Travel advisory · MadagascarSome governments advise against travel to parts of Madagascar.Advice depends on your passport. Read your own government's advice before you book.Official advice

Areas with warnings

Also named by one government: Anosy region (France), Battery Beach (Germany), Betroka (France), Pic Saint-Louis (Germany), Tsiribihina river banks (Germany)

Government	Advice	Updated	Read the advice
United Kingdom (FCDO)	No specific advice; general precautions only	–	Read the advice
United States (State Dept)	Exercise increased caution	Dec 5, 2025	Read the advice
Canada (Global Affairs)	Exercise a high degree of caution	–	Read the advice
Germany (Auswärtiges Amt)	No advice against the whole country (regional advisories)	Oct 16, 2026	Read the advice
New Zealand (SafeTravel)	Exercise increased caution	–	Read the advice
France (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs)	Vigilance renforcée (en jaune) sur l'ensemble du territoire (regional advisories)	–	Read the advice

Checked daily from the governments' published advice; last checked Nov 2, 2026. RoamLedger summarises official advice; it is not advice from any government.

Antananarivo

Madagascar's capital is a city of red-earth hills, rice fields and a former royal palace. Many trips use it as the first stop before the island's wildlife parks.

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Antananarivo is the capital of Madagascar, built on a cluster of hills in the central highlands at about 1,280 meters (4,200 feet) above sea level. The Merina kingdom made it its royal capital, and the old upper town still climbs the hills by stone stairways and narrow streets. The Rova, the former royal palace complex on the highest hill, is the city's best-known landmark. Lower down, markets such as Analakely sell produce, spices and handmade goods.

Two or three days is enough for the hill walks, the markets and the Rova, plus a day trip into the rice-growing countryside around the city. Many trips also use Antananarivo as a base before heading to the island's national parks and wildlife reserves. The cool, dry season from May to October is the most comfortable time to walk. The rainy season runs from November to April, with heavier rain and more humidity. Jacaranda trees bloom purple in October and November.

Antananarivo in five

Book the Ivato airport transfer before you landIvato is the international airport, outside the city centre. Book a transfer or taxi in advance and agree the fare, because drivers at the arrivals area may quote a higher price.Getting around
Carry ariary in small notesCards work in the larger hotels and some shops, but markets, small restaurants and taxi-be fares need cash. Break large notes early in the day.
Ride taxi-be and agree the fare firstTaxi-be are shared minibuses that run set routes around the city. Ask the fare before you board and keep small change ready.
Save the city map for offline useMobile coverage can be patchy on the steep streets of the upper town and in parts of the centre. Download the area in Google Maps before you leave home.
Buy a Telma or Orange SIM at arrivalTelma, Orange and Airtel all sell SIM cards for Madagascar. Carry your passport to register the SIM, and compare data plans before you pay.Phones and eSIM

Things to do in Antananarivo

See all attractions in Antananarivo

Market · AntananarivoAnalakely Market

Sight · AntananarivoRoyal Palace

Park · AntananarivoTsarasaotra Park

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to AntananarivoPut the places you like in Antananarivo on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Currency: Malagasy ariary (MGA)
Entry: Passport-dependent; check visa rules with a Malagasy embassy before you fly
Emergency: 117 police, 118 fire, 124 ambulance
Tipping: Not expected; small tips appreciated at restaurants
Time: UTC+3, no daylight saving

Weather by month

Rainy days

Best
Good
Mixed
Poor

JanuaryRain23 rainy daysHigh25°Low16°Hot, rainy
FebruaryRain21 rainy daysHigh25°Low16°Hot, rainy
MarchRain21 rainy daysHigh25°Low16°Rains ending
AprilPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh24°Low15°Cooling, wet
MayPartly cloudy3 rainy daysHigh22°Low13°Dry, cooler
JuneClear3 rainy daysHigh20°Low10°Dry, cool
JulyClear2 rainy daysHigh20°Low10°Cold nights
AugustClear2 rainy daysHigh22°Low10°Dry, cool
SeptemberClear1 rainy dayHigh24°Low11°Dry, warming
OctoberClear6 rainy daysHigh27°Low14°Dry, warm
NovemberRain14 rainy daysHigh28°Low16°Rains start
DecemberRain19 rainy daysHigh26°Low16°Hot, rainy

Average daily high and low in Antananarivo, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Antananarivo

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 18°
Humidity: 92%
Wind: 5 km/h
Chance of rain: 28%

Antananarivo

02:24 AM

Tuesday, November 3

GMT+3

Today29°17°28%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 28%.
Wed28°18°98%Wednesday: Thunderstorms. High 28°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 98%.
Thu26°15°22%Thursday: Drizzle. High 26°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 22%.
Fri27°15°4%Friday: Cloudy. High 27°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 4%.
Sat28°15°4%Saturday: Cloudy. High 28°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 4%.
Sun29°15°8%Sunday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 8%.

Updated 01:04 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 4,589 MGA

Amount

Converted to

MGA · Malagasy Ariary

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

Before you go to Antananarivo

eSIM for AntananarivoOffline maps help on steep streetsRead the guide

Insurance for MadagascarCover for road trips and remote parksRead the guide

Money and cards in MadagascarCash in ariary and card limitsRead the guide

Stays in AntananarivoHotels in the centre and upper townRead the guide

Rules for Antananarivo, checked

Export of rosewood, ebony and other protected timber is restricted, and wildlife goods fall under CITES rules, so check before you buy carvings.
Check visa rules for your passport with a Malagasy embassy or consulate before you book flights.
Carry a photocopy of your passport when you go out, and keep the original in the hotel safe.

Plan around Antananarivo

All of Madagascar

Regions, entry rules, transport and money for a Madagascar trip

Read the guide Visas and entry

Which passports need a visa and how to apply before you fly

Read the guide Getting around

Taxi-be, taxis, car hire and intercity road trips from the capital

Read the guide Money and costs

Cash, cards and typical prices for food, rooms and tours

Read the guide Where to stay

Hotels and guesthouses in the centre, the upper town and near the airport

Read the guide Phones and eSIM

Local SIM options and offline maps for the city and the roads

Read the guide

Antananarivo FAQ

Is Antananarivo worth visiting?

Yes, as a first or last stop. The Rova palace on the upper town hill and the Analakely market are the main sights, and the city is a practical base for trips into the highlands.

How do you get from the airport to the city?

Ivato airport is outside the city. Arrange a pre-booked taxi or hotel transfer before you land and agree the fare in advance.

Is it safe to walk around Antananarivo?

Walk in daylight in busy streets and keep bags closed in crowds. After dark, take a taxi between areas and ask your hotel which streets to avoid.

How many days do you need in Antananarivo?

Two to three days covers the upper town, the Analakely market and one day trip, such as the royal hill of Ambohimanga. Add a night if you want to leave early for the highlands.

Can you pay by card in Antananarivo?

Cards work in larger hotels and some shops, but markets and small restaurants usually need cash. Carry ariary in small notes for taxi-be rides and market stalls.