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Antananarivo - Things to Do in Antananarivo in November

Things to Do in Antananarivo in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Antananarivo

27°C (80°F) High Temp
16°C (60°F) Low Temp
117 mm (4.6 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

  • Rainy season transitions into warmer weather - you'll catch the tail end of the rains, which means the surrounding highlands are brilliantly green and waterfalls are actually flowing. The jacaranda trees throughout the city bloom purple in November, transforming neighborhoods like Isoraka and Faravohitra into Instagram-worthy corridors.
  • Shoulder season pricing without peak crowds - accommodation rates drop 20-30% compared to the July-September rush, and you can actually walk through Rova Palace grounds without tour groups blocking every photo angle. Domestic flights to Nosy Be or Morondava have better availability and lower fares.
  • Ideal highland trekking conditions - the 16°C (60°F) morning temperatures are perfect for hiking around Ambohimanga or the Lemurs' Park trails without the oppressive heat. The countryside is lush, rice paddies are bright green, and visibility from Rova hilltop extends 15-20 km (9-12 miles) on clear mornings.
  • Market season for lychees and mangoes - Analakely Market overflows with fresh tropical fruit in November. Lychee season peaks mid-month, and you'll find vendors selling them at 2,000-4,000 Ariary per kilogram (roughly $0.50-1.00). The zebu meat is also exceptional this time of year as cattle have been grazing on rainy season grasses.

Considerations

  • Afternoon thunderstorms disrupt outdoor plans - around 60% of days see rain between 2-5pm, typically lasting 20-40 minutes but occasionally settling in for hours. This makes scheduling outdoor activities tricky, and the clay roads in upper town neighborhoods like Ambohimiandra turn into slippery red mud that'll ruin light-colored shoes.
  • Unreliable internet and power during storms - Antananarivo's electrical grid struggles during November's thunderstorms. Expect 1-3 power cuts per week, each lasting 30 minutes to 3 hours. If you're working remotely or need consistent connectivity, this gets frustrating quickly. Hotels under $40/night rarely have backup generators.
  • Some rural roads become impassable - if you're planning day trips to places like Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (145 km / 90 miles east), the RN2 highway develops potholes and washouts. What should be a 3-hour drive can stretch to 5 hours, and some tour operators won't guarantee departures if heavy rain is forecast.

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Best Activities in November

Rova Palace and Upper Town Walking Tours

November mornings are perfect for exploring Antananarivo's hilltop palace complex and the winding stone staircases of upper town neighborhoods. The 16°C (60°F) morning temperatures make the steep climbs comfortable, and you'll avoid the midday heat that makes these stone staircases exhausting in other months. The jacaranda trees lining Avenue de l'Indépendance bloom purple throughout November, creating natural shade and photo opportunities. Start by 8am to beat both crowds and afternoon rain - you'll have Rova Palace practically to yourself, and the morning light illuminates the Imerina plains stretching west. The Queen's Palace museum reopened in 2025 after restoration, so you're seeing it relatively fresh.

Booking Tip: Entry to Rova Palace costs 25,000-30,000 Ariary (around $6-7) for foreigners. Licensed guides congregate at the main entrance and charge 20,000-40,000 Ariary for 90-minute tours - negotiate beforehand and confirm they speak your language adequately. Book morning slots between 8-11am to avoid afternoon storms. Many hotels can arrange guides the evening before. See current walking tour options in the booking section below.

Lemur Watching at Nearby Reserves

November hits the sweet spot for lemur activity at reserves like Lemurs' Park (22 km / 14 miles west) and Ambohimanga. The rainy season has produced abundant fruit and vegetation, so lemurs are well-fed, active, and easier to spot. Morning temperatures around 16-18°C (60-64°F) mean lemurs are moving around feeding rather than hiding in midday heat. The increased vegetation also means better photo opportunities with lush green backgrounds. Ring-tailed lemurs and brown lemurs are particularly active in November. Plan visits for 7-11am before afternoon rains - lemurs retreat to tree cover when storms approach.

Booking Tip: Reserve entry typically costs 25,000-35,000 Ariary per person. Transportation from central Antananarivo runs 80,000-120,000 Ariary round-trip for private taxi, or you can negotiate with taxi-brousse drivers for around 5,000 Ariary per person each way (but expect longer travel times and multiple stops). Book through your accommodation or see current tour options in the booking section below. Tours typically run 4-5 hours including travel time.

Analakely Market and Street Food Exploration

November brings peak fruit season to Analakely Market - the sprawling covered market in lower Antananarivo. Lychees, mangoes, and pineapples flood vendor stalls at rock-bottom prices. The market operates rain or shine under its corrugated metal roof, making it perfect for rainy afternoons when outdoor activities wash out. Friday and Saturday mornings (6-10am) see the highest vendor turnout and freshest produce. Beyond fruit, November is excellent for sampling street food like mofo gasy (rice cakes), sambos (samosas), and vary sosoa (rice soup). The cooler evening temperatures around 18-20°C (64-68°F) make standing at street stalls more comfortable than the hot season.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is straightforward, but first-timers benefit from food tour guides who navigate the chaotic layout and handle vendor negotiations. Food tours typically cost 60,000-100,000 Ariary per person for 3-hour market tours including tastings. Budget 20,000-40,000 Ariary for generous street food sampling on your own. Go mornings for produce shopping, late afternoons (4-7pm) for cooked food stalls. Watch your belongings - pickpockets work the crowded aisles. See current food tour options in the booking section below.

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park Day Trips

November offers lush rainforest conditions at Andasibe-Mantadia, located 145 km (90 miles) east of Antananarivo. The park receives consistent rainfall, keeping waterfalls flowing and vegetation thick - perfect for spotting indri lemurs, chameleons, and endemic birds. The indri lemurs are particularly vocal in November mornings, with their distinctive calls echoing through the forest between 6-9am. That said, road conditions can be challenging after heavy rain, and the 3-hour drive sometimes stretches to 5 hours depending on RN2 highway conditions. The humidity stays high (75-85%) making the forest feel properly tropical, though it also means rain gear is essential.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost 180,000-280,000 Ariary per person including transportation, park fees, and guide. Overnight trips run 350,000-500,000 Ariary with basic lodge accommodation. Book 5-7 days ahead through hotels or see current tour options in the booking section below. Tours depart Antananarivo around 5-6am to maximize morning wildlife viewing. Confirm your operator has a reliable 4x4 vehicle - some cheaper operators use vehicles that struggle with November road conditions. Park entry fees are separate: around 55,000 Ariary for foreigners.

Ambohimanga Sacred Hill Excursions

This UNESCO World Heritage site sits 21 km (13 miles) northeast of Antananarivo and offers cultural immersion plus panoramic highland views. November's clearer morning skies (before afternoon clouds build) provide visibility across the Antananarivo valley - you can see the city sprawl and surrounding rice paddies from the hilltop fortifications. The site holds deep cultural significance for Malagasy people as the birthplace of the Merina Kingdom, and local guides share oral histories you won't find in guidebooks. The 30-40 minute uphill walk is comfortable in November's cooler morning temperatures. Afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll through, but the site's sacred buildings provide shelter.

Booking Tip: Entry costs 25,000 Ariary for foreigners, with mandatory guides included. Transportation from Antananarivo runs 40,000-70,000 Ariary round-trip by taxi, or take a taxi-brousse from Ambodivona station for around 2,000 Ariary each way (though these run infrequently). Half-day tours typically cost 80,000-120,000 Ariary per person including transport and guide. Visit mornings (8-11am) for best visibility and to avoid afternoon rain. The site closes around 4pm. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Tsimbazaza Zoo and Botanical Gardens

This makes an excellent rainy afternoon backup plan in central Antananarivo. The botanical gardens actually look their best in November - everything is green and flowering after months of rain. The zoo houses lemur species, fossas, crocodiles, and endemic birds you might miss in the wild. While the facilities are basic by international standards (this is Madagascar's national zoo, not a Western-style wildlife park), it provides context for understanding Madagascar's unique biodiversity. The tree canopy offers natural shelter during light rain showers. Plan for 2-3 hours to see both zoo and gardens thoroughly.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 15,000-20,000 Ariary for foreigners. Located in central Antananarivo near the university, it is easily reached by taxi for 5,000-10,000 Ariary from most hotels. Open daily 9am-5pm, though arrive by 3pm to see animals before they become less active. This works well as an afternoon activity when thunderstorms threaten outdoor plans elsewhere. No advance booking needed - just show up and pay at the gate. Bring cash in small bills.

November Events & Festivals

Late November

Santabary Rice Harvest Celebrations

November marks the beginning of rice harvest season in the highlands surrounding Antananarivo. Various villages hold Santabary ceremonies - traditional celebrations thanking ancestors for successful harvests. These involve zebu cattle sacrifices, rum toasting, communal feasting, and traditional music. The ceremonies aren't tourist events but cultural practices, though respectful visitors are generally welcomed if you arrive with a local guide who can navigate protocols. The exact timing varies by village based on when their rice ripens, but late November sees the highest concentration of celebrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of November days, typically lasting 20-40 minutes. Those cheap plastic ponchos sold at markets rip immediately on Antananarivo's stone staircases. A packable rain jacket serves you better.
Closed-toe walking shoes with grip - upper town neighborhoods have steep stone staircases that get slippery when wet. The red clay soil stains everything, so skip white sneakers. Lightweight hiking shoes or trail runners work well for both city walking and lemur park trails.
High SPF sunscreen (50+) - UV index hits 8 in November despite variable cloud cover. The highland altitude (1,280 m / 4,200 ft) intensifies sun exposure. Reapply after rain showers.
Breathable cotton or linen clothing - synthetic fabrics trap sweat in 70% humidity. Pack layers since mornings start cool at 16°C (60°F) but afternoons warm to 27°C (80°F). Long, lightweight pants protect against mosquitoes during evening hours.
Small daypack with waterproof liner - for protecting cameras, phones, and documents during sudden afternoon downpours. Antananarivo's markets and crowded areas make cross-body bags safer than backpacks for valuables.
Cash in small bills (5,000 and 10,000 Ariary notes) - ATMs dispense large 20,000 Ariary notes that street vendors and taxi drivers struggle to change. Bring more cash than you think you need - card acceptance is limited outside major hotels.
Headlamp or small flashlight - power cuts happen 1-3 times weekly during November storms, and many guesthouses lack backup lighting. Street lighting in upper town neighborhoods is minimal even when power is working.
Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes breed in standing water during rainy season. Malaria risk is low in Antananarivo proper but increases if you visit Andasibe or other lower-elevation areas. Evening hours see the most mosquito activity.
Lightweight scarf or shawl - useful for temple visits where modest dress is expected, provides warmth during cool morning taxi rides, and protects against dust on unpaved roads. Malagasy women commonly wear lamba shawls.
Portable power bank - to keep phones charged during power outages and long day trips where charging opportunities are limited. A 10,000 mAh capacity handles 2-3 phone charges.

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights to other Madagascar destinations for late November or early December BEFORE you arrive - Air Madagascar and Tsaradia have limited weekly frequencies, and November seats fill up as travelers position for December holidays. Checking bags at Ivato Airport can take 90+ minutes during this transition period, so arrive 3 hours early for domestic flights.
The afternoon rain pattern is predictable enough to plan around - schedule outdoor activities and travel for mornings, use 2-5pm for indoor museums, markets, or hotel downtime. Locals do the same. Restaurants and cafes in Isoraka neighborhood get crowded around 3pm with people waiting out storms over coffee.
Taxi drivers quote tourist prices that are 3-5x local rates - a ride across central Antananarivo should cost 5,000-10,000 Ariary, not the 30,000 Ariary initially quoted. Negotiate before getting in, or have your hotel arrange taxis at agreed rates. Download the taxi apps Taxi-Be or Mada-Taxi if your phone works locally, though coverage is spotty.
The water situation is unreliable in November - rain overwhelms drainage systems, and water treatment plants sometimes shut down during storms. Stick to bottled water religiously, even for brushing teeth. Hotels under $30/night often experience water outages lasting several hours. Higher-end hotels have water storage tanks that keep taps running during outages.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how much the afternoon rain disrupts plans - tourists book full-day tours assuming they can push through light showers, then find themselves stuck in vehicles or sheltering in restaurants for hours. Build flexibility into your schedule and don't pack days too tightly. That second museum visit or extra neighborhood walk can slide to another day if storms interfere.
Wearing sandals or open-toed shoes for city walking - Antananarivo's streets flood during rain, creating ankle-deep puddles mixed with questionable runoff. The steep stone staircases in upper town become slip hazards. Tourists in flip-flops end up with muddy feet, twisted ankles, or worse. Closed-toe shoes with grip are essential.
Exchanging too much money at the airport - Ivato Airport exchange rates are 10-15% worse than ATMs in the city. Withdraw just enough at the airport for your taxi (20,000-30,000 Ariary), then use ATMs at major banks like BNI or BOA in central Antananarivo. These ATMs dispense up to 400,000 Ariary per transaction with reasonable fees.

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