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 ÃŽle 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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Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Madagascar.
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.
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.Â
You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.com or WattsApp +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. 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.Â
Sally Wanjau
Hello, I am Sally Wanjau, and I have been travelling to Kenya on safari since the 1980’s which led to me living and working there for several years. Married to a Kenyan, it is a place that I now call home. I currently live in the UK with my husband. For a number of years, I ran my own safari business as an agent working closely with Gamewatchers Safaris creating unique and tailor-made holidays for my clients, and in 2017 I joined Gamewatchers Safaris full-time as one of their dedicated team of Safari Advisers.
Having travelled extensively throughout East, South and Southern Africa, I remain passionate about Kenya, my love of which is fed by my many fantastic wildlife experiences at the Porini Camps.
You can contact me at sallywanjau@gamewatchers.com or call me at +44 7546 433 250
Wayne Hammond
Wayne Hammond
Hello, I'm Wayne Hammond, and I'm fortunate to have embarked on over 30 incredible journeys to the enchanting continent of Africa. It's a place that has captured my heart time and time again. My travels have taken me to Kenya, which I've had the pleasure of visiting far more times than I can recall, as well as to Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, and Mozambique. Among my cherished bush haunts, I hold dear the Masai Mara in Kenya, the mesmerizing Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, and the wondrous South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. I'm not just a passionate traveler but also an avid amateur wildlife photographer and an occasional travel writer. Â
If you're ready to embark on your own African adventure, don't hesitate to reach out to me at wayne@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +44 7986 978 985.Â
Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I've had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul. If you're eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@gamewatchers.comÂ
Let's connect and embark on a journey through Africa's wild wonders together.
Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
You can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or by phone at +91 801 788 5256