Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Upper Matsiatra, Madagascar, is characterized by a diverse range of Köppen-Geiger climate classes, including Cfb, Cwb, and Aw. This region experiences a minimum temperature of 4°C (40°F) in July, highlighting its cooler winter months. The average annual temperature hovers around 20°C (68°F), providing a generally mild climate. In contrast, October sees temperatures peak at a maximum of 37°C (99°F), showcasing the region's potential for significant seasonal variation. Such temperature dynamics contribute to a unique ecological landscape influenced by both the cooler and warmer periods throughout the year.
In Upper Matsiatra, Madagascar, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal variations that reflect the interplay between warm and cooler months. The year begins with warmer conditions in January, where minimum temperatures range from 13°C (56°F) to maximums of 35°C (95°F), gradually transitioning into slightly cooler temperatures as April approaches, with averages dipping to around 20°C (69°F). The transition into winter is marked by a notable drop in July, with minimums falling to 4°C (40°F), leading to the coolest average temperatures of 15°C (60°F). Following July, temperatures gradually rise through August and September, peaking again in October, where the maximum reaches an impressive 37°C (99°F). The year concludes with a return to moderately warm conditions in November and December, maintaining minimums around 12°C (54°F) while averaging 22°C (71°F), encapsulating the region's rich climatic diversity throughout the seasons.
In the Upper Matsiatra region of Madagascar, Ambalavao experiences July temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 32°C (89°F) in October, while Ikalamavony sees slightly warmer conditions with a minimum of 6°C (42°F) in July and a peak of 37°C (99°F) in October. Meanwhile, Fianarantsoa shares the same chilly minimum as Ambalavao at 4°C (40°F) in July, but reaches a maximum of 31°C (89°F) in October. For more details, visit the links: monthly temperatures in Ambalavao, monthly temperatures in Ikalamavony, and monthly temperatures in Fianarantsoa.
Upper Matsiatra, Madagascar, experiences a pronounced seasonal precipitation pattern, predominantly characterized by a substantial wet season during the first half of the year. January stands out as the wettest month, receiving 227 mm (8.9 in) of rainfall over approximately 20 days, setting the tone for a series of moist months. February and March also contribute significant precipitation, with 187 mm (7.4 in) and 180 mm (7.1 in) respectively, before a notable decline begins in April, where rainfall drops to 84 mm (3.3 in). This trend continues into the cooler dry months of May through August, where precipitation lowers dramatically, with August recording the least at just 19 mm (0.7 in).
As the year progresses into the latter months, precipitation begins to rise again, highlighting a transition into the shoulder season. In October, rainfall increases to 72 mm (2.8 in), followed by November, which brings 100 mm (3.9 in), marking the resumption of wetter conditions. December similarly sees a resurgence in rainfall at 189 mm (7.4 in), reinforcing the dual climatic character of the region—evident in its significant rainfall during the wet season, contrasted with a marked decrease amid cooler months. This cyclical precipitation pattern underlines Upper Matsiatra's dynamic climate, directly influencing its unique ecosystems and agricultural practices.
Upper Matsiatra, Madagascar, showcases a marked seasonal progression in sunshine duration, with notable variations that illuminate changes throughout the year. The region experiences a gradual increase in sunshine hours from late autumn into the summer months, reaching a peak in December with an impressive 368 hours of sunlight. This upward trend is distinctly visible as March emerges as a notable month with 336 hours of sunshine, transitioning smoothly into the subsequent months, with October and November also showcasing substantial hours at 355 and 348 hours respectively. The consistency of sunlight during this period not only enhances the warm climate but also supports the flourishing of local ecosystems and agriculture.
Conversely, the winter months of June and July exhibit slightly lower sunshine durations, with 289 and 309 hours respectively, yet they still provide a decent amount of sunlight. This seasonal dip is short-lived as sunshine hours begin to recover towards the end of the year. Interestingly, February boasts 300 hours, marking a transition between the rainy season and the upcoming summer, while April and May maintain strong sunlight levels, each offering 313 and 316 hours respectively. The overall trend clearly illustrates the importance of sunshine in Upper Matsiatra, correlating positively with both temperature and precipitation patterns, and greatly influencing the region’s vibrant natural environment.
The UV Index in Upper Matsiatra, Madagascar, reveals a strikingly intense pattern, particularly during the warmer months, with extreme exposure levels observed from January through April. Both January and February feature a maximum UV Index of 17, categorized as "extreme," where the recommended burn time is a mere 10 minutes of direct sunlight. March follows closely with a UV Index of 15, maintaining this high-risk exposure level. By April, while the UV Index decreases slightly to 12, it still remains in the extreme category, warranting caution for outdoor activities during peak sunlight hours.
As the seasons progress into the cooler months, UV Index levels begin to show a decline, transitioning from extreme to very high and high levels. May presents a UV Index of 9, categorized as "very high," allowing for a longer burn time of 15 minutes. The trend continues in June and July, with UV Index levels at 7 and 8 respectively, denoting a 'high' and 'very high' exposure, and burn times extending to 25 and 15 minutes. As September and October roll in, the UV Index rises again, reaching 12 and 13 in the extreme range, reminding residents and visitors of the region's persistent sun intensity. Overall, this data underscores the critical importance of sun protection in Upper Matsiatra throughout the year, particularly during the peak sunshine months.
UV Risk Categories
In Upper Matsiatra, Madagascar, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, beginning with longer days at the start of the year. January sees a maximum of 13 hours of daylight, providing ample time for outdoor activities and agricultural pursuits. This extended daylight continues into November and December, where 13 hours are again recorded, creating ideal conditions for growth and development in the region's ecosystems. In contrast, February and March maintain a generous 12 hours of daylight, allowing residents to enjoy the benefits of the sunlight before the decrease begins in April.
As the year progresses towards winter, daylight hours reduce steadily, reaching a low of 10 hours in both June and July. This reduction is evident as the region transitions into cooler, drier months, which may influence activity patterns. In August, daylight hours slightly rebound to 11 hours, and this trend continues into early autumn. By October, the duration returns to 12 hours, signaling the approach of longer days again. This cyclical nature of daylight duration in Upper Matsiatra highlights not only the influence of seasonal changes on daily life but also the importance of light for agriculture and the local ecosystem throughout the year.
Ambalavao, Madagascar, features a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, ranging from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) in July to a maximum of 32°C (89°F) in October. The wettest months are January to March, with January receiving the highest rainfall at 205 mm (8.1 in), while dry conditions prevail from May to August. This region enjoys ample sunshine, boasting over 280 hours of sunlight each month, peaking at 373 hours in December. For more detailed information, visit Ambalavao climate.
Anandravy, Madagascar experiences a tropical climate with significant seasonal variations. Temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (49°F) in July to a maximum of 37°C (99°F) in November and December, with averages around 25°C (77°F) in the warmer months. The region receives most of its precipitation between January and March, with January alone recording 259 mm (10.2 in). Despite high rainfall, Anandravy enjoys ample sunshine, especially in December with 354 hours. For more detailed information, visit Anandravy climate.
The climate in Fandrandava, Madagascar, features warm temperatures year-round, with January and December reaching maximums of 30°C (86°F) and 32°C (89°F), respectively. The coolest months are June and July, with minimum temperatures dropping to around 5-8°C (42-47°F). Rainfall is heaviest from December to March, peaking in January at 255 mm (10.1 in), while August remains the driest with only 33 mm (1.3 in). Despite precipitation, Fandrandava enjoys ample sunshine, especially in October, which boasts 348 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Fandrandava climate.
Fianarantsoa, Madagascar, experiences a temperate climate with mild temperatures throughout the year. January and February see average highs around 30°C (86°F), with significant rainfall peaking at 198 mm (7.8 in) in January. The drier months occur from May to August, where temperatures reach a maximum of about 26°C (80°F) and rainfall drops significantly. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in October, with up to 359 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Fianarantsoa climate.
The climate in Ikalamavony, Madagascar, is characterized by warm temperatures year-round, with averages ranging from 17°C (63°F) in July to 25°C (77°F) in November. The region experiences significant rainfall primarily from January to March, peaking at 219 mm (8.6 in) in January, while dry conditions prevail from May to August, where precipitation reduces to as low as 1 mm (0.0 in) in August. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in October and December, with over 360 hours of sunlight each month. Overall, Ikalamavony offers a tropical climate conducive to a diverse ecosystem. For more details, visit Ikalamavony climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Upper Matsiatra, Madagascar, is characterized by notable seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours, each playing a significant role in shaping the region's unique environment. The warm and wet months, particularly from January to March, are contrasted by cooler, drier periods, while a substantial fluctuation in sunshine hours underscores the relationship between sunlight and seasonal productivity. Additionally, the high UV Index during peak sunshine months emphasizes the importance of sun safety for residents and visitors alike. Understanding these climatic patterns is crucial for effective agricultural practices, ecosystem management, and public health initiatives, ultimately enhancing the resilience of both the local environment and its inhabitants in the face of ongoing climatic changes.