Weather in Mahajanga

Stay up to date with current weather conditions when planning to visit the city of Mahajanga. In this section, you will find fresh reports and detailed forecasts necessary for planning your time.

Mahajanga, often referred to by locals as Majunga, is a lively port city on the northwest coast of Madagascar. It is renowned for its hot climate, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and status as one of the most popular resorts among the Malagasy people themselves. Situated at the mouth of the Betsiboka River, the city attracts travellers with its wide streets, colonial architecture, and abundance of flowers.

The centre of social life here is the famous Bord de la Mer promenade. In the evenings, this place transforms: families and tourists gather here to stroll, taste local delicacies at street stalls, and admire the magnificent sunsets over the Mozambique Channel. In the city centre stands a huge, sacred baobab tree, with a trunk circumference exceeding 14 metres—a true living symbol of the city.

The resort's surroundings are rich in natural wonders. Just a short drive away lies the Cirque Rouge (Red Circus)—an impressive canyon made of multi-coloured sandstone that changes shades from pink to crimson in the rays of the setting sun. For a beach holiday, the Grand Pavois coast is ideal, where you can enjoy the warm ocean and tranquillity.

The weather here is conducive to relaxation all year round, but seasonality should be taken into account. From May to October, a dry season reigns in the region: rain is almost completely absent, and the average temperature remains at a comfortable level of 26–28°C. This is the best time to visit, as the summer months (from November to March) become hotter and rainfall increases.

The city of Mahajanga welcomes guests with hot weather almost all year round, making it an excellent destination for sun lovers. The temperature regime here is distinguished by enviable stability: annual averages vary within a comfortable range of +25°C to +28°C. The hottest months are usually October and November, when daytime highs reach +32°C, while the "coolest" are July and August.

During the nominal "winter" period, which lasts from June to August, the climate becomes the most mild and pleasant for travel. At this time, the exhausting humidity recedes, giving way to dry heat with daytime temperatures around +29...+30°C. Nights in this season bring noticeable freshness: the thermometer can drop to +21...+22°C, creating a marked contrast with the daytime heat, which allows for a rest from the sun.

The summer season, falling between December and March, is characterised not only by rainfall but also by minimal daily temperature fluctuations. During the day, the air consistently warms up to +30...+31°C, while nights remain very humid and warm—around +25°C. Due to the difference of only a few degrees between day and night, the tropical heat is felt almost constantly during these months.

Precipitation in the city of Mahajanga is distributed extremely unevenly throughout the year, forming two contrasting seasons. The wettest period falls during the Southern Hemisphere summer and early autumn: from November to March, rains occur most frequently. The peak number of inclement days is observed in January, when precipitation can fall almost daily (up to 28 days in a month), although the total volume remains comparatively small.

With the arrival of May, the weather changes dramatically, and the region enters a phase of a long dry season. From May to September, rain here is a great rarity; statistics show an almost complete absence of precipitation and zero rainy days in months such as June and July. This time of year is most favourable for beach holidays and excursions, as tourists need not fear sudden bad weather.

The transitional months, April and October, serve as a kind of boundary between the seasons. In April, there are noticeably fewer rainy days (about 12), and by October, the probability of precipitation begins to slowly rise again, heralding the imminent return of the wet season. Thus, when planning a trip to Madagascar, it is important to consider that half the year here passes under the sign of absolute sunshine, while the other half is distinguished by frequent, but generally not too heavy, rains.

When preparing for a journey to Mahajanga, orient yourself towards the hot tropical climate that prevails here year-round. The basis of your wardrobe should consist of light items made from natural, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen. T-shirts, shorts, loose-fitting shirts, and summer dresses will be relevant in any month, as even in "winter," the daytime temperature hovers around the +29...+30°C mark. Be sure to bring a wide-brimmed hat, high-quality sunglasses, and cream with a high SPF factor to protect yourself from the intense sun.

It is important to consider seasonal features when packing your suitcase. The dry season lasts from May to October, when there is practically no rainfall. At this time, evening temperatures can drop to +21...+22°C, and a fresh breeze often blows from the ocean, so a light windbreaker, cardigan, or long-sleeved shirt will be very useful for evening walks. If your trip falls between November and April (especially from January to March), be prepared for the rainy season: a light raincoat, a compact umbrella, and quick-drying clothing are necessary during this time.

Regarding footwear, give preference to comfort and practicality. Sandals or flip-flops are ideal for beach holidays and short walks, while light closed sneakers or moccasins are better for sightseeing and trips into nature. Given the humidity during the rainy season, it is worth having a spare pair of shoes with you. Also, do not forget to pack insect repellents in your luggage to make your holiday more comfortable.