Christmas in Antananarivo lands right in the middle of the rainy season, so you’ll see plenty of warm days mixed with frequent showers. Daytime temperatures usually climb into the upper 70s Fahrenheit (around 26°C), while nights cool off to the low 60s (about 17°C).
The heat and heavy rainfall combine to create a humid atmosphere that really shapes the city’s vibe during the holidays. December isn’t just warm, it’s also one of the wettest months around here.
Rain tends to come in bursts, leaving behind lush green scenery and lively, sometimes muddy, streets. With about 13 hours of daylight, you’ve got lots of time to explore, though the actual sunshine hours are shorter thanks to all those clouds.
This mix of weather changes how you celebrate and get around during Christmas in Madagascar’s capital. From festive lights on Independence Avenue to the wildlife just outside the city, the climate sets the pace for your holiday.
Typical Weather Conditions During Christmas
Christmas in Antananarivo comes right in the wet season, when warm temperatures meet high rainfall and thick humidity. Expect daytime warmth, cooler nights, and showers that help define the city’s holiday mood.
Average Temperature in December
December sits among the warmest months in Antananarivo. Daytime highs usually hit 26–28°C (79–82°F), and nighttime lows drop to about 16–17°C (60–63°F).
The city’s elevation—over 1,200 meters (about 4,000 feet)—keeps things milder than at the coast. Afternoons feel warm, but evenings are comfortable enough for a light jacket.
You won’t face extreme heat, but the mix of warmth and humidity can feel heavier than the numbers suggest. If you’re planning to get outside, mornings are often the nicest time.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
December brings the wettest month in Antananarivo. Rainfall averages around 300 mm (12 in), usually showing up as frequent afternoon or evening showers.
Storms can be intense, but they tend to pass after a few hours. Rain doesn’t fall nonstop, but you’ll run into wet conditions on many days.
Streets can get muddy, and travel delays happen, especially if you’re heading outside the city. Sometimes, tropical systems influence the region, though Antananarivo’s inland location means less direct impact compared to the coast.
Still, rainfall can be pretty heavy, so keeping rain gear handy is a smart move.
Humidity and Sunshine Hours
Humidity in December runs high, often above 75–80%, making things feel even damper. This can make the heat feel stronger, especially around midday.
Even with all the clouds, there’s still a fair bit of daylight. Antananarivo gets about 13 hours of daylight, with 6–7 hours of actual sunshine on average.
The UV index stays very strong, often reaching 11–12, so sun protection is a must—even when it looks cloudy. You’ll probably need to prepare for both bright sun and sudden showers in the same day, which is just part of the city’s holiday weather.
Detailed December Climate Overview
December in Antananarivo brings warm days, cooler nights, and frequent rainfall. Expect a mix of sunshine and heavy showers, with high humidity and long daylight hours.
Daily Highs and Lows
Daytime temperatures in December usually reach around 26–28°C (79–82°F). Afternoons feel warm, but not as hot as the coast.
At night, temperatures often drop to 16–17°C (61–63°F). That’s a difference of more than 10°C, so a light layer comes in handy after sunset.
The December climate in Antananarivo is one of the warmest of the year. While highs stay steady, the cooler evenings give you a break from the heat, making outdoor activities doable at different times.
| Time of Day | Average Temperature |
|---|---|
| Afternoon | 26–28°C (79–82°F) |
| Night | 16–17°C (61–63°F) |
Rainy Days and Storm Frequency
December falls right in the rainy season for Antananarivo. You’ll get rain on about 20–21 days in the month, with total rainfall from 200 mm to over 300 mm.
Rain usually shows up in short but heavy bursts, often in the late afternoon or evening. Mornings are more likely to stay dry, which helps if you’re planning sightseeing or trips.
Thunderstorms happen pretty often, though they don’t last long. Streets can flood fast, so waterproof shoes or sandals are a good idea.
It’s also wise to keep your travel times flexible, since sudden downpours can delay local transport.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in December sticks around 75–80% on average. This adds to the warmth, especially in the middle of the day.
The air feels heavy and damp, especially after rain. Indoors, a fan or some kind of air flow makes things more comfortable.
Because of the humidity, lightweight cotton or linen clothing works best. It lets your skin breathe and keeps you cooler.
A poncho or umbrella is also handy, since showers can pop up without much warning.
Sunlight Duration
December brings some of the longest daylight hours of the year in Antananarivo. You get about 13 hours of daylight each day, with sunrise early and sunset in the early evening.
Even with all that rain, the city still gets 6–7 hours of sunshine daily. Mornings are often clear before clouds roll in during the afternoon.
This mix of light and rain means you can schedule activities for the first half of the day and have a good shot at dry weather. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are useful, since UV levels stay high even when it’s cloudy.
How Christmas Weather Compares to Other Months
Christmas in Antananarivo comes during the peak of the rainy season, so heavy showers, high humidity, and warm temperatures are the norm. Compared to the drier winter months, December feels more humid, wetter, and a bit less predictable.
Comparison With Rainy and Dry Seasons
In December, you’re right in the middle of the rainy season. Rainfall often goes over 300 mm, making it one of the wettest months.
Showers happen a lot and can last for hours, though you’ll still get breaks of sunshine. The dry season, from May to September, brings hardly any rain.
June, for example, averages less than 10 mm. Days are clearer, humidity drops, and skies stay mostly blue.
The difference between the two seasons is pretty striking. At Christmas, the air feels thick with moisture, while midyear is cooler and better for outdoor plans.
If you like steady sunshine and less hassle, the dry months are much easier.
Yearly Temperature Trends
Antananarivo’s climate stays moderate thanks to the city’s elevation—about 1,300 meters. Around Christmas, daytime highs average 25–28°C (77–82°F), while nights cool to about 16–17°C (61–63°F).
In July, which is mid-winter, highs drop closer to 20°C (68°F) and nights might fall below 10°C (50°F). These cooler months feel crisp and dry, with less humidity.
Unlike the coast, Antananarivo rarely sees extreme heat. The yearly range is narrow, usually between 20–27°C (68–81°F).
The biggest change you’ll notice is the amount of rain and humidity, not so much the temperature.
Rainfall Differences Across the Year
Rainfall stands out most when you compare Christmas with other times. December is the wettest month, with an average of 310 mm of rain.
January and February stay very wet, though things start to dry out by March. The dry season from May to September sees almost no significant rainfall.
June and July often get less than 15 mm combined. This long dry stretch brings clearer skies and cooler nights.
At Christmas, expect lush green landscapes, frequent showers, and high humidity. In the dry months, the city feels cooler, drier, and more reliable for travel.
Travel Advice for Visiting Antananarivo at Christmas
Christmas in Antananarivo falls right in the rainy season, so expect warm days, humid air, and regular showers. You’ll want to prepare for both wet weather and strong sun, and plan activities that fit the season.
Recommended Clothing and Essentials
Daytime temperatures usually hit the mid-20s °C (70s °F), but the humidity makes it feel warmer. Light clothing like cotton shirts, shorts, and dresses works well, but bring a light jacket for cooler evenings.
Rain is common, so pack a compact umbrella or a light raincoat. Shoes that dry quickly are better than heavy sneakers, which stay damp for ages.
Since the sun is strong at Madagascar’s altitude, you’ll need sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat—even on cloudy days. A small backpack with zippered pockets helps keep your stuff dry.
For longer outings, bring insect repellent, a water bottle, and hand sanitizer. These little things can really help your comfort.
Health and Safety Tips
Mosquitoes stay active during the rainy season, and some carry malaria. Use repellent with DEET or picaridin, wear long sleeves at night, and sleep under a treated mosquito net if you’ve got one.
Flooding and muddy roads can slow travel, so give yourself extra time between sites. Stick to paved or busy roads when you can.
Tap water in Antananarivo isn’t safe to drink. Always use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Skip ice cubes unless you know they’re from purified water.
The sun can be intense, even in the rain. Apply high-SPF sunscreen often, and reapply if you’re sweating or get wet. Carry basic medicines for stomach issues and motion sickness, since road travel can get bumpy.
Outdoor Activities and Attractions
Even with the rain, you can enjoy plenty of sites around Antananarivo. The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga and the Rova Palace are open year-round and show off Madagascar’s culture.
If you want to see wildlife, head to Lemurs’ Park or the Tsimbazaza Zoo—they’re less affected by rain than far-off reserves. These spots are reachable without long, muddy drives.
Markets like Analakely Market stay lively in December. Bring small bills and keep your valuables close, since crowds can get busy.
Nature lovers can take short trips to nearby green spaces, but skip remote trails after heavy rain—they get slippery. Guided tours are safer than going solo, especially outside the city.
Weather Forecast Resources for Christmas Planning
When you’re planning Christmas travel in Antananarivo, you’ll want reliable weather information. Good forecasts help you sort out clothing, transport, and outdoor plans during the rainy season.
Accessing Up-to-Date Weather Forecasts
Start with trusted sources that update several times a day. National meteorological services and well-known global platforms usually give you the most reliable Antananarivo weather forecast info.
These sources track rainfall, humidity, and temperature shifts, especially common in late December. Look for forecasts that break things down by the hour and by the day.
This kind of detail helps you plan for sudden afternoon storms, which tend to pop up around Christmas. Pay attention to rainfall amounts in millimeters, since a light shower and a heavy downpour feel totally different when you’re out and about.
Check more than one outlet before you settle on your plans. Comparing a few forecasts lowers your chances of getting caught off guard by a bad report.
Many services give you 7–10 day outlooks, which can help if you’re thinking about day trips or outdoor events.
If you’re already in Madagascar, local radio and TV stations often share short, practical updates. You might find these more useful than broad international forecasts, since they focus on regional patterns and what’s actually happening in the city.
Useful Online Weather Tools
A bunch of online tools make it easier to track Antananarivo’s weather before and during your trip. Weather.com, AccuWeather, and Meteoblue offer detailed forecasts with temperature highs and lows, rainfall charts, and humidity levels.
These platforms also have mobile apps that send you alerts when the weather changes. Interactive maps come in handy too, letting you watch storm systems move across the island so you get a better idea of when rain might hit.
Some sites include UV index readings—those matter even on cloudy days, believe it or not. For outdoor plans, try tools that show sunshine hours, precipitation, and wind forecasts all in one place.
This makes it easier to decide if a day’s good for sightseeing, hiking, or maybe just staying indoors. If you want a quick reference, check out forecast summary tables like this:
| Day | High Temp | Low Temp | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 23 | 26°C | 17°C | 10mm | Scattered Showers |
| Dec 24 | 25°C | 16°C | 18mm | Thunderstorms |
| Dec 25 | 26°C | 17°C | 22mm | Heavy Rain |
Tables like these help you spot patterns fast and tweak your schedule if you need to.
Understanding Antananarivo’s Unique Climate
Antananarivo’s weather feels a bit different thanks to its highland setting and tropical location. You get mild temperatures most of the year, but rainfall and humidity jump around a lot between the wet and dry seasons.
Geographical and Altitude Influences
Antananarivo sits in the central highlands of Madagascar, at about 1,250 meters (4,100 feet) above sea level. This elevation keeps things cooler than you’d expect for a city in the tropics.
Because it’s up high, daytime highs usually land between 20°C and 26°C (68°F–79°F). Nights can cool off to 10°C–16°C (50°F–61°F) in the cooler months.
You’ll notice the climate feels more temperate compared to the hot, sticky lowlands. The city’s inland spot also means it doesn’t get hammered by strong ocean winds.
Still, tropical systems from the Indian Ocean sometimes bring rain during the wet season. The mix of elevation and distance from the coast gives you warm days, cool nights, and pretty distinct seasonal changes.
Seasonal Climate Characteristics
You’ll notice two main seasons here—a wet, warm season that runs from November to March, and a dry, cooler season from May to September. April and October? They’re kind of the in-between months.
When the wet season arrives, rain pours down hard, especially in December and January, with totals often hitting 250–300 mm. Humidity climbs, the sky stays pretty cloudy, and those afternoon showers just keep showing up.
The dry season flips the script. Rain almost disappears, sometimes dropping to less than 10 mm in June. Temperatures stay pleasant, skies turn clear, and the sun feels a bit stronger. Travelers usually prefer this stretch, since the cooler air and low humidity make being outside much nicer.
These seasonal swings really set the pace in Antananarivo, shaping everything from farming routines to what visitors experience.