Dry season (April-November) offers optimal wildlife viewing and accessibility to most regions, with comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall, though with higher visitor numbers at popular parks.
Transitional months (April and November) balance good weather conditions with fewer tourists and moderate pricing, while providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities across most regions.
Rainy season (December-March) brings tropical storms, challenging road conditions, and temporary closures in some areas, but rewards visitors with lush landscapes, newborn lemurs, and significantly reduced rates.
French and Malagasy are Madagascar's official languages, with French widely used in tourism; basic French phrases prove valuable while learning simple Malagasy greetings demonstrates respect and typically receives warm appreciation.
Madagascar experiences varied climates across its diverse regions. The eastern rainforests receive significant rainfall year-round with a pronounced wet season from December to March. Central highlands enjoy moderate temperatures with cool, dry winters (May-October) and warmer, wetter summers. The western and southern regions feature distinctly drier climates with minimal rainfall, particularly in the semi-desert south. Coastal areas maintain tropical warmth with the northeast receiving the most precipitation. Cyclone season affects primarily eastern coasts between January and March, occasionally causing significant disruption to travel plans.