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Antananarivo - Things to Do in Antananarivo in March

Things to Do in Antananarivo in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Antananarivo

26°C (79°F) High Temp
17°C (62°F) Low Temp
155 mm (6.1 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

  • End-of-rainy-season pricing means accommodation rates drop 20-30% compared to the dry season peak in July-September, while the landscape is still lush and green from recent rains
  • Cooler mornings at 17°C (62°F) make early starts comfortable for hiking around Ambohimanga or exploring the upper town's steep staircases without the exhausting heat you'd face in November-January
  • Rice harvest season creates photogenic terraced landscapes in the surrounding highlands, with farmers working the paddies around Antsirabe and along Route 7 - the countryside looks its absolute best
  • Fewer tourists than dry season months means you'll actually get to experience local markets like Analakely and Andravoahangy without being surrounded by tour groups, and restaurant staff have more time to chat

Considerations

  • Those 10 rainy days typically hit in late afternoon between 2-5pm, which can disrupt outdoor plans if you're not strategic about timing - the rain comes hard and fast, turning the city's dirt roads in lower neighborhoods into muddy streams
  • Humidity at 70% makes the already challenging hill climbs around the city feel more exhausting, and clothes take forever to dry in hotel rooms without proper ventilation
  • Some rural roads to popular day-trip destinations like Andasibe-Mantadia National Park can still be partially damaged from heavy February rains, occasionally adding 30-45 minutes to journey times

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Best Activities in March

Ambohimanga Royal Hill Heritage Site Tours

March mornings are perfect for exploring this UNESCO site 21 km (13 miles) north of the city before the afternoon rain rolls in. The cooler 17-19°C (62-66°F) morning temperatures make the uphill walk through the sacred village actually pleasant, and you'll often have the royal palace grounds nearly to yourself. The surrounding countryside is brilliant green from the rainy season, creating stunning photo opportunities of the highlands. The site closes at 4pm anyway, so you naturally avoid the late afternoon showers.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 25,000-30,000 Ariary per person. Most visitors hire a taxi-brousse for the day at 60,000-80,000 Ariary round trip including wait time. Leave by 8am to maximize dry weather. Guide services at the site run 10,000-15,000 Ariary and are worth it for the historical context. See current organized tour options in the booking section below if you prefer not to arrange transport independently.

Lemur Park Day Visits

This private reserve 22 km (14 miles) west of Antananarivo is ideal in March because the lemurs are more active in the post-rainy season conditions and the botanical gardens are lush. Morning visits from 9am-noon let you see nine different lemur species during their active feeding times, and you'll be back in the city before the typical 3pm afternoon downpours. The 5-hectare park takes about 2-3 hours to explore properly with a guide.

Booking Tip: Entry runs 35,000-40,000 Ariary including mandatory guide. Transport via taxi typically costs 50,000-70,000 Ariary each way. Book morning slots if going independently, as afternoon rain can make the forest paths slippery. Tours typically cost 120,000-180,000 Ariary per person from the city including transport and entry. Check the booking widget below for current options with hotel pickup.

Analakely Market and Old Town Walking Routes

March's variable weather actually works in your favor for market exploration - locals shop in the morning before rain, creating authentic energy at Analakely between 7-11am. The historic upper town neighborhoods of Isoraka and Faravohitra are best tackled in early morning when it's cool enough to handle the steep staircases and cobblestone paths. You'll pass colonial-era buildings, local bakeries making mofo gasy, and get genuine glimpses of daily life. Rain usually holds off until 2pm, giving you a solid 4-5 hour window.

Booking Tip: Self-guided is possible but a local guide adds context you'd otherwise miss - expect to pay 40,000-60,000 Ariary for a half-day walking tour. Wear proper walking shoes with grip as cobblestones get slick. Start at Rova Palace at 8am, work down through the neighborhoods, and end at Analakely market around 10am. Guided walking tours typically run 80,000-120,000 Ariary per person. See booking options below for cultural walking experiences.

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park Overnight Trips

While this requires leaving the city, March is actually excellent for wildlife spotting at this rainforest reserve 140 km (87 miles) east. The indri lemurs are highly vocal in March during their breeding season, and you'll hear their haunting calls throughout morning treks. Recent rains mean lush vegetation and active wildlife, though trails can be muddy so expect moderate difficulty. The drive takes 3.5-4 hours each way on roads that might still have some rough patches from February rains, making overnight stays more practical than day trips.

Booking Tip: Two-day, one-night packages typically run 350,000-500,000 Ariary per person including transport, basic lodge accommodation, park fees, and guided walks. Book at least 2 weeks ahead as March sees steady visitor numbers from European travelers. Budget lodges near the park cost 60,000-100,000 Ariary per night if arranging independently. Park entry is 55,000 Ariary plus mandatory guide fees of 60,000-80,000 Ariary per group. Check current multi-day tour options in the booking section below.

Tsimbazaza Zoo and Botanical Garden Visits

When afternoon rain disrupts other plans, this in-city option works perfectly as it has both covered pavilions and outdoor areas. March's conditions keep the botanical sections vibrant, and you can duck into the natural history museum when showers hit. The facility showcases Madagascar's unique fauna including fossa, various lemur species, and endemic birds. It's genuinely useful for understanding the country's biodiversity before or after visiting national parks. Plan for 2-3 hours total.

Booking Tip: Entry costs just 10,000-15,000 Ariary, making this the best budget activity in the city. Open 9am-5pm daily except Mondays. Located in central Antananarivo, easily reached by taxi for 5,000-8,000 Ariary from most hotels. Go midweek when local school groups are less common. No advance booking needed - just show up. Bring small bills as they often lack change.

Traditional Malagasy Cooking Experiences

March brings seasonal ingredients from the recent harvest, and cooking classes let you work with fresh rice varieties, greens, and zebu meat. These typically happen in local homes or small culinary schools, running 3-4 hours including market shopping, preparation, and eating what you've made. You'll learn dishes like romazava, ravitoto, and various rice preparations. It's a perfect rainy afternoon backup activity that's actually more interesting than generic city tours.

Booking Tip: Classes range from 80,000-150,000 Ariary per person depending on group size and menu complexity. Book 5-7 days ahead as most are small operations with limited daily capacity. Morning classes that start with market visits around 8am offer the best market experience. Some include recipe cards in French or English. Look for experiences that include the market component, not just kitchen cooking. Check the booking widget for current culinary experiences.

March Events & Festivals

Early to Mid March

Rice Harvest Activities in Surrounding Highlands

While not a formal festival, March is prime rice harvest season in the terraced paddies around Antananarivo, particularly visible along routes to Antsirabe and Ambatolampy. You'll see farmers working the fields in traditional methods, and some rural communities welcome visitors to observe or even participate. The visual spectacle of golden rice fields against green hills is peak in early-to-mid March. Local guides can arrange visits to working farms where you can learn about Madagascar's rice culture, which is central to Malagasy identity.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - afternoon showers in March are brief but intense, dumping rain for 20-30 minutes before clearing. Umbrellas are awkward on steep staircases and crowded markets.
Closed-toe walking shoes with actual tread - the city's cobblestone streets and dirt paths turn slippery when wet, and you'll be climbing hills constantly. Those 155 mm (6.1 inches) of rain make smooth-soled shoes genuinely dangerous.
Breathable cotton or linen shirts - synthetic fabrics become uncomfortable quickly in 70% humidity. Bring more tops than you think you need as they take 24+ hours to dry in humid conditions without direct sun.
SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 is high exposure level, and the 1,280 m (4,200 ft) altitude intensifies sun damage even on cloudy days. Reapply after rain.
Small daypack with waterproof cover or dry bag - for protecting camera, phone, and documents during sudden afternoon downpours. The rain comes fast enough that you won't always reach shelter in time.
Long lightweight pants for evening - temperatures drop to 17°C (62°F) at night, which feels genuinely cool after warm humid days. Also useful for visiting sacred sites where shorts aren't appropriate.
Cash in small denominations - ATMs dispense large bills but markets, taxis, and small vendors rarely have change. Carry 1,000 and 2,000 Ariary notes.
Basic first aid including blister treatment - all the hill walking on uneven surfaces causes foot issues for visitors not accustomed to it. Break in shoes before arriving.
Portable phone charger - power cuts still happen occasionally in March, and you'll use your phone heavily for photos, maps, and translation apps throughout long days out.
Light scarf or shawl - useful for temple visits, as sun protection, and for chilly mornings. Also helps in markets where dust can be an issue before rain settles it.

Insider Knowledge

Time your outdoor activities for 8am-2pm windows - locals know the rain pattern and you'll notice markets, construction work, and street vendors all shift their schedules around the likely 2-5pm downpour. Fighting this rhythm makes your days harder than necessary.
The Ariary has been relatively stable lately but always confirm exchange rates before accepting change from taxi drivers or market vendors. Some still try to use outdated rates with tourists. Current rate is roughly 4,500-4,800 Ariary per USD as of early 2026.
Hotel breakfast timing matters in March - many places serve 7-9am, but you want to eat by 7:30am and be out by 8am to maximize good weather hours. Request early breakfast the night before if needed.
The city's taxi system has been gradually incorporating ride-hailing apps, but traditional taxi-brousse and taxi-be remain dominant. Negotiate fares before getting in - typical cross-town rides run 5,000-10,000 Ariary depending on distance. Having your destination written in French helps significantly.
March sees fewer power cuts than the hot season, but they still happen. Hotels in upper neighborhoods like Isoraka tend to have more reliable electricity and water pressure than lower areas. Worth considering when booking.
The Rova Palace remains partially closed for ongoing restoration work in 2026 following the 1995 fire - you can visit the grounds and some buildings but not the main palace interior. Many visitors don't realize this and feel disappointed. The grounds and views are still worthwhile for 25,000 Ariary entry.

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodation in lower-lying neighborhoods without checking drainage - areas like Analakely and lower Behoririka can flood during heavy March rains, making it difficult to get around. Upper town hotels in Isoraka, Faravohitra, or Ivandry have better drainage and views.
Underestimating how long it takes to move around the city - Antananarivo's hills, traffic, and winding roads mean that a 3 km (1.9 mile) journey can take 30-40 minutes. First-time visitors consistently misjudge travel time and end up rushing or missing plans.
Wearing open-toed shoes for city exploration - between muddy conditions after rain, uneven cobblestones, and the sheer amount of walking required to see the upper town, sandals lead to dirty feet, blisters, and occasional twisted ankles. Save them for hotel evenings.
Skipping travel insurance that covers road conditions - March road damage from rainy season occasionally causes minor vehicle accidents or delays on routes to Andasibe or Antsirabe. Basic coverage costs little but saves significant hassle if issues arise.

Explore Activities in Antananarivo

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February

Travel guide for February

April

Travel guide for April

Climate Guide

Weather and seasonal patterns for Antananarivo

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