36 feet in width (approximately 29 meters in height and 10 meters in width).

These trees are also renowned for their long lifespans that can extend up to a thousand years. Surprisingly, one baobab can store as much as a thousand gallons of water, even in dry climates.

Exploring Madagascar’s National Parks

Although there are around 30 national parks in Madagascar, you must see Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park and Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. The first one is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its limestone formations called "Tsingy," and it is an ideal location for rock climbing and trekking.

The second one is known as Lemur Island. This place is famous for the Indri lemur, which is known for its distinctive call that sounds like a growl.

Going Island Hopping

Madagascar is known for its many offshore islands, each with its own unique charm and attractions. Some of the islands you must see are Nosy Be, Île aux Nattes, Île aux Cerfs and Île Sainte Marie. While the main activities are to swim and sunbathe in unspoilt beaches on the Indian Ocean, you can also take up scuba diving.

You don’t need to be a professional scuba diver. In fact, even if it is your first time to take the plunge, everyone is welcome to try the sport. For foodies, there are magnificent restaurants where you can enjoy some of the best seafood in the world.

When to visit Madagascar?

Although the perfect time to visit Madagascar largely depends on your destination and your interests, most travelers recommend traveling from April to November during the dry season.

Madagascar has a tropical climate with a dry season in the winter and a rainy season in the summer. In general, it is quite humid in the northeast, arid in the southwest, and temperate in the central highlands. However, from around April to October, Madagascar experiences a dry and mild period.

Those months are ideal for exploring the country, seeking out wildlife, hiking, enjoying warm and mild nights, and relaxing on the beaches. During this time, temperatures are cooler (around 60-70°F/20-25°C during the day and around 40-55°F/ 10-15°C at night), and there is less rainfall.

If you are looking to hit the beaches in Madagascar, you can travel there between November and December. However, it can get extremely hot and wet with occasional extreme cyclones hitting the east coast. 

During the low season, from January to March, you will be able to find the cheapest deals, although storms are really common since it is Madagascar’s wet season. Traveling in the northeast and east during these months can be extremely difficult due to impassable and muddy roads.

Here’s a recap of when to visit Madagascar based on different interests:

• Best months to visit Madagascar: April, May and September to November
• High season months: July, August and December
• Low season months: January, February and March

When is the best time to visit Madagascar for wildlife?

One of the must-do activities in Madagascar is to see its wildlife. Madagascar has a diverse array of species, many of which are only found there. Lemurs, chameleons, exotic birds, reptiles, and incredible flora are waiting for you.

To see lemurs and humpback whales, plan your trip between June and November. To see lemurs and humpback whales, plan your trip between June and November. Humpback whales arrive on the east coast during this period to give birth, so traveling from June to November will give you the best chance to see them. While lemurs can be seen year-round, October and November are the best times to see baby lemurs.

In general, from September to November is the best time period to see reptiles and amphibians, as well as observe the fossa and birds like the Madagascar kingfisher, the Madagascar harrier, and the Madagascar paradise flycatcher.

Is Madagascar a good place to visit?

The short answer is yes. Madagascar is a wonderful country and island to visit. You will be able to see numerous species unique to the country, such as lemurs, chameleons, and a variety of rare plants and insects. In addition, the Malagasy people are very friendly and eager to help. Learn a few phrases in Malagasy, and you'll see how much they appreciate it.

When it comes to budgeting, Madagascar can be as affordable as you want it to be. If you want to keep your expenses low, you can stay in a hostel, use public transport, and dine at street food stalls for around $35 USD per day. If you prefer to stay in a hotel, go island hopping, take guided tours, and dine out for every meal, you should expect to spend about $85 USD per day.

To travel safely, you should consider these travel tips for Madagascar: 

• Avoid going out at night.
• Only drink water from sealed bottles and be cautious with fruit and vegetables unless they are fully cooked.
• Keep a close watch on your belongings, as pickpocketing can be an issue.
• Don’t display expensive items like jewelry or your phone.
• Don’t use your mobile phone or show cash while on the street.
• If you are stopped by security personnel or police, ask for identification, as there have been reports of criminals impersonating police officers.
• Familiarize yourself with local security forces.

Remember to get your visa for Madagascar before your trip. There are three different types of visas that can be processed entirely online. For more information, check out our article on entry requirements for Madagascar. It covers everything you need to know about passports, visas, vaccines, and other requirements.