Ifaty receives low rainfall throughout the year compared with many other travel destinations of Madagascar, and the average rainy days per month is no more than 10 even in the rainy season, making it possible to travel around throughout the year. 

Even though, the best time to visit Ifaty is April to November in the dry season, when weather conditions are more stable and there are more sunny days. Moreover, the temperature in these months is more favorable compared with the other months, and generally, you won’t feel unbearably hot. The sea temperature is also warm enough for a variety of sea sports.

 See also: Ifaty Weather

These are the three months with the most rainfall in Ifaty, with monthly averages all around 100 mm. The relatively high rainfall will cause trouble for your travel. On the other hand, these are also Ifaty’s hottest months, and the UV rays are extremely strong. Therefore, if you have other choices, it is not very advisable to visit Ifaty during these months.

These are the least visited months, yet the cheapest time to travel to Ifaty.

As March is approaching the end of the rainy season, the rainfall drops considerably, so as long as you check the weather forecast in advance and avoid the rainy moments, your trip will not be greatly affected. Besides, since this month is still in the slack season, you can leisurely enjoy sunbathing on the beach. However, it should be noted that it is hot and sun protection is still necessary. Overall, March is relatively a good month to visit Ifaty. 

April, beginning of the dry season, is very sunny, making it ideal for sunbathing on the beach, snorkeling, or visiting fishing villages. The temperature is not particularly high and you may only feel slightly hot at midday. The number of tourists increases a little compared with the slack season months from December to March, but not much, and you can still have a good travel experience. Therefore, overall, April is a pleasant month to visit Ifaty.

People Enjoying Sea Sports

These months are the most recommended months to visit Ifaty: the rainfall is low and almost negligible; the temperature is favorable that you will feel warm but not too hot; the sea temperature is warm and suitable for water sports; and the UV index is not high. In addition to the good weather, the number of tourists is also relatively favorable: it is not small, but not so large that you will feel crowded.

Therefore, these four months are suitable for all visitors, whether you want to hike in reserves, see wildlife, enjoy sunbathing on the beach, or try snorkeling.

People Hiking in Reniala Reserve in May - June

Reniala Reserve in Dry September - October

Weather-wise, these are the best months to visit Ifaty. The temperature is particularly pleasant, so you will not feel cold swimming in the sea or hot hiking in the reserve. Rainfall is at its lowest level of the year and it is almost sunny every day. The sunshine hours are long, and the UV rays are not very strong. Besides, it is the time for whale watching!

People Going to See Whales

However, if you prefer a quiet trip or you want to cut down travel expenses, these two months may not be the best choices for you. Because this is the summer vacation in the northern hemisphere, when many tourists choose to come here to escape the summer heat. Attractions are filled with more tourists, and hotels and tickets are difficult and expensive to book.

November is the end of the dry season, and the weather is still sunny. As in April, you may feel a little hot at midday, but warm and comfortable most of the time. What’s more, this month has the longest sunshine hours in the year, making it suitable to go to the beach and soak up the sun, but you need to be careful with the high UV index. 

November is the slack season, so there will not be a lot of people on the beach, and you’ll be able to enjoy a pleasant and comfortable vacation.

People Enjoying the Sunshine in Sunny November

1. Can I see whales if I travel to Ifaty in September 2025?
In September, you still have the opportunity to see whales in Ifaty, although the chances are far less than in July and August.

2. Is it particularly unsuitable to visit Ifaty from December to March? 
The weather conditions during these months are not good for traveling around. However, compared with many other destinations in Madagascar, Ifaty has a not-so-high rainfall at this time, and it is just a bit hot. Therefore, December to January is not entirely unsuitable to visit Ifaty.

3. When is the best time to snorkel or dive in Ifaty?
The best time to snorkel or dive in Ifaty is April to November when the weather is sunny enough to guarantee high undersea visibility.