Quick Guide:

Climate Zone: tropical savanna climate  

Best Time to Visit: April - November  

Warmest Month: December: 23 - 32℃ (73 - 90℉)   

Coolest Month: August: 19 - 28℃ (66 - 82℉)

Rainiest Month: January: 337 mm in 20 days 

Driest Month: September: 11 mm in 6 days

What is the Antsiranana weather like?

Located in tropical climatic zone, Antsiranana is warm or hot all year round, with an average temperature of around 20 - 30℃ (68 - 86℉) and without extreme cold days. Specifically, the warmest time is usually from November to December with the average high at around 31 - 32℃ (88 - 90℉), and you may feel hot in some middays; while the coolest time is usually from July to August with the average high at around 28℃ (82℉), and you will feel warm throughout the day. The temperature difference between the coldest and hottest time is not big, at roughly 5℃ (41℉).

Sea View of Warm Antsiranana

Besides, Antsiranana has distinct dry and wet seasons. On average, the annual rainfall is about 1,200 mm, mainly concentrated in the rainy season from December to March, during which period the humidity is high and the average number of rainy days per month reaches about 15. As for the long dry season, the monthly rainfall is mostly no more than 50 mm on average.

The best time to visit Antsiranana is the dry season from April to November. During this time, Antsiranana receives a low rainfall. Although there are still a few rainy days each month, they will not affect your outdoor visit. In addition, the low rainfall ensures ample sunshine hours and good road conditions. Temperature-wise, in Antsiranana, where the temperature does not vary much throughout the year, these months remain warm and relatively comfortable, with an average maximum temperature of around 30℃ (86℉). 

Rainy Season: December - March

Temperature: 22 - 32℃ (72 - 90℉)
Rainfall: 999 mm
Rainy days in total: 67 days

These four months have a total rainfall of about 999 mm, accounting for 82% of the annual rainfall. Among them, January and February are the rainiest months of the year, averaging about 300 mm of rainfall and over 15 rainy days per month. A lot of rainfall leads to muddy roads, bringing inconveniences for your trip. Temperature in these months is at a relatively high level of the year: the average lows are at around 22 - 23℃ (72 - 73℉) and the average highs are at around 30 - 32℃ (86 - 90℉). On some days, the high may reach 35℃ (95℉), so you will feel warm at night and hot in the daytime. At the same time, this is also the time of the year when the UV rays are the strongest, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun when you go out. 

Moreover, from January to March, Antsiranana may suffer hurricanes.

What to Pack:

Considering that the weather of Antsiranana is humid and a bit hot during this season, you are advised to bring thin, breathable, and light-colored summer clothing such as tank tops, T-shirts, shorts, and skirts. As the UV rays are strong, sun shirts, sunglasses, and sun hats are necessary. In addition, it is also recommended that you bring more clothes for change, because your washed clothes may not dry easily in the wet weather. Sandals and thin sneakers are more suitable for the hot rainy season, but remember to bring non-slip and waterproof ones.

Travel Recommendation and Tips:
Since rainy days make up the majority of this season, it is not recommended that you visit Antsiranana during this period. If you have decided to go, you are advised to mainly visit the city area. Visits to places such as national parks should only be done on sunny days. In addition, before these exploring trips, you need to confirm that the road to and inside the destinations are passable. 

Street View of Antsiranana