Nosy Be is Madagascar's main beach island, off the north-west coast, with warm water, white sand and a backdrop of volcanic hills and ylang-ylang plantations. It is known as the Perfumed Island for its scented flowers, and the main town of Hell-Ville has colourful markets.
Boat trips lead to the smaller islands and reefs nearby. Nosy Komba is home to black lemurs and craftswomen selling embroidery, and Nosy Tanikely is a marine reserve with turtles and coral. Humpback whales pass from July to September, and the Mitsio archipelago, about an hour by speedboat, is a quiet area of beaches and snorkelling.
Nosy Be is best from April to December, and is a relaxed end to a journey through Madagascar's wild places.
Black lemurs live on Nosy Komba, and the surrounding waters have turtles, rays, reef fish and, from July to September, humpback whales. Chameleons and geckos can be seen on the island, and Lokobe Reserve has lemurs and reptiles.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
White beaches, turquoise water, volcanic crater lakes and plantations. Sunsets over the sea are lovely.
Activities here
Nosy Be is hot and humid all year. The dry season runs from April to November, and the wet season from December to March, with a cyclone risk from November to April.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 24 | 350 |
| Feb | 31 | 24 | 360 |
| Mar | 31 | 24 | 300 |
| Apr | 31 | 24 | 130 |
| May | 31 | 23 | 50 |
| Jun | 30 | 22 | 30 |
| Jul | 29 | 21 | 30 |
| Aug | 29 | 21 | 20 |
| Sep | 30 | 22 | 25 |
| Oct | 31 | 23 | 50 |
| Nov | 32 | 24 | 150 |
| Dec | 32 | 24 | 280 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
April to November is dry and sunny with warm seas, and is the best time for beaches and boat trips.
December to March is hot, wet and humid. Cyclones are possible, and boat trips can be cancelled.
April to December for the beach, with whale watching from July to September.
Best time to visit May to Oct
Nosy Be has an airport with flights from Antananarivo and some international routes. Boats from the island to nearby islands and the Mitsio archipelago are arranged by the hotels.
Please see the Madagascar page for visa details. Marine and reserve fees are included in our tours where applicable.
Nosy Be is a malaria area, so please take advice. Use sun protection and drink plenty of water. Avoid drinking tap water.
National ParkAndasibe-Mantadia National ParkThe haunting song of the indri
City & TownAntananarivoThe highland capital
National ParkIsalo National ParkSandstone canyons and natural pools
Scenic AreaMorondava and the Avenue of the BaobabsGiant baobabs at sunset
National ParkRanomafana National ParkRainforest and the golden bamboo lemur
National ParkTsingy de BemarahaA forest of stone needlesOur take
“Our take”
Nosy Be is a good finish to a lemur trip. Give it two or three nights, and book a boat to Nosy Tanikely.
Safaris from
US$2,444 per person
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