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Best Time to Visit Madagascar

Madagascar is at its best overall between April and December (the dry season), when the days are bright and mild. The country’s landscapes are especially lush and green between April and June following the heavy rainfall in previous months, and lemurs and reptiles are commonly seen. Showers are still expected, but you will often find the sun shining in between downpours.

July and August are cool and dry. It’s a good time for spotting migrating humpback whales who begin to arrive on Ile Ste Marie in July and stay until the end of September. August and October provide the best conditions for snorkelling, whilst there is also an abundance of bird species to be seen. The weather remains pleasant and warm throughout September and November, and lemurs begin to give birth to young. The country’s jacarandas, with their colourful purple flowers, are in full bloom.

Wildlife is particularly active between November and December, including lemurs, reptiles, birds and amphibians, making for some wonderful viewing. This, combined with the hot and dry weather, make September to December great months for combining a wildlife and beach holiday.

We wouldn’t recommend a visit to Madagascar between January and March, as this is cyclone season and travel can be very difficult.