Madagascar Climate - When NOT to Go

The Madagascar climate is tropical across most of the island and as such it's prone to severe storms such as cyclones which strike with varying degrees of intensity every year so it's not a good idea to plan a visit during that time.

A Madagascar Trip Ranks # 10 Worldwide The best adventure trips in the world Madagascar trip reviews Madagascar climate temp and rainfall chart 5 top Madagascar hotels Madagascar animals

Weather Forecasts | Weather Maps | Weather Radar

The cyclone season in the Indian Ocean officially runs from mid-November to mid-April but Madagascar seems to be particularly vulnerable from December to March. The most recent cyclone to cause fatalities (Gafilo) occurred in March 2004 killing 172 people and injuring 879.

If you want to avoid cooler weather don't visit Madagascar during the winter months from June to August especially on the high plateau where temperatures can plummet. Keep in mind that cold weather here is relative because even in the dead of winter the average high temperature is around 19ºC (67ºF) so if you don't enjoy very hot weather then this is an ideal time for you to go.

You will also avoid rain during the dry winter season which is an advantage considering that many of the roads are dirt and become mud tracks during a downpour. A disadvantage of the Madagascar climate at this time if you are focusing on the unique wildlife is that they are much less active during the winter months.

To maximise birdlife sightings go from September to December when the breeding season is in full swing and if you want to marvel at the cuteness of Lemur babies then visit between September/October when most of them are born. Whale watching season runs from July through September.

If you take all the Madagascar climate factors into consideration then the best time to go is probably in the spring between September and November when it's not intolerably hot and before the major rains begin to fall.

Madagascar Climate - Average Monthly Temperature and Rainfall Chart