Summer in Antananarivo feels like a mix of warm days, sticky humidity, and those sudden rain showers that can catch you off guard. You’ll get days that are comfortable, but often cloudy, with bursts of heavy rainfall that really set the tone for the season.
On average, summer temperatures swing from the mid-60s °F at night up to about 80 °F during the day. The climate stays warm, but it rarely gets extreme.
People notice that summer is the wettest time of year here. Rain tends to fall in short, intense bursts, and the humidity just hangs around. This combo creates a lush, green landscape across the city and the highlands, but it also means you’ll want to be ready for damp conditions and maybe even some travel delays.
Even with all the rain, daylight hours are long, and the city gets a decent amount of sunshine between storms. That balance of warmth, light, and moisture kind of defines summer in Antananarivo. It brings both challenges and rewards if you’re planning activities during this season.
Overview of Antananarivo’s Summer Climate
Antananarivo’s summer rolls in with warm days, lots of rain, and high humidity. The city’s elevation and its spot in Madagascar’s central highlands really shape the weather, giving you a mix of tropical warmth and cooler highland air.
Geographical Setting and Elevation
Antananarivo sits right in the central highlands at about 1,250 meters (4,100 feet) above sea level. That elevation keeps things milder than you’d expect for a tropical spot.
The city is near 19° south latitude, putting it in the Southern Hemisphere’s subtropical zone. Summers run from November to March, when the sun is high and the rain is at its heaviest.
Because of the altitude, nights can feel pretty cool even in summer. Daytime highs usually hit 26–27 °C (79–81 °F), but nighttime lows can dip below 18 °C (64 °F). This daily swing makes the climate more comfortable than what you’d find on Madagascar’s coast.
Temperate Highland Tropical Climate Explained
Antananarivo has what’s called a temperate highland tropical climate (Cwb) under the Köppen system. So you get a wet, warm season and a cool, dry season, and the difference is pretty obvious.
Rainfall really dominates the summer weather. Humidity often climbs above 80%, and clouds are a regular sight. Still, you’ll get several hours of sunshine each day, usually 6–7 hours.
The highland location keeps the heat from getting out of hand. While Madagascar’s coast can feel oppressive in summer, Antananarivo stays moderate. The altitude and tropical latitude work together, so you get warmth but not too much, and humidity with regular sunny breaks.
Seasonal Patterns and Weather in Antananarivo
From November to March, summer in Antananarivo means heavy rains, warm temps, and skies that change a lot. January usually brings the most rain, with totals over 300 mm across more than 15 days.
Daytime highs average around 26 °C (79 °F), and lows hover near 17 °C (63 °F). Rain tends to fall in the afternoon or evening, so mornings are often clearer.
Expect humid air, lush greenery, and frequent thunderstorms during these months. Sunshine averages 6–8 hours per day, depending on the month. Rain is common, but you’ll still find dry stretches, especially earlier in the day, making outdoor plans possible.
Typical Summer Temperatures
In Antananarivo, summer days bring mild warmth and nights cool off nicely. Daytime highs stay steady, nighttime lows are moderate, and you won’t see the wild extremes of other tropical regions.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During summer, daytime temperatures usually reach about 80°F (27°C). It’s rare for them to go above 86°F (30°C), which keeps things more comfortable than along Madagascar’s coast.
At night, temps cool down to roughly 62°F (17°C). Lows don’t often drop below 58°F (14°C) or climb higher than 66°F (19°C). That nighttime cooling comes from the city’s elevation of over 4,000 feet (1,280 meters), so even during the wettest weeks, it feels pleasant.
Mornings usually feel fresh, and afternoons warm up but don’t get oppressive. That makes outdoor activities pretty manageable all summer.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Summer in Antananarivo runs from December through February. Across these months, average highs stick near 79–81°F (26–27°C), and lows stay between 61–63°F (16–17°C).
- December: Highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 61°F (16°C).
- January: Highs near 80°F (27°C), lows about 62°F (17°C).
- February: Highs close to 81°F (27°C), lows around 63°F (17°C).
The variation is small, so you won’t deal with big swings in temperature. The main shift comes from increasing cloud cover and rainfall from December into February.
Since temperatures stay steady, you can plan travel without worrying about big changes from month to month.
Record Highs and Lows
Antananarivo’s climate is pretty stable, but there are occasional extremes. The hottest summer days can reach 86°F (30°C), but that’s not common. The city’s altitude stops the intense heat you’d find in Madagascar’s lowlands.
On the cool side, summer lows rarely go below 58°F (14°C). Even at night, you don’t have to worry about frost or extreme cold in this season.
Most of the time, the comfortable range sits between 60°F and 80°F (16–27°C). That covers most summer days, making Antananarivo’s summer climate predictable and easy to handle compared to a lot of tropical capitals.
Rainfall and Humidity During Summer
Summer in Antananarivo means warm weather, frequent rain, and high humidity. There’s a clear divide between these wetter months and the drier winter, with storms and heavy showers shaping a lot of the daily weather.
Average Precipitation Levels
Rainfall in Antananarivo during summer is high compared to the rest of the year. January usually takes the title of wettest month, averaging about 300 mm of rain. February and December also get plenty, often above 200 mm.
Most of the city’s annual 1,200 mm of rain falls between December and March. You should be ready for heavy showers that can pop up suddenly, especially in the afternoons.
Here’s a quick look at average rainfall for the main summer months:
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| December | ~220–250 |
| January | ~300+ |
| February | ~250–280 |
You can see how concentrated the rainfall is in summer, making it the main wet season in Antananarivo.
Rainy Days and Storm Patterns
Rain doesn’t fall every day, but when it does, it can be intense. In January, you might see 18–20 rainy days, with showers that sometimes last for hours. February and December usually bring 15–18 rainy days each.
Afternoon storms are common, often with thunder and lightning. These can cause localized flooding in low-lying areas. Roads sometimes get muddy or slippery, so travel slows down during these months.
Rain events are often spaced out, so you might get a clear morning followed by a heavy downpour later. That’s pretty typical for the tropical highland climate in Madagascar’s central regions.
Humidity Trends in Summer
Humidity in Antananarivo climbs during summer, often hitting 80% or higher on wet days. Even when it’s not raining, the air can feel damp and heavy.
Morning humidity usually peaks, and fog sometimes forms in the valleys. As the day warms, humidity stays high, especially before afternoon storms.
Nights remain humid too, even though temperatures drop a bit. This mix of warmth and moisture can make the air feel muggy, so lightweight clothing and good ventilation help if you’re staying in the city.
Humidity can make walking the city’s hilly streets feel more tiring in summer than in the cooler, drier winter months.
Sunshine, Daylight, and UV Index
Antananarivo’s summer brings long days, steady sunshine, and a strong sun angle. Expect a mix of bright skies and frequent afternoon clouds, along with high UV levels that make sun protection a must.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
During summer, Antananarivo averages 6 to 8 hours of sunshine per day, though it depends on the month. December usually sees the most sun, while January and February bring more clouds and rain, dropping the daily sunshine hours.
Even when it’s wetter, you’ll still notice several hours of bright light each day.
- December: around 8–9 hours
- January–February: closer to 6–7 hours
This mix of sun and cloud keeps days warm but not too hot, thanks to the city’s elevation of about 1,300 meters.
Daylight Duration in Summer Months
Daylight in Antananarivo shifts a bit through summer. In December, you get the longest days with about 13.3 hours of daylight. By February, it’s down to about 12.5 hours, and it drops further in March.
Early sunrise and late sunset give you plenty of time for outdoor activities. Longer daylight helps balance out the wetter mid-summer, since showers usually come in the afternoon and mornings stay clear.
Here’s a quick guide:
| Month | Approx. Daylight Hours |
|---|---|
| December | 13.3 h |
| January | 12.9 h |
| February | 12.5 h |
UV Index and Sun Protection
The UV index in Antananarivo stays high all summer, often reaching very high or even extreme levels. That’s because of the combination of tropical latitude and altitude.
You really need to take sun protection seriously, even on cloudy days. Some practical tips:
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)—don’t skimp on it
- Hats and sunglasses for extra protection
- Light, long-sleeved clothing if you’re out at midday
UV exposure peaks around noon, so it’s smarter to plan outdoor activities for the morning or late afternoon when it’s less intense. Consistent protection lets you enjoy the city’s weather without any regrets.
Comparing Summer to Other Seasons
Antananarivo’s climate clearly shifts between wet and dry periods. Summers bring frequent rain and higher humidity, while winters are much drier with cooler nights. Spring and autumn are more like transitions, with moderate rainfall and steady temperatures.
Dry Winters Versus Wet Summers
You’ll spot the biggest difference between summer and winter in how much it rains. Summer brings frequent showers, sometimes with daily rain chances climbing above 70%.
Winter flips the script. You’ll see long stretches of dry weather, and on some days, the chance of rain drops below 10%.
Temperatures shift too. In summer, daytime highs hover near 80°F (27°C). Nights stay mild, usually around 62°F (17°C).
Winter cools things down. Highs sit closer to 68°F (20°C), and lows dip near 50°F (10°C).
Humidity changes with the seasons. Summer can get pretty muggy, with sticky air about a third of the time.
Winter air feels much drier, so outdoor activities are a lot more comfortable.
This seasonal change really affects daily life. In winter, you’ll get clearer skies, less mud on the roads, and fewer interruptions from storms.
In summer, get ready for heavy downpours, cloudy days, and more travel delays.
Transitional Weather in Spring and Autumn
Spring and autumn in Antananarivo act as bridges between the wet and dry seasons. Rainfall patterns start to shift—spring brings the first heavy showers after months of dryness, and autumn signals the slow fade of summer rains.
Temperatures stay pretty moderate during these months. Highs usually land between 70–75°F (21–24°C), and nights feel cool but not uncomfortably cold.
You dodge both the hottest days of summer and the chill of winter.
Cloud cover and humidity sit somewhere in the middle. You’ll see partly cloudy skies more often, and muggy days aren’t as common as in the thick of summer.
Travel feels easier in these months. Roads dry out, and the landscape starts to green up after the winter.
Travel Tips for Visiting Antananarivo in Summer
Summer in Antananarivo means warm days, frequent rain, and plenty of humidity. If you plan your activities around the weather and pack the right gear, you’ll stay comfortable and actually enjoy your trip.
Best Activities for the Summer Season
Rain falls often from November to March, but you’ll still get plenty of clear hours most days. Outdoor sightseeing works best in the mornings when skies are brighter and humidity hasn’t peaked.
Try the Royal Palace or Andafiavaratra Palace—they’re right in the center and easy to reach between showers. Short walks through city markets like Analakely Market make sense too, since you can duck under cover if the rain starts.
If you’re after a bit of nature, check out Tsimbazaza Zoo or Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just outside town. Both spots work well for a quick visit between afternoon storms.
Antananarivo’s cafés and restaurants offer a cozy break and a chance to sample Malagasy dishes while you wait out the rain. You can also hit up art galleries or museums for a dry, cultural afternoon.
Packing and Preparation Advice
Pack light, breathable clothing for the daytime. Still, toss in a light jacket or sweater because evenings can get surprisingly cool. Temperatures sometimes drop to around 16 °C at night, even during summer.
Don’t forget a small umbrella or a compact rain jacket. Heavy showers show up pretty often, so you’ll want to be ready.
Grab some waterproof footwear or quick-drying shoes. Walking around wet streets is way less of a hassle with the right shoes.
Bring insect repellent, especially if you’re visiting during the rainy season. Mosquitoes can be a real nuisance then.
A hat and sunscreen will come in handy too, since the sun gets intense between those cloudy stretches.
Remember a travel adapter for your electronics, since the power outlets might be different from what you’re used to.
Keeping a small daypack with water and snacks makes longer outings easier, especially if getting back to your hotel quickly isn’t an option.