Climate & Weather Guide · MadagascarClimate & Weather Guide in Madagascar
Climate zones, seasonal temperatures, rainfall patterns, and best travel times
Madagascar has a strongly varied tropical climate shaped by its large size, high central plateau, and exposure to the southeast trade winds. The east coast is hot, humid, and very wet, while the western side is generally drier and the southwest can become semi-arid to arid. The highlands around Antananarivo are cooler than the coasts because of elevation, creating a more comfortable climate for many residents and expats. The country has two main seasons: a hot, rainy season from November to April and a cooler, drier season from May to October. Cyclones can affect the east and north during the wet season.
Summer Average
22-30°C
Winter Average
10-20°C
Climate Types
Tropical monsoon and Tropical rainforest and Tropical savanna and Semi-arid and Temperate highland
300-3800 mm
2,000-3,000 hrs/yr
60-80%
Regional Climate Variations
East Coast Rainforest Belt
This windward coast is Madagascar’s wettest area, with warm temperatures, very high humidity, and frequent heavy rain, especially during the November to April wet season. Cities and towns here experience lush vegetation and a distinctly tropical feel, but also the greatest exposure to cyclones and flooding. For residents, this region offers dramatic green scenery and coastal warmth, but daily life is shaped by persistent moisture and the need to plan around intense rainfall.
Hot, humid, and lush year-round, with frequent downpours and a strong tropical monsoon feel.
Central Highlands
The central plateau around Antananarivo and nearby inland cities is cooler and more moderate than the coasts because of altitude, making it one of the most comfortable parts of the country for many expats. Rain falls mainly in the wet season, but temperatures stay milder, especially at night and in winter months. The climate is still tropical, but with a fresher, spring-like character that is attractive for people who want to avoid extreme coastal heat and humidity.
Mild, elevated, and more comfortable than the coasts, with cool evenings and a clear wet-dry seasonal rhythm.
Northwest Coast and Islands
The northwest, including coastal areas and islands such as Nosy Be, is warmer and generally wetter than the west coast but less extreme than the east. It combines tropical heat with a strong marine influence, creating a climate that is attractive for beach living, tourism, and year-round outdoor activity. Rain is concentrated in the wet season, while the dry season brings long stretches of sunshine and more pleasant humidity levels.
Warm, coastal, and tropical, with a long sunny dry season and lush scenery after the rains.
Western Dry Plains
The western lowlands are much drier than the east, with a longer dry season and more open, savanna-like landscapes. Temperatures are still warm to hot, but humidity is lower and rainfall is more limited, making the climate easier for some residents than the wetter east coast. This region can feel hot and dusty in the dry season, but it is less prone to persistent rain and heavy cloud cover.
Warm to hot, sunnier, and noticeably drier, with a more open and less humid feel than the east.
Southwestern Semi-arid Zone
The southwest is Madagascar’s driest major region and can approach semi-arid to arid conditions, especially near Toliara and farther inland. Rainfall is low and uneven, vegetation is sparse, and the climate feels much harsher than the rest of the island. For residents, this area offers less humidity and more sunshine, but water scarcity, heat, and drought risk are important practical concerns.
Dry, sunny, and often hot, with a strong semi-arid feel and limited rainfall outside the wet season.
Madagascar offers a wide climate range, from very wet tropical east-coast conditions to much drier southwest zones, with the central highlands providing the most temperate environment. For residents and expats, the highlands and parts of the northwest are often the most comfortable, while the east suits those who prefer lush tropical humidity and the southwest suits people who can adapt to drier, hotter conditions.
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