Madagascar Weather in October

 Season: Dry Season 

In Short: variable, warm, relatively dry

Nosy Be in October

The weather in October in Madagascar can be defined as variable, but as a whole is in the warm and relatively dry period. As the last month of the dry season in Madagascar, October witnesses the end of dry days and the beginning of humid days. The average precipitation gradually rises to 52 mm and it rains for eight days on average according to the historical data. The temperature also goes up during this month, with average daily highs and lows ranging from 18-28°C (64.4°F-82.4°F). The variable weather means it may rain occasionally, so bring lightweight rain gear when you enjoy outdoor activities.

 The warmest cities in Madagascar in October 

Toliara: 22.5-29.6°C (72.5°F-85.28°F); Mahajanga: 23.9-31.6°C (75.02°F-88.88°F); Antisiranana: 21.2-30.5°C (70.16°F-86.9°F)

 The coldest cities in Madagascar in October 

Antananarivo: 12.9-25.8°C (55.22°F-78.44°F); Fianarantsoa: 14.2-25.3°C (57.56°F-77.54°F); Toamasina: 18.7-26.9°C (65.66°F-80.42°F)

What to Wear in Madagascar in October

Boys

Breathable and sweat-absorbing T-shirt, Polo shirt or waistcoat are all suitable tops for boys, and it is recommended that pure cotton material must be your first choice. If you don’t want to tan your exposed skin, you can also wear a thin sunscreen coat. For the bottoms, you can opt for shorts or thin causal pants. If your trip involves a lot of walking, you’d better wear lightweight sneakers or hiking shoes.

Girls

For convenience, girls can simply pack a few long dresses because they can be worn both day and night. Or you can wear stylish hot pants and miniskirts to match your shirts well. However, if you visit a natural reserve, long-sleeved tops and light pants are more recommended. If you are sensitive to temperature, you can also add a thin coat to keep you warmer. Comfortable Sandals or Crocs can make your travel more relaxing.

Accessories: The UV rays are strong in Madagascar, so be sure to pack enough sunscreen. Also bring physical sun protection items like sunhat, sunglasses or parasol if you can still fit them in your suitcase. You must not forget mosquito sprays as well.

Why Travel to Madagascar in October

As for tourism, October is in the shoulder season in Madagascar. With smaller crowds, the hotels and flights become much easier to be booked and the prices of them are more reasonable than before. Less tourists also mean that you can have better travel experiences. The warm weather is also pretty good for both beach enjoyment and reserve excursion.

Where to Go and What to Expect in Madagascar in October

Tourism Rate:

1. Nosy Be

Blue sky, clear seawater and mild temperature in October make coastal areas in Madagascar ideal places to go on vacation at this time. Nosy Be is located on the northwest coast of Madagascar and it is one of the most prestigious tourist destinations in Madagascar. A holiday in Nosy Be can include sunbathing and doing various water sports on Andilana Beach or Madirokely Beach, exploring the rich biodiversity in Lokobe Reserve, and hiking to the top of Mont Passot to watch the sunrise or sunset. Experiencing the cultural richness of Madagascar at local markets and tasting traditional local cuisine can also be your must-do things when you travel here.

2. The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga

If you are interested in Madagascar’s history, religion, and sacrificial activities, then the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is undoubtedly the first destination for you. It is the oldest royal palace being preserved well, composed of the imperial palaces, the royal cemeteries and a group of sacrificial buildings. And it has always been an important site for the religious rituals and sacrifices of Madagascar people, and is still visited by many pilgrims. The mild weather in October makes it easier for tourists from home and abroad to get here. 

3. Montagne d’Ambre National Park

Montagne d’Ambre National Park owns 18,200 hectares of isolated rainforest zone, known for its magnificent waterfalls, pristine forests, and plenteous wildlife. Trekking tours are available except in cyclone season. The forests in the park are home to 75 different bird species, 35 of which are endemic. And you can also see 59 species of reptiles and 34 species of amphibians here. These animals are more active in October and November, so the chances of seeing them are very high.

4. The Avenue of Baobabs in Morondava

Since there are only eight kinds of baobab in the world up to now and Madagascar has seven, the baobab can be said to be a symbol of Madagascar. The most famous site to view this wonder is the appropriately 260-meter-long Avenue of Baobabs in Morondava. Dozens of more than 30 meters high and sturdy baobab trees stand on both sides of the red dirt road, looking very spectacular. Strolling down the Avenue of Baobabs at sunset on a fine October day to watch the fiery sun drop to the horizon among trees is undoubtedly an enjoyable thing for you.

5. Madajazzcar

Madajazzcar is an extremely grand music festival that takes place every October in the capital of Madagascar. This festival is an international event that usually lasts for about two weeks and it is dominated by a specific style of music, jazz. During this time, jazz musicians and singers from all over the world come to Antananarivo’s large places like the open-air Antsahamanitra Stadium to perform their artistic works. This is a good opportunity not only for jazz music lovers to gather together to communicate with each other, but also for visitors to indulge in the cheerful atmosphere of jazz concerts, performances or film screenings. 

October Weather of Major Madagascar Cities

City	Temp	Rainfall (mm)	Humi- dity (%)	Sunrise/ Sunset
Antananarivo	12.9-25.8°C (55.22°F-78.44°F)	75.8	67	05:33:39/ 17:50:34
Toliara	22.5-29.6°C (72.5°F-85.28°F)	12	64	04:41:57/ 18:01:40
Fianaranstoa	14.2-25.3°C (57.56°F-77.54°F)	57	73	05:32:31/ 17:51:42
Toamasina	18.7-26.9°C (65.66°F-80.42°F)	132.6	82	05:25:04/ 17:41:26
Mahajanga	23.9-31.6°C (75.02°F-88.88°F)	20	64	05:35:32/ 17:51:10
Morondava	23.2-30.9°C (73.76°F-87.62°F)	3	64	05:33:27/ 17:50:25
Antisiranana	21.2-30.5°C (70.16°F-86.9°F)	17.4	69	05:24:16/ 17:38:19

Madagascar Weather by Month

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