Things to Do in Antananarivo in May

May Weather in Antananarivo

23°C (74°F) High Temp

14°C (57°F) Low Temp

15mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 15mm (0.6 inches) across the month means outdoor activities rarely get disrupted
Comfortable temperatures averaging 18°C (65°F) - perfect for walking the steep cobblestone streets without overheating
Crystal clear highland air with excellent visibility - ideal for photography of the surrounding rice terraces and distant mountains up to 50km (31 miles) away
Post-harvest celebration season when local famadihana ceremonies are most active, offering authentic cultural experiences not staged for tourists

Considerations

Tourism high season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to rainy season months
Morning fog until 9-10am can obscure views from upper city viewpoints and delay early sightseeing plans
Dusty conditions from dry weather and construction activity - bring quality face masks if you have respiratory sensitivities

Best Activities in May

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park Wildlife Tours

May's dry weather makes forest trails accessible and lemur spotting optimal. Indri lemurs are most vocal during cool mornings (6-9am), and the 3-hour trek through primary rainforest is comfortable in 18°C (65°F) temperatures. No muddy paths means regular walking shoes suffice instead of hiking boots.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed park guides. Full-day tours typically cost 180,000-240,000 Ariary ($40-55). Start at 6am for best wildlife activity. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Antananarivo Historical Walking Tours

Perfect weather for exploring the Upper Town's steep streets and royal palaces. May's comfortable temperatures mean you can tackle the 200m (656 ft) elevation climb from Lower to Upper Town without the exhaustion of hotter months. Clear skies provide excellent views from Rova Palace ruins.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration works well, or join small group tours typically costing 25,000-40,000 Ariary ($6-9). Allow 4-5 hours including stops. Best visibility for photos between 10am-3pm.

Ambohimanga Sacred Hill Excursions

UNESCO World Heritage site 24km (15 miles) north of the city. May's dry conditions make the hilltop fortress accessible by regular vehicle, and clear weather provides panoramic views across the highlands. Cultural significance peaks during May's ancestor veneration season.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost 60,000-90,000 Ariary ($14-20) including transport. Combine with local village visits. Book through hotel concierge or see booking options below. Allow 5-6 hours total.

Antananarivo Market and Craft Tours

Analakely Market and Avenue de l'Indépendance shopping are most comfortable in May's moderate temperatures. Dry weather means outdoor vendor stalls are fully operational, and you can spend hours browsing local textiles, vanilla, and gemstones without heat fatigue.

Booking Tip: Market tours through cultural guides cost 30,000-50,000 Ariary ($7-11) for 3-4 hours. Best selection and activity between 8am-2pm. Negotiate firmly but respectfully - start at 30% of asking price.

Tsimbazaza Zoo and Botanical Garden Visits

Endemic wildlife viewing is optimal in May's comfortable weather. Animals are most active in cooler temperatures, and the botanical gardens showcase highland plant species thriving in dry season conditions. 2-3 hour visit won't be cut short by afternoon rains.

Booking Tip: Entry fee 15,000 Ariary ($3.50). Guided tours available for additional 20,000 Ariary ($4.50). Open 8am-5pm daily. Best animal activity before 11am and after 3pm when temperatures are coolest.

Highland Village Cultural Experiences

May is famadihana season when Malagasy families honor ancestors through traditional ceremonies. Villages within 50km (31 miles) of the capital welcome respectful visitors to observe these authentic rituals, impossible to experience during other months.

Booking Tip: Cultural immersion tours cost 100,000-150,000 Ariary ($23-34) including transport and village donation. Must be arranged through cultural organizations or experienced guides. Advance permission required - book 2+ weeks ahead.

May Events & Festivals

Throughout May

Famadihana Ancestor Veneration Ceremonies

Traditional Malagasy ritual where families exhume ancestors' remains, rewrap them in fresh silk shrouds, and dance with them before returning to tombs. May is peak season for these ceremonies across highland villages.

Early to Mid May

Santabary Rice Harvest Festivals

Village celebrations marking the end of rice harvest season. Features traditional hira gasy performances, local food specialties, and community gatherings in rural areas surrounding Antananarivo.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing 9°C (16°F) daily from cool mornings to warm afternoons

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - 10 rainy days typically bring brief afternoon showers

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cobblestone streets in Upper Town become slippery when wet

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 at 1,280m (4,200 ft) elevation burns skin quickly despite moderate temperatures

Dust mask or bandana - dry season construction and unpaved roads create dusty conditions

Warm jacket for evenings - temperatures drop to 14°C (57°F) after sunset

Power bank and universal adapter - frequent power outages last 2-4 hours during dry season maintenance

Water purification tablets - tap water unsafe, and bottled water costs 3,000-5,000 Ariary ($0.70-1.15) per liter in tourist areas

Cash in small bills - most vendors don't accept cards or large denomination notes above 10,000 Ariary

Insect repellent with DEET - highland mosquitoes active during humid evenings despite dry overall conditions

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before April 15th to avoid high season price jumps - rates increase 40-60% from May 1st onwards

Taxi-be shared minibuses cost 500-800 Ariary ($0.12-0.18) versus 15,000-25,000 Ariary ($3.50-5.75) for tourist taxis covering the same routes

Most restaurants close 2-5pm for afternoon break - plan lunch before 1:30pm or wait until 5pm reopening

ATMs frequently run out of cash on weekends during high season - withdraw Ariary on weekday mornings for best availability

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects - even moderate exertion at 1,280m (4,200 ft) elevation causes shortness of breath for lowland visitors

Expecting hot tropical weather - May temperatures rarely exceed 23°C (74°F), and evenings require warm layers

Planning only morning activities - afternoon fog clears by 10am, making 11am-4pm the best sightseeing window for highland views