The best time to visit Nosy Be is from May to October. 

The temperature in Nosy Be is warm and comfortable throughout the year. Even in the winter months of June - August, the average temperature reaches around 25 - 27°C (77 - 81°F). Therefore, the main aspect that affects the comfort of the visit is the rainfall. May - October is the time when Nosy Be receives low rainfall and has plenty of sunny days. During this period, the roads are in good condition and it is suitable to go hiking and observe wildlife in those reserves. In addition, there are about 8 - 9 hours of sunshine per day and it is warm enough for sunbathing at the beach or swimming in the sea.

Although the weather conditions are perfect during these months, if you don’t like crowds, it’s recommended that you avoid visiting Nosy Be in July and August, when both the beach and the reserve are filled with tourists from the northern hemisphere who come to spend their summer vacations.

 See also: Nosy Be Weather

Nosy Be in these months is particularly rainy, and a visit is not recommended. This is especially true in January - February, when the average number of rainy days per month reaches 20 days or more. Heavy rainfall can lead to muddy roads, causing difficulties for you whether on the way to a scenic spot or on a hike to look for wildlife in a reserve or national park. During this period, it may be even hard for you to go to the beach for sunbathing and sea sports.

However, if you have decided to visit Nosy Be in these months in 2025 and are prepared, you will enjoy a quiet journey and spend less.

Suitable for: those on a limited budget, preferring quietness and wanting to avoid crowds, also can cope with frequent rainfall.

Sea of Nosy Be on Rainy Days

April sees a significant decrease in rainfall; has warm temperature; and gets a small increase in the number of tourists. Moreover, since the rainy season has just ended, there are still lush plants. Therefore, traveling to Nosy Be this month, as long as you check the weather forecast in advance and make the relevant preparations, you can have a relatively good travel experience.

Suitable for: visitors who don’t like crowds and can accept occasional rainfall.

Active Lemurs and Lush Plants in April

There is plenty of sunshine and the UV intensity is not very strong, suitable for walking, sunbathing, and swimming on the coast. There is only a little rainfall and the roads are in very good condition, suitable for going to the reserve to see lemurs and other wildlife. The weather is sunny and the visibility under the sea is good, suitable for snorkeling. In addition, this month is the shoulder season, so you will not feel crowded or spend a lot.

Suitable for: travelers who like comfortable weather and want to avoid crowds.

Weather conditions during these five months remain sunny and warm, favorable for a variety of activities, including snorkeling, exploring wildlife, and sunbathing on the beach. Also, September - October is the whales watching season, and you have a good chance of seeing the whales jumping and swimming in front of you in Nosy Be.

However, these months are the peak season, so the beaches will be busier and the reserves will be more crowded. At the same time, hotels and flights may be more expensive and difficult to book. Among them, July and August are the most crowded months, so if you plan to visit Nosy Be in these two months, be sure to book your hotel and buy tickets in advance.

Suitable for: travelers who like comfortable weather, and don’t mind crowds as well as higher spending.

Crowded Beach in the Peak Season

As the first month of the rainy season, the rainfall in November will not yet greatly affect your travel. On average, there are 13 rainy days in this month. Therefore, you can still pick some sunny days for your visit according to the weather forecast. In addition, in November, Nosy Be returns quiet and enters the shoulder season, so you can enjoy a leisurely journey.

Suitable for: those who have enough time and don’t like crowds.

 When is the best time to dive/ snorkel in Nosy Be? 
Diving and snorkeling require good undersea visibility. Therefore, June to September with sunny and clear weather is the best time. You may also have chances to swim with whales from July to September. To be more specific, the best time of the day to go diving or snorkeling is the morning; because the light conditions are better and the wind and waves are less at this time.

 When is the best time to visit Nosy Iranja?
May, June, September, and October are the best months to visit Nosy Iranja. At that time, there is plenty of sunshine and sea temperature is cozy. Besides, there are no crowds on the beach. If you want to avoid extremely strong UV rays, May to June are the best time.