Things to Do in Antananarivo in December

December Weather in Antananarivo

26.7°C (80°F) High Temp

16.7°C (62°F) Low Temp

226 mm (8.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect highland weather - December is Madagascar's warm season with pleasant 20-25°C (68-77°F) temperatures in Antananarivo's 1,280m (4,200ft) elevation, ideal for exploring the city on foot
Jacaranda blooming season - The city transforms into purple paradise as thousands of jacaranda trees bloom throughout December, creating Instagram-worthy streets especially around Lake Anosy and Independence Avenue
Fresh produce season - December marks peak harvest time for lychees, mangoes, and other tropical fruits. Local markets like Analakely overflow with the year's best produce at lowest prices (500-1,000 Ariary per kilo)
Cultural calendar peak - Famadihana (turning of the bones) ceremonies happen in highland regions around Antananarivo during December-January, offering authentic cultural experiences unavailable other times

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms are intense - Daily 2-4pm storms bring 20-30mm (0.8-1.2 inches) of rain in 1-2 hours, flooding low-lying areas like Analakely market and making cobblestone streets in Haute-Ville extremely slippery
Peak local holiday season - December 25-January 2 sees many restaurants, museums, and government offices closed. Hotel prices increase 40-60% during this period, especially December 29-January 2
Mud season challenges - Heavy rains turn unpaved roads in outer districts to deep mud. Plan extra time for transportation and avoid white clothing or suede shoes

Best Activities in December

Andasibe-Mantadia Rainforest Wildlife Tours

December's warm, humid weather activates Madagascar's endemic wildlife. Indri lemurs are most vocal during morning hours (6-9am) in mating season, and chameleons are easier to spot due to increased activity. The 3-hour drive east through lush December landscapes showcases Madagascar at its greenest. Morning mists create magical photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed park guides. Tours typically cost 180,000-250,000 Ariary ($40-55) including transport and guide. Start early (5am departure) to avoid afternoon storms and catch peak animal activity. Look for operators with 4WD vehicles essential for December road conditions.

Haute-Ville Historical Walking Tours

December's mild morning temperatures (18-22°C/64-72°F) are perfect for exploring Antananarivo's steep historical upper city before afternoon heat and storms. The Queen's Palace area offers panoramic city views, and December's clear morning air provides excellent photography conditions. Afternoon storms create dramatic cloud formations over the city.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is ideal - hire local guides at Rova entrance for 15,000-25,000 Ariary ($3-6) for 2-3 hours. Start by 8am to complete circuit before 2pm storms. Wear non-slip shoes for cobblestone streets that become treacherous when wet.

Lemur Park Day Visits

Located 22km (14 miles) southwest, this private reserve showcases 9 lemur species in semi-natural habitat. December's warm weather means lemurs are active throughout the day, unlike cooler months when they're dormant. The 5-hectare park can be explored in 2-3 hours, perfect for afternoon visits after morning city exploration.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for individual visits. Entry costs 25,000 Ariary ($5.50) plus 15,000 Ariary ($3.30) guide fee. Taxi-brousse transport costs 2,000 Ariary (45¢) each way, or hire taxi for 80,000-120,000 Ariary ($18-27) round trip. Visit 2-5pm to avoid morning crowds and utilize afternoon warmth for active lemur behavior.

Analakely Market Food Tours

December brings peak harvest season, making this the year's best time for Madagascar's largest market. Fresh lychees, mangoes, and exotic fruits are abundant and cheapest. Local specialties like romazava (beef and greens stew) use December's fresh vegetables. Morning visits (7-10am) offer coolest temperatures and freshest selections before afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration works best - local food costs 2,000-8,000 Ariary ($0.50-2) per item. Bring cash in small denominations and waterproof bag. Avoid post-storm visits when flooding makes lower market areas inaccessible. Try seasonal December specialties like fresh coconut water (1,500 Ariary/35¢) and ripe mangoes (500 Ariary/12¢ each).

Lake Anosy Evening Strolls

December evenings (6-8pm) offer perfect temperatures (20-24°C/68-75°F) for walking around this heart-shaped lake in city center. Jacaranda trees in full December bloom create purple canopy reflections in the water. Local families gather for evening picnics, providing authentic cultural interaction opportunities.

Booking Tip: Free activity requiring no booking. Best timing is 6-7:30pm for golden hour photography and comfortable temperatures. Small food vendors around the lake sell local snacks for 1,000-3,000 Ariary (25¢-75¢). Bring insect repellent as December humidity increases mosquito activity near water.

Traditional Famadihana Ceremonies

December-January is primary season for this sacred Malagasy tradition of 'turning the bones' - rewrapping ancestors in fresh silk shrouds and dancing with them before returning to tombs. These ceremonies happen in villages 20-50km (12-31 miles) from Antananarivo and offer profound cultural insight unavailable to tourists other times of year.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours to witness ceremonies cost 150,000-300,000 Ariary ($35-65) including transport and cultural guide. Book through reputable cultural tour operators 10-14 days ahead as ceremony dates depend on family decisions and moon phases. Dress conservatively and bring offerings (small cash gifts of 5,000-10,000 Ariary/$1-2 are appropriate).

December Events & Festivals

Late December through January

Famadihana Season

The sacred Malagasy tradition of exhuming ancestors, rewrapping them in fresh silk shrouds, and dancing with them before returning to tombs. Families throughout highland Madagascar hold these ceremonies during the warm, dry period, offering visitors unprecedented cultural insight into authentic Malagasy spiritual practices.

Throughout December

Jacaranda Blooming Festival

While not an official festival, the city transforms as thousands of jacaranda trees bloom simultaneously, creating purple-canopied streets throughout Antananarivo. Locals celebrate with increased outdoor activities, evening strolls, and photography sessions around Lake Anosy and major boulevards.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - afternoon storms dump 20-30mm (0.8-1.2 inches) in 1-2 hours with little warning, but humidity makes heavy rain gear uncomfortable

Non-slip walking shoes with good tread - cobblestone streets in Haute-Ville become extremely slippery when wet, causing numerous tourist falls

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 at 1,280m (4,200ft) elevation, and highland sun is deceptively strong even on cloudy days

Long pants and sleeves for evenings - temperatures drop to 16-18°C (61-64°F) after sunset, and highland evenings can feel chilly

Waterproof phone case or bag - essential for protecting electronics during sudden downpours and for market visits

Insect repellent with DEET - December humidity increases mosquito activity, especially around Lake Anosy and market areas

Quick-dry clothing fabrics - avoid cotton which stays damp in 70% humidity; synthetic blends or merino wool dry faster

Small daypack with rain cover - for carrying layers as temperatures fluctuate 10°C (18°F) between morning and afternoon

Portable umbrella - compact model for sudden storms, though wind can make large umbrellas useless during heavy thunderstorms

Cash in small denominations - market vendors and local guides prefer small bills; bring mix of 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 Ariary notes

Insider Knowledge

Shop for produce at Analakely market between 7-9am for best selection and coolest temperatures - vendors pack up during afternoon storms and prices increase 50-100% for remaining soggy produce

Book accommodations in Haute-Ville rather than lower areas - better drainage means you won't be trapped by flooding, and elevation provides 2-3°C (4-5°F) cooler temperatures during humid afternoons

Carry backup transportation money - taxi fares increase 40-60% during afternoon storms as demand spikes and some areas become inaccessible, especially routes through Analakely

December mangoes are extraordinary but choose carefully - look for slight give near stem and avoid any with dark spots, as high humidity causes rapid spoilage within 24 hours of ripening

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 1pm - afternoon thunderstorms are nearly daily and can trap you for hours in inadequate shelter with dangerous lightning

Bringing only summer clothes - many tourists underestimate how cool highland evenings get, especially after rain when temperatures can drop 8-10°C (14-18°F) quickly

Planning tight schedules during December 25-January 2 - many attractions, restaurants, and services close or operate limited hours during Madagascar's Christmas holiday period