Best Time To Travel To: Madagascar
Madagascar is a relatively large island that lies between 12 ° and 26 ° south in the Indian Ocean. The prevailing climate in Madagascar can be called tropical. However, there are some regional differences due to the mountainous structure.
Behind the east coast it rises quickly to almost 2,000 meters. Inland, a relatively isolated plateau rises up to 3,000 meters. The whole of Madagascar is exposed to the phenomenon of intertropical convergence, especially between November and February, which brings many rain clouds with it.
As I said, there is a predominantly tropical climate on the island. This also means that it is warm to hot in the lower areas, coupled with high humidity. The higher you go, the cooler and more comfortable it usually gets. Above all from about 900 meters you notice a significant decrease in temperatures and also in humidity. Basically, the climate at high altitudes can be pleasant all year round.
Outside of the rainy season, the weather in the lowlands is pleasantly sunny and dry. However, Madagascar can be affected by heavy rainfall two to three times a year and during this time it can also be the target of tropical cyclones. The storms form in the north of the island and usually move south on the east or west side of the island. This means that the coastal regions in particular are affected by the violence of the storms.
The east coast is one of the wettest corners on the island. This is mainly due to the mountains behind the coast. The southeast winds hit the hills and form damp clouds here. The climate in Tamatave is relatively typical for this region.
Basically, the coasts and parts of the northwest receive more rain than e.g. the west, south and the high altitudes. It is comparatively dry in the southwest, where on average the least rain falls. This is where most of the rainfall comes down between December and March.
At the higher altitudes in the interior there is not quite as much rain, most of it comes down between November and March. The climate table of Antananarivo is typical for this region. The temperatures here are more pleasant all year round than in the lowlands, but it can get quite cool at night. However, it usually only gets really cold with frost at the highest points.
When is the best time to go to Madagascar
The best time for Madagascar has to be made dependent on the destination in the country. For the rather humid east coast, the period from July to November should be quite good, for the west coast the period from July to September is more likely. The dry south can be interesting all year round. In the highlands you can stay well from spring to autumn. February to March have to be described as problematic, then the danger of cyclones and associated storms is large.
