Sainte Marie Island Weather in August

Overview:
(1) It is cool with some showers;
(2) August is a good time to watch whales;
(3) You will see crowded tourists this month.

Rainfall

For Sainte Marie Island, which is wet and rainy all year round, 169 mm of rainfall in August is considered moderate. The average number of rainy days is 20, but it doesn’t mean that you will only have 11 sunny days to visit, as the rain will not rain non-stop and you will see sunny hours even on rainy days.

Temperature

Even though it’s one of the coolest months, August has an average maximum temperature of 25°C (77°F), so you will always feel warm and cozy during the daytime. The average minimum temperature is 17°C (63°F), indicating the early mornings and evenings are cool but not cold. Thus, Sainte Marie Island in August is a great place for visitors from northern hemisphere countries to escape the heat of the summer. The average temperature of the sea is 24°C (75°F), and in midday, when the temperature is at its highest, is the best time to do sea sports like swimming.

Warm Sea of the Island in August

Daylight Hours/ Sunshine Hours

In August, Sainte Marie Island has daylight hours of about 11.5 and receives about 7 hours of sunshine a day on average. Longer sunshine hours create good conditions for enjoying the sun on the beach, but bring stronger ultraviolet rays. It is recommended that you take sun protection seriously when traveling to the Island in August 2025.

Best Time to Visit Sainte Marie Island

August is a highly recommended month to visit Sainte Marie Island for the following reasons: (1) it is the month with the best chances of seeing whales; (2) the rain usually does not fall so frequently or last so long that affect your travel plans; (3) and the temperature is perfect for various outdoor activities.

Travel Tips

A large number of tourists from countries in the northern hemisphere will come to spend their summer vacations on the Island that has both whales and cool temperature, making the Island crowded this month. It is recommended that you book your flights and hotels as soon as you finalize your travel plans to avoid your trip being put on hold due to the lack of suitable flights or hotels. One more thing you need to know is that the prices of both airplane tickets and hotels will go up in this month

What to Wear and Pack for Sainte Marie Island Trip in August

Clothes: For tops, you can wear short shirts and T-shirts as the inner layer. If you are sensitive to coolness, you can also wear long-sleeve T-shirts. As for the outer layer, you may need thin jackets or thin knitwear. For bottoms, thin sweatpants are more suitable for the weather of Sainte Marie Island in August. Moreover, since beautiful beaches are the main attractions, you are advised to bring swimming suits to have fun there.

Shoes: Considering you are probably going hiking around the Island, sneakers are needed. Then, you are advised to wear sandals or water shoes except when hiking, as you may wade through water to go on a boat, pass by roads full of mud puddles, or encounter rain at any time. Besides, all the shoes mentioned above are better to be non-slip, to ensure your safety when walking on the wet roads after rain.

Others: Raincoats and umbrellas are recommended to bring in August with some showers. Among them, raincoats are more convenient when you watching whales on boats and hiking around. Besides, you are also advised to prepare sun protection items like sunglasses and sunscreen for the sunny days.

What to Do in Sainte Marie Island in August

Recommendation Rate:

1. Whale Watching

From July to September each year, a large number of whales migrate to the waters near Sainte Marie Island. Generally, the first to arrive are the female and baby whales, and approximately 15 days later, the adult male whales will come. Therefore, August is the time when there are the most whales and the chances of seeing them is the highest. You will witness these massive creatures swimming in the water, leaping out of the sea and splashing huge waves, and spouting water columns, all of which will provide you a unique and exciting experience.

People Going to Watch Whales

Whales Swimming in front of Visitors

Tips:

(1) The best time for whale-watching is in the morning, and it is advisable to make arrangements in advance.
(2) During the process of whale watching by boat, it is possible to get your clothes wet by sea water or rain. Therefore, you are recommended to wear a waterproof jacket or bring a raincoat.

2. Hiking or Walking around Ile aux Nattes

Ile aux Nattes is a typical tropical island located to the southern part of Sainte Marie Island. With cool temperatures this month, you can hike around the small Island, or rent a bicycle or motorcycle to cycle around. On your journey, you can admire the meandering white beaches and turquoise sea; look for cute lemurs; or climb to la Maison Blanche, the highest location of the Island, for a panoramic view of the Island. The Island is also a famous destination for snorkeling and diving as the water is completely unpolluted.

Lovely Lemur in Ile aux Nattes

3. Strolling through Local Markets and Villages

The climate of Sainte Marie Island shows that there are some rainy days this month, so it is recommended that you make some travel plans that will not be affected by the weather, such as visiting the local markets and villages. There are a lot of small fishing villages where you can take a walk around to see how the locals live. You can also go to the markets or stores to buy some featured souvenirs you like, such as a wooden carving of the whale’s tail.

Street View of the Island on Rainy Days

August Weather for Other Destinations in Madagascar

Sainte Marie Island Weather by Month

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