Madagascar in July

European holiday peak; humpback whales off Sainte-Marie from July. Book drivers early.

• Central highlands · Antananarivo, Antsirabe, Ranomafana, Fianarantsoacool

  Cool, even chilly nights June–August (5–10 °C); the rains fall November–March as afternoon storms.

• East coast and rainforest · Andasibe, Toamasina, Île Sainte-Marie, Masoalafine

  Rain in every month; cyclones land here January–March. Sainte-Marie's whale season is July–September.

• West and south-west dry belt · Morondava, Tsingy de Bemaraha, Isalo, Tuléar, Ifatybest weather

  The driest part of the island; the Tsingy de Bemaraha is closed roughly December–April because tracks flood.

• North and Nosy Be · Nosy Be, Diego Suarez, Ankarana, Amber Mountainbest weather

  Warm year round; the north-east trade wind blows hard at Diego June–September.

• Antananarivo20° / 8°, 2 rain days

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Famadihana (turning of the bones)

  Jun–Sep (varies by family)

  Highland reburial ceremonies; you may be invited — go only with a guide's introduction.

• Famadihana season check

  Dry-season months, family-chosen dates · Antananarivo

  Reburial ceremonies with music and dancing; you may see a procession outside the city — ask before joining or photographing.

Crowds · Madagascar

High

Prices · Madagascar

High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

• Layers: a fleece or light jacket

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Rated best or good this month

• West and south-west dry belt

  Best weather of the year (Morondava, Tsingy de Bemaraha, Isalo, Tuléar, Ifaty)

• North and Nosy Be

  Best weather of the year (Nosy Be, Diego Suarez, Ankarana, Amber Mountain)

• Antananarivo

  Cool, dry, cold nights.