When is the best season for Madagascar?

Dry season, rainy season, varatraza: the honest calendar from people who live here year-round.

The short answer

From April to November the dry season makes the whole island passable. It's our high season — and varatraza wind season in the North, kitesurfers' delight.

The locals' answer

The climate varies widely by region: humid in the East, dry in the South. The rainy season (December-March) has an unfair reputation in the North: showers fall mostly at night, parks are empty and prices drop.

• April-June: still green, minimal crowds — our favourite window
• July-September: strong wind in the North, humpback whales at Sainte Marie
• October-June: prime season for Mitsio dive cruises