Sainte Marie Island Weather in July

Overview:

1. Sainte Marie Island has mild temperature in July;
2. There are some showers, which will not influence your trip a lot;
3. Peak whale-watching season with many crowds.

Rainfall

On average, July experiences 196 mm of precipitation and 20 rainy days. The average precipitation per rainy day typically does not exceed 10 mm, indicating that it is mostly light rain. Therefore, you don’t need to worry that your outdoor trip plans, like whale watching will be disrupted.

People Enjoying Sunshine on the Beach

Temperature

July is one of the coolest months on the Island. Even so, the average temperature can reach 17 - 25°C (63 - 77°F) and you may feel comfy and cool most of the time. The sea temperature is also the lowest of the year at 24°C (75°F) on average, but it’s still suitable for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, etc., especially at midday.

Daylight Hours/ Sunshine Hours

The daylight lasts for about 11 hours from around 06:09 to 17:23. For Sainte Marie Island, a place where the ocean and beaches are the dominant landscape and most visits need to be done in the day, short daylight hours mean that you need to well arrange your itinerary. Influenced by the rain, there are about 6 hours of sunshine a day. The UV index for the month is 7, so it is recommended that you wear sunscreen if you are exposed to the sun for long periods.

Is July a Good Time to Visit Sainte Marie Island?

Yes, July is one of the best months to visit Sainte Marie Island. The main reason is that there is a good chance to see whales up close. Aside from the whales, July also has not-so-high rainfall and relatively cool and comfortable temperature, favorable for traveling around.

Of course, as a month belonging to the whale watching seasons and the summer holidays of countries in the northern hemisphere, July is the peak season of the Island with crowded tourists. Note that air tickets and hotels are very difficult to book this month. Therefore, if you are planning to visit the Island in July, it is recommended that you make your flight and hotel reservations about a month or more in advance. At the same time, the relevant expenses in July will also be higher than in other months.

Lively Beach of the Island in July

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

Clothes: In the cool morning and night, you are advised to wear short-sleeve T-shirts or short shirts plus a thin outerwear as the tops and thin long pants like sweatpants as the bottoms. Then, in warm midday, you can take the overcoat off. As a reminder, for outerwear, a waterproof outdoor jacket may be more practical, whether for a hiking trip or a whale-watching trip on the sea.

Shoes: Considering there is a great possibility that you will do some sea activities such as going to the beach to relax and taking a boat ride to see whales in July, it is recommended that you bring a pair of sandals or flip-flops, which are not afraid of getting wet and more convenient to put on and take off. In addition, non-slip sneakers or hiking shoes are necessary, especially if you plan to go hiking or explore forests. Due to the rain, the dirt roads on the Island become muddy, so it is recommended that you bring easy-to-clean and waterproof ones.

Other items: Because of the rainy weather of Sainte Marie Island, umbrellas or raincoats are always necessary. In addition, you are recommended to bring sunglasses and sunscreen, which will be useful when you have fun on the beach or watch whales on sunny days.

What to Do in Sainte Marie Island in July

Recommendation Rate:

Whale Watching

When you come to Sainte Marie Island in July, be sure not to miss whale watching, the most famous activity on the Island. Taking a boat to the designated spots, you may see the humpback showing a little bit of their spine, fins, and tails; and if you are lucky, you will see them jumping from the sea, an extremely magnificent scene.

In addition, the Whale Festival is held on the Island every July. There will be float parades, traditional performances, and markets selling handmade souvenirs and local specialties. If you plan to travel to the Island in July 2025, it’s recommended that you search for the festival schedule in advance and go on the right date.

Close-up Looking of Humpback Whales

Tips
1. It is a good idea to wear quick-drying clothes and take a towel and a waterproof jacket with you when you go whale watching, because it is windy with huge waves on the sea, and your clothes may get wet. Or you can wear a raincoat.
2. To have a higher chance of seeing whales, the boat will travel on the sea for a long period, so it is recommended that you prepare seasickness medicine if needed.
3. Be sure to take sun protection measures when watching whales, because the UV rays are strong on the sea.

4. Don’t worry about cloudy or drizzly days, the whales are even more playful during these times!

Other Recommended Things to Do

The climate of Sainte Marie Island is not bad with quite a few sunny periods, so you can do various things you like:

1. Biking around the island to see the local villages and markets and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of the tropical island.
2. Going to the beach to enjoy the sunshine, swim, and experience water sports.
3. Visiting the Pirate Cemetery, churches, and other cultural sites to learn the history of the Island.

July Weather for Other Destinations in Madagascar

Sainte Marie Island Weather by Month

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