Things to Do in Madagascar in February

February Weather in Madagascar

28°C (82°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

290 mm (11.4 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Lush landscapes at peak beauty - waterfalls are thunderous, rainforests vibrant green, and rice paddies flooded for spectacular reflections
Baby lemur season - February through April is when most lemur species give birth, offering incredible wildlife photography opportunities in Andasibe-Mantadia
Ylang-ylang and vanilla harvests create intoxicating natural fragrances across the island, particularly on Sainte-Marie island
Dramatically reduced tourist crowds mean you'll often have national parks and beaches entirely to yourself, with accommodation rates 30-40% lower than dry season

Considerations

Cyclone season brings severe weather risks - roads become impassable for days, domestic flights cancel frequently, and coastal areas face dangerous conditions
Many remote parks like Tsingy de Bemaraha close completely due to flooding, limiting access to Madagascar's most iconic limestone formations
Oppressive humidity (85%) combined with daily downpours makes hiking extremely challenging - even short walks become exhausting

Best Activities in February

Andasibe-Mantadia Lemur Watching

February is prime time for lemur births and the forest canopy is lush from recent rains. Indri lemurs are most vocal in early morning (6-9am) before afternoon storms hit. The 4 km (2.5 mile) Indri circuit remains accessible even in wet conditions.

Booking Tip: Book guided walks through park lodges 5-7 days ahead. Early morning slots (6am starts) avoid afternoon storms and offer best wildlife activity. Expect to pay 80,000-120,000 Ariary ($18-27) including guide fees. See current tour options in booking section below.

Sainte-Marie Island Whale Watching

Peak humpback whale season coincides with February rains. Whales are active in morning hours before weather deteriorates. Ylang-ylang flowers are in full bloom, creating incredible aromatherapy while watching whale breaches from shore or boat.

Booking Tip: Book morning departures only - afternoon seas become rough during storm season. Half-day tours cost 60,000-90,000 Ariary ($13-20). Many operators suspend services during active cyclone warnings. Check current availability in booking section below.

Rainforest Canopy Photography

Rain-soaked forests create mirror-like reflections and dramatic mist effects impossible in dry season. Analamazaotra and Vakona reserves offer covered viewing platforms perfect for weather protection while capturing lemurs and endemic birds.

Booking Tip: Rent quality rain covers for camera equipment from lodges - expect 30,000-50,000 Ariary ($7-11) daily rental. Professional photography guides familiar with wet weather techniques cost 100,000-150,000 Ariary ($22-33) for full day sessions.

Hot Spring Thermal Baths

Natural hot springs around Antsirabe provide perfect refuge from cool, wet weather. February's frequent rain makes the contrast between hot mineral waters and cool air especially therapeutic. Less crowded than dry season with better accommodation availability.

Booking Tip: Day access to thermal complexes costs 15,000-25,000 Ariary ($3-6). Book accommodation with private thermal access for rainy day flexibility. Most facilities remain open during storms but check road conditions to reach them.

Avenue of Baobabs Sunrise Photography

Dramatic storm clouds create spectacular sunrise backdrops for baobab silhouettes. February's humidity often produces low-hanging mist at dawn, creating ethereal scenes impossible during dry season. Road access is challenging but usually passable in 4WD vehicles.

Booking Tip: Hire 4WD transport from Morondava - expect 80,000-120,000 Ariary ($18-27) for sunrise excursion including waiting time. Departure at 5am essential to reach location before 6:30am sunrise. Check road conditions day before travel.

Indoor Cultural Experiences in Antananarivo

February storms make capital city museums, craft markets, and cooking classes ideal activities. Rova Palace ruins and Analakely Market offer covered exploration. Traditional Malagasy cooking classes teach warm, hearty dishes perfect for rainy season comfort food.

Booking Tip: Indoor cooking classes cost 50,000-80,000 Ariary ($11-18) for half-day sessions including meal. Museum passes offer good value at 20,000 Ariary ($4.50) for multiple sites. Book indoor activities as backup plans for outdoor excursions.

February Events & Festivals

Late February

Famadihana (Turning of Bones)

This sacred Malagasy ancestor ceremony occurs every few years during the southern hemisphere summer. Families exhume ancestors' remains, rewrap them in silk shrouds, and dance with them before returning to tombs. Deeply spiritual experience if invited by local families.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots rated for 15 cm (6 inch) mud depth - trails become swampy quagmires requiring serious traction

High-quality rain poncho AND umbrella - Madagascar's rain comes sideways in wind, making single protection insufficient

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 even through clouds and reflects off wet surfaces

Moisture-wicking synthetic clothing only - cotton stays wet for days in 85% humidity and becomes uncomfortable

Waterproof camera protection or underwater camera - regular electronics fail quickly in constant moisture

Antimalarial medication and DEET repellent - standing water increases mosquito breeding dramatically

Quick-dry microfiber towels (2-3) - regular towels never dry completely in humid conditions

Silica gel packets for electronics and important documents - prevents moisture damage in bags

Lightweight fleece or wool layer - temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F) at altitude and feel colder when wet

Waterproof stuff sacks for all clothing and gear - everything stays wet otherwise in daily downpours

Insider Knowledge

Locals call February 'taona mando' (wet season) and shift daily schedules to 5am-10am for outdoor work, then indoor activities until 4pm when storms usually pass

Domestic flights on Air Madagascar cancel frequently during cyclone alerts - always book refundable tickets and have 2-3 buffer days for any onward international connections

Traditional Malagasy rain ceremonies occur during heavy February storms - if you hear drumming during downpours, you're witnessing spiritual weather-calling rituals

Cell phone coverage becomes unreliable during storms as towers lose power - download offline maps and inform lodges of your planned movements daily

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodations in coastal areas during active cyclone season - inland highland locations like Andasibe offer much better weather stability

Planning rigid daily itineraries when weather changes hourly - successful February travelers build in multiple indoor backup options

Bringing cotton clothing and regular electronics without waterproofing - both become useless within days in constant moisture