The month in detail
What to expect in May
May is peak dry season in Madagascar. The air is warm and humidity more bearable than in the rainy season. Rain is virtually absent (6% of days) — ideal for planning without a backup. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if September (8.8/10) remains theoretically better.
May ranks 3 out of 12 months in Madagascar. Compared to April: −2°F daytime, 9 pts fewer rainy days, +0.6h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
7 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
comfortable
13°
Daylight
11.1h of daylight
Air quality
excellent
AQI 19
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in Madagascar is September (8.8/10), 0.3 pt higher than May.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Madagascar
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
Multi-airline comparator
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🎟️ Activities & tours · Madagascar
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a tropical stay.
Country · Madagascar
🗣️LanguageMalgache
💶CurrencyAriary malgache (Ar)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘVery cheap · 1/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTropical
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthNovember · 81°F
❄️Coolest monthJune · 68°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘJanuary · 54%
🏝️ Tropical stay
🌞Dry season ⓘMay → Sep
🌧️Wet season ⓘDec → Mar
🌀Cyclones ⓘSeason Nov-Apr
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Madagascar ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
MadagascarTropical climate with a 8.8 → 7.4 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
18.88°S · 47.51°E
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Madagascar?
September is the best month with 75°F highs, 54°F lows, 8.5h of sunshine and 3.0% rainy days. The months of September & October offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Madagascar get in September?
Madagascar averages 8.5 sunshine hours per day in September. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 8.5/10.
What is the rainiest month in Madagascar?
January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Madagascar in September?
In September, overnight lows reach 54°F, while afternoon highs average 75°F.
Is Madagascar good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Madagascar scores 7.2/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains September with a score of 8.5/10.
When should you avoid Madagascar?
January is the most difficult month to visit Madagascar, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Do you need sun protection in Madagascar in May?
The average UV index reaches 7 in May in Madagascar (high), with about 11.1h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.