Sainte Marie Island Weather in May

Overview:
(1) Averaging 19 - 28°C (66 - 82°F), the temperature is relatively warm;
(2) May has 18 rainy days, less than many other months;
(3) There are not many tourists because it is not the whales season.

Rainfall

May has 185 mm of rainfall and 18 rainy days on average. But the rain is generally not heavy and not continuous. Therefore, even on some of the rainy days, you can still have the opportunity to travel around when it stops. Even though, it is advisable to check the weather forecast in advance for more sunny days, when you can go to the beach and get some sunshine.

Blue Sea and Sky of the Island in May

Temperature

The temperature is 19 - 28°C (66 - 82°F) on average. This means that during the daytime you will feel warm but not hot, and at night you will feel cool but not cold. The sea temperature is comfortable at 27°C (81°F). Therefore, May is suitable for both going to the beach for sunbathing and cycling and hiking.

Daylight Hours/ Sunshine Hours

Sunrise is at around 05:57 and sunset at around 17:16, resulting in relatively short daylight hours of roughly 11.5 per day. Excluding the rainy moments, the sunshine hours are about 7 per day. On the bright side, the UV index drops quite a bit, with a maximum of 8. However, it is still recommended to take sun protection measures when doing outdoor sports such as hiking on sunny days.

Why or Why not Travel to Sainte Marie Island in May

May is a relatively good month to visit Sainte Marie Island. Firstly, this month doesn’t have a lot of rainfall or rainy days compared with other months, so you can find some sunny days or periods after showers for outdoor visits. Secondly, the temperature is pleasant, not too cold or too hot, so you can go to the reserve as well as to the beaches. But as a reminder, whales have not yet come, so if you want to watch whales, you are not recommended to visit the Island in May.

Moreover, May is the shoulder travel season on the Island, meaning that you can enjoy a quiet trip and spend less on hotels and air tickets.

Quiet Beach of the Island on May

What to Wear and Pack for Sainte Marie Island Trip in May

Clothes: Due to the warm and humid weather of Sainte Marie Island in May, you are recommended to wear breathable short-sleeve T-shirts, short shirts, and shorts. Moreover, if you plan to go out for a visit early in the morning, stay outside till late at night, or go traveling on rainy days, put on thin long pants and jackets.

You should note that both the rain itself and the muddy roads on rainy days will make skirts and dresses not very convenient. Even though the rainfall is not so high, skirts and dresses, especially long ones, are not very recommended.

Shoes: You are recommended to pack both comfortable, waterproof, and non-slip sneakers or casual shoes, and non-slip water shoes or sandals, because there are both forests and beaches on Sainte Marie Island. For sneakers and casual shoes, easy-to-clean ones are better since the roads may be muddy on rainy days.

Other Items: There are a lot of showers this month, and the weather may turn rainy from sunny in minutes, so make sure you always carry an umbrella or a raincoat with you. It’s also a good idea to bring a hat, which can also protect you from sudden rain. Besides, you’d better prepare mosquito repellent and sunscreen. If you have a trip to the beach, you may also need a bathing suit.

Top Things to Do in Sainte Marie Island in May

Recommendation Rate:

The climate of Sainte Marie Island is relatively nice in May compared with many other months and you can sunny days to do various outdoor activities if you travel to the Island in May 2025.

1. Cycling around the Island

There are plenty of places on the island where you can rent a scooter or bike. You can rent one and go for a ride around the island to admire the beautiful scenery leisurely. In addition to the natural scenery like the clear sea and lush tropical plants, you will also see some villages and local markets, where you can see the daily life of the locals, buy some special souvenirs, etc. If you are tired, walk into a restaurant and try the local specialties.

Stores on the Street of the Island

2. Relaxing on the Beach

Sainte Marie Island can fulfill all your fantasies of a tropical island: there are fine sandy beaches, green coconut groves, crystal clear water, and complete sea sports facilities. You can spend the whole day here: in the morning, you can sunbathe on the beach; at noon, find a restaurant on the beach to try some seafood; in the afternoon, when the temperature is higher, go swimming or do some water sports; at dusk, watch a beautiful sunset.

Seafood of the Restaurant on the Beach

Sunset by the Sea

3. Exploring the Pirate Cemetery

It is said that Sainte Marie Island became a stronghold for pirates from the late 17th century to the early 18th century. Many pirates settled and were buried on the Island after their deaths. As a result, the Pirate Cemetery gradually formed. The tombstones here are of different styles, some of which are engraved with pirate symbols such as skulls and crossbones. A visit to this site provides you a unique cultural experience of the pirate era.

May Weather for Other Destinations in Madagascar

Sainte Marie Island Weather by Month

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