Madagascar has a tropical climate, rainy along the east coast, arid in the south-west and temperate in the mountains. In inland areas, mountain ranges mitigate the climate, while the rains vary depending on slope exposure. Being in the Southern Hemisphere, the country has reversed seasons compared with Europe or North America.

The whole country has a rainy season from November to April, although it produces little effect in the southwest which is therefore arid. In most of the country there is a dry season from May to October, except on the east coast where it rains all year round, with big storms during the rainy season and drizzling both day and night during the winter from July to mid-September. The east has a very short and very dry period from mid-September to mid-November. As is typical of the tropics, rain usually occurs in the form of thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon, so there’s no shortage of sunshine even in the wettest months, at least in the morning hours.

To cope with Madagascar’s variable climate, lightweight clothing should be worn during the summer while on the high central plateau and throughout the year in the north and south. Cotton and natural fibres work better in the humid weather. Warmer clothes are advised for the evening and in winter in mountainous areas. Rainwear is always advisable as a precaution.

Madagascar’s weather changes dramatically from region to region. Temperature also varies from region to region, but in general the coast and the western and southern regions are warm through the year going from 25°C up to 30°C or more, with the hottest period from September to January. In winter, the temperature could drop down to 15°C from the evening through to early morning.

In summer, inland temperatures go from 20°C up to 28°C or more and can be very cold during the winter season (June to September) with 15°C to 20°C during the day and 5°C to 10°C overnight (-1°C has been recorded in some areas). The coldest period occurs between July and August.