Fall in Toamasina marks a shift from the heavy rains earlier in the year to a more comfortable balance of warmth, showers, and sunshine. Daytime temperatures usually hover between 21 °C and 26 °C, and nights stay mild. That’s honestly pretty appealing if you’re after steady weather that doesn’t swing wildly between hot and cold.
Rain still shows up, but it doesn’t dominate the season like it does in the wettest months. Showers tend to come in quick bursts, so there’s still plenty of time to get outside and enjoy things.
The southeast trade winds keep moving along the coast, bringing fresh air and keeping things humid but not unbearable. It’s not exactly dry, but it’s manageable.
The Indian Ocean stays warm enough for swimming. Daylight hours are generous, too.
With moderate temperatures, lighter rainfall, and inviting sea conditions, fall in Toamasina really offers a practical mix of comfort and variety.
Overview of Fall Climate in Toamasina
Toamasina gets steady warmth in fall, with temperatures dropping gradually. There’s less cloud cover and rainfall noticeably declines.
The season shifts from hot and wet toward cooler, drier weather, though humidity still hangs around, just a bit less each week.
Geographical Location and Climate Type
Toamasina sits right on Madagascar’s east coast, facing the Indian Ocean. Its spot near the equator and right on the coastline gives it a tropical rainforest climate (Af) under the Köppen system.
So, you get warm temperatures year-round and significant rainfall in most months.
The city lies just above sea level, at about 39 feet (11 meters) in elevation. Its flat land and proximity to the ocean really shape the local weather.
Moist ocean air blows inland, keeping things humid and fueling frequent rain showers.
Average annual temperatures stick close to 75°F (24°C), with barely any seasonal swings. Still, fall brings a few subtle changes.
Shorter days, cooler nights, and a slow retreat from the heavy summer rains start to show up as the season moves along.
Seasonal Transition in Madagascar
During fall, daily highs in Toamasina usually drop from around 86°F (30°C) in early March to 79°F (26°C) by late May. Nighttime lows ease down too, moving from about 74°F (23°C) to 67°F (19°C).
The air just feels more comfortable compared to the stickier, hotter months.
Rainfall drops off quickly through the season. Early fall still sees a lot of wet days, but by late May, rain isn’t as common and skies clear up more often.
For example, average monthly rainfall can fall from over 10 inches (250 mm) to just a few inches by the end of the season.
Humidity stays high, though it slowly drops from nearly constant muggy air in March to slightly less oppressive levels by late May.
Winds blow in from the east, usually moderate in strength, which helps keep temperatures steady and the coastal air moving.
This transition signals the approach of Madagascar’s cooler, drier winter months.
Average Fall Temperatures
In Toamasina, fall brings a steady cooling trend. Both daytime and nighttime temperatures slip by a few degrees, so you’ll notice the difference from the muggy start of the season to the milder weather by the end.
Typical Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime highs usually start around 30°C (86°F) in early fall and drop to about 26°C (79°F) by late fall. It rarely gets hotter than 31°C or cooler than 24°C during the day.
Afternoons stay warm, but they’re not stifling.
Nighttime lows follow the same pattern, starting near 24°C (75°F) and falling to about 20°C (68°F) by late fall. Nights stay mild, and it’s rare for temperatures to dip below 18°C.
This balance of warm days and cooler nights means you can often enjoy the outdoors without bundling up. Still, humidity can make early fall nights feel warmer than the thermometer says.
Monthly Temperature Variations
From March through May, you’ll see a clear downward trend.
- March: Highs near 30°C, lows around 24°C.
- April: Highs dip to about 28°C, lows near 22°C.
- May: Highs reach about 26°C, lows hover around 20°C.
Each month, temperatures drop by about 1–2°C, both day and night.
Because temperatures rarely stray outside the 18–31°C range, you get consistent warmth with only modest cooling as fall goes on. It’s honestly one of the more predictable times of year if you’re planning outdoor activities.
Rainfall Patterns During Fall
Rain in Toamasina drops off steadily through the fall. The season starts wetter and ends up much drier.
This shift matters if you’re planning to be outdoors or just want to know what to expect from the weather.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
At the start of fall, rainfall is still pretty heavy. In September, Toamasina averages about 121 mm (4.8 inches) of rain. That’s actually the driest month, but it’s still more than many places get.
By October, rainfall ticks up a bit. Average totals usually range between 150–200 mm (6–8 inches).
In November, the rain comes back in force. Monthly averages can hit 250–300 mm (10–12 inches), signaling the return of the wet summer.
| Month | Average Rainfall |
|---|---|
| September | ~121 mm (4.8 in) |
| October | ~150–200 mm |
| November | ~250–300 mm |
These numbers show just how quickly things shift from relatively dry to much wetter over three months.
Number of Rainy Days
Rain in Toamasina shows up in frequent events, not just big totals. In September, you can expect about 15 rainy days on average. These showers are usually shorter and lighter than what you’ll see later.
By October, rainy days increase a bit. You might get 16–18 days with some measurable rain. Outdoor plans become a little less predictable, but there are still breaks of sunshine.
In November, rain gets more frequent. The number of rainy days jumps to 20 or more. Most days bring at least some rain, often as heavy afternoon or evening showers.
If you’re traveling or planning to be outside, these changes matter. September offers more dry stretches, while November is much wetter and might require some flexibility.
Sea Conditions in the Fall
During fall in Toamasina, the sea stays warm but cools a bit compared to summer. Swimming and coastal activities remain enjoyable, though rain and humidity can affect how comfortable you feel.
Average Sea Temperature
From September to November, the average sea temperature shifts gradually. In September, the water is at its coolest, averaging about 24.6°C to 25.2°C (76–77°F).
By November, it warms up again to around 27°C to 28°C (81–82°F).
This pattern tracks the move from drier late winter and early spring into the wetter, warmer summer. Even at its coolest, the sea stays plenty warm for swimming.
| Month | Avg. Sea Temp (°C) | Avg. Sea Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| September | 24.6–25.2 | 76–77 |
| October | 26–27 | 79–81 |
| November | 27–28 | 81–82 |
Early fall brings more refreshing water, and as summer approaches, the sea gets warmer.
Swimming and Water Activities
You can swim comfortably in Toamasina throughout fall since the sea rarely dips below 24°C (75°F). Early in the season, the water might feel brisk, but it’s still safe and enjoyable for most people.
By October and November, warmer seas set the stage for snorkeling, casual swimming, and beach outings.
More rain during this time can affect visibility, especially near river mouths where runoff hits the sea.
If you want to get in the water, mornings usually bring calmer seas and clearer skies. Afternoon showers are more common, so earlier is better if you want to avoid interruptions.
Even with some rain, the coast still offers plenty of chances for safe swimming and fun.
Wind and Air Movement
During fall in Toamasina, you’ll notice steady coastal breezes because of the city’s spot on Madagascar’s east coast. These winds affect how comfortable it feels, what you can do outside, and how the humidity hits you.
Prevailing Wind Directions
Winds in Toamasina mostly come from the east and southeast. This links back to the Indian Ocean trade winds, which keep blowing for much of the year.
In fall, these winds bring in moist air from the ocean, which helps explain the frequent clouds and rain. Even though the rain lets up compared to summer, the airflow keeps carrying humidity inland.
Along the waterfront and in open areas, you’ll definitely notice these winds. Inland, it’s less dramatic, but still there.
Sailors, kiteboarders, and other water sport fans often plan around this reliable pattern.
Because the direction is so steady, you get predictable conditions that make planning easier. Changes in direction are rare, though a passing weather system can shake things up for a bit.
Average Wind Speed in Fall
Wind speeds in Toamasina during fall are moderate. You’ll usually feel breezes from 10 to 15 km/h (6 to 9 mph), with some stronger gusts near the coast.
That’s enough to notice, but it’s not disruptive. The breeze helps cut down the muggy feeling, especially on warmer afternoons.
Long-term data from the airport weather station backs this up—fall winds aren’t extreme. The consistency makes it easier to plan outdoor activities, whether you’re in town or on the beach.
For water sports, steady wind speeds are great for sailing and lighter wind activities. You might see brief changes during a shower or storm, but calm spells are still common.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Fall in Toamasina brings moderate daylight and shifts in daily sunshine hours. You’ll get a mix of bright days and cloudier stretches, so it pays to know when the sun is most dependable.
Average Daily Sunshine
In Toamasina, average daily sunshine during fall runs from about 5.4 to 7.9 hours per day. June, at the start of the season, sees the lowest at around 5.4 hours.
By October, you get nearly 8 hours of sun a day, which is plenty for outdoor plans.
The city racks up about 2414 hours of sunshine annually, so fall adds a solid chunk to that total.
You won’t get wild swings, but the daily sunshine hours shift enough that you’ll notice the difference between early and late fall.
For travelers, shorter, cloudier days show up in June and July, while September and October bring clearer skies and longer daylight. Late fall really becomes a great time for beach days and getting outside.
Variation in Sunshine Hours
The way sunshine hours change during fall really shows off those shifting weather patterns. June and July bring more clouds, so you might only see about 5 or 6 hours of sun each day.
Once September arrives, the clouds finally start to break up, and you’ll get closer to 7 hours of sunshine daily. October usually takes the prize, with skies that seem to stretch out and offer more than 230 total hours of sunlight.
If you’re planning anything that needs steady daylight, you’ll probably notice how much easier it feels later in the season. Sightseeing or a trip along the coast just hits different when the sun sticks around.
Here’s a quick look at the average sunshine you can expect each month in fall:
| Month | Daily Sunshine (hrs) | Monthly Total (hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~5.4 | ~162 |
| July | ~5.6 | ~174 |
| September | ~7.0 | ~210 |
| October | ~7.9 | ~237 |
You can really feel the shift from early to late fall, both in how long the days last and how much brighter everything seems.