Quick Guide:

Climate Zone: tropical savanna climate  

Best Time to Visit: April - October

Hottest Month: November: 24 – 34℃ (75 – 93℉)   

Coolest Month: July: 18 - 32℃ (64 - 90℉)

Rainiest Month: January: 461 mm, 20 rainy days 

Driest Month: July: 2 mm, 1 rainy day

What is the Mahajanga weather like?

Overall, Mahajanga has a tropical savanna climate, featuring high temperature throughout the year and significant differences in precipitation between the dry and rainy seasons:

Temperature

The average daily maximum temperature fluctuates a little throughout the year, from 32℃ (90℉) to 34℃ (93℉). Therefore, no matter when you visit Mahajanga, you will feel relatively hot during the daytime. The difference in average daily minimum temperature throughout the year is larger. In June and August, when the temperature is the lowest in the year, you may feel cool at night with the minimum temperature at about 18 - 19℃ (64 - 66℉); while from November to March, the hottest time of the year, the average daily minimum temperature maintains at around 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit), a warm level.

Precipitation

Due to the great variation in rainfall, dry and rainy seasons are distinct. In the dry season from April to October, it seldom rains and has only 18 rainy days in total on average, while in the rainy season from November to March, there are more than 1,000 mm of rainfall and about 78 rainy days.

Average Rainfall of Mahajanga

Humidity Graph of Mahajanga

Considering the convenience and safety of traveling, the best time to visit Mahajanga is during the dry season from April to October, when the rainfall is low and the roads are in good condition. Besides, the low rainfall means more sunshine hours, which are about 10 per day on average. In terms of the temperature, these months are slightly cooler, and you will not feel as stuffy as in the rainy season.

Sunny Seaside in the Dry Season

Rainy Season: November - March

Temperature: 24 - 34℃ (75 - 93℉)
Rainfall: 1,277 mm
Rainy days in total: 78 days

During these months, Mahajanga receives high rainfall, totaling about 1,277 mm, or 92% of the total rainfall throughout the year. The months with the highest rainfall are January and February, with an average of more than 300 mm of rainfall and about 20 rainy days per month. The changeable weather at this time is quite unfavorable for traveling. In addition, there is a high risk that Mahajanga will be affected by tropical cyclones from January to March, which may threaten your security. What’s worse, the high rainfall, together with the high temperature averaging 24 - 34℃ (75 - 93℉), makes the weather sweltering.

Outfit & Essentials:

Since the weather of Mahajanga is hot at this time, cool summer clothing such as T-shirts and shorts are suitable. Considering the high humidity, breathable and quick-drying ones may be more comfortable. For shoes, sandals or slippers are more recommended as they can keep you cool at hot times and are easy to clean after walking on the muddy roads in rainy days. In addition, when traveling during the rainy season, it is recommended that you bring raincoats or umbrellas at all times.

Travel Recommendation and Tips:
It is highly recommended to avoid traveling during the rainy season, especially from January to March, when rainfall is extremely high and there is a risk of tropical cyclones. If you have decided to visit during this period, check the weather forecast in advance to avoid extreme weather and consecutive rainy days. Besides, when traveling to Mahajanga during this period in 2025, instead of going to beaches and national parks, you are more recommended to visit the downtown area, including the huge baobab tree that is over 700 years old in the city center and local markets.

Busy Market of Mahajanga