Mahajanga weather: when to visit?

Mahajanga (Majunga) enjoys a dry tropical climate on the west coast of Madagascar, very different from the rest of the island. Unlike the often rainy east coast, Mahajanga gets remarkable sunshine for much of the year. But the rainy season still needs to be taken into account when planning your trip. Here is everything you need to know about the weather in Mahajanga.

Two very distinct seasons

Mahajanga’s climate is divided into two main seasons:

The dry season (May to October) is the ideal time to visit Mahajanga. Temperatures range from 20°C at night to 30°C during the day, the sky is clear and there is almost no rain. It is the peak tourist season, especially in July and August when holidaymakers arrive from the Malagasy highlands.

The rainy season (November to April) brings intense tropical rain, especially in January and February. Temperatures climb to 35°C or more. Travel can be disrupted by cyclones that sometimes hit the west coast. The Cirque Rouge is especially spectacular after the rains, but the paths can be slippery.

Month by month: the weather in Mahajanga

Which period suits your travel style?

For beaches and swimming: May to October. The sea is calm and conditions are perfect for snorkelling around the islands in the bay.

For the Cirque Rouge: all year round, but the colours are especially intense at the end of the dry season (September-October) and just after the rains (April-May).

For Ankarafantsika Park: dry season only. The tracks are impassable in the rainy season.

On a budget: May-June and September-October offer the best hotel rates before and after the July-August peak season.

2026 calendar: what’s on in Mahajanga by season

Updated on 11 November 2026.

July-August (school holidays): this is the busiest period. During the holidays, bookings at Mahajanga’s accommodation soar and some places are fully booked (source: allAfrica, July 2026). Book early.

Late August: in 2026, the Miara-Miabo festival livened up the Village touristique from 27 to 30 August with concerts, moraingy and entertainment. A good reason to aim for the end of the dry season.

October: the heat rises but the town stays lively. In October 2026, Mahajanga hosted concerts (“Majunga Vibes”), a walk organised by Majunga Running for World Mental Health Day, and nature outings such as Ambanjabe, 25 km away on the RN4.

Flying in: the Madagascar Airlines office in Mahajanga reopened on 10 July 2026 on Avenue Gillon, for buying and changing tickets.

What to do in Mahajanga in the rainy season?

The rainy season does not rule out a stay in Mahajanga. Showers are often short and intense, followed by lovely sunny spells. The tropical vegetation is at its lushest. It is also the cheapest and quietest period, ideal if you want an authentic experience away from the crowds.

To plan your stay, read our guides to the things to do in Mahajanga and the places to visit around Mahajanga.