Ranohira (Isalo NP) Weather

Ranohira, the closest town to the Isalo National Park, is located in the southwest part of Madagascar and has a tropical climate with dry and rainy seasons. In its dry season from April to October, there are averagely 1 to 4 rainy days per month. The driest month is July, with only 4 mm of precipitation and 1 rainy day averagely. On contrast, in January, the wettest month in the rainy season, its average rainfall can reach about 197mm. In the rainy season from November to March, monthly average rainy days are 8 to 15 or so.

Blue Pool in Isalo National Park

Ranohira has yearly average temperatures approximately from 11 to 32°C (52 to 90°F). In the dry season, it’s warm in the daytime and relatively hot at noon time in some days. From June to August, the average temperatures can drop to about 11 or 12°C (52 or 54°F), and people may feel cold in the early morning and late evening. The rainy season is hot with average temperatures from 17 to 32°C (63 to 90°F), and tourists need to prevent sunburn on days without rain.

Ranohira (Isalo NP) Weather by Month and Travel Recommendation

Month	Weather	Peak/Slack Season	Recommendation Rate
January	Rainy, Hot	Slack Season
February	Rainy, Hot	Slack Season
March	Relatively Rainy, Hot	Slack Season
April	Sunny, Relatively Hot	Peak Season
May	Sunny, Warm Day and Cooler Night	Peak Season
June	Sunny, Warm Day and Chilly Night	Peak Season
July	Sunny, Warm Day and Chilly Night	Peak Season
August	Sunny, Warm Day and Chilly Night	Peak Season
September	Sunny, Warm Day and Cooler Night	Peak Season
October	Sunny, Relatively Hot	Peak Season
November	Relatively Rainy, Hot	Slack Season
December	Rainy, Hot	Slack Season

Rainy Season: November to March

Weather Overview

In these months, the highest average temperatures can be around 31 or 32°C (88 or 90°F), and it’s hot during the day. The lowest average temperatures are about 17 or 18°C (63 or 64°F). This season averagely has 8 to 15 rainy days per month, so humidity is as high as about 70 to 72%.

Packing List

 Clothes: Because mosquitoes are active in the hot environment with high humidity, clothes which are quick-dry and long-sleeved are more recommended. There is a temperature difference of about 13 or 14°C (55 or 57°F) between day and night, so it’s necessary to add a thin coat at dawn and dusk to keep warm. For shoes, pick non-slippery sneakers. 

 Requisites: Firstly, in this season, rain gear such as an umbrella or a raincoat is the first thing to be packed into your luggage. Secondly, anti-mosquito spray is necessary. Thirdly, there are also cloudy or partly sunny days in this season, for these days, bring sun protection products.

Travel Advice

Avoid entering Isalo NP on days with rain or thunderstorms. It may thunder at a low altitude and it’s dangerous to stay outdoor in such weather. Besides, in Isalo NP, dirt roads will be muddy and slippery with puddles on rainy days. So it’s inconvenient and unsmooth to hike in the park. If you plan to visit Ranohira (Isalo NP) in next rainy season from November, 2025 to March, 2026, it’s advisable to check weather conditions in advance and arrange your tour on rainless days.

Dry Season: April to October, Also Best Time to Visit Isalo NP

Climate Overview

The highest average temperatures in these months are from 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F), providing warm and pleasant weather during the day for people to enjoy outdoor activities. This season also features a big daily temperature variation, so vital to add clothes in time to prevent catching a cold. With only 1 to 4 rainy days on average per month, the Isalo NP has better road conditions in the dry season.

Packing List

In day time, thin long-sleeved shirt is enough for your hiking. At night from June to August, a windbreaker helps to keep warm, and for the other months, add an additional jacket or a knit sweater. Choose long thin pants to avoid scratches by braches in the park. Breathable sneakers are suitable for hiking. In this season with more sunny days, don’t omit a sun hat, sunscreen, or sunglasses.

Best Things to Do

1. Enjoy Reddish-brown Sandstone Landform in Isalo NP
Isalo NP is famous for its reddish-brown sandstone landform formed in the Jurassic period. Under bright sunshine in this season, it looks more attractive. This park is also marked by rich varieties of flora and fauna including Madagascar’s endemic lemurs and birds, natural black and blue pools, and steep canyons.

Swimming in Blue Pool

2. Photograph Splendid Sunset at Isalo Window
Located at the southern end of Isalo NP, the Isalo Window is a naturally-formed window-shaped rock. At sunset, sunshine floods through the window and this view is perfect for taking photos.

3. Find Queen-like Rock Printed on Madagascar’s Paper Currency
Next to the Isalo Window, the Queen of Isalo is a rock in a shape of Madagascar’s queen. It’s the scenic spot that is printed on 1,000 MGA Madagascan paper money. On clear days, the blue sky is the best background for you to photograph the splendid scenery.

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