Ankarana Weather

Ankarana is a natural reserve in the northern part of Madagascar and has a tropical savanna climate marked by high average temperatures and also seasonal rainfall in two periods. Less rainy May to October is regarded as the local dry season and also the best time to view karstic pinnacles and caves as well as endemic flora and fauna in the reserve.

Tsingy in Ankarana Special Reserve

Temperature

Weather of Ankarana is typically hot throughout the year, with highest monthly average temperatures ranging from around 28 to 32 degrees Celsius (82 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit). So it’s necessary to prevent sunburn caused by strong UV radiation at sunny noon. Although there is a relatively large average temperature difference of about 10 to 12°C (50 to 54°F) in a day, people may basically not feel cold at night because the lowest average temperature can still reach around 18°C in the coolest June to August.

 Hottest Month: January: 22 - 32℃ (72 - 90℉)
 Coolest Month: July: 18 - 28℃ (64 - 82℉)

Rainfall & Humidity

The climate of Ankarana further features an obvious difference in rainfall between two seasons. The reserve receives its rainfall mainly from November to April, when heavy rain and thunderstorms make dirt roads here muddy and slippery and people’s sightseeing in the natural reserve also becomes inconvenient. The abundant rainfall this season further leads to relatively high average humidity between 68% and 87%, in which people are likely to feel stuffy and even uncomfortable.

 Rainiest Month: January: 356 mm / 22 rainy days
 Driest Month: July: 12 mm / 1 rainy day

Ankarana Weather by Month and Travel Recommendation

Month	Weather	Peak/Slack Season	Recommendation Rate
January	Extremely Rainy, Hot	Slack Season
February	Extremely Rainy, Hot	Slack Season
March	Rainy, Hot	Slack Season
April	A Little Rainy, Hot	Slack Season
May	Sunny, Hot	Peak Season
June	Sunny, Hot Day and Cooler Night	Peak Season
July	Sunny, Hot Day and Cooler Night	Peak Season
August	Sunny, Hot Day and Cooler Night	Peak Season
September	Sunny, Hot	Peak Season
October	Sunny, Hot	Peak Season
November	A Little Rainy, Hot	Slack Season
December	Rainy, Hot	Slack Season

Rainy Season: November to April

 Temperature: 20 - 32°C (68 – 90°F)
 Rainfall: 1,349 mm
 Rainy days in total: 95 days

Climate Overview

Ankarana receives abundant rainfall between November and April. In the wettest January and February, the monthly average precipitation is over 300 mm and rainy days amount to more than 20. Heavy rain this season brings much uncertainty to sightseeing in the reserve. Average temperatures these months are generally high between about 20 and 32°C, making the weather of Ankarana even muggier. What should be noted is that high rainfall this season leaves standing water in some karst caves and even fills some ones, making cave tours a little dangerous or impracticable.

Unique Rocks in Ankarana Special Reserve

Cute Lemur in Ankarana

Travel Advice

The wet weather of Ankarana these months has a bad impact on road conditions, sightseeing experiences, and cave tours, so it’s not recommended to visit the reserve in its rainy season. However, if you can only make your tour here from November, 2025 to April, 2026, you’d better check local weather broadcast in advance, and arrange your tour on sunny or cloudy days in the beginning and end periods of the rainy season.

Dry Season: May to October, Also Best Time to Visit Ankarana

 Temperature: 18 - 31°C (64 - 88°F)
 Rainfall: 98 mm
 Rainy days in total: 17 days

Climate Overview

The climate of Ankarana in its dry season from May to October is also hot but far less rainy. In these months, it’s generally hot during the day, with the highest average temperatures from about 28 to 31°C (82 to 88°F). So preventing heatstroke is requisite in your tour. At night, average temperatures are relatively mild, and people may just feel a little cooler. As for total rainfall this season, it’s quite low and only accounts for about 7% of the annual total. Besides, monthly average humidity this season is in a proper range, and the weather of Ankarana is not as humid as that in the rainy season.

People Hiking in Ankarana

Ankarana Cave Exploration

Travel Advice

Ankarana gathers karstic landforms, endemic animals and plants, and a vast network of limestone caves. On sunny days, bright sunshine just makes the unique landform look more charming and it’s perfect to photograph the scenery in such a good weather condition. Besides, rainless days this season make a karst cave tour possible.

What to Wear for Visiting Ankarana

 Outfits: Short-sleeved shirts, T-shirts, shorts, and other breathable summer outfits are recommended. You’d better not bring your dresses or skirts, since they are inconvenient for hiking.

 Shoes: Breathable and light sneakers are recommended, or you’re suggested to wear waterproof and anti-slippery hiking shoes which are more suitable for a cave tour.

 Accessories:
(1) Requisite in rainy season: Rain gear is a must in case of any sudden heavy rain.
(2) Requisite in dry season: Since roads here are mostly dirt ones and moving vehicles easily cause dust to fly, you’re suggested to wear an anti-dust mask on the way to the reserve. To prevent heatstroke, you can bring your water bottle to carry enough drinking water. To prevent sunburn, sweat-resistant sunscreen or a cool-touch sun-protective jacket is helpful.
(3) For exploring karst caves: In addition to sturdy shoes, you need a helmet, a flashlight, breathable long-sleeved outfits, and a waterproof bag for a safe and comfortable cave tour.

Weather for More Madagascar Destinations:

• Madagascar 
• Antananarivo 
• Andasibe 
• Nosy Be
• Morondava
• Ifaty
• Sainte Marie Island
• Antsirabe
• Kirindy
• Ranohira (Isalo NP)
• Ranomafana
• Antsiranana
• Toamasina
• Fianarantsoa
• Mahajanga
• Belo sur Mer
• Morombe
• Tsingy de Bemaraha
• Amber Mountain