Things to Do in Madagascar in November

November Weather in Madagascar

28°C (82°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Peak orchid blooming season - over 1,000 endemic species flower in November's increased moisture, creating spectacular displays in Andasibe-Mantadia and Ranomafana
Lemur birthing season begins - many species give birth during early wet season, making wildlife viewing more rewarding with active mothers and babies
Lowest tourist numbers of the year - accommodations cost 30-40% less than dry season, and you'll have national parks nearly to yourself
Perfect conditions for baobab photography - dramatic storm clouds create stunning backdrops at Avenue of the Baobabs, and trees are beginning to leaf out

Considerations

Muddy and impassable roads - many remote areas like Tsingy de Bemaraha become inaccessible, and 4WD transfers take 2-3x longer than dry season
Daily afternoon thunderstorms - expect 2-3 hours of heavy rain most days between 2-5pm, limiting outdoor activities and hiking
High humidity makes hiking exhausting - forest treks feel significantly more difficult with 75% humidity and temperatures reaching 28°C (82°F)

Best Activities in November

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park Wildlife Viewing

November is prime time for lemur watching as many species begin their birthing season. The increased rainfall brings out more insects and frogs, making forest soundscapes incredibly rich. Indri lemurs are most vocal in early morning during wet season. Morning visits (6-9am) are essential to avoid afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: Book park guides 2-3 days ahead through your accommodation. Standard guide fees are 40,000-50,000 Ariary ($10-12) per group. Choose morning slots only - afternoon tours often get cancelled due to rain. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Orchid Viewing and Botanical Tours

Madagascar's legendary orchid diversity peaks in November as the wet season triggers mass blooming. Over 900 endemic species flower simultaneously. Analamazaotra Special Reserve and private botanical gardens near Andasibe offer guided orchid walks. Early morning light and post-rain conditions create perfect photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Specialized botanical guides cost 60,000-80,000 Ariary ($15-20) per day. Book through eco-lodges rather than general tour operators for better botanical expertise. Photography tours work best 7-10am when flowers have morning dew.

Avenue of the Baobabs Sunset Photography

November's dramatic storm clouds create the most spectacular sunset backdrops of the year at this iconic location. The baobabs are just beginning to sprout leaves, offering a unique seasonal look. Rain often clears by late afternoon, leaving dramatic cloud formations perfect for golden hour shots around 6:15pm.

Booking Tip: Standard day trips from Morondava cost 120,000-180,000 Ariary ($30-45). Book local drivers through your hotel - they know exactly when storms will clear. Bring waterproof camera protection. November offers 70% chance of clear evening skies despite morning rain.

Antananarivo Cultural Walking Tours

The capital city's covered markets and indoor cultural sites make perfect rainy-day activities. November coincides with rice planting season, so local markets overflow with seasonal produce and traditional foods. Indoor venues like Rova Palace complex and local artisan workshops provide cultural immersion during afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: Walking tours cost 50,000-70,000 Ariary ($12-18) for half-day including market visits. Morning tours (8am-12pm) work best before afternoon rains. Focus on indoor cultural sites and covered markets. Book through licensed cultural guides.

Ranomafana National Park Rainforest Hiking

November transforms Ranomafana into a lush green paradise with waterfalls at full flow and incredible biodiversity. Golden bamboo lemurs are most active during wet season, and the park's 12 lemur species are easier to spot as they forage more actively. Night walks reveal endemic frogs and chameleons most active during rainy season.

Booking Tip: Park entry 45,000 Ariary ($11) plus mandatory guide 40,000 Ariary ($10). Book 2-3 day packages through park headquarters for better wildlife viewing odds. Night walks (7-9pm) are exceptional in November but require waterproof gear. Morning hikes essential before 1pm rain.

Highlands Cultural Village Experiences

November marks rice planting season across Madagascar's highlands, offering authentic cultural experiences watching traditional farming methods. Villages around Antsirabe and the Betsileo region welcome visitors to participate in rice ceremonies and traditional celebrations. Indoor weaving demonstrations and local craft workshops provide rainy-day alternatives.

Booking Tip: Village homestays cost 80,000-120,000 Ariary ($20-30) per night including meals. Book through cultural tourism associations for authentic experiences. Rice planting participation available early mornings before rain. Focus on villages accessible by paved roads during wet season.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

Famadihana (Turning of the Bones)

This sacred Malagasy ancestor veneration ceremony occurs during the austral spring months including November in highland regions. Families exhume ancestors' remains, rewrap them in fresh silk shrouds, and dance with them before returning them to tombs. A deeply spiritual and joyous celebration of connection between living and dead.

Early to Mid November

Rice Planting Festival Season

Throughout November, highland communities celebrate the beginning of rice planting season with traditional ceremonies, music, and communal feasts. These vary by region but typically include blessing ceremonies for the upcoming harvest and community work parties in the rice fields.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - trails become muddy streams, and you'll need ankle support on slippery 15-20 km (9-12 mile) forest hikes

Quick-dry synthetic clothing only - cotton stays wet for days in 75% humidity, synthetic fabrics dry within hours

Compact umbrella plus rain jacket - afternoon storms dump 20-30mm (0.8-1.2 inches) in 30 minutes, umbrella works better in forests than full rain gear

Waterproof camera protection - essential for photographing orchids and wildlife, heavy rain can destroy equipment in minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 even on cloudy days, and you'll get surprising sun exposure between storms

Insect repellent with 30% DEET - wet season brings out massive mosquito populations, especially around lemur viewing areas

Headlamp with extra batteries - afternoon storms create darkness by 3pm, and wildlife night walks are exceptional in November

Microfiber quick-dry towel - regular towels never fully dry in humid conditions and become moldy within days

Waterproof daypack cover - essential for protecting electronics, snacks, and documents during sudden downpours

Anti-fungal foot powder - wet boots and high humidity create perfect conditions for foot infections without prevention

Insider Knowledge

Locals call November 'volana maitso' (green month) - everything transforms from brown dry season to lush green, making it photographer's paradise despite challenging conditions

Rice planting season means rural roads get priority maintenance - stick to main highland routes as secondary roads become impassable until December repairs

November hotel rates drop 40% from peak season but book accommodations with backup power - afternoon storms cause frequent outages lasting 2-4 hours

Malagasy families traditionally don't travel during rice planting season, so domestic flights and intercity transport have lowest demand and best prices of the year

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning afternoon outdoor activities - 90% of tourists get caught in daily 2-5pm thunderstorms and miss wildlife viewing opportunities

Bringing cotton clothing instead of synthetic - cotton fabrics stay damp for days in November humidity and become uncomfortable and smelly

Booking western coast destinations - roads to Tsingy de Bemaraha and remote beaches become impassable, wasting money on cancelled bookings