The best time to visit Madagascar

Madagascar is an incredible destination whether you want to see the unique wildlife, explore the landscape, meet the people or chill out on tropical beaches. So, when is it good to visit Madagascar? Well, nearly all year is fine other than the cyclone months of January to March, which we wouldn't really recommend.

And the very best time to come?

Well, if you're into wildlife we'd say July to October, but if you're a birder it needs to be September to December. If you simply fancy a good beach, just avoid the cyclones!

Which month might be right for your travels in Madagascar?

January to March

This is cyclone season so it's really not a great time to visit the big island.

April to June

As we reach April the rain begins to stop. mid-April sees the start of mating season for ring-tailed lemurs. By May it's mostly rain-free and dry underfoot, and it's warm but not too hot. It's also not too busy in these months, so you'll get the reserves and popular places more to yourself and you'll find it easier to get your first choice of accommodation (which can be very tricky in peak season). May and June are not the very best months for wildlife since it's winter and hibernating species will therefore not be around, but this doesn't affect lemurs. June is probably the best month for seeing baby lemurs (sifakas and indris). If the heat and busyness of the peak season is not for you, this time could be perfect.

Black and white ruffed lemur, Madagascar

July to October

These are the high season months in Madagascar, and it's a wonderful time to visit. It's always busy in these months, but then it's all relative as only about 8,000 UK visitors come here annually, in comparison to say 180,000 to Kenya. September and October are the peak months, especially for wildlife lovers, but by October it's getting very hot (an average of late 20s°c). Humpback whales are generally seen off the northeast coast (especially around Ile Sainte Marie) from about mid-July to mid-September, with the first half of September being the very best time. The 'Turning of the Bones' ceremonies are usually between July and September. Ring-tailed lemur babies are born around September.

November to December

These are two of the very hottest months, and November sees the start of the rains. If you're into birds and amphibians and can cope with the climate though, these are the right months for you. The rains tend to start any time from mid-December. Fossas mate in late October/early November.

When to see . . .

. . . . . . specific wildlife or exciting cultural events in Madagascar

Lemurs

You can see lemurs all year round in Madagascar, though always avoid January to March. Baby lemurs tend to be born around late September to early November, and the warmer weather at this time tends to mean lemurs are more active.

Humpback whales

Humpback whales are most easily seen near Ile St Marie around July to September. They can also sometimes be at this time around Ifaty and Nosy Be.

Birds

Spring is from about September to December and this is a great time for birding enthusiasts. September is the peak of the breeding season. December is hot and the rains generally begin sometime this month

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