The Comoros archipelago is a hidden gem in the Indian Ocean, offering pristine beaches, active volcanoes, and rich Swahili-Arab culture. With lush tropical forests, world-class diving, and warm hospitality, this off-the-beaten-path destination promises authentic island adventures.
Comoros has a tropical maritime climate with two distinct seasons: a hot, humid rainy season from November to April and a cooler, drier season from May to October. Temperatures are relatively stable year-round, ranging from 24-30°C at sea level, with the highland areas around Mount Karthala significantly cooler. The islands lie in the southwestern Indian Ocean cyclone belt, and tropical storms occasionally affect Comoros between December and March. Humidity is high throughout the year, particularly on Anjouan which receives the most rainfall.
Best time to visit
Best: May to October (dry season)
Peak Season: May to October (dry season)
Shoulder Season: April and November
Avoid: December to March (rainy season)
Best Reason:
Avoid Reason:
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
28°C / 82°F
Hot and wet, peak of rainy season. Heavy afternoon downpours frequent. Turtle nesting peak on Mohéli.
February
28°C / 82°F
Rainy season continues, cyclone risk remains elevated. Seas can be rough for island hopping.
March
28°C / 82°F
Rain begins to ease toward month's end. Still humid and warm. Last month of cyclone season.
April
27°C / 81°F
Transition month — showers becoming less frequent, seas calming. Lush green landscapes at their most vivid.
May
26°C / 79°F
Dry season begins. Excellent conditions for snorkeling and beach activities. Seas calm and clear.
June
25°C / 77°F
Dry and warm with fresh breezes. Ideal weather for hiking and outdoor activities. First whales arriving off Mohéli.
July
24°C / 75°F
Peak dry season — best weather of the year. Humpback whales in full force in Mohéli Marine Park. Peak tourist season.
August
24°C / 75°F
Excellent conditions, warm and dry. Whale watching at its peak. The finest month to visit Comoros.
September
25°C / 77°F
Dry season still holds. Whale watching continues. Fewer tourists than July-August and good prices.
October
26°C / 79°F
First signs of the approaching wet season — occasional showers. Still largely dry and warm with good sea conditions.
November
27°C / 81°F
Rainy season begins. Showers increase. Ylang-ylang harvest starts and turtle nesting increases on Mohéli.
December
28°C / 82°F
Wet season well established. Hot and humid. Vanilla flowering season on Anjouan plantations. Cyclone risk begins.
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Apr-May
April marks the transition from the wet to dry season — rain becomes less frequent though some showers persist. May signals the start of the dry season with increasingly clear skies, calmer seas, and ideal conditions for beach activities and hiking.
Summer
Months: Jun-Aug
The core of Comoros' dry season — warm, sunny, and relatively dry with calm seas perfect for snorkeling and diving. July-August adds the spectacular humpback whale migration to Mohéli Marine Park. This is the most popular tourist period.
Fall
Months: Sep-Oct
September-October is an excellent shoulder period — whale watching continues through September, the dry season holds, and tourist numbers drop from the July-August peak. October is the transition month with the first rains of the wet season beginning toward month's end.
Winter
Months: Nov-Mar
The rainy season brings heavy tropical downpours, high humidity, and occasionally rough seas. Cyclone risk increases. However, turtle nesting peaks on Mohéli, ylang-ylang harvest begins, and vanilla flowers in December-January. Some visitors enjoy the lush green landscapes despite the rain.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- Jul-Aug (peak whale watching and best weather)
- Shoulder Season
- May-Jun and Sep-Oct (good weather, fewer tourists)
- Low Season
- Nov-Apr (rainy season, lowest prices)
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Independence Day Celebrations
National holiday commemorating independence from France (1975). Celebrations include parades, traditional music and dance performances, cultural events in Moroni and major towns.
Humpback Whale Migration
Not an event but natural spectacle. Humpback whales migrate through Mohéli Marine Park waters to give birth and raise calves. Peak viewing August-September with boat tours available.
Ylang-Ylang Harvest Season
Main harvest period for ylang-ylang flowers. Distilleries operate at full capacity. Best time to visit plantations and see traditional extraction processes.
Vanilla Flowering Season
Vanilla orchids flower during this period. Plantation tours show the delicate hand-pollination process. Fascinating agricultural experience for visitors.
Green Turtle Nesting Season
Green sea turtles nest on Mohéli beaches throughout the year with peak activity during these months. Night tours available to watch nesting.
Eid al-Fitr
Major Islamic celebration marking end of Ramadan. Three-day festival with prayers, feasting, new clothes, family gatherings. Banks and most businesses closed. Cultural experience for visitors.
Eid al-Adha
Festival of Sacrifice, one of Islam's holiest celebrations. Animal sacrifices, prayers, charitable giving, family meals. Significant cultural event throughout the islands.
Traditional Grand Marriage (Anda)
Not a scheduled event but traditional multi-day wedding ceremonies occur regularly. Elaborate celebrations with hundreds of guests, traditional dress, music, dancing. Sometimes visitors can observe with local invitation.