Things to Do in Madagascar in December

December Weather in Madagascar

30°C (86°F) High Temp

21°C (70°F) Low Temp

220mm (8.7 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Lush green landscapes at their absolute peak - waterfalls reach maximum flow and rice paddies transform into emerald carpets after months of rain
Whale watching season peaks with humpback whales migrating through Malagasy waters, best visibility from Île Sainte-Marie from mid-December
Fruit harvest season brings mangoes, lychees, and jackfruit to local markets at rock-bottom prices of 2,000-3,000 Ariary (≈$0.50-0.75) per kilo
Tourist crowds are at yearly minimum due to rainy season, meaning empty national parks and 30-40% lower accommodation rates outside Antananarivo

Considerations

Heavy daily rains make many dirt roads impassable, particularly in eastern regions - 4WD essential and some parks like Masoala completely inaccessible
Cyclone season begins with 2-3 tropical systems typically affecting the island, potentially disrupting flights and coastal activities for 3-5 days each
Extreme humidity (85%+) makes hiking exhausting - even locals avoid midday outdoor activities and many lemur species are less active during hot afternoons

Best Activities in December

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park Rainforest Trekking

December's rains create the most vibrant rainforest conditions of the year. Indri lemurs are most vocal during morning hours (5-8am) when humidity peaks at 95%. The park's 155km (96 miles) of trails are muddy but accessible, and the thunderous Vakona Falls reaches peak flow. Morning treks avoid afternoon downpours that start around 2pm daily.

Booking Tip: Book guided treks 5-7 days ahead through park-certified guides. Expect to pay 80,000-120,000 Ariary ($20-30) for half-day tours. Start before 6am to maximize wildlife viewing and avoid daily rains. Reference booking widget for current tour availability.

Île Sainte-Marie Whale Watching

Peak humpback whale season with mothers and calves in protected bays. December offers 90%+ sighting rates during calm morning conditions before afternoon storms. The 60km (37-mile) channel between mainland and island becomes a whale highway. Best viewing from July to September, but December offers unique mother-calf interactions.

Booking Tip: Book whale watching boats 10-14 days ahead, typically 150,000-250,000 Ariary ($35-60) for half-day trips. Morning departures (7-8am) have highest success rates and return before afternoon weather. All operators must maintain 100m (328ft) distance from whales. See current tour options in booking section below.

Isalo National Park Sandstone Formation Hiking

December's rains fill the park's natural pools and create temporary waterfalls in the sandstone canyons. The 815 sq km (315 sq mile) park offers the best swimming conditions of the year in Piscine Naturelle and Piscine Bleue. Afternoon rains cool temperatures from scorching 35°C (95°F) to manageable 25°C (77°F), but trails become slippery.

Booking Tip: Book canyon hikes through certified guides 3-5 days ahead, typically 60,000-100,000 Ariary ($15-25) per day. Start at sunrise (5:30am) to complete circuits before 1pm rain. Waterproof boots essential for creek crossings. Reference booking widget for current hiking tour options.

Antananarivo Cultural and Market Tours

December's fruit harvest brings incredible variety to Analakely Market - taste 20+ tropical fruits unavailable elsewhere. The capital's covered markets provide perfect rainy-day cultural immersion. Traditional Malagasy New Year preparations (Alahamady) begin in late December, with unique crafts and foods appearing in markets.

Booking Tip: Book cultural walking tours 2-3 days ahead, typically 40,000-80,000 Ariary ($10-20) for half-day experiences. Morning tours (8-11am) avoid afternoon crowds and heat. Focus on covered markets during rainy periods. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

Tsingy de Bemaraha Limestone Formation Exploration

December rains create dramatic contrast between the grey limestone pinnacles and lush green vegetation filling the crevices. The western location receives less rain than eastern parks, making it more accessible. Unique December advantage: cooler temperatures in the stone forests and flowing water in underground caves.

Booking Tip: Book tsingy climbing tours 7-10 days ahead through operators with proper harnesses and helmets. Expect 120,000-200,000 Ariary ($30-50) for full-day tours. Access road from Morondava takes 8-10 hours, budget 2-3 days minimum. Reference booking widget for current climbing tour availability.

Nosy Be Island Beach and Marine Activities

December's northwest monsoon brings occasional rain but maintains 28°C (82°F) water temperatures perfect for diving and snorkeling. Ylang-ylang flowers bloom during rainy season, creating the island's signature perfume industry peak season. Marine life is most active due to plankton blooms from rainfall runoff.

Booking Tip: Book diving and snorkeling trips 5-7 days ahead, typically 180,000-300,000 Ariary ($45-75) for full-day trips. Morning activities (8am-1pm) avoid afternoon thunderstorms. December has 60% chance of afternoon rain but mornings often clear. See current marine tour options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Early to Mid December

Famadihana Exhumation Ceremonies

Traditional ancestor honoring ceremonies occur throughout highland regions during the dry season's end. Families exhume ancestors' remains, rewrap them in fresh silk shrouds, and dance with them before returning them to tombs. Most authentic cultural experience available to respectful visitors.

Throughout December

Mango and Lychee Festival Season

Regional harvest celebrations in eastern coastal towns like Tamatave and Fenerive-Est. Local communities celebrate with fruit-tasting competitions, traditional music, and dancing. Markets overflow with 15+ mango varieties and the world's sweetest lychees.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants - trails stay muddy for hours after 220mm (8.7 inches) monthly rainfall, avoid cotton which stays wet for days

Waterproof hiking boots rated for 500m+ (1,640+ ft) altitude changes - essential for slippery volcanic soil in national parks

High SPF 50+ sunscreen despite clouds - UV index reaches 9 and equatorial sun burns through overcast skies in 15 minutes

Lightweight rain poncho - afternoon downpours last 1-2 hours and are too heavy for umbrellas, ponchos cover backpacks too

Insect repellent with 25%+ DEET - December's standing water creates peak mosquito breeding, malaria risk highest during rainy season

Moisture-wicking synthetic shirts - 85% humidity makes cotton feel soaked within 30 minutes, synthetic fabrics dry in vehicle AC

Waterproof phone case - essential for photographing lemurs and landscapes during light rain, many trails have no shelter

Extra camera batteries - high humidity drains electronics 40% faster than normal, charging opportunities limited in remote areas

Flip-flops or water shoes - for crossing streams and muddy village streets, locals always have backup footwear during rainy season

Lightweight fleece - highland temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) at night in Andasibe, surprising contrast to 30°C (86°F) daytime heat

Insider Knowledge

Local taxi-brousse (bush taxi) services reduce frequency by 50% during December rains - book private transfers for time-sensitive connections, especially to remote parks

Malagasy families harvest honey during December rains when bees are less aggressive - roadside honey vendors offer the year's freshest varieties for 5,000-8,000 Ariary ($1.25-2) per bottle

December is 'marriage season' in rural areas after harvest - expect weekend road closures for wedding processions, but also opportunities to witness traditional Malagasy celebrations if invited

Air Madagascar adds extra domestic flights during December holidays - book inter-city flights 3-4 weeks ahead for 30% savings compared to last-minute bookings during this peak domestic travel period

Avoid These Mistakes

Attempting to drive rental cars on rural roads during rainy season - even 4WD vehicles get stuck in highland clay soil, always hire experienced local drivers familiar with seasonal conditions

Booking accommodation in eastern coastal areas without confirming cyclone evacuation procedures - December marks cyclone season start, coastal hotels should have emergency protocols and backup power

Scheduling tight itineraries between distant locations - December rains can delay ground transport by 2-4 hours daily, build buffer days for weather-related delays especially in remote areas