Green Season Serenity & Lush Landscapes
January marks the heart of the rainy season and cyclone risk is high. However, with proper planning it is still possible to discover many regions of the country. Landscapes are at their greenest, national parks receive very few visitors, and wildlife is especially active.
What works well
- RN7 Route: Andasibe, Ranomafana, Anja, Isalo and the main parks in the south remain accessible. Landscapes are especially green and waterfalls show their maximum flow.
- Zafimaniry Villages: Can be visited year-round. Trails may be muddy, but the scenery is spectacular and much greener than during the dry season.
- Southwest Coast: Ambatomilo, Salary Bay and Tsiandamba usually remain accessible and offer some of the most spectacular beaches in Madagascar with very few visitors.
- Far North: Amber Mountain, Red Tsingy, the Three Bays and Montagne des Francais can usually be visited even during the wet season.
- Nosy Be: Although January is a rainy month, the island enjoys a certain microclimate and some years conditions are much better than expected. In 2026, for example, rainfall was scarce during much of the month.
What can be difficult
- RN6 Road: Access to the north can become complicated. The route is often cut near Ambilobe, occasionally requiring river crossings by canoe and a vehicle change to continue towards Antsiranana.
- Anakao: There is a risk of becoming temporarily stranded due to rough sea conditions and disrupted boat crossings.
- Domestic Flights: Internal flights may experience delays or schedule changes due to tropical systems and changing weather conditions.
- East Coast: Sainte Marie and the Pangalanes Canal face a high risk of persistent rain and possible cyclones.
Usually not recommended
- Tsingy de Bemaraha: Closed during the rainy season.
- Makay and Remote Western Regions: Many tracks become impassable due to mud, swollen rivers and difficult access conditions.
Itineraries and Experiences for Madagascar in January
