Climate Zone: tropical rainforest climate
Warmest Months: January & February: 22 - 30℃ (72 - 86℉)
Coolest Months: July & August: 17 - 25℃ (63 - 77℉)
Rainiest Month: January: 396 mm, 20 rainy days 
Driest Month: October: 96 mm, 16 rainy days

What is the Sainte Marie Island weather like?
The temperature of Sainte Marie Island is relatively warm throughout the year at around 24°C (75℉). Specifically, the temperature does not vary much throughout the year, with highs of around 30°C (86℉) during the hottest months of the year and 25°C (77℉) during the coolest months. The sea temperature is above 24°C (75℉) all year round, which is comfortable and suitable for water sports.

Sainte Marie Island has high precipitation of up to 2,000 - 3,800 mm annually, and high humidity. There are more than 15 days of rainfall almost every month. January to March is the rainiest time of the year, with an average monthly rainfall of about 300 - 400 mm. High rainfall results in short sunshine hours, with an average range of around 6 - 8 hours per day. Besides, during these three months, there is a risk of tropical storms and hurricanes.  

Sainte Marie Island is a prime location for whales watching in the whole of Madagascar and even throughout the Indian Ocean. Every year from July to September, more than 7,000 whales migrate to the waters near the Island to mate and give birth, when you can take a ship to see these whales up close. However, the chance you see whales in September is not as high as in July and August. Besides, in July, the island will celebrate the coming of these lovely and beautiful whales with a carnival, which includes activities like canoe races and concerts. 

People Going to Watch Whales

Clothes: Summer Pieces Mainly 

Given the relatively warm and cozy temperature all year round, in general, you just need to pack some summer clothes plus two or three pieces of spring clothes. For example, you can prepare several T-shirts, short-sleeve shirts, shorts, thin long pants, and dresses, which are suitable most of the time. Then, you are advised to bring sun protection jackets, shirts, or thin jackets for some cool mornings and evenings. Moreover, because the rainfall and humidity are high throughout the year, clothes are easy to get wet but hard to get dry, it is recommended that you bring enough quick-drying clothes for timely change.

Warm and Wonderful Beach

Shoes: Non-slip Ones

In terms of shoes, it is recommended that you bring at least one pair of sandals or slippers and one pair of sneakers or hiking shoes: Sainte Marie Island has both beautiful beaches where you can enjoy sea sports and forests where you can hike. It is important to note that due to the frequent rainfall, the roads may be slippery, so be sure to bring non-slip ones to guarantee your safety.

Others to Pack:

1. The UV rays are strong on the Island, so always remember to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and sunhats.
2. It rains a lot and frequently, so raincoats and umbrellas are necessary. 
3. There are many mosquitoes, especially in the forests, so you are advised to bring mosquito repellent.

1. In addition to the whales from July to September, Sainte Marie Island also has nice and highly-praised Ile aux Nattes, where you can relax on the quiet beaches and experience water sports; beautiful coral reefs and abundant marine creatures, which will provide you with excellent snorkeling experience; the Pirate Cemetery, where you can learn the maritime history of this island; etc. 

Undersea View of Sainte Marie Island

2. If you want to avoid the rainiest and worst weather of the year, you are recommended to avoid visiting the Island from January to March; if you are sensitive to heat, May to October with relatively lower temperature may be a better visiting time for you; and if you want to enjoy a quiet trip, July to August are not recommended.

3. If you plan to come and leave Sainte Marie Island by ship, you should note that in the event of adverse weather conditions, the ferry may be stopped or postponed to the next day. Therefore, it is recommended that you are well prepared and allow enough time, especially if you travel to the Island from January to March.

Full River in Rainy January to March

4. Traveling to the Island when the rainfall is extremely high, like December to April, it’s better to book a hotel located in the downtown area. There are markets and souvenir stores there, which you can visit even on rainy days. Traveling to the Island when the rainfall is not particularly much, you can book a hotel near the beach, so that you can go to the beach to stroll or sunbathe conveniently.