Africa

Madagascar in April

Green landscapes, full waterfalls, and few tourists. Some western roads may still be drying out early in the month.

BestWarm, highs near 79F (26C) in the highlands, rains ending

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar — MadagascarPhoto: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE, CC BY-SA 2.0

The straight answer

April is one of the best months of the year to visit Madagascar. Green landscapes, full waterfalls, and few tourists. Some western roads may still be drying out early in the month.

Weather: Warm, highs near 79F (26C) in the highlands, rains ending
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What April is like in Madagascar

April is when the rains end and Madagascar opens up again. The highlands are warm, with highs near 79F (26C), the forests and rice paddies are at their greenest and waterfalls are full. Tourist numbers are low and prices are gentle. Some western roads may still be drying out early in the month, and Tsingy de Bemaraha often stays closed until late April or May.

April is an underrated month and a great pick for travelers who want green scenery and quiet parks. It suits the RN7 route south through Ranomafana and Isalo, and the eastern rainforests. If the Tsingy is the main reason you are going, wait until May or later to be sure it is open.

Make the most of April

What is especially good about Madagascar this month.

Peak green season

The rice terraces and rainforests look their best right after the rains, and the light is clear.

Full waterfalls

Rivers and waterfalls in the highlands and Isalo are still running strong.

Quiet parks

Few visitors means small guided groups and easy lodge bookings along RN7.

What to pack for April

A light rain jacket for leftover showers
Sturdy walking shoes with good grip
A warm layer for highland evenings
Insect repellent and malaria tablets as advised

Our timing tip

Start your trip in the east and highlands and save any western travel for late April, when roads have had more time to dry.

Book Madagascar for April.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Madagascar
Opens a hotel search for Madagascar in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for April
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Madagascar
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Madagascar
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Madagascar for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Madagascar

Full guide

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

The easiest rainforest park from the capital, home to the indri. Go on a guided morning walk for the calls and a night walk for mouse lemurs and chameleons.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Avenue of the Baobabs

Giant Grandidier's baobabs lining a dirt road near Morondava on the west coast. Go at sunset or sunrise for the classic light.

Tickets and tours →

Tsingy de Bemaraha

A UNESCO-listed labyrinth of limestone pinnacles crossed by suspension bridges. Accessible only in the dry season, roughly May to November, via a long rough drive.

Tickets and tours →

Ranomafana National Park

Misty highland rainforest where the golden bamboo lemur was discovered, plus hot springs in the nearby village.

Tickets and tours →

Isalo National Park

Sandstone canyons, natural swimming pools, and ring-tailed lemurs along the famous RN7 road south.

Tickets and tours →

Ile Sainte-Marie whale watching

Humpbacks migrate to the channel off the island to breed and calve, roughly July through September.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Choose April, May, October, or November over the July and August peak; the best lodges near popular parks are small and fill quickly in summer.
Book a reliable driver-guide and domestic flights early. In a country with limited infrastructure, availability, not crowds, is the real constraint.
Enter parks at opening time. Wildlife is most active early, and the guided trails are quietest before groups arrive.
Consider a single region in depth, such as RN7 in the south or the north around Nosy Be and Ankarana, rather than trying to cover the whole island.

Know before you go

Tsingy de Bemaraha typically closes for the rainy season, roughly December to April or May, when access roads become impassable.
Many unpaved roads, particularly in the west and north, are impassable in the rainy season; even the main RN7 can see delays after storms.
Domestic flights are frequently rescheduled or cancelled. Build buffer days into any itinerary, especially before an international departure.
Some small lodges near remote parks close for part of the rainy season. Check before booking between December and March.

Madagascar in April, quick answers

Is April a good time to visit Madagascar?

April is one of the best months of the year to visit Madagascar. Green landscapes, full waterfalls, and few tourists. Some western roads may still be drying out early in the month.

What is the weather like in Madagascar in April?

Warm, highs near 79F (26C) in the highlands, rains ending.

Is Madagascar crowded in April?

April is one of the quieter months in Madagascar; most sights can be done without long waits.