Cheapest and Most Expensive Times to Visit Madagascar

Madagascar has several peak periods where prices rise sharply, and a few overlooked off-season windows where it's cheaper to visit. Let's jump right in and discover the cheapest and most expensive times to visit Madagascar.

Most Expensive Times to Visit Madagascar

• Whale-Watching Season (July to September)
  This is one of Madagascar’s most popular travel windows. Tourists head to Île Sainte-Marie to see humpback whales migrate along the east coast. Hotels and lodges in coastal areas are more expensive, and guided tours are often fully booked in advance.
• Dry Season (June to October)
  This is the best time to explore national parks and see wildlife, since rain is minimal and roads are more accessible. It's also the busiest time for international visitors. Prices rise steadily in places like Andasibe-Mantadia, Ranomafana, and Isalo National Parks.
• Donia Music Festival – Nosy Be (Late May or Early June)
  Madagascar’s largest music festival draws big crowds to the island of Nosy Be. Even though this is just before peak season starts, it causes hotel rates to jump and rooms to sell out weeks ahead of time.
• Independence Day (June 26th)
  Celebrated nationwide, but especially festive in Antananarivo. Fireworks, parades, and cultural events bring in local tourists and increase demand for hotels and transportation. Prices around this national holiday rise in most major cities.
• High Season for European Travelers (Christmas & New Year)
  Though December is technically wet season, Europeans travel to Madagascar during their winter holidays. Resorts near beaches like Ifaty, Nosy Be, and Île Sainte-Marie raise prices, and flights are harder to book last-minute.

Cheapest Times to Visit Madagascar

There are a few great windows to visit Madagascar where you’ll save significantly on hotels, tours, and flights. These off-peak months come with fewer tourists, better availability, and budget-friendly prices.

• Wet Season (January to March)
  This is the least expensive time to visit, but also the rainiest. Many remote areas are inaccessible due to poor road conditions. However, if you're sticking to Antananarivo or the coast and don’t mind the weather, hotel prices are very low and tour operators often discount packages.
• Shoulder Season (Late March to May)
  Travel starts picking back up but hasn’t hit full swing. Wildlife parks begin to reopen as rains decrease, and you can still catch hotel discounts in places like Morondava or Antsirabe. Fewer crowds make it ideal for independent travel and road trips.
• Early December
  Just before the Christmas travel wave begins, prices are still reasonable. Rain increases slightly, but this is a short window where accommodations in Nosy Be and popular parks can still be found at a discount.

Best Time of Year to Visit Madagascar on a Budget

• Late March to Early May
  The weather is improving, and tourism hasn’t hit peak levels yet. National parks are starting to become more accessible, and hotel rates in Antananarivo, Morondava, and beach towns are still lower than they’ll be in June and July.
• October to Early November
  This post-peak period offers great wildlife sightings without the crowds or high rates of mid-summer. It’s also the ideal time to explore rainforests and beaches before the rainy season returns.

Price Summary Table for Madagascar Travel