Madagascar Weather in May

 Season: Dry Season 

In Short: warm, short sunshine duration, less rainfall

In the Forest of Ranomafana NP

Madagascar weather in May varies from region to region, being warm on the coast and mild in the highlands. The range of average monthly temperatures is 18-27°C (64.4°F-80.6°F). In May, the sun rises at about 06:07 and sets at 17:31. That means the daytime is shorter than the night time, around 11.5 h. As for rainfall, it rains for 9 days averagely based on historical records and the monthly average precipitation is 52 mm. 

 The warmest cities in Madagascar in May 

Toliara: 21.3-28.1°C (70.34°F-82.58°F); Mahajanga: 22.5-30.3°C (72.5°F-86.54°F); Antsiranana: 21.6-30.4°C (70.88°F-86.72°F)

 The coldest cities in Madagascar in May 

Antananarivo: 12.3-23.2°C (54.14°F-73.76°F); Fianarantsoa: 11.9-20.4°C (53.42°F-68.72°F); Toamasina: 19.5-27.3°C (67.1°F-81.14°F)

What to Pack to Visit Madagascar in May

1. Considering the warm and dry climate of Madagascar in May, visitors should choose lightweight, breathable and sweat-absorbing clothing as a whole. Women are advised to wear T-shirt with skirt, or just a long dress. Men can wear short-sleeved shorts suit. Don’t forget to add a windproof jacket at night.

2. Madagascar is mountainous, so visitors need to wear comfortable non-slippery shoes when trekking. Sneaker or causal shoes are the choices of most people. Of course, you can wear flip-flops or sandals when you are on the streets or at the beaches.

3. Madagascar is in the tropical zone, which result in intense sunlight in the dry season. Thus sunlight prevention items are essential for visitors. Sunscreen cream, sunglasses and parasol must be packed when you travelling. Although there is less rain at this time, it is still necessary to take your raingear.

4. The beach in Madagascar is definitely the ideal place to visit in May, so be sure to bring swimwear to enjoy sea activities.

5. Mosquitoes are active in the rainforest, so remember to pack anti-mosquito spray in your luggage.

May Travel Guide – Where to Go & Tips

Tourism Rate:

Characterized by comfortable temperature, a visit to Madagascar in May can be seen as a good choice. Mild daytime temperature and cool nights mean outdoor activities like hiking in parks or sunbathing on beaches are more desirable. May is in the shoulder season and there are not too many visitors yet to cause congestion. And due to the prices of hotel and flight won’t go up too much, your expense can be saved a little. 

1. Isalo National Park

Mild and dry temperature in May is quite fit for trekking and sightseeing in Madagascar. Isalo National Park is one such destination, where the landscape was formed in the Jurassic period and it is of great significance to the study of crustal movement. Magnificent canyons, clear rivers and dense forests make Isalo National Park a wonderful place for hikers and adventures to feel and explore the beauty and mystery of nature. 

 Tip: Almost all you walk on are mountain roads, so you should take good care of yourself when engaging in trekking adventure activity.

2. Ranomafana National Park

Lemurs in the Forest

Ranomafana National Park is a famous tropical rainforest reserve and it is designed to preserve the unique biodiversity of local ecosystem. Even in the dry season, steam can be seen in every morning, so the vegetation here are always in the state of verdancy. The plant and animal resources abound here and you can enjoy the nature in the raw. Most famously, it is the only habitat of the rarest Hapalemurdore.

 Tip: It is more humid and it rains occasionally in tropical rainforest areas in Madagascar because of steam from the Indian Ocean. Thus you need to have raingear and anti-mosquito spray ready just in case.

3. Anakao Bay

Anakao is a small fishing town on the southwestern coast of Madagascar. The scenery here is both charming and romantic. When traveling here, the first sight coming into your eyes is pure seawater and you can try surfing, kitesurfing, kayaking and diving here. You must dive in the sea to see such natural sights as the beautiful coral reefs. Starting in May, thousands of flamingos migrate here, making you feel like in a dreamlike pink world. 

 Tip: Surfing or diving requires adequate preparation and safety measures. You must follow the rules and warnings here and not trespass into dangerous waters.

Anakao Bay in May, Madagascar

Madagascar Festivals in May

Zegny Zo Festival

Zegny Zo Festival is celebrated in the third week of May every year. It lasts for about one week and you can immerse yourself into a lively atmosphere and enjoy it to the fullest. In 2025, it lasts from 13th  to 20th, May. People dress up for street art, presenting a feast of song and dance. It’s a good opportunity for you to see large-scale performance of puppetry and stilt-walking around the streets.

Donia Festival

Donia Festival is the largest musical festival celebrated in Nose Be in Madagascar. The festival mainly focuses on performing music pieces created by local and international musicians. It also includes sports events, beauty pageant, cultural exhibition and conference. Furthermore, it truly reflects the diversity of Madagascar culture. Do not miss this cultural event if you’re in Nose Be this month.

May Weather of Major Madagascar Cities

City	Temp	Rainfall (mm)	Humi- dity (%)	Sunrise/ Sunset
Antananarivo	12.3-23.2°C (54.14°F-73.76°F)	22.5	78.5	06:07:22/ 17:32:03
Toliara	21.3-28.1°C (70.34°F-82.58°F)	10	66	06:22:36/ 17:36:14
Fianaranstoa	11.9-20.4°C (53.42°F-68.72°F)	27	87	06:11:53/ 17:27:32
Toamasina	19.5-27.3°C (67.1°F-81.14°F)	228.3	85	05:57:23/ 17:24:19
Mahajanga	22.5-30.3°C (72.5°F-86.54°F)	8	66	05:57:23/ 17:24:19
Morondava	22.1-29.3°C (71.78°F-84.74°F)	7	64	05:57:23/ 17:24:19
Antisiranana	22.1-29.3°C (71.78°F-84.74°F)	13.4	72	05:50:44/ 17:27:04

Madagascar Weather by Month