Sainte Marie Island Weather in December

Overview:

(1) The temperature is warm most of the time and a little hot sometimes;

(2) The precipitation is high, which may influence your trip;

(3) There are no whales to see in Sainte Marie in December.

Rainfall

In December, the rainfall falling on Sainte Marie Island rises a lot, averaging 288 mm, and the average number of rainy days rises to 20. Frequent precipitation and the muddy road conditions that come with it may have an impact on your outdoor itinerary. Therefore, if you’re planning a trip to Sainte Marie Island this month, it is advised to base your trip dates on the weather forecast and pick as many sunny days as possible.

View of Sainte Marie Island on Rainy Days

Temperature

The lowest average temperature in the month rises to 22℃ (72℉), so you will feel warm and cozy even if you go out early in the morning. The average maximum temperature remains at 29℃ (84℉). According to the historical data of 2024, its hottest day had a maximum temperature of 32℃ (90℉), indicating there is not very hot time this month. The sea temperature is 27℃ (81℉), warm enough for swimming in.

Daylight Hours/ Sunshine Hours

The daylight time is 13 hours long in November, roughly lasting from 05:02 to 18:09. Because it has more rainy days than sunny days, the sunshine hours are only about 7 averagely each day. It is still important to apply sunscreen when the sun is present, as the UV index for this month is 11+.

See also: Madagascar Weather in December

Is December a Good Time to Visit Sainte Marie Island?

You are not recommended to visit Sainte Marie Island in December 2025. Firstly, you can’t enjoy most famous activity, whale watching because they have left. Secondly, there is a lot of rainfall, and the road conditions can be terrible. Thirdly, although the temperature is not very high, the UV rays are very strong on sunny days.

The only good news is that it is the slack travel season: the number of tourists is quite small and hotels and air tickets are cheap and easy to order.

Seaside of the Island with Strong Sunshine

Packing List for Sainte Marie Island Trips in December

Clothes: The weather of Sainte Marie Island is wet and warm most of the time in December, so you are advised to bring breathable and quick-drying clothes. In specific, short-sleeve T-shirts and short shirts are recommended as the tops. As for the bottoms, shorts and thin sweatpants are more recommended for both males and females, because skirts are not convenient in rainy December. Besides, a sun protection jacket can protect you from sunburn because sunny moments are not completely absent.

Shoes: Nonslip water shoes, slippers and sandals are not only suitable for the warm and rainy weather, but also convenient when you relax on the beach. In addition, you are recommended to prepare a pair of nonslip and waterproof sneakers or hiking shoes for some hiking or walking-around trips. It should also be noted that if it rains, there may be mud puddles on the road, so it is a good idea that the shoes you bring are easily cleaned.

Others: Umbrellas and raincoats are extremely important for rainy days, while sunhats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are necessary for sunny days with strong UV rays. Moreover, remember to pack swimming suits if you plan to do water sports or swim in the sea.

What to Do in Sainte Marie Island in December

Recommendation Rate:

1. Enjoying Sunbathing and Sea Sports on the Beach

In December, the beautiful and original beaches of Sainte Marie Island are quiet with fewer tourists, so you are advised to find a sunny day to relax here. In addition to lying on the beaches to admire the beautiful sea view and enjoy the sunshine, you can go swimming or do some interesting water sports in the sea with warm temperature. If the weather conditions permit, you can also snorkel or dive.

People Enjoying the Sunshine

2. Walking around in the Central Downtown: Ambodifotatra

Considering the climate of Sainte Marie Island in December, you will certainly encounter rainy days in your trip, when you cannot go snorkeling or cycling around the Island. At this time, you are recommended to walk around the downtown area, Ambodifotatra. You can go to the stores to buy some special and interesting handicrafts, step into the restaurants to taste fresh and cheap seafood or local specialties, or go to the bars to try a glass of the “pirate’s drink”: rum.

Street View of Sainte Marie Island

Busy Market of the Island

3. Visiting the Historical Sites of the Island

There are several worth-visiting historical sites on the Island, like the oldest catholic church of Madagascar and the Pirate Cemetery, which you can visit no matter it rains or not. The former will give you an insight into the religious culture of Sainte Marie Island, while the latter will allow you to look back into the history of the Island that was inhabited by pirates hundreds of years ago.

December Weather for Other Destinations in Madagascar

Sainte Marie Island Weather by Month

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