Antananarivo - When to Visit

When to Antananarivo

Climate guide & best times to travel

Monthly Climate Data for Antananarivo Average temperature and rainfall by month Climate Overview 5°C 11°C 18°C 25°C 32°C Rainfall (mm) 0 156 312 Jan Jan: 26.0°C high, 17.0°C low, 312mm rain Feb Feb: 26.0°C high, 17.0°C low, 236mm rain Mar Mar: 26.0°C high, 17.0°C low, 155mm rain Apr Apr: 25.0°C high, 15.0°C low, 46mm rain May May: 23.0°C high, 14.0°C low, 15mm rain Jun Jun: 21.0°C high, 11.0°C low, 5mm rain Jul Jul: 20.0°C high, 10.0°C low, 5mm rain Aug Aug: 21.0°C high, 10.0°C low, 5mm rain Sep Sep: 23.0°C high, 12.0°C low, 8mm rain Oct Oct: 26.0°C high, 14.0°C low, 38mm rain Nov Nov: 27.0°C high, 15.0°C low, 117mm rain Dec Dec: 27.0°C high, 17.0°C low, 226mm rain Temperature Rainfall
Antananarivo experiences a subtropical highland climate with two distinct seasons: a warm, wet summer (November to March) and a cool, dry winter (April to October). The capital sits at high elevation, moderating temperatures year-round and creating pleasant conditions compared to coastal areas. The wet season brings significant rainfall, with January receiving the highest precipitation at 12.3 inches, while the dry season sees minimal rainfall from May through September. Humidity remains consistently at 70% throughout the year, and temperatures range from comfortable highs of 80°F in summer to mild lows of 51°F in winter, making it one of things to do in Madagascar's most temperate regions.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
April to October during the dry season when rainfall is minimal and temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities.
Cultural Exploration
May to September offers the best conditions with low rainfall, pleasant temperatures, and clear skies for exploring the city's markets, palaces, and cultural sites.
Adventure & Hiking
April to October provides ideal hiking conditions with minimal rainfall, clear trails, and comfortable temperatures ranging from 68-78°F.
Budget Travel
January to March during the wet season offers lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds, though expect frequent rain showers.

Month-by-Month Guide

January

Peak wet season with the heaviest rainfall of the year at 12.3 inches. Warm temperatures and high humidity create a tropical atmosphere, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. This is the wettest month but temperatures remain pleasant.

79°F High
63°F Low
12.3 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

February

Continued wet season with substantial rainfall at 9.3 inches, though slightly less than January. Warm, humid conditions persist with frequent afternoon showers. Roads may be muddy but landscapes are lush and green.

79°F High
63°F Low
9.3 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

March

Transitional month as the wet season begins to wane with 6.1 inches of rainfall. Temperatures remain warm and pleasant. This marks the beginning of the shift toward drier conditions with fewer rainy days.

79°F High
62°F Low
6.1 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

April

Excellent month marking the start of the dry season with only 1.8 inches of rainfall. Temperatures begin to cool slightly, creating very comfortable conditions. Clear skies become more frequent, making it ideal for sightseeing.

77°F High
60°F Low
1.8 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

May

Prime dry season month with minimal rainfall at just 0.6 inches. Cooler, comfortable temperatures and clear skies make this an excellent time for all outdoor activities. Humidity remains pleasant at 70%.

74°F High
57°F Low
0.6 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

June

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall at 0.2 inches and the coolest temperatures of the year. Clear, crisp days with cool nights create perfect conditions for exploring the highland capital. Very low chance of rain.

70°F High
52°F Low
0.2 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

July

Coolest month of the year with the lowest high temperatures at 68°F and minimal rainfall. Dry, clear conditions with cool nights requiring light jackets. Excellent visibility and comfortable daytime temperatures for all activities.

68°F High
51°F Low
0.2 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

August

Continued dry season with virtually no rainfall and cool, pleasant temperatures. Clear skies and comfortable conditions make this another excellent month for tourism. Nights can be quite cool at 51°F.

70°F High
51°F Low
0.2 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

September

Late dry season with minimal rainfall and warming temperatures as spring approaches. Very pleasant conditions with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. One of the best months for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

75°F High
53°F Low
0.3 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

October

Transition month as temperatures warm and rainfall begins to increase slightly to 1.5 inches. Still predominantly dry with pleasant conditions, though occasional showers may occur as the wet season approaches.

78°F High
57°F Low
1.5 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

November

Beginning of the wet season with increasing rainfall at 4.6 inches and warming temperatures. More frequent afternoon showers and thunderstorms, though mornings are often clear. Landscapes begin to green up.

80°F High
60°F Low
4.6 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

December

Wet season intensifies with 8.9 inches of rainfall and the warmest temperatures of the year. Frequent afternoon thunderstorms and high humidity, though mornings can still be pleasant. Lush, green landscapes emerge.

80°F High
62°F Low
8.9 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

Activities in Antananarivo