Fall in Nosy Be, Madagascar feels like a shift from the drier, cooler months into something warmer and stickier. Days get hotter, evenings stay mild, and you notice the chance of rain creeping up as November gets closer. Average fall weather in Nosy Be is warm, humid, and gradually wetter, but you still get plenty of sunshine for outdoor fun.
From September through November, daytime highs usually hover around 30–32 °C. Nights rarely dip below 20 °C. September and October stay pretty dry, but November brings heavier rain. The sea is always warm, so you can swim, dive, or hop on a boat without worrying about chilly water.
This seasonal change really shapes how you spend your time on the island. Early fall gives you long, sunny days—perfect for beaches and nature reserves. Later in the season, you’ll need to juggle outdoor plans with the occasional tropical shower.
Overview of Fall Weather in Nosy Be
In September, October, and November, you get steady warmth, moderate rain, and humidity that creeps upward. The sea stays inviting, and a mix of sun and showers creates a comfortable climate for just about any activity.
Typical Fall Temperatures
Nosy Be stays warm all fall, day and night. In September, you’ll see lows around 20.5°C and highs up to 30.6°C. October edges up to 22.3°C to 31.8°C. By November, it’s 23.4°C to 31.9°C.
Highs hit the low 30s °C, but evenings cool off enough to be pleasant. Compared to the cooler winter, fall nights feel warmer, so you probably won’t need a jacket if you’re out in the evening.
The sea temperature averages 26°C in September, climbing to 27.5°C in November. That’s perfect for swimming and diving, and you’ll never get a cold shock. You won’t see extreme heat, but the steady warmth always gives the island a tropical vibe.
Rainfall Patterns in Fall
Rainfall really changes as fall goes on. September and October stay dry, with 35 mm and 30 mm of rain on average. Showers are short, and you’ll usually only get about 4 rainy days each month.
Things shift in November. Rain jumps up to about 135 mm, spread over 10 days. This is when the wet season starts to kick in.
Even in November, rain mostly shows up as afternoon or evening showers. All-day storms are rare. You still get plenty of sun, which is why many people say fall is a good time to visit before the real wet season arrives.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Humidity rises as fall goes on. In September, it sits around 70%, which feels pretty comfortable compared to the sticky summer. By November, it climbs to 75–80%, and you’ll notice the air gets heavier, especially in the afternoons.
Winds stay pretty gentle, averaging 6–8 kph. Early fall feels breezier thanks to southeast trade winds, but things calm down by November. These light winds help keep humidity from feeling overwhelming.
So, if you’re traveling, expect warm air, manageable humidity, and soft breezes. Late fall does get more tropical and humid, though.
Monthly Breakdown: September, October, and November
In fall, Nosy Be moves from its driest stretch into the start of the rainy season. Temperatures stay warm, the sea is always good for a swim, and rain patterns shift just enough to change how you plan your days.
September Weather Highlights
September is one of the driest months on the island. Rainfall is minimal, often with fewer than 8 wet days. That makes it a great month for the beach, diving, and snorkeling—water clarity is usually excellent.
Daytime highs hit 29–30°C (84–86°F), nights cool to about 24°C (75°F). Humidity is lower, so being outside feels easier.
You get about 9 hours of sunshine a day. That’s a lot of time to be out and about. September is also the season for whale watching, with migration peaking in late August and September.
Tourism is steady, but it’s not as busy as July or August. You might find more hotel options and less crowded tours.
October Weather Highlights
October stays warm, with daytime highs around 30–31°C (86–88°F) and nights near 25°C (77°F). Humidity ticks up, so you may notice the air feels heavier.
Rainfall increases to about 80–90 mm for the month, with roughly 10 days of showers. These showers are usually short and intense, often in the late afternoon.
The sea stays calm and warm, averaging 27°C (81°F). It’s a great time for diving and swimming, and you’ll spot plenty of coral and tropical fish.
More tourists start to show up as the weather remains nice, but prices aren’t as high as peak season. October is a good compromise between cost and conditions.
November Weather Highlights
November means the rainy season is starting. Temperatures hold steady, averaging 26–28°C (79–82°F), but humidity goes up.
Rainfall jumps, often hitting 150–200 mm for the month, with frequent thunderstorms. Showers get heavier and last longer than in October, but mornings can still be clear and sunny.
The sea stays warm at 27–28°C (81–82°F), but underwater visibility can drop because of runoff. If you want to snorkel or dive, try to do it early in your trip.
November is a bit unpredictable, so pack light rain gear, mosquito repellent, and keep your plans flexible. Fewer tourists come, but you can still enjoy local events and quieter beaches.
Temperature Trends and Daily Variations
In fall, Nosy Be gives you warm days and mild nights. Temperatures barely change as the season goes on. The sea always stays warm, so swimming and water sports are comfortable from start to finish.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime highs usually sit between 85°F and 89°F (29°C–32°C). The warmest stretch is often early April, with highs peaking around 89°F. Days almost never top 91°F, so you won’t get blasted by extreme heat.
At night, things cool off. Lows drop from about 75°F (24°C) in early March to around 69°F (21°C) by late May. Even on the coolest nights, it rarely goes below 67°F.
You’ll notice a 6–10°F difference between day and night, which gives you warm afternoons and cooler evenings. This makes outdoor activities easy to enjoy at any hour.
Sea Temperature During Fall
The ocean around Nosy Be doesn’t really change. Average sea temperature stays close to 84°F (29°C) all fall. On some April days, it might nudge up to 85°F (29.5°C).
This means you can swim, snorkel, or dive any time without worrying about cold water. The sea doesn’t swing much from month to month.
Because the water is always warm, marine activities stay popular. Whether you like early morning swims or late afternoon dives, the sea is always inviting. Honestly, that’s one of the best parts of Nosy Be’s coastal weather.
Rainfall and Sunshine Hours in Fall
In fall, Nosy Be shifts from the rainy stretch toward drier days. Rainfall drops off, and sunshine hours stretch out, giving you more time to enjoy the outdoors.
Average Precipitation by Month
Rainfall drops sharply from September to November. September usually records around 100–150 mm of rain. By October, it falls to 50–80 mm, and in November, you might only get 20–40 mm.
This steady drop marks the move from the rainy season to the driest part of the year. Heavy downpours fade away, and showers get shorter.
Compared to the wettest months like January, which can top 400 mm, fall feels pretty dry. By late fall, the island gets some of its sunniest and driest weather, which is great for outdoor plans.
Number of Rainy Days
Rainy days drop off as fall goes on. In September, you might see about 10–12 days with rain. By October, it drops to 6–8 days, and in November, you’ll get just 3–5 days.
This means you’ll have fewer rain delays as the season moves forward. When showers do hit, they’re usually brief and followed by clear skies.
Travelers get more reliable weather for excursions, whether you’re exploring villages, hiking, or hanging out on the beach.
Sunshine Duration and Cloud Cover
Sunshine hours stretch out as rain fades. In September, expect about 7–8 hours of sun a day. October bumps that up to 8–9 hours, and November often reaches 9–9.5 hours.
Clouds thin out, too. September might bring some partly cloudy skies, but October and November are mostly clear.
You get brighter days and longer daylight for whatever you want to do outside. If you’re a fan of reliable sunshine, late fall is honestly one of the best times to be in Nosy Be.
Best Activities and Travel Tips for Fall Visits
Fall in Nosy Be means warm, dry days, lower humidity, and calm seas. It’s a great season for outdoor adventures, seeing wildlife, and packing light.
Outdoor Activities in Fall
Daytime temperatures usually hit 25–27 °C with not much rain, so it’s a great time for outdoor fun. Clear skies and low humidity make walking, cycling, and exploring villages much more comfortable.
Water activities are a highlight. The sea stays warm, around 26 °C, so you can swim, snorkel, or dive with no worries. Coral reefs near Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Komba offer good visibility, and you’ll likely spot tropical fish and sea turtles.
Prefer to stay on land? Hiking Mount Passot gives you sweeping views of the island and nearby islets. Trails are drier than in the wet season, so hiking is easier. Sunsets from the summit are especially beautiful this time of year.
Wildlife and Nature Experiences
Fall is a busy time for marine life. Whale sharks often pass through from late September into November, and you can join guided snorkeling tours to see them. These tours follow rules to keep the animals safe.
On land, Lokobe Reserve is easier to visit during the dry season. Trails are more accessible, and you can spot black lemurs, chameleons, and rare birds. Fewer mosquitoes make nature walks less of a hassle.
Botanical gardens and vanilla plantations are also worth a visit. Drier weather means less mud, and local guides can show you how ylang-ylang and vanilla are grown on the island.
Travel Preparation and Packing Advice
Pack light, breathable clothes for the day, but bring a jacket for cooler evenings—temperatures can dip near 20 °C. Good walking shoes help for both hikes and village strolls, since paths are often uneven.
Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent. Mosquitoes aren’t as bad in fall, but you’ll still need protection in some spots. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses make the strong sun easier to handle.
If you like your own gear, bring a mask and snorkel for water activities, though you can rent them easily. Carry small cash for markets, since many shops in Nosy Be don’t take cards.
Comparing Nosy Be’s Fall Climate to Other Seasons
Fall in Nosy Be brings warm temperatures and moderate rainfall. It sits right between the dry and rainy periods, so you’ll notice steadier sunshine than in the summer, but the humidity starts creeping up, hinting at the wetter months ahead.
Differences Between Fall and Dry Season
The dry season in Nosy Be usually runs from April to October. Most people find May through September the most comfortable time to visit.
During these months, you can expect low rainfall and plenty of clear skies. Daytime highs hover around 28–29°C.
Nights cool off, often dropping to about 23–24°C, which really helps if you love being outdoors.
Fall months, especially September and October, keep a lot of this dry weather pattern. Still, humidity ticks up, and you’ll start to see brief showers by late October.
While the dry season gives you long stretches of sun, fall shortens those sunny spells just a bit.
You’ll probably notice warmer nights in fall compared to the middle of the dry season. For example:
| Season | Daytime High | Nighttime Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-Dry (July) | ~28°C | ~23°C | Very Low |
| Fall (October) | ~29°C | ~24°C | Moderate |
So, fall doesn’t feel as crisp as July or August, but it’s still way more comfortable than the heavy summer rains.
Transition to Rainy Season
By November, Nosy Be starts shifting into the rainy season. The days still feel warm, hovering near 30°C, but you’ll notice showers popping up more often and humidity climbing.
Nights don’t cool down much, usually sitting around 25°C. That warmth can feel pretty heavy if you’re used to the drier months.
Rainfall picks up fast. Sometimes, totals even double from October to November. This jump marks the beginning of the monsoon pattern that really takes over from December to March.
You’ll probably spot fewer stretches of uninterrupted sunshine. Outdoor plans might need some backup ideas, since afternoon rain showers tend to roll in.
Unlike the dry season, where clear skies are almost a given, fall brings a bit more unpredictability.
This transition period matters if you’re hoping to catch decent weather without the crowds. The heavy rains haven’t fully arrived yet, but the climate’s not as steady as it was earlier in the year.