Weather in Madagascar in May

May in Madagascar is a month of transition from the end of the rainy season . The weather begins settling into a comfortable groove as winter peeks around the corner. For the most part, May brings clear skies and pleasant, mild temperatures. It’s an ideal time to explore the island’s mix of landscapes. Here's our complete guide to the weather in Madagascar in May.

Madagascar in May at a glance:

• Pleasant weather with mild temperatures, around 75°F (24°C).
• Dry season begins, especially in the south and west.
• Central highlands cool and crisp at night, perfect for hiking.
• Moderate crowds as tourists start to arrive for better weather. 

Is May a good month to visit Madagascar?

Yes, May is a fantastic time to visit Madagascar. As the dry season settles in, the weather becomes much more favorable with minimal rainfall and comfortably cool temperatures, especially in the highlands. This makes it a perfect time to explore the island’s stunning landscapes and enjoy outdoor activities.

Travel conditions are generally good, with most roads open and national parks fully accessible. You can relax on Nosy Be’s beautiful beaches, snorkel around coral reefs, or hike through the canyons and pools of Isalo National Park. May is also great for wildlife enthusiasts, with lots of opportunities to spot lemurs in the rainforests. In the west, the deciduous forests start shedding leaves, making it easier to see wildlife. Plus, it's the beginning of humpback whale migration along the east coast, offering incredible sightings. With clear skies and mild temperatures, it’s a great month for hiking, especially in places like the central highlands and Isalo.

If you're not sold on the idea of the weather in Madagascar in May, see our full guide to when to go to Madagascar.

Average daily temperatures in May

In May, temperatures across Madagascar continue to cool as winter approaches. In Antananarivo and the central highlands, you’ll feel the drop, with average highs around 75°F (24°C) and lows reaching a cooler 57°F (14°C). 

Over on the east coast, in Toamasina, it’s still warm with highs of 84°F (29°C) and lows around 70°F (21°C). The west coast, particularly in Mahajanga, remains warm with highs of 88°F (31°C) and lows dipping to 70°F (21°C). In the south, Toliara sees temperatures around 84°F (29°C) during the day and cooler nights at 63°F (17°C). Meanwhile, in the north in places like Antsiranana stay fairly warm, with highs of 86°F (30°C) and lows of 72°F (22°C).

May is typically dry for most of the island, especially in the west and south, though the east coast continues to get some rainfall. If you’re in the central highlands, including Antananarivo, you might notice chilly evenings and early mornings, with the possibility of frost in higher elevations.

Feeling inspired? Here's a list of other great destinations in May.

What about crowds and costs?

Best things to do in May

There are many exciting things to do in Madagascar, here's our pick for May:

Attend the Zegny'Zo Festival 

Check out the Zegny'Zo Festival, usually held in early January in Diego Suarez (Antsiranana). This event showcases Madagascar's arts scene with street performances in theater, dance, music, and visual arts. The festival turns the city into a lively stage featuring local and international artists.

Whale watching in Ile Sainte-Marie

Plan a whale-watching tour on Ile Sainte-Marie. May marks the beginning of the humpback whale migration, drawing these magnificent creatures to the island's warm waters to breed. Watching them in their natural habitat is an amazing experience for anyone who loves wildlife and nature.

Betania

In May, Betania, a village near Fianarantsoa, turns into a green landscape of terraced rice fields. It's a peaceful spot to see rural Malagasy life up close. The rice paddies are lush this time of year, showing off local farming traditions. It's a great place to relax and take in the beauty of the terraces.

Ankarana National Park 

Check out the park's limestone karsts, subway rivers, and cave systems. May is the start of the dry season, so it's easier to explore the tsingy formations and see wildlife like crowned lemurs and Sanford's brown lemurs. You can hike through forests, explore bat-filled caves, and see rock formations shaped by erosion over millions of years.

Plan your trip with our Madagascar itineraries

Our Madagascar itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as a starting point — perfect for planning, but flexible enough to adjust to your own pace and interests. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.

• Madagascar honeymoon itinerary: This romantic itinerary offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Explore lush rainforests filled with unique wildlife, admire the iconic Baobab Avenue and relax on the pristine beaches.