Things to Do in Madagascar in May

May Weather in Madagascar

28°C (82°F) High Temp

19°C (66°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temperatures for wildlife spotting - cool mornings at 19°C (66°F) mean lemurs are active early, while 28°C (82°F) afternoons are ideal for reptile watching
Minimal rainfall with only 45mm (1.8 inches) makes remote national parks accessible via unpaved roads that become impassable during wet season
Post-harvest season means local markets overflow with fresh rice, vanilla pods, and seasonal fruits at 40-60% lower prices than peak tourist months
Whale watching season begins - humpback whales start arriving along the eastern coast, with fewer tour boats and calmer seas than peak July-September period

Considerations

Cyclone tail-end risk in early May - while rare, remnant systems can bring 2-3 days of heavy rain and flight cancellations to eastern regions
Some luxury lodges in remote areas close for maintenance between April 30-May 15, limiting accommodation options in Masoala Peninsula and northern reserves
Cooler temperatures mean some chameleon species are less active during morning hours, reducing photography opportunities until afternoon warming

Best Activities in May

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park Lemur Tracking

May's cool mornings are perfect for hearing indri lemur songs at dawn - they're most vocal between 6-8am when temperatures are 19-22°C (66-72°F). The reduced humidity makes hiking the 3-5km (1.9-3.1 mile) trails comfortable, and you'll encounter far fewer tourists than peak season. Afternoon rains are minimal, so full-day excursions are reliable.

Booking Tip: Book guides 7-10 days ahead through park headquarters or licensed operators. Expect to pay 80,000-120,000 Ar ($20-30) for full-day guided walks. Early morning slots (6am starts) fill quickly. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Tsingy de Bemaraha Rock Formations

Post-wet season conditions make the dramatic limestone pinnacles accessible via improved road conditions, while temperatures stay comfortable for via ferrata climbing. The 200-400m (656-1,312 ft) elevation changes are manageable in May's moderate heat. Wildlife is concentrated around water sources, making spotting easier.

Booking Tip: Multi-day packages typically cost $180-280 including park fees, accommodation, and guides. Book 14+ days ahead as permits are limited. 4WD transfers take 3-4 hours from Morondava. Reference booking widget for current expedition options.

Nosy Be Ylang-Ylang Plantation Tours

May marks prime ylang-ylang flowering season on Nosy Be island. The reduced humidity makes walking through plantations comfortable, while temperatures around 26°C (79°F) enhance the essential oil fragrance. Local distilleries operate at full capacity, offering authentic production demonstrations unavailable in other months.

Booking Tip: Half-day plantation tours cost 25,000-40,000 Ar ($6-10) including transport from Nosy Be hotels. Morning tours (8-11am) are cooler and more aromatic. Book through hotel concierges or local operators. See current island tour options below.

Avenue of the Baobabs Sunset Photography

May's clearer skies and reduced atmospheric haze create optimal conditions for baobab photography. The 45-minute golden hour starting at 5:30pm offers dramatic lighting without the tourist crowds of peak season. Cooler evening temperatures make waiting for perfect shots comfortable.

Booking Tip: Independent visits cost just fuel and park fees (10,000 Ar/$2.50). Guided photography workshops run 60,000-100,000 Ar ($15-25) including transport from Morondava. Best shots occur 30 minutes before sunset. Check booking section for current photography tour options.

Anakao Fishing Village Whale Watching

Early whale migration season begins in May with calmer seas and fewer boats than peak months. Humpback whales travel closer to shore during their journey north, while traditional Vezo fishing boats offer authentic, small-group experiences. Water visibility reaches 15-20m (49-66 ft) in May's settled weather.

Booking Tip: Traditional pirogue boats cost 40,000-70,000 Ar ($10-18) for 3-4 hour trips. Speedboat options run $40-60. Book with Vezo fishermen cooperatives for authentic experiences. Weather conditions best in morning hours. See current whale watching options in booking section.

Isalo National Park Canyon Hiking

May's moderate temperatures make Isalo's exposed sandstone terrain manageable for full-day treks. The 8-15km (5-9.3 mile) circuit trails through canyons are comfortable in 25-28°C (77-82°F) heat, while natural swimming pools provide refreshing stops. Rock formations and endemic plants are at their most photogenic after the growing season.

Booking Tip: Mandatory guides cost 25,000 Ar ($6) plus 65,000 Ar ($16) park entry for 3-day passes. Multi-day camping treks run $45-75 per day including meals. Book guides at park entrance or through Ranohira operators. See current trekking packages below.

May Events & Festivals

Various dates throughout May

Famadihana Reburial Ceremonies

Traditional Malagasy ancestor veneration ceremonies occur sporadically throughout May in highland regions. Families exhume ancestors, rewrap them in fresh silk shrouds, and dance before reburial. Visitors can observe with proper respect and local invitation - it's Madagascar's most authentic cultural experience.

Mid to Late May

Rice Harvest Festivals

Highland communities celebrate successful harvests with traditional music, dancing, and zebu cattle ceremonies. The Betsileo people around Fianarantsoa hold particularly vibrant celebrations featuring traditional hira gasy performances and local rice wine tastings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool layers - temperature swings from 19°C (66°F) mornings to 28°C (82°F) afternoons require adaptable clothing

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - trails can be muddy from recent rains and rocky terrain requires grip on limestone formations

Quick-dry pants in neutral colors - essential for lemur tracking where bright colors can disturb wildlife behavior

High-factor reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) - UV index reaches 7 and reflection off limestone increases exposure

Compact rain jacket - afternoon showers can arrive suddenly and last 30-45 minutes in eastern regions

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - mosquitoes peak at dawn/dusk during May's moderate temperatures

Headlamp with red filter - essential for night walks and won't disturb nocturnal lemur species

Portable phone charger - rural lodges may have limited electricity, especially in remote national parks

Cash in small Ariary notes - many park fees, guide tips, and village purchases require exact change

Binoculars (8x32 minimum) - wildlife spotting distances of 50-100m (164-328 ft) are common in Madagascar's forests

Insider Knowledge

Local guides work better when hired for multiple consecutive days - they'll remember your interests and spot patterns in wildlife behavior that single-day guides miss

Madagascar's 'Malagasy time' runs 30-60 minutes behind schedule - plan buffer time between activities and don't book tight connections

Vanilla pods in May markets cost 15,000-25,000 Ar per kg compared to 40,000+ Ar in tourist shops - buy directly from Sambava region farmers

Many Malagasy people consider photographing tombs or burial sites deeply offensive - always ask permission and respect 'fady' (taboo) areas that locals indicate

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating travel distances - Madagascar's 'highways' average 40-60 km/h (25-37 mph) due to road conditions, making day trips longer than expected

Bringing only summer clothes - May mornings in highlands can feel surprisingly cold at 19°C (66°F), especially on early morning wildlife walks

Booking accommodation in Antananarivo for multiple nights - most travelers need only 1-2 nights for connections; the real experiences are in national parks and coastal regions