Madagascar's Seasons: Wet (Nov–Apr) & Dry (May–Oct)
Yes. Madagascar has a distinct tropical wet-dry seasonal cycle driven by the Indian Ocean monsoon and Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
Wet Season: November – April
- Peak: January–March (cyclone season).
- Rainfall: 2,000–3,000+ mm on east coast; 1,000–1,500 mm highlands; <500 mm southwest.
- Impacts: Lush growth, flooding, cyclones (avg 1–3 landfalls/yr), difficult travel, planting season.
Dry Season: May – October
- Peak: June–August (coolest).
- Conditions: Sunny, low humidity, minimal rain (except east coast).
- Impacts: Harvest, best travel/trekking, whale watching (Jul–Sep), fire risk in west.
Regional Variation
| Region | Wet | Dry | Notes |
|---|
| East Coast | Very wet | Still damp | Trade winds year-round |
| Central Highlands | Wet | Cool, dry | Antananarivo: 1,400 mm |
| West/Southwest | Moderate | Very dry | Spiny forest; <500 mm/yr |
| North | Wet | Dry | Transition zone |
Travel Advice
- Best: April–November (shoulder to dry).
- Avoid: Jan–Mar (cyclones, floods, road closures).
- Wildlife: Lemurs active year-round; baby lemurs Sept–Nov.
Madagascar's rhythm is written in rain and sun—plan accordingly.
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