Nosy Be in May
Great time to visit
May delivers everything Nosy Be promises with perfect weather and manageable crowds. You'll finally understand why people rave about Madagascar's islands.
Weather
May brings near-perfect conditions with minimal rain and comfortable humidity around 65-70%. Southeast trade winds keep temperatures pleasant and the skies mostly clear. This is what you pictured when you booked the trip.
27°C high20°C low5 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$70/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Malagasy Independence Day (May 26)
- •Whale watching season begins
May Tips
- •Humpback whales start arriving - book whale watching tours early
- •Perfect weather for camping on Nosy Iranja's sandbar
- •Bring a light jacket for evening boat rides - it actually gets cool
All Months
April through November offers the sweet spot — dry weather, manageable heat, and calm seas. Temperatures hover around 26°C (79°F) with cooling trade winds.
July and August bring peak season crowds and higher prices. Hotel rates jump 30-50% during these months. But the weather stays perfect, and you'll have company for island hopping trips.
April and May deliver the best value. Rains have stopped, crowds haven't arrived, and hotel rates stay reasonable. The ylang-ylang trees bloom in May, filling the air with perfume.
December through March means cyclone season. Heavy rains flood roads and cancel boat trips. Many restaurants close during January and February. Some budget travelers brave this period for 50% discounts, but you're gambling with the weather.
September through November offers another excellent window. Post-peak season means lower prices but still reliable weather. Humpback whales migrate through these waters from July to September.
Nosy Be Scores
Solo
6/10
Couples
8/10
Families
6/10
Adventure
6/10
Budget
6/10
Luxury
6/10
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