Madagascar's major cities

What are the major cities in Madagascar?

Madagascar has several major cities scattered across the country: Antananarivo, Fianarantsoa, Antsirabe, Majunga and Toamasina are the busiest. Antananarivo, formerly Tananarive, is the capital with around 1,299,080 inhabitants. It has been a major center for political, economic, educational and cultural affairs since the 17th century.Toamasina, the second most populous city, is the country’s main seaport. Situated on the east coast, it has around 274,667 inhabitants and serves as the gateway to the Indian Ocean.Antsirabe, the third largest city, with 238,478 inhabitants, is known for its cool climate and thermal springs at 4,900 feet.Mahajanga, with a population of around 220,629, is a coastal city in northwest Madagascar, while Fianarantsoa, a mountainous town renowned for its wine production and French colonial architecture, has 190,318 inhabitants.

Climate in Madagascar's major cities

In general, Madagascar enjoys an equatorial climate, with inverted seasons. Malagasy winters are characterized by cold, dry conditions, while summers are generally hot and humid. Temperatures are typically higher on the coasts than in the central highlands. However, each city in Madagascar has its own distinct climate:

For Antananarivo: Temperatures remain pleasant throughout the year, varying on average from 21°C in July to 28°C in November. The rainiest months are February, December and January. For a visit to Antananarivo, we recommend April, May, September and October.

Antsirabe: Considered Madagascar’s coldest city, average temperatures range from 14°C in June to 20°C in October. The rainiest months are February, December and January. We recommend visiting Antsirabe in April, May, September and October.

Toamasina: Temperatures remain pleasant all year round, fluctuating on average from 22°C in July to 28°C in January. Sea temperatures are pleasant all year round, ranging from 24°C to 29°C. The rainiest months are February, March and April. April, May, June, July, August, September and October are the best months to visit Toamasina.

Majunga: Temperatures are warm all year round, with an average ranging from 32°C in January to 34°C in April. The rainiest months are December, February and January. For a visit to Majunga, we recommend April, May, September and October.

Fianarantsoa: Temperatures remain pleasant all year round, with an average ranging from 21°C in July to 28°C in November. The rainiest months are February, December and January. April, May, September and October are the best months to visit Fianarantsoa.

The most visited places in Madagascar :

Madagascar has a number of tourist areas, which welcome many tourists every year. Here are a few that may be of interest to you on your next trip to Madagascar.
Nosy Be Island: This island is recognized as the largest and one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in Madagascar. It lies off the northwest coast. Its tropical climate and gradually spreading beaches make it an ideal destination for seaside vacations.
Morondava and its Avenue des Baobab: The Avenue des Baobabs is a remarkable site, consisting of a group of baobabs lining the dirt road between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina, in the Menabe region of western Madagascar. It’s an impressive and magical place for visitors.
Sainte Marie Island: This island in eastern Madagascar offers attractive beaches and coral reefs for scuba diving enthusiasts. It is also renowned for its whale-watching, which attracts a large number of tourists.
Ranohira (Parc national de l’Isalo): This is Madagascar’s most visited park. The Isalo landscape is characterized by sandstone formations dating from the Jurassic period, canyons, oases, fire-resistant tapia forests, and is an ideal place for lemur watching.