Things to Do in Comoros in April

April Weather in Comoros

29°C (84°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

78% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Peak ylang-ylang harvest season - the islands smell incredible and distillery tours show flowers at their most fragrant
Excellent underwater visibility 25-30m (82-98 ft) as post-cyclone sediment has settled, making it ideal for diving at Mohéli Marine Park
Traditional wedding season means authentic cultural experiences with elaborate Comorian ceremonies and traditional music performances
Mango and breadfruit season creates the year's best local cuisine opportunities with fresh tropical flavors at markets

Considerations

Heavy afternoon downpours 12 days per month can disrupt outdoor plans between 2-5pm, requiring flexible scheduling
High humidity 78% makes hiking Mount Karthala more challenging - start before 6am or risk exhaustion
Inter-island boat services frequently delayed or cancelled due to rough seas from lingering cyclone season effects

Best Activities in April

Mohéli Marine Park Diving and Snorkeling

April offers the clearest water conditions of the year with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility after cyclone season sediment settles. Green turtles are nesting, and whale shark sightings peak. Water temperature is perfect at 27°C (81°F). Morning dives avoid afternoon rain.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through certified dive operators. Full day trips cost 25,000-35,000 KMF ($55-75). Choose operators with marine park permits and turtle monitoring partnerships. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Mount Karthala Crater Hiking

Cooler April temperatures make the 2,361m (7,746 ft) summit more manageable than dry season heat. Crystal clear post-rain air offers spectacular views to Madagascar. Start before sunrise to avoid afternoon storms and humidity peaks.

Booking Tip: Essential to book guides 5-7 days ahead - only 3 licensed operators run Karthala treks. Costs 15,000-20,000 KMF ($33-44) for day hikes. Overnight crater camping available but weather-dependent in April. Current options in booking section.

Ylang-Ylang Distillery Tours

Peak flowering season makes April the absolute best time for distillery visits. Watch traditional steam distillation processes with maximum oil production. Morning harvest tours show workers hand-picking flowers at optimal fragrance. Educational and aromatic experience unique to this season.

Booking Tip: Book directly with distilleries 3-5 days ahead. Tours cost 2,000-3,500 KMF ($4-8) and include oil samples. Bambao and Patsy distilleries offer the most comprehensive experiences. Morning tours preferred during harvest season.

Traditional Village Cultural Tours

April wedding season provides authentic cultural immersion opportunities. Visit active ceremonies, traditional music performances, and elaborate henna preparations. Locals are welcoming during celebration periods. Indoor cultural activities perfect for rainy afternoons.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local guides 2-3 days ahead, costs 5,000-8,000 KMF ($11-18) including traditional meal. Respect photography restrictions and dress modestly. Village homestays available but book early during wedding season.

Moroni Medina and Market Tours

April's mango season fills Volo Volo market with incredible tropical fruits and traditional preserves. Rain creates comfortable temperatures for walking the narrow medina streets. Friday market days are most vibrant. Perfect indoor activity during afternoon showers.

Booking Tip: Self-guided or arrange local guides for 3,000-5,000 KMF ($7-11). Best visited 8-11am before heat peaks. Bring waterproof bag for purchases during rain season. Try seasonal fruit preparations unique to April harvest.

Inter-Island Traditional Boat Trips

Experience traditional dhow sailing between islands when weather permits. April's variable conditions create dramatic seascapes and authentic sailing experiences. Local fishermen offer cultural exchanges and traditional navigation demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Weather-dependent - book flexible arrangements 1-2 days ahead. Costs 8,000-12,000 KMF ($18-26) for half-day trips. Morning departures most reliable. Cancel/reschedule policies essential during changeable April weather. Check current availability below.

April Events & Festivals

Throughout April

Wedding Season Celebrations

Traditional Comorian weddings peak in April with elaborate multi-day celebrations featuring traditional dances, henna ceremonies, and communal feasts. Authentic cultural immersion opportunities throughout the islands.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking boots rated for 2,361m (7,746 ft) altitude - essential for Mount Karthala's volcanic terrain and muddy April conditions

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 and you'll be near marine protected areas where chemical sunscreens are prohibited

Compact umbrella AND lightweight rain jacket - April showers are heavy but brief, requiring both quick deployment and breathability

Moisture-wicking synthetic shirts, avoid cotton which stays damp in 78% humidity and 29°C (84°F) temperatures

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - protect electronics during boat trips and sudden tropical downpours

Cash in small denominations - many activities cost 2,000-8,000 KMF and remote areas don't accept cards

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - April's rain creates mosquito breeding conditions, especially near ylang-ylang plantations

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees - essential during wedding season cultural activities and mosque visits

Reef-safe snorkel gear if certified - rental quality varies and April's excellent visibility deserves quality equipment

Portable power bank - electricity can be unreliable during April storms and you'll want cameras charged for ylang-ylang season

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations 3-4 weeks ahead in April - wedding season brings extended families from diaspora, creating unexpected demand

Inter-island flights have higher cancellation rates in April due to weather - always book refundable tickets and plan buffer days

Ylang-ylang oil purchases are 30-40% cheaper directly from distilleries during April harvest versus tourist shops year-round

Local restaurants serve seasonal mango and breadfruit dishes only in April - try 'breadfruit curry' and fresh mango chutneys unavailable other months

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 1pm - April's afternoon storms hit predictably between 2-5pm, disrupting hiking and boat trips

Bringing only lightweight rain gear - April storms are intense tropical downpours requiring substantial waterproof protection

Not carrying cash reserves - remote ylang-ylang distilleries and village tours operate cash-only, and ATMs are scarce outside Moroni