Things to Do in Antananarivo in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Antananarivo
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak jacaranda season transforms the city into purple-canopied boulevards - late November through December is when Antananarivo earns its nickname 'Tana the Purple'. The Avenue de l'Indépendance becomes almost absurdly photogenic, and locals actually time family photos around this brief window.
- Rice harvest season means the countryside surrounding Tana is at its most vibrant green, and fresh rice appears in every market. You'll see the terraced paddies around Ambohimanga at their most productive, and restaurant menus feature seasonal rice dishes you won't find other months.
- December sits in shoulder season before the January-February tourist rush, so you'll find better accommodation rates and fewer crowds at major sites like the Rova Palace complex. Hotels in Isoraka and Antaninarenina typically run 20-30% cheaper than peak season.
- The rainy season is well established by December, which means the Tsimbazaza Botanical Gardens and Lemurs' Park are lush and active. Lemurs are more visible during feeding times, and the afternoon showers cool things down enough that midday exploration is actually pleasant, unlike the brutal October-November heat.
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days mean you'll likely encounter at least 2-3 significant afternoon downpours during a week-long visit. The city's drainage isn't great - expect flooded streets in lower areas like Analakely, and plan indoor alternatives for post-2pm activities.
- December marks the beginning of cyclone season in the Indian Ocean. While direct hits on Antananarivo are rare due to the highland location at 1,280 m (4,199 ft) elevation, you might experience heavy sustained rain and flight delays if a system approaches the coast. Check forecasts closely if you're connecting through coastal cities.
- The combination of 70% humidity and 26.7°C (80°F) highs creates that sticky tropical feeling that catches first-timers off guard. The 1,200+ m (3,937+ ft) altitude means you're also dealing with thinner air - expect to tire more quickly on those steep Tana hills, especially in humid conditions.
Best Activities in December
Ambohimanga Sacred Hill exploration
December's post-rain greenery makes the UNESCO World Heritage royal hill particularly striking, and the cooler mornings before 10am are ideal for the uphill walk through the fortified village. The site sits 21 km (13 miles) north of central Tana, and December's conditions mean you'll actually enjoy the outdoor portions without the October-November heat exhaustion. The sacred trees and royal burial sites are at their most photogenic when the surrounding countryside is this green.
Antananarivo city walking tours through historic quarters
December mornings from 7am-11am offer the sweet spot before afternoon rains and peak humidity. The steep cobblestone streets of Haute-Ville are manageable when it's cooler, and you'll catch the Analakely market at its most active. The jacaranda-lined streets through Isoraka and around Avenue de l'Indépendance are genuinely worth the walk this month - something you can't say in the dusty dry season.
Tsimbazaza Zoo and Botanical Gardens visits
The rainy season brings the botanical gardens to life, and lemur activity peaks in the cooler morning hours. December's humidity actually works in your favor here - the lemurs are more active and visible than during dry season when they're heat-stressed and hiding. The 27-hectare site requires 2-3 hours to explore properly, and morning visits before 11am guarantee you'll finish before the typical afternoon downpour.
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park overnight excursions
The 140 km (87 mile) drive east from Tana takes you into primary rainforest that's genuinely spectacular in December. The established rainy season means waterfalls are flowing, the Indri lemurs are calling throughout the morning, and the forest canopy is at peak density. December sits just before the January-February peak tourist season, so you'll have better guide availability and fewer groups on the trails. The rain is a factor - expect wet conditions - but that's precisely why the forest is so alive.
Antananarivo culinary market experiences
December brings fresh lychees, mangoes, and the new rice harvest to Tana's markets. The Analakely market and La Digue market are overwhelming in the best way - you'll find seasonal produce that simply isn't available other months. Morning market tours from 7am-10am let you see the auction activity and catch vendors before the midday slowdown. The humidity means prepared foods don't last long, so what you're seeing is genuinely fresh that morning.
Lemurs Park half-day visits
Located 22 km (13.7 miles) west of Tana, this private reserve offers guaranteed lemur sightings in a more controlled environment than wild parks. December's rainy season means the 5-hectare botanical park is lush, and the nine lemur species are active during the cooler morning hours. It's a solid option if you're not making it to Andasibe or want a half-day nature experience without the full expedition. The afternoon rain pattern means morning visits are essential.
December Events & Festivals
Famadihana season continuation
The turning of the bones ceremonies happen primarily July through September, but some families schedule them into December, particularly in highland villages around Tana. These are genuine family events, not tourist shows, and attending requires an invitation or connection through a local guide. You'll see entire extended families exhume ancestors, rewrap them in fresh silk shrouds, and celebrate with zebu sacrifice and rum. It's profound and not for everyone - the ceremonies are joyful but involve actual human remains.
Christmas preparations and markets
Tana's French colonial history means Christmas is observed, though with Malagasy characteristics. The Analakely and Andravoahangy markets expand with seasonal goods, decorations, and food stalls throughout December. You'll see an interesting blend of Catholic tradition and local custom - midnight masses are well attended, but the celebration feels distinctly Malagasy rather than European. The Avenue de l'Indépendance gets modest decorations, and hotels typically offer special Christmas Eve dinners.