Sainte Marie Island Weather in January

Overview:

(1) January weather features warm early morning and evening and hot noon;
(2) It is the rainiest month of the year, with about 20 rainy days on average;
(3) Due to the rainy climate, it’s the slack season and you will not feel crowded and can enjoy cheap hotel rate.

Rainfall

January is the wettest month in Sainte Marie Island, with 396 mm of rainfall and 20 rainy days on average. Therefore, whether you are traveling for a short period or a long period, it is difficult to avoid rainy days. Frequent rainfall also brings high humidity, which is about 85% this month.

Sea View on Rainy Days

Temperature

January is one of the warmest months in Sainte Marie Island, with an average temperature of 22 - 30℃ (72 - 86℉). With a not large daily temperature difference, it is relatively warm most of the time, and a little hot during the period of 12:00 - 14:00. The sea is warm at about 28℃ (82℉) on average, suitable for swimming, doing sea sports, snorkeling, diving, etc.

Daylight Hours/ Sunshine Hours

The daylight hours are the longest of the year, at around 13, with sunrise and sunset at 05:19 and 19:19 respectively. Due to the frequent rainfall, the sunshine hours are only 7 per day, which accounts for 54% of the daylight hours. Therefore, when you go to Sainte Marie Island this month, you probably won’t have many opportunities to soak up the sun on the beaches. However, if it’s a sunny day, it’s important to note that the UV rays are strong and sun protection measures are necessary.

Is January a Good Time to Visit Sainte Marie Island?

January is not the right month to visit Sainte Marie Island. First of all, there is a lot of rain, and it will affect your travel to a relatively great extent. What’s worse, heavy rainfall can cause muddy roads. Secondly, this month is one of the warmest months, and it is a bit hot at noon. The hot and humid weather of Sainte Marie Island will make you feel uncomfortable, not to mention the risk of extreme weather this month like cyclones. Thirdly, you can not see whales this month, the top thing to do when visiting the Island.

However, January is the slack season, so it’s cheap to visit Sainte Marie Island at this time. Just remember to check the weather forecast and go out in sunny time.

Quiet Beach of the Island on Sunny Days

What to Bring for Sainte Marie Island Trip in January

Clothes: For females, you are recommended to wear skirts or thin long pants plus T-shirts, or dresses, which can fulfill your needs most of the time. Pants may be more convenient than dresses in wet January. For males, you can bring shorts or long trousers plus short-sleeve or sleeveless T-shirts. To protect yourself from the strong UV rays and some cool times, you can prepare sun protection jackets or thin shirts. Considering the humid climate of Sainte Marie Island, quick-drying clothes are more recommended.

Shoes: When traveling to reserves or forests, you are advised to wear a pair of comfortable shoes like sneakers or hiking shoes since you may need to walk for a long time. Moreover, waterproof, non-slip and dark-colored ones are more recommended in rainy January. When traveling to beaches, slippers are more convenient for taking off and on. It’s also important for slippers to be non-slip, which can keep you safe.

Accessories:
1. With 20 rainy days, raincoats and umbrellas are quite necessary. Raincoats are more convenient for a trip to the forest while umbrellas are more convenient for a downtown trip.
2. The UV index in January is 11+, so remember to take sunglasses, sunhats, and sunscreen.
3. Mosquito repellents may be useful when you explore forests.
4. If you plan to swim and do water sports in the sea, you may also need swimsuits.

What to Do in Sainte Marie Island in January

Recommendation Rate:

On Sunny Days:

(1) Enjoy the Sea View and Sunset on the Beach

Sainte Marie Island has numerous pristine beaches with fine sand and clear water. Unlike the hustle and bustle of other resorts, these beaches are quiet, retaining the tranquility and purity of nature, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the sunshine. In January, the number of tourists is smaller than usual. Stay a little longer and wait for the sun to set, and you will be blown away by the beauty you see.

Beautiful Seaside Sunset

(2) Explore the Pirate Cemetery

Sainte Marie Island was a gathering place for pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries, and the Pirate Cemetery remains on the island to this day, making it a unique historical attraction. Many pirates are buried here, and their names and stories are engraved on tombstones. Legend has it that pirates built dozens of warehouses on the island to store treasure, meaning that there may be a huge amount of wealth sealed under your feet!

On Rainy Days:

If the rain is not heavy and you are willing to go out for a walk, you can find a nearby market or shop to explore. At the market, you can learn about local life and buy some fruits. In souvenir shops or stalls, you can purchase lovely and exquisite wooden whale carvings. If you prefer to stay indoor and just want to enjoy some quiet moments, you can stay in the hotel and quietly watch the seaside in the rain.

Market of Sainte Marie Island on Rainy Days

Travel Tips

(1) In the event of a hurricane or tropical storm, your flight may be canceled. It is advisable to make alternatives in advance if you plan to travel to Sainte Marie Island in January 2026.
(2) A waterproof bag can be useful to keep your carry-on belongings dry on rainy days or when set sail on the sea.

January Weather for Other Destinations in Madagascar

Sainte Marie Island Weather by Month

January February March April May June July August September October November December