Fall in Diego Suarez feels warm and steady, with just a hint of temperature change as the season moves on.
Daytime highs usually hang close to 30°C, while nights cool off into the low 20s.
This balance makes it pretty comfortable if you want to explore the northern tip of Madagascar, and you won’t run into the wild swings you might find in other tropical places.
Rainfall in fall eases up compared to the heavy downpours earlier in the year.
Showers still pop up, but they’re lighter and don’t last long, so you’ll get plenty of dry days for outdoor adventures.
The air feels lighter, and clearer skies often show off the beautiful coastline.
These weather patterns definitely influence how you plan your days, whether you’re hiking, sailing, or just relaxing by the water.
If you know what to expect with temperature, rain, and humidity, you can pick the best times of day to be outside and really enjoy your trip.
Overview of Diego Suarez’s Fall Climate
Diego Suarez, up in northern Madagascar, stays warm year-round, but fall brings slightly cooler nights and a real drop in rain compared to the wet season.
You get steady daytime heat, drier weather, and clearer skies that make getting around outdoors a lot easier.
Geographic Location and Significance
Diego Suarez, or Antsiranana as locals call it, sits right at Madagascar’s northern tip, looking out over the Indian Ocean.
Its spot on the coast gives it a tropical climate with lots of ocean influence.
The city sits by a huge bay, which takes the edge off the heat and brings in steady breezes.
These winds keep humidity in check, especially compared to spots farther inland.
Because Diego Suarez is so close to the equator, daylight hours barely change.
You won’t see big shifts in sunrise or sunset, which honestly makes planning stuff a lot easier.
This geography is also why Diego Suarez doesn’t get wild swings in temperature from season to season.
Instead, it’s the rain that shapes the climate more than the thermometer.
Seasonal Patterns in Northern Madagascar
Fall here, from March through May, is when Diego Suarez moves out of the rainy season and into drier times.
Rain drops off fast by April, and by May, the air feels much less humid.
Average daytime highs stick around 29–31°C (84–88°F).
At night, things cool down to 21–23°C (70–73°F).
These gentle drops make evenings pretty pleasant for strolling or grabbing dinner outside.
March can still see a lot of rain, often topping 150 mm, but by May, it drops down to about 30–40 mm.
This change is a big deal if you prefer less rain when you travel.
Rainy days get fewer too, falling from 15–18 in March to less than 7 in May.
That shift makes fall a pretty reliable time for outdoor plans.
Comparison to Antananarivo and Other Regions
Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital in the central highlands, has a very different fall feel.
While Diego Suarez stays warm and coastal, Antananarivo sits higher up, so it’s cooler.
In the capital, daytime highs in fall average 22–25°C (72–77°F), and nights can drop to 12–14°C (54–57°F).
That’s nearly 10°C cooler than Diego Suarez at night.
Rain in Antananarivo also drops in fall, but their wet season hangs around a bit longer.
You’ll probably see more showers in March and April there, while Diego Suarez dries out faster.
Other coastal spots, like Toamasina on the east coast, stay wetter in fall because of stronger trade winds and more ocean moisture.
Diego Suarez, thanks to its northern location, gets drier and clearer weather earlier in the season.
Typical Fall Temperatures in Diego Suarez
During fall, Diego Suarez keeps steady warmth with just minor shifts between day and night.
Temperatures stay comfortable for outdoor activities, and the nearby sea helps keep things stable.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
Daytime temps in fall usually land between 29°C and 31°C.
The heat is there, but it’s not overwhelming, so spending time outside feels easier than during the rainy season.
At night, the air cools down a bit, with lows between 21°C and 23°C.
These mild nights give you a break from the day’s warmth.
You won’t need heavy clothes, but light, breathable fabrics are your best bet.
The difference between day and night is pretty small—usually no more than 8–10°C.
That steady pattern makes the weather easy to plan around.
If you’re sensitive to heat, try heading out in the early mornings or evenings.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Fall in Diego Suarez runs from March through May.
March is usually the warmest, with daytime highs near 31°C and nights around 23°C.
April cools off just a bit, averaging 30°C during the day and 22°C at night.
This month usually feels more balanced, as the rain starts to let up.
May brings the coolest fall weather, with daytime highs close to 29°C and nighttime lows around 21°C.
Lower humidity and less rain make May one of the best months to visit.
| Month | Avg. High (°C) | Avg. Low (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| March | 31 | 23 |
| April | 30 | 22 |
| May | 29 | 21 |
Sea Surface Temperatures
Because Diego Suarez hugs the coast, sea temperatures matter a lot.
During fall, the Indian Ocean stays warm, with surface temps averaging 27°C to 28°C.
These warm waters help keep the air temperature steady, so nights don’t get too chilly.
The sea adds a bit of moisture to the air, but by April and May, rain isn’t as common.
For travelers, the ocean feels great for swimming, snorkeling, or diving all through fall.
You can count on the water being warm and inviting, with barely any change compared to the air.
The steady sea warmth means you can enjoy marine activities any time of year, and fall is no exception.
Precipitation Patterns During Fall
In Diego Suarez, fall brings more rain than the dry months, but the amount and timing shift as the season goes on.
You’ll notice a gradual change in rainfall that signals the wet season is coming, with clear differences in both totals and rainy days.
Average Monthly Rainfall
Rainfall in Diego Suarez during fall shows a steady climb.
September is usually pretty dry, with totals under 30–40 mm.
By October, rain picks up to about 50–80 mm, and November jumps up, averaging 100–150 mm.
This rise marks the seasonal shift in northern Madagascar.
The region moves from lighter end-of-dry-season showers to more regular rain.
Totals can change year to year, but the trend of more rain is pretty reliable.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | 30–40 |
| October | 50–80 |
| November | 100–150 |
You can see November really kicks off the wet season.
Frequency and Intensity of Rain
As fall goes on, you’ll see not just more rain, but more rainy days.
September might only have a few wet days.
By October, showers get more common, and in November, you’ll probably get rain on 10–15 days.
Early in the season, showers are quick and light.
Later in fall, storms get heavier and can last longer, usually in the afternoon or evening.
Flooding rarely happens in this period, but by late November, the ground starts to hold more moisture.
If you’re planning outdoor stuff, September and early October are safer bets for dry days.
By November, you’ll need to be ready for sudden downpours.
Transition from Dry to Wet Season
Fall in Diego Suarez bridges the gap between the dry winter and the wet summer.
September still feels dry, but by October, clouds and humidity start to build.
November is the real turning point, with steadier rain and higher humidity at night.
This change matters for daily routines and travel.
Roads that are easy to use in September can get muddy and slow by November.
If you’re heading to remote areas, it’s smart to prep for changing conditions.
The seasonal shift also shapes farming.
Farmers usually start planting in late fall, once the rains kick in.
The timing shows just how closely local life follows the rain.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
During fall in Diego Suarez, you’ll notice steady humidity and some real differences in how the air feels depending on the temperature and wind.
These factors affect comfort, visibility, and even how you handle the weather.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity here in fall stays high, usually between 70% and 85%.
The coast and warm sea keep the air moist most of the time.
You’ll feel the humidity most in the mornings, especially before sunrise.
As the day goes on, southeast trade winds help cut the sticky feeling, even if the numbers don’t change much.
Air pressure stays pretty stable, around 1012 to 1015 hPa.
That means sudden weather changes are rare, so conditions stay predictable.
Still, the high humidity and steady pressure can make the air feel heavy, especially inland where there’s less wind.
If you’re planning to be outside, early afternoons are usually the most comfortable.
The breezes make humidity less noticeable, even if it’s still high.
Dew Point and Comfort Index
The dew point in Diego Suarez during fall sits between 20°C and 22°C.
That means the air often feels muggy, especially when the wind dies down.
A dew point above 20°C is pretty humid, so expect some stickiness most days.
The comfort index shows this, leaning more toward “humid” than “comfortable.”
Even when the temperature is in the mid- to upper 20s, the mix of dew point and humidity pushes the heat index up, so it feels warmer.
Consistent breezes help a lot.
When southeast winds blow at 20–30 km/h, they make things feel less stuffy.
In shaded or coastal spots, this makes a real difference for walking or sightseeing.
If you’re visiting, pack light, breathable clothes.
You’ll notice a big difference between breezy coastal areas and stuffier inland streets.
Wind and Pressure Trends
In fall, Diego Suarez gets steady trade winds and moderate pressure patterns that shape the weather.
These trends affect comfort, outdoor plans, and even how predictable marine travel feels.
Prevailing Wind Directions
During fall, the northeast trade winds take over Diego Suarez.
These winds blow in from the Indian Ocean toward Madagascar’s northwest coast.
You’ll notice the wind stays pretty steady, with only small changes from passing weather.
Wind direction is a big deal if you’re into water sports.
Kitesurfers and sailors count on this northeast pattern for reliable conditions.
Onshore breezes usually pick up in the afternoon, while mornings are calmer.
Local geography matters too.
The bay and hills funnel the wind, sometimes making it feel stronger by the shore than farther inland.
This consistency gives Diego Suarez a reputation as one of Madagascar’s best wind spots.
Typical Wind Speeds
Average wind speeds in fall stick between 10 and 20 knots.
That keeps things breezy but not wild.
You’ll get lighter winds in the early mornings, with speeds picking up as the day goes on.
For water sports, these speeds are great.
Windsurfers and kitesurfers get enough power without it being overwhelming for beginners.
Some days, gusts can spike higher, but rarely go past 25 knots in fall.
If you’re not out on the water, the steady breeze helps cut down on humidity and heat.
That makes being outside a lot more comfortable than on still, sticky days elsewhere in the tropics.
The steady wind speed matters as much as the direction, since it means fewer weather surprises.
Atmospheric Pressure Variations
In Diego Suarez, atmospheric pressure during fall pretty much holds steady. Most days, you’ll see average readings somewhere between 1008 and 1012 hPa, which fits the vibe of tropical coastal spots.
You probably won’t notice big swings, since this area sits outside the main cyclone season. Sometimes, weak tropical disturbances roll by offshore and cause mild pressure dips of about 2–3 hPa.
Those drops show up with quick showers or a bit more cloud cover, but they don’t stick around long or mess up plans. Stable pressure helps keep the trade winds reliable.
When pressure gradients don’t change much, the wind patterns stay predictable. That’s a big reason sailors and travelers see Diego Suarez as a solid, dependable pick for fall marine adventures.
Weather Impacts on Activities and Travel
Fall weather in Diego Suarez means warm days, cooler nights, and barely any rain. That mix really shapes how you plan your time outdoors and what you’ll want to pack for comfort.
Best Times for Outdoor Activities
From September to November, fall lines up with the dry season here. Rain barely shows up—September averages just a few millimeters—so it’s honestly one of the best times for outdoor plans.
Daytime highs usually land between 29°C and 31°C. Nights cool off to about 21–23°C.
The heat stays steady but never gets brutal, so you can hit hiking trails, wander beaches, or check out nearby parks without weather getting in the way.
If you’re into physical activities, early mornings and late afternoons feel nicest. Midday sun? It can get pretty intense, especially if you’re out in the open.
Planning water sports like diving or snorkeling? Seas tend to be calmer now, which means better visibility and safer conditions.
Humidity doesn’t climb like it does in the rainy season, so you skip that sticky feeling on long walks or tours. Lots of travelers pick this stretch to explore around Diego Suarez, whether it’s the Montagne des Français or the bays along the coast.
Packing Tips for Fall Visits
Get ready for warm but dry conditions. During the day, I usually stick with lightweight, breathable clothes.
A light jacket or a long-sleeved shirt comes in handy once the sun goes down. Nights can feel a bit chilly, so you’ll probably want an extra layer.
Don’t forget these sun protection essentials:
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- High SPF sunscreen
If you plan to hike, grab comfortable walking shoes. Most of the trails are rocky, and your feet will thank you later.
Heading out for water activities? Toss in quick-dry clothing and reef-safe sunscreen.
You probably won’t need much rain gear in the fall. Still, I like to pack a compact umbrella just in case a passing shower sneaks up.
A reusable water bottle makes it easier to stay hydrated, especially with all that sun and heat.
Thinking about longer excursions? Bring some insect repellent for the evenings. Mosquitoes aren’t as active in the dry season, but they’re not gone completely.