Fall in Antananarivo really shifts both temperature and rainfall. Daytime highs cool from the upper 70s °F in March to the low 70s °F by May, while nights drop from the low 60s °F to the low 50s °F.
This change makes the season one of the most comfortable times of year. You’ll notice less humidity and fewer rainy days compared to the heavy summer months.
As the weeks go by, skies clear up fast. Early fall can feel mostly overcast, but by the end, you’ll see a lot more sun.
Rain eases up too. March still feels pretty wet, but May is almost dry.
The air feels fresher, the ground dries out, and travel gets easier across the city and the highlands.
Daylight hours shrink a bit, but you still get over 11 hours of sunlight by late May. Winds blow steadily from the east, adding a gentle, constant breeze.
These patterns create a season with cooler nights, mild afternoons, and clearer skies. It’s a great time if you want to experience Antananarivo without heat or heavy rain.
Overview of Fall in Antananarivo
Fall in Antananarivo brings cooler temperatures, shorter days, and a steady drop in rainfall compared to the wet summer.
The city’s elevation and its spot in the Southern Hemisphere really shape these weather changes.
Defining the Fall Season in the Southern Hemisphere
In Madagascar, fall runs from March through May. Unlike in the Northern Hemisphere, these months mark the shift from a hot, rainy summer to a cooler, drier winter.
During this stretch, daily highs in Antananarivo drop from about 79°F (26°C) in early March to around 71°F (22°C) by late May.
Nighttime lows also slip, falling from 63°F (17°C) to 53°F (12°C).
Daylight hours shrink steadily. Early March gives you over 12 hours of sun, but late May is closer to 11 hours.
This drop in daylight and temperature signals the seasonal change more clearly than in the tropical lowlands.
You’ll find the weather feels mild and comfortable, with far fewer hot or humid days than in summer.
Geographic and Climatic Context
Antananarivo sits at about 1,250 meters (4,100 feet) above sea level in Madagascar’s central highlands.
This altitude shapes the city’s climate.
While coastal Madagascar gets a tropical climate, Antananarivo’s highland setting gives it a temperate highland tropical climate.
That means cooler nights, lower humidity, and more moderate daytime temperatures all year.
The nearby grasslands, hills, and scattered forests also play a role in local weather. Fall winds usually come from the east, averaging about 7 miles per hour.
These steady breezes keep conditions mild and help avoid big swings in temperature.
Because of its geography, Antananarivo’s fall weather usually feels more comfortable for daily life than in the lower, warmer parts of Madagascar.
Transition from Dry to Rainy Period
Fall marks a quick shift from the wet summer to the dry winter. At the start of March, the chance of a wet day is still high at around 75%.
By late May, that chance drops to about 15%.
Rainfall totals fall fast. Early in the season, a 31‑day period can bring over 13 inches (345 mm) of rain.
By late May, that same period averages only 1 inch (25 mm).
Cloud cover also decreases, going from mostly overcast in March to mostly clear by May.
This makes late fall one of the sunniest times of year in the city.
Humidity fades too, and muggy days become rare by May.
These changes make this period great for outdoor travel and exploring the city.
Typical Fall Temperatures
During fall in Antananarivo, temperatures steadily cool as the season moves along.
Days stay mild and comfortable, but nights turn noticeably cooler, especially by late fall.
You’ll feel a clear difference between early and late fall.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
In Antananarivo, daily high temperatures drop from about 79°F (26°C) in early fall to around 71°F (22°C) by the end.
Highs rarely go above 84°F (29°C) or below 66°F (19°C).
Nighttime lows fall even more. Early in the season, nights average near 63°F (17°C).
By late fall, they’re closer to 53°F (12°C), and sometimes dip as low as 49°F (9°C)—pretty chilly if you’re not prepared.
The gap between day and night temperatures makes evenings feel crisp, even after warm afternoons.
This pattern is typical in Antananarivo’s highland climate, where elevation keeps days mild but lets nights get cool.
Temperature Variation by Month
March is usually the warmest part of fall, with highs near 26°C (79°F) and lows around 17°C (63°F).
April brings a noticeable cooling, with daytime averages closer to 23°C (73°F) and nights around 14°C (57°F).
By May, things feel much cooler. Highs average about 22°C (71°F), and lows drop to 12°C (53°F).
Late fall evenings are some of the coldest of the year, except for winter.
The steady cooling gives you time to adjust, but if you’re in town through May, bring warmer clothes for those chilly nights.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall in Antananarivo feels drier and more comfortable.
Summer highs can hit 80°F (27°C) with muggy air, but fall brings cooler nights and less humidity.
Winter gets colder still, with July lows near 50°F (10°C) and highs around 68°F (20°C).
Fall acts as a bridge, starting with summer-like warmth in March and ending with weather close to early winter by May.
Spring, which follows winter, warms up faster than fall cools down.
That makes fall unique—a season of steady cooling and a wide range of temperatures in just a few months.
Rainfall Patterns and Humidity in Fall
During fall, rainfall in Antananarivo drops sharply, and humidity levels fall to much drier conditions by the end.
You’ll get wetter conditions in early March, but by May, rainy days and sticky air are rare.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
Rainfall in Antananarivo drops quickly from high levels at the start of fall to almost nothing by late May.
In early March, the city averages around 345 mm of rain over 31 days.
By late May, this drops to about 28 mm, showing how quickly the wet season fades.
This matters if you’re planning outdoor activities.
March still feels like part of the rainy season, while May is much drier and easier for travel.
April sits in the middle, with moderate rainfall and the odd heavy shower, but not as often as March.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall Range (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| March | ~345 | 177–530 |
| April | ~150 | 60–250 |
| May | ~28 | 4–68 |
Frequency of Rainy Days
The odds of a rainy day in fall drop fast.
At the start of March, you have about a 76% chance of rain on any given day.
By late May, it’s down to only 16%. The weather becomes far more predictable and dry.
March often brings several wet days each week, with showers that can last a while.
In April, rain gets more scattered, usually falling in short bursts.
By May, most days are dry, and it’s common to go days without any rain at all.
If you’re visiting in March, bring rain gear. By May, you probably won’t need it.
Humidity Trends During Fall
Humidity in Antananarivo also changes a lot through fall.
At the start of March, about 31% of days feel muggy or humid, especially in the afternoons.
But as the season moves along, the air dries out.
By late May, muggy days drop to 0%.
Late fall feels much more comfortable, especially if you’re sensitive to humidity.
Nights get cooler and drier, and daytime temperatures stay mild.
Lower dew points also mean you don’t get that sticky feeling that’s common early in the season.
By May, the climate feels crisp and pleasant, with hardly any humidity to worry about.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours in Autumn
In Antananarivo, autumn brings a nice balance of sunshine and daylight.
You’ll see moderate daily sunshine, gradually shorter days, and some real shifts in how much direct sun you get.
Average Daily Sunshine
During autumn—March, April, and May—you get between 6 to 8 hours of sunshine per day on average.
March is usually the cloudiest, with about 6 hours of sun.
April and May are brighter, often reaching closer to 7.5 hours daily.
The percentage of daylight hours that are sunny also climbs as fall moves forward.
In March, about 52% of daylight hours are sunny.
April goes up to about 68%, and May stays around 67%.
By late autumn, you’ll find more clear skies and brighter afternoons.
Outdoor activities become more reliable in April and May, since there’s less rain than earlier in the season.
Length of Daylight
Daylight in Antananarivo during autumn shortens gradually as the season moves from late summer toward winter.
In March, the average length of day is about 12 hours and 13 minutes.
By April, it drops to around 11 hours and 41 minutes, and in May it goes down to about 11 hours and 13 minutes.
This steady decline is typical for the Southern Hemisphere at this time of year.
You’ll see sunrise come later and sunset arrive earlier as the season goes on.
The change is gradual, but by May, evenings come sooner, which can shape your plans for outdoor activities or travel.
Seasonal Changes in Sun Exposure
Autumn in Antananarivo also brings a shift in the sun’s altitude at midday.
In March, the sun reaches about 70.9° above the horizon.
By May, it drops to around 51°.
This lower angle means sunlight feels less intense than in summer.
With shorter days, lower sun angles, and fewer cloudy hours in April and May, you get a more comfortable mix of light and warmth.
For most people, autumn is a season where the sun is still around but not harsh. It’s a good time for sightseeing, walking tours, and other outdoor plans without the strong glare of summer.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
During fall in Antananarivo, winds change in strength while air pressure stays steady enough to keep weather patterns fairly stable.
You’ll notice moderate breezes and mild pressure changes that affect clouds and rain.
Prevailing Winds and Speeds
Winds in Antananarivo during fall usually blow from the east or southeast.
These trade winds bring drier air into the city as the wet season fades.
Average speeds stay light to moderate, typically around 4–9 mph.
Sometimes you’ll feel stronger gusts in late August and September, but not during fall.
The breezes help clear the skies. Cloud cover drops from about 75% in early fall to near 14% by the end.
This shift makes it more comfortable to be outside and means you get more sunny days.
For travelers, these winds don’t really disrupt daily plans. Instead, they add a cooling effect in the afternoons when highs reach the mid-70s °F.
If you’re spending time outdoors, you’ll likely find the wind steady but not too strong.
Air Pressure and Weather Stability
Air pressure in Antananarivo during fall usually stays pretty steady, averaging close to 656 inHg. This steadiness keeps sudden storms at bay, unlike the summer wet season when things get a bit wild.
You’ll notice calmer skies and more predictable weather, which is a relief if you’re tired of dramatic changes. Since pressure barely shifts, you won’t see those quick flips between rain and sunshine.
Humidity drops off slowly, adding to the feeling that the weather’s finally calming down. That’s why so many people find fall a comfortable time to wander around the city or head into the highlands.
Steady pressure and moderate winds work together to keep the climate balanced. You dodge extreme weather, and the atmosphere just feels settled—locals and visitors both appreciate how reliable things get.
What to Expect: Practical Implications for Fall Visitors
In fall, Antananarivo cools off, skies clear out as the rain fades, and humidity drops. These shifts change how you pack, the activities you’ll want to try, and even how you get around town.
Clothing and Packing Recommendations
Daytime highs in fall start around 26°C (79°F) in early March and drop to 22°C (71°F) by late May. Nights cool down to 12–17°C (53–63°F), so you’ll want to bring layers. Toss in a light jacket or sweater for evenings, but during the day, short sleeves or breathable shirts usually do the trick.
Rainfall falls off quickly as the season goes on, but early fall might still surprise you with a shower. If you visit in March, pack a compact umbrella or a lightweight raincoat just in case. By May, rain’s not really a worry, so you can skip the heavy gear.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Antananarivo’s streets can be hilly, and you’ll probably run into cobblestones or uneven paths. Planning to explore outside the city? Go for sturdier shoes, especially if you’ll wander through rural or unpaved spots.
Don’t forget sun protection. Even when it’s cooler, the highland sun packs a punch. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat make outdoor time way more pleasant.
Popular Activities and Events
With drier weather, sightseeing gets a lot easier. You can check out the Rova of Antananarivo, wander local markets like Analakely Market, or stroll through neighborhoods full of French colonial architecture without dodging heavy rain.
Nature trips are way more fun now too. Day trips to Lemur Park or the Ambohimanga royal hill won’t be so muddy, and trails open up. As the air gets cooler and the skies clear, hiking and outdoor exploring just feel better.
Cultural life rolls on all year. In fall, you might catch smaller community festivals, local music, or shows in the city’s theaters. It’s not exactly peak festival season, but honestly, these gatherings let you enjoy Malagasy culture without the crowds.
If you’re into photography, you’ll love the clearer skies and softer light. Sunsets over the hills around the city really pop in April and May.
Travel Tips for the Autumn Months
Traffic in Antananarivo tends to slow everything down, so you’ll want to set aside extra time just to get across town. Fall brings drier roads, which honestly makes getting around a lot less stressful than during the rainy season.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, try booking something close to the city center. That way, you won’t waste time stuck in traffic. Some neighborhoods let you walk around, but expect a few steep climbs here and there.
You’ll find taxis everywhere, and they’re pretty cheap for short trips. I’d say they’re your best bet if you’re not up for a hike.
Evenings cool off fast, so it’s smart to plan outdoor stuff for earlier in the day. When it gets later, maybe check out a museum or a cultural center—those indoor spots stay open and are worth a look.
Water quality changes from place to place, so just stick to bottled or filtered water. Most restaurants and hotels that cater to travelers keep things safe on that front.
Also, daylight hours start to shrink as the season goes on, from about 12 hours in March to 11 hours by late May. If you want to catch everything in the daylight, you’ll need to plan ahead a bit.