Weather in Antananarivo

Stay up to date with the latest weather conditions in the city of Antananarivo. In this section, you will find current data, forecasts, and useful weather charts to help you plan your time in the best possible way.

The climate in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, can be described as moderately warm, with distinct features of a subtropical highland climate. Thanks to its location at high altitude, the city is characterized by comfortable temperatures throughout most of the year, avoiding the oppressive heat typical of low-lying tropical regions.

Two main seasons are clearly traceable in Antananarivo. The warm and wet season usually lasts from November to April. During this time, average daytime temperatures fluctuate in the range of 20-25°C. A characteristic feature of this period is the large number of days with precipitation; although the indicated precipitation volumes may be small, it rains quite often. From May to October, the cool and dry season sets in. Temperatures become more moderate, especially at night, when they can drop to 10-15°C. During this period, rain is a rarity, giving way to predominantly clear and sunny weather.

Overall, the weather in Antananarivo is notable for its lack of extremes. The driest months, from May to September, offer many sunny days and comfortable coolness, making them attractive for visiting. The period from November to April is warmer, but one should be prepared for more frequent rainfall. Understanding these seasonal features will help you better plan your trip to the capital of Madagascar.

Antananarivo experiences a fairly mild temperature regime throughout the year, without extreme heat or severe cold. The annual temperature progression shows that the warmest months are December (average temperature 21.4°C, maximum up to 26.3°C) and November (average 21.2°C, maximum up to 26.8°C), as well as January and February with average temperatures around 21°C. The coolest month typically becomes July, when the average temperature drops to 14.5°C, and nightly minimums can reach 9.9°C, while the daytime maximum is around 19.0°C.

The summer period, which in Antananarivo falls on the months from November to April, is characterized by pleasantly warm days and mild nights. Average daily temperatures at this time range from 19.5°C in April to 21.4°C in December. Daytime highs are most often in the range of 23-27°C, which creates comfortable conditions for walking and exploring the city. Nights also remain warm, with temperatures rarely falling below 15-17°C. This season also coincides with the period of the highest amount of precipitation, which may affect perceived humidity.

The winter months, from May to October, bring cooler and drier weather to Antananarivo. Average temperatures during this period vary from 14.5°C in July to 19.6°C in October. Days are usually sunny and moderately warm, with maximum temperatures from 19°C in the middle of winter to 25.5°C towards its end in October. However, nights can be quite fresh, especially in June and July, when minimum temperatures drop to 10-11°C. It is worth noting noticeable daily temperature fluctuations, especially in the transitional seasons and winter, when the difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum can be 10-12°C, so it is recommended to have layers of clothing with you.

In Antananarivo, a pronounced seasonality of precipitation is observed, dividing the year into distinct wet and dry periods. Understanding these climatic features of the capital of Madagascar will help you optimally plan your trip and choose the most suitable time for a visit.

The wet season in Antananarivo usually lasts from November to April. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in January – an average of 11 mm, with about 25 rainy days counted. February (9 mm of precipitation and 21 rainy days) and March (6 mm of precipitation and 21 rainy days) are also characterized by a high frequency of rains. It is important to note that although the absolute values of millimeters of precipitation may be small, rains in these months occur regularly, but most likely, these are frequent yet not too intense or drizzling rains. November (3 mm, 13 rainy days) and December (5 mm, 18 rainy days) also belong to the wet period, marking its beginning and gradual intensification.

The dry season sets in from May and continues until October, bringing with it a significant decrease in precipitation. The driest months are May, July, August, and September, when the average amount of precipitation tends toward zero. The absolute leader in dryness can be called August, when on average only one rainy day and 0 mm of precipitation are recorded. In June, about 1 mm of precipitation falls across 3 rainy days, and in October, at the transition to the wet season, also 1 mm, but already with 6 rainy days. This period is distinguished by the prevalence of clear and sunny weather, which creates comfortable conditions for exploring the city.

When planning a trip to Antananarivo, it is important to consider the peculiarities of the local climate, which is characterized by two main seasons. Regardless of the time of year, your luggage should include comfortable walking shoes, as the city is located on hills and involves walking. Sunscreen with high SPF and a head covering are also mandatory, since even on cloudy days ultraviolet radiation can be intense, especially considering the high-altitude location of the capital of Madagascar. Do not forget insect repellent, especially if your trip falls during the wet season.

The wet season in Antananarivo lasts approximately from November to April. During this period, average temperatures range from 19.5°C (in April) to 21.4°C (in December), and the number of rainy days is significant – from 13 to 25 per month. Although the total volume of precipitation may not be very large (from 2 mm to 11 mm per month), this means frequent, possibly drizzling rains. It is recommended to take a light waterproof jacket or a quality umbrella. Clothes made of quick-drying fabrics will be very handy. Despite the warmth, due to frequent rains and humidity, a light jumper or fleece jacket may be useful for evening walks or cooler days.

The dry season, from May to October, brings cooler and predominantly clear weather. Daytime temperatures vary from 19°C (in July) to 25.5°C (in October), but nights can be quite fresh, especially from June to August, when the minimum temperature can drop to 10-13°C. At this time of year, the key principle when packing a suitcase becomes layering. Take t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts for protection from the sun and cool air, as well as a sweater, fleece jacket, or light jacket for the evening and morning hours. Jeans or other heavy trousers will also be appropriate for this period.