Weather on the Comoros Islands

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The climate in the Comoros Islands is known to be a tropical maritime one with the year broken up into two different seasons: one that's hot and humid from December to April and another one that's cool and somewhat dry from May to November.

These two seasons are based almost entirely on precipitation patterns with the hot and humid season experiencing monsoonal-like rainfall for 86 days (on average), compared to the dry season's 69 days (on average). However, the total amount of average rainfall expected throughout the year can depend on which part of the islands you're on, with the northeast regions experiencing the most.

The weather on the islands can be scorching with average high temperatures of up to 31°C during December and January. Fortunately, the average temperature sits a little lower at around 28°C but this is still pretty warm if you plan on spending most of your time outside.

Temperatures start getting cooler when it hits the dry season with averages expected around 25°C, making it a more realistic and manageable time to participate in outside activities such as hiking and swimming.

How does the islands' geography alter weather patterns?

The Comoros Islands consist of four main islands (Grande Comore, Anjouan, Moheli, and Mahore) in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa that all boast unique geographical features thanks to their volcanic origins.

Both Moheli and Anjouan have hilly terrain, specifically within the middle of the islands, but no distinct mountain range, whereas Grande Comore has Mt. Karthala, an active volcano that stands at around 2,360 feet above sea level. This volcano is one of the main drawcards to the island. However, it also has the ability to alter weather patterns as clouds are more likely to form along its slopes, resulting in frequent thunderstorms and rainfall.

When is the best time to visit the Comoros Islands?

Since the Comoros Islands can get hot and humid from December to April, the best time to visit the islands is during its cool and dry season, specifically from June to October, when the chance of rainfall is generally lower and the temperatures are mild enough to comfortably spend long periods of time outside among the islands' natural beauty. However, this is also considered the islands' peak season so expect increased accommodation and activity prices, lower availability, and larger crowds at popular spots. If you plan on travelling during this time, make sure you pre-book well in advance to avoid any disruption to your preferred itinerary.

Thankfully, the water surrounding the Comoros Islands stays warm all year round - it hits the lowest temperature in August at 25°C - so if you want to travel during a quieter month, you'll still be able to enjoy a whole range of water-based activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving without feeling cold. But if you're travelling during the hot season, don't expect the ocean to offer any reprieve from the heat, as water temperatures can sit at around 29°C from January to April.

It's important to note that the Comoros Islands are subject to the occasional tropical cyclone and, while these can occur all year round, are more likely to materialise from December to mid-April, so keep that in mind when you're figuring out your travel plans.