Best time to travel to Madagascar
Choosing the right period for your trip to Madagascar can make all the difference. It's important to consider climatic elements, seasonal events and peak tourist periods to maximize your travel experience.
Location
Climate
January
23.7→31.3°C
12.35mm
5:27→18:36
February
23.6→31.2°C
10.91mm
5:43→18:28
March
23.3→31.3°C
6.54mm
5:54→18:07
April
22→30.9°C
1.82mm
6:01→17:43
May
19.6→29.4°C
0.25mm
6:11→17:27
June
17.8→27.8°C
0.23mm
6:21→17:24
July
16.8→27.3°C
0.08mm
6:23→17:33
August
17.2→29.1°C
0.04mm
6:10→17:42
September
18.4→31.6°C
0.07mm
5:46→17:48
October
20.7→33.5°C
1.19mm
5:21→17:55
November
22.4→33.3°C
4.71mm
5:06→18:08
December
23.2→32.4°C
7.62mm
5:10→18:26
23.7→31.3°C
23.6→31.2°C
23.3→31.3°C
22→30.9°C
19.6→29.4°C
17.8→27.8°C
16.8→27.3°C
17.2→29.1°C
18.4→31.6°C
20.7→33.5°C
22.4→33.3°C
23.2→32.4°C
Jan
5:27→18:36
Feb
5:43→18:28
Mar
5:54→18:07
Apr
6:01→17:43
May
6:11→17:27
Jun
6:21→17:24
Jul
6:23→17:33
Aug
6:10→17:42
Sep
5:46→17:48
Oct
5:21→17:55
Nov
5:06→18:08
Dec
5:10→18:26
Madagascar, the world's fourth largest island, offers a unique experience for travelers in search of new adventures and unspoiled places.
Low and high season in Madagascar
First of all, it's essential to know the low and high season to make the most of your stay. The tourist season in Madagascar is divided into two main periods: high season and low season.High season (April to October)
The period fromApril to October is Madagascar's peak tourist season. During this period, the climate is generally dry and temperate, offering ideal conditions for visiting the island. The landscape is verdant and the flora is in full bloom. It's also during this period that you'll have the opportunity to observe humpback whales migrating to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.Low season (November to March)
Low season runs from November to March. This is the rainy season on the island, with more frequent rainfall and higher temperatures. Visiting certain areas may be made difficult by impassable roads. However, it is also during this period that hotel and air fares are generally lower, which can be an advantage for travelers on a budget.Major cultural events in Madagascar
Madagascar is rich in traditions and cultural events throughout the year. Here are some of the major events not to be missed during your stay:- Le Sambatra: This event takes place every seven years in the Betsileo region. For one week, the inhabitants celebrate their ancestors and carry out ritual circumcision ceremonies.
- The Famadihana: Known as the "turning of the dead", this unique funeral ritual takes place between July and September. Families open family graves and wrap the remains of their ancestors in new shrouds before reburying them.
- Hira Gasy Festival: This festival features troupes of dancers, musicians and storytellers interpreting traditional Malagasy tales. It takes place every July in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar.
- The Whale Festival: Usually celebrated in July or August on the island of Sainte-Marie, this festival pays tribute to the humpback whales that migrate to Madagascar's warm waters each year to breed.
National holidays in Madagascar
When planning your trip, it's also important to be aware of public and national holidays, so you can plan your activities accordingly. Public services and some businesses may be closed on these days. Here is a non-exhaustive list of public holidays in Madagascar:- January 1st : New Year's Day
- March 8 : International Women's Rights Day
- March-April : Good Friday and Easter (according to the Christian calendar)
- May 1st : Labour Day
- June 26 : Madagascar National Day
- August 15 : Assumption of Mary
- November 1st : Toussaint
- December 25 : Christmas
Take climatic and seasonal conditions into account
Finally, don't forget to take climatic conditions and seasons into account when planning your trip. As mentioned above, the rainy season can make certain regions less accessible. However, each region of Madagascar has its own particularities in terms of climate:- East coast : The climate is humid and hot all year round, with frequent rainfall.
- The highlands : The climate is temperate and cool, with cold nights in winter (June to August). Rainfall is less abundant than on the east coast.
- South and West: These regions enjoy a semi-arid climate, with high temperatures and low rainfall.
Insurance
Your credit card does not cover you in all situations, that is whyIt is essential to take out insurance before you leave to avoid any unpleasant surprises. If you need to see a doctor or be hospitalized, in some countries, medical costs are very high and you will then find yourself having to pay several thousand euros.
Our partner Chapka Insurance proposes the contract CAP ASSISTANCE 24/24 with many essential guarantees.
Flights
Your flight has been cancelled or delayed ?
You may be eligible for a compensation of up to €600 ! For this, lawyers are responsible for handling your claim with the airline and are only paid when the reimbursement is effective.
In conclusion, no financial risk for you, only advantages!
Madagascar, an island in the Indian Ocean, attracts many visitors every year for its magnificent landscapes and unique biodiversity. In addition to tourists, the country also welcomes migrant workers seeking employment or a better future.
Statistics on immigration to Madagascar: a diverse population
According to available data, Madagascar's immigrant population mainly comes from other African countries, Europe and Asia. These immigrants include workers seeking employment in various sectors, such as textiles, construction, agriculture and mining. Migrant workers thus represent a significant proportion of the country's workforce.Number of foreigners living in Madagascar
In 2020, there were approximately 40,000 foreigners living in Madagascar, i.e. around 0.16 % of the country's total population. This figure has risen slightly over the years, partly due to the country's economic growth and the attractiveness of the Malagasy labor market for foreign workers.Main countries of origin of immigrants
The main countries of origin of immigrants to Madagascar are :- France: some 10,000 French nationals currently live in Madagascar, representing a quarter of the country's foreign population.
- L'India India: some 5,000 Indians live in Madagascar, mainly in the trade and textile sectors.
- China: over 3,000 Chinese live in Madagascar, working mainly in the mining and infrastructure sectors.
The most popular visas in Madagascar: tourism and work in the lead
The Malagasy government issues different types of visa to enable foreigners to visit or reside on its territory. The most popular visa categories in Madagascar are as follows:Tourist visa
Tourist visas are by far the most popular type of visa for foreigners wishing to visit Madagascar. This visa allows visitors to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days, renewable once. In 2019, Madagascar issued around 370,000 tourist visasmore than half of all visas issued that year.Work visa
The work visa is intended for people wishing to work for pay in Madagascar. To obtain this visa, it is necessary to have already signed an employment contract with a local employer and to provide the appropriate documents, such as the diploma corresponding to the job and a medical certificate. In 2019, nearly 15,000 work visas were issued to foreigners.Resident visa
The resident visa allows foreigners to settle permanently in Madagascar to live or work. To be eligible, it is generally necessary to prove stable employment, sufficient income and proof of accommodation. This type of visa is less commonly requested, with around 1,500 visas issued in 2019.International tourism figures for Madagascar: a popular destination
Madagascar is a popular tourist destination for travelers in search of nature, adventure and cultural discoveries. Every year, the country attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world.Number of international tourists
In 2019, Madagascar welcomed nearly 300,000 foreign touristsThis represents an increase of 5 % over the previous year. The French are the main nationality of visitors, followed by the French. Germansthe British and Italians.Tourism revenue
Tourism is a key sector of the Malagasy economy, accounting for almost 7 % of GDP and generating significant revenue for the country. In 2019, tourism revenues reached around 500 million dollars8 % higher than in 2018.Popular tourist attractions
Madagascar is renowned for its unique flora and fauna, idyllic beaches and rich cultural heritage. Among the most popular tourist attractions are :- Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, home to a wide variety of animal and plant species endemic to the island.
- L'allée des Baobabs (Baobab Alley), home to majestic baobabs hundreds of years old.
- Ranomafana National Park, offering numerous opportunities for hiking and observing the local wildlife.
- The historic town of Antsiranana (formerly Diego Suarez), bearing witness to the French influence on local architecture and culture.
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