The Comoros is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean, positioned between the eastern coast of Africa and the northern tip of Madagascar. The country consists of three main volcanic islands: Grande Comore (Ngazidja), Mohéli (Mwali), and Anjouan (Nzwani), along with numerous smaller islets. The terrain is diverse, with lush tropical forests, mountainous landscapes, and coastlines fringed with coral reefs. Mount Karthala, an active volcano on Grande Comore, is the country’s highest point, standing at 2,361 meters (7,746 feet).
Comoros has a tropical climate, heavily influenced by the Indian Ocean. The weather in Comoros is defined by two main seasons: a hot, rainy season from November to April, and a cooler, drier season from May to October. The islands are subject to tropical cyclones during the wet season, while the dry season is marked by pleasant trade winds. Understanding the weather patterns throughout the year can help travelers and locals plan their activities and make the most of this beautiful archipelago.
Comoros Weather by Month
January: Peak of the Wet Season
Coastal and Lowland Areas
- Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: High, around 300 mm, with frequent tropical downpours
- Humidity: Very high, around 80-90%
- Winds: Gentle, with occasional gusts due to tropical storms
- Sea Temperature: 28°C (82°F), ideal for swimming but with rougher seas
Highland Areas (Mount Karthala)
- Temperature: Cooler, around 22°C (72°F) during the day, dropping to 16°C (61°F) at night
- Rainfall: Heavy, with rain showers almost daily
- Humidity: High, especially in rainforests
- Winds: More intense near the mountain
Summary: January is one of the wettest months in Comoros, characterized by heavy rainfall, high humidity, and warm temperatures. Tropical storms are frequent, and the seas are rougher, making it less ideal for outdoor activities or water sports. However, the lush greenery thrives, and the landscapes are vibrant.
February: Continued Rain and Storms
Coastal and Lowland Areas
- Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: Still heavy, around 280 mm, with thunderstorms
- Humidity: High, around 85%
- Winds: Light, but strong during storms
- Sea Temperature: 28°C (82°F), still warm but rough conditions
Highland Areas
- Temperature: Around 23°C (73°F) during the day, 17°C (63°F) at night
- Rainfall: Heavy, with frequent showers
- Winds: Increased intensity on the higher slopes
Summary: February continues with the heavy rain and occasional tropical storms, making it one of the least favorable months for outdoor tourism. However, the island’s rainforests are thriving during this time, and the inland landscapes are beautiful despite the rain.
March: Gradual Decrease in Rainfall
Coastal and Lowland Areas
- Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: Still significant, around 250 mm, but starting to taper off
- Humidity: High, around 80-85%
- Winds: Mild, except during occasional storms
- Sea Temperature: 28°C (82°F), still warm with slightly calmer seas
Highland Areas
- Temperature: 23°C (73°F) during the day, 17°C (63°F) at night
- Rainfall: Heavy, but decreasing towards the end of the month
Summary: March marks a transition towards the end of the wet season. Rainfall remains substantial, but thunderstorms become less frequent. While the weather is still unpredictable, visitors may find brief periods of sunshine and calmer conditions for exploration.
April: End of the Wet Season
Coastal and Lowland Areas
- Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: Decreasing to around 200 mm
- Humidity: High, but slightly lower than in previous months
- Winds: Light, with occasional gusts
- Sea Temperature: 28°C (82°F), with calmer seas
Highland Areas
- Temperature: 23°C (73°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 150-200 mm, with occasional showers
Summary: April signals the end of the wet season in Comoros. Rainfall continues, but with fewer heavy storms, and the skies begin to clear. It’s a good time to enjoy the island’s natural beauty as the lush landscapes still benefit from recent rains, and the weather begins to settle.
May: Start of the Dry Season
Coastal and Lowland Areas
- Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F) during the day, 23°C (73°F) at night
- Rainfall: Drops significantly to around 120 mm
- Humidity: Lower, around 70-75%
- Winds: Light to moderate trade winds from the southeast
- Sea Temperature: 27°C (81°F), calmer and ideal for swimming and snorkeling
Highland Areas
- Temperature: 22°C (72°F) during the day, 17°C (63°F) at night
- Rainfall: Lower, around 80 mm, with more dry days
Summary: May is the start of the dry season in Comoros, with significantly reduced rainfall and lower humidity. This is an excellent time for visitors, as the weather is more predictable, and the cooler trade winds bring relief. The seas calm down, making water activities like snorkeling and diving more enjoyable.
June: Pleasant Dry Weather
Coastal and Lowland Areas
- Average Temperature: 26°C (79°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
- Rainfall: Low, around 60 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 70%
- Winds: Steady southeast trade winds
- Sea Temperature: 26°C (79°F), calm and inviting
Highland Areas
- Temperature: 21°C (70°F) during the day, 16°C (61°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, around 50 mm
Summary: June brings cool, dry, and comfortable weather to Comoros. It is an ideal month for both coastal and inland activities, with very little rain and pleasant temperatures. The trade winds are more consistent, making this an excellent time for sailing and other water-based activities.
July: Dry and Cool
Coastal and Lowland Areas
- Average Temperature: 25°C (77°F) during the day, 21°C (70°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, around 40 mm
- Humidity: Low to moderate, around 65-70%
- Winds: Stronger southeast trade winds
- Sea Temperature: 25°C (77°F), calm and clear
Highland Areas
- Temperature: 20°C (68°F) during the day, 15°C (59°F) at night
- Rainfall: Very low, around 40 mm
Summary: July is one of the coolest and driest months in Comoros, making it a perfect time for outdoor adventures such as hiking, especially in the highlands of Mount Karthala. Coastal areas experience calm seas, perfect for diving and exploring coral reefs. The stronger trade winds also make it ideal for windsurfing and sailing.
August: Cool, Dry, and Windy
Coastal and Lowland Areas
- Average Temperature: 25°C (77°F) during the day, 21°C (70°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, around 30 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 65%
- Winds: Strong southeast trade winds
- Sea Temperature: 25°C (77°F), perfect for marine activities
Highland Areas
- Temperature: 20°C (68°F) during the day, 15°C (59°F) at night
- Rainfall: Very low, around 30 mm
Summary: August continues the dry and cool weather pattern, with very little rainfall and steady trade winds. It is an excellent time for water sports, including sailing and diving, as the seas remain calm and the skies clear. The cool breezes make the otherwise hot and humid climate of Comoros much more comfortable.
September: End of the Cool Season
Coastal and Lowland Areas
- Average Temperature: 26°C (79°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
- Rainfall: Slight increase to around 50 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 70%
- Winds: Trade winds begin to weaken
- Sea Temperature: 26°C (79°F), still calm and warm
Highland Areas
- Temperature: 21°C (70°F) during the day, 16°C (61°F) at night
- Rainfall: Slight increase to around 50 mm
Summary: September sees the gradual end of the cool, dry season, with a slight increase in rainfall and warmer temperatures. It’s still an excellent time to visit, as the weather remains pleasant, but the trade winds begin to weaken, reducing the breezes. The seas are still perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.
October: Transition into the Wet Season
Coastal and Lowland Areas
- Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F) during the day, 23°C (73°F) at night
- Rainfall: Increases to around 100 mm
- Humidity: Rising, around 75%
- Winds: Light to moderate, with occasional gusts
- Sea Temperature: 27°C (81°F), warm but with occasional choppy conditions
Highland Areas
- Temperature: 22°C (72°F) during the day, 17°C (63°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 90 mm
Summary: October marks the beginning of the transition back to the wet season. Rainfall increases, and humidity rises, but the weather remains largely pleasant, with only occasional showers. It’s still a good time for exploring the islands, though visitors should be prepared for sudden rain showers.
November: The Start of the Wet Season
Coastal and Lowland Areas
- Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: Increases sharply to around 150 mm
- Humidity: High, around 80%
- Winds: Light, but can pick up during thunderstorms
- Sea Temperature: 28°C (82°F), warm but with choppier seas
Highland Areas
- Temperature: 23°C (73°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate to heavy, around 120 mm
Summary: November marks the start of the wet season in Comoros, with a significant increase in rainfall and humidity. Thunderstorms become more common, especially in the afternoons. The seas can become rough, reducing opportunities for water activities. Inland, the highlands begin to experience more consistent rain.
December: Peak of the Wet Season
Coastal and Lowland Areas
- Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: High, around 250 mm
- Humidity: Very high, around 85-90%
- Winds: Mild, but strong during storms
- Sea Temperature: 28°C (82°F), with rougher seas
Highland Areas
- Temperature: 24°C (75°F) during the day, 19°C (66°F) at night
- Rainfall: Heavy, around 200 mm, with frequent showers
Summary: December is one of the wettest months in Comoros, with high humidity and frequent rainstorms. The coastal areas experience heavy downpours, and the seas become choppier, reducing the appeal of beach activities. However, the lush landscapes are vibrant and alive, making it a picturesque time for nature lovers.