Best Time to Visit Fianarantsoa

Fianarantsoa is a plateau city in the southeast part of Madagascar, and has a tropical plateau climate featuring moderate temperatures and distinct rainy and dry seasons.

Magnificent Granite Landform

From April to October, the monthly average rainfall is obviously lower than that of the other months and ranges roughly from 10 to 40 mm, making these months the dry season here. As for average rainy days each month, they just amount to about 4 to 7. Even on wet days, it just rains lightly. In view of these conditions, low rainfall this season basically won’t make road conditions bad or sightseeing inconvenient.

Moreover, Fianarantsoa typically experiences mild weather in this season, with its average temperatures fluctuating from 10 to 23 degrees Celsius (50 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit). In this condition, you generally feel cool and comfortable and just remember to add clothes in time to keep warm, especially in the coolest July and August.

 See also: Fianarantsoa Weather

(1)For viewing unique granite landform: Sunny Days in Dry Season
The Andringitra National Park is famous for its spectacular granite landform, which is mainly in dark-grey and brown hues. On sunny days in the dry season, bright sunshine brings high visibility and you can fully enjoy the grandeur here and take more beautiful photos.

People Hiking in National Park

Cute Lemurs in Fianarantsoa

(2)For viewing baby ring-tailed lemurs: September & October
Madagascar’s endemic ring-tailed lemurs live in the park, and female ones usually give birth to their babies in September or October. Two weeks later, it’s likely to see lemurs carrying their babies on the back.

(3)For viewing Andringitra Aloes: July & August
In July and August, Andringitra Aloes are in full blossom and the green plants produce red and yellow flowers. Under brilliant sunshine, the aloes in the park become the highlight.

Fianarantsoa is the only wine-producing area in the country, and you’re suggested to visit grape plantations here in April because this month is the harvest season. Besides, average rainfall this month sees a large drop from that of the last month, and road conditions are good enough for sightseeing in grape plantations. Since the rainy season has come to an end, Fianarantsoa experiences more rainless days in this month, creating perfect conditions to grapes picking. Therefore, you can both view green and purple grapes on branches and watch laborers pick them in April.

In the dry season between April and October, sunny days are more than those in the other months, bringing good weather conditions for your railway tour. Lower rainfall in forms of light rain or drizzle this season basically doesn’t affect road and traffic conditions. So it’s more smooth and convenient to have your railway tour on sunny days this season and view green plants, clear sky, vast farmlands, and rolling hills on both sides.

In Fianarantsoa’s rainy season from November to March, there are generally more than 10 rainy days each month on average. Besides, heavy rainstorms in this season make road conditions bad and even cause landslides and rock falls, so it’s relatively unsmooth and dangerous to have a tour in this weather condition this season.

But if you insist on traveling here from November, 2025 to March, 2026, it’s advisable to check local weather broadcast beforehand and pick as many rainless days as possible for your tour. It’s more recommended to view the ancient city and religious buildings here because they are less affected by rain.

Fianarantsoa Street on Cloudy Day

1. You can pack an umbrella in case of sudden rain, especially in rainy season from November to March, and a sun-protective jacket or sunscreen to protect your skin on sunny days.
2. In July and August, people in some countries in the northern hemisphere may come to enjoy their summer holidays, so it’s suggested to book your air tickets and reserve hotel room in advance for your tour in these two months.
3. If you plan to take a railway tour, you are suggested to book your ticket in advance and prepare fully for a possibly long train trip, such as bringing enough drinking water and food, a comfortable and lightweight cushion, and a flashlight for illumination.