Things to Do in Madagascar in September

September Weather in Madagascar

26°C (79°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

25mm (1 inch) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Peak whale watching season - humpback whales migrate through Malagasy waters from July to November, with September offering the best visibility and calmest seas for boat excursions
Ideal hiking weather with minimal rainfall and cool temperatures (18-26°C/64-79°F) making multi-day treks in Andasibe-Mantadia and Isalo National Parks comfortable
Lemur activity peaks as breeding season approaches - ring-tailed lemurs and sifakas are most active and vocal, especially in Analamazaotra Reserve
Dry season road access to remote areas like Tsingy de Bemaraha and Avenue of the Baobabs, with clear skies providing optimal photography conditions

Considerations

Strong trade winds (25-35 km/h or 15-22 mph) make coastal activities like snorkeling challenging and can create choppy conditions for boat transfers to Île Sainte-Marie
Peak tourist season pricing with accommodations 40-60% higher than wet season rates, especially in Andasibe and Morondava regions
Dust storms common in southern Madagascar around Isalo and Spiny Forests, requiring eye protection and respiratory precautions for sensitive travelers

Best Activities in September

Andasibe-Mantadia Indri Lemur Tracking

September's cool mornings (18°C/64°F) are perfect for early indri lemur calls that echo through the rainforest at dawn. The dry conditions mean clearer forest paths and better wildlife photography opportunities. Indri are most vocal during breeding preparation season.

Booking Tip: Reserve 2-3 weeks ahead through certified Madagascar National Parks guides. Full-day guided treks typically cost 80,000-120,000 Ariary (USD 18-27). Look for operators offering small groups (max 6 people) for better wildlife encounters.

Tsingy de Bemaraha Rock Climbing

September's dry weather provides safe access to the limestone pinnacles with minimal risk of flash floods. Cool temperatures make the physical climbing comfortable, and clear skies offer spectacular views from the suspension bridges 50m (164 ft) above ground.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead as access requires 4WD vehicles and specialized guides. Multi-day packages typically cost 600,000-900,000 Ariary (USD 135-200). Ensure operators provide proper safety harnesses and helmets meeting international standards.

Île Sainte-Marie Humpback Whale Watching

Peak humpback whale migration season with mothers and calves passing close to shore. September offers the best balance of whale activity and manageable sea conditions, though morning excursions (7-10am) are recommended before afternoon winds pick up.

Booking Tip: Book whale watching boats 1-2 weeks ahead through licensed operators. Half-day excursions cost 180,000-250,000 Ariary (USD 40-55). Choose operators with hydrophones for underwater whale song listening and adherence to 100m (328 ft) minimum distance regulations.

Isalo National Park Multi-Day Trekking

September's cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall create ideal conditions for multi-day camping treks through Madagascar's 'Colorado.' Natural swimming pools are at optimal levels, and the clear skies provide stunning sunset photography opportunities from the sandstone formations.

Booking Tip: Reserve camping permits and guides 2-3 weeks ahead through Madagascar National Parks. 3-day guided treks typically cost 400,000-600,000 Ariary (USD 90-135) including camping equipment and meals. Verify guides carry satellite communication devices for remote areas.

Avenue of the Baobabs Sunrise Photography

September's dry air and minimal cloud cover create perfect conditions for photographing the iconic baobab trees. Cool morning temperatures (18°C/64°F) make the 5:30am wake-up calls comfortable, and the low humidity ensures crisp, clear shots of Madagascar's most famous landscape.

Booking Tip: Independent access is possible, but guided photography tours (150,000-220,000 Ariary or USD 33-49) include optimal positioning spots and cultural context. Book accommodations in Morondava 3-4 weeks ahead as hotels fill up during dry season.

Ankarafantsika Nocturnal Lemur Spotting

September's clear, cool nights provide excellent conditions for spotting mouse lemurs, sportive lemurs, and the elusive fossa. Dry weather means easier night walks on forest trails, and the 65% humidity prevents fogged camera lenses during night photography.

Booking Tip: Night walks must be booked with certified park guides, typically costing 60,000-90,000 Ariary (USD 13-20) for 3-hour excursions. Bring red-filtered flashlights and book 1-2 weeks ahead. Best results on nights with minimal moon visibility.

September Events & Festivals

Mid to Late September

Famadihana (Turning of the Bones)

Sacred Malagasy ancestor veneration ceremony where families exhume ancestral remains, wrap them in fresh silk shrouds, and dance with them before returning them to tombs. Visitors can observe from respectful distances in highland communities around Antsirabe and Ambositra.

Early September

Independence Day Celebrations

Madagascar's Independence Day on June 26th creates a patriotic atmosphere extending into September with regional cultural festivals. Traditional Malagasy music, dance performances, and local craft markets are common in Antananarivo and regional capitals.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Windproof jacket - trade winds reach 35 km/h (22 mph) in coastal areas and can make 26°C (79°F) feel much cooler

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 and Madagascar's high altitude (1,200-1,500m/3,937-4,921 ft average) intensifies sun exposure

Dust mask or bandana - southern regions experience dust storms during dry season, especially around Isalo National Park

Closed hiking boots - rocky terrain in Tsingy and Isalo requires ankle support, and dry conditions create loose stones on trails

Headlamp with red filter - essential for nocturnal lemur spotting without disturbing wildlife behavior

Lightweight long pants - thorny vegetation in spiny forests and mosquito protection during dawn/dusk wildlife viewing

Warm sleeping bag rated to 15°C (59°F) - highland camping temperatures drop significantly at night

Waterproof camera case - boat spray during whale watching excursions and occasional brief afternoon showers

Electrolyte supplements - low humidity (65%) and high UV cause faster dehydration than expected

Cash in small Ariary denominations - rural areas and park entrance fees require cash, ATMs scarce outside major towns

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights with Madagascar Airlines at least 6 weeks ahead - September is peak season and flights to Morondava and Fort Dauphin sell out quickly, with prices doubling closer to departure

Carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer everywhere - even upscale eco-lodges in national parks often lack basic amenities due to remote locations and supply chain challenges

Start wildlife viewing at 6:00am sharp - lemurs are most active in cool morning temperatures before 9:00am, after which they rest during the heat of the day until late afternoon

Negotiate taxi-brousse (bush taxi) fares in advance and confirm departure times the night before - schedules are fluid and prices can triple for tourists during peak season without prior agreement

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating travel times between destinations - roads are rough and distances that look short on maps can take 6-8 hours due to road conditions and frequent stops

Bringing only lightweight clothing - September nights in highlands drop to 18°C (64°F) and early morning wildlife viewing requires warm layers

Expecting Western-style infrastructure in national parks - most accommodations are basic camping or simple bungalows without hot water or reliable electricity