Best Time to Visit Ranohira (Isalo NP)

April to October, the local dry season, is the best time to visit Ranohira, a town adjacent to Isalo National Park.

People Enjoying Lake View

1. Good Weather

In this period, the weather is marked by low rainfall and warm temperatures. The total average precipitation in this season is only around 94mm, and average rainy days each month are only 1 to 4, resulting in moderate humidity from 60 to 69%. The monthly average temperatures approximately range from 11 to 30°C (52 to 86°F), with a difference of about 13 or 14°C (55 or 57°F) between day and night. So during the day, it’s suitable to do one of ten hiking circuits in the park; while at night, it’s necessary to add a jacket to avoid feeling chilled in cold wind.

2. More Attractive Reddish-brown Sandstone Landform

The Isalo NP is famous for its massive reddish-brown sandstone landform which is formed about 200 to 145 million years ago, the Jurassic Period. In the dry season, the bright sunshine makes the rock scenery even more attractive. 

3. Better Road Conditions

Besides, with a little rain, dirt roads in the park are less prone to be muddy and slippery, making it smoother to hike and view endemic animals including lemurs and also delicate caudex plants on the way. Other highlights in the park include black and blue natural pools in which people can swim and get a refreshing feeling in the warm and dry climate.

See also: Ranohira (Isalo NP) Weather

In a day, the sunset period is the best time to visit Isalo Window, a scenic spot featuring a rock naturally formed in the shape of a window. At sunset, you probably finish your hiking in the Isalo NP, and you can go to the south end of the park to see the glorious sun setting through the Isalo Window and take photos to record the fabulous scenery.

Sunset in Isalo National Park

1. If you plan to swim in the natural pools in Isalo NP, you can wear your bathing suit under your outfit for hiking, with no need to specially find a place to change clothes.
2. To visit all the four natural pools in the park, you’d better arrive at the park entrance no later than 8:00 a.m. because the round trip to the farthest one is as long as 8 kilometers (5 miles).
3. Under a cloudless sky in the dry season, it’s advisable to wear high-SPF sunblock or sun protective clothing.
4. July and August usually constitute the summer vacation in northern hemisphere countries, and more tourists make their tours to Ranohira (Isalo NP). If you’re going to travel to this place in July or August, 2025, please book your flights and hotel 3 months in advance.

5. Mid-August is the best time to view the caudex plants whose yellow flowers blossom in this period.

Swimming in Blue Pool

In this period, the climate of Ranohira (Isalo NP) features high temperatures, averaging between 17 and 32°C (63 - 90°F), and abundant rainfall totaling about 695 mm. Each month has 8 to 15 rainy days on average, and January to March has high humidity above 70%. In thundery and rainy weather, it’s relatively dangerous to hike in the park with the highest height of more than 1,200 meters (3,940 feet). Besides, the hot and humid climate breeds mosquitos. Therefore, you’d better arrange your tour on cloudy or sunny days in this season, or simply in the dry season.