Things to Do in Comoros in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Comoros
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Prime dry season conditions - August sits right in the heart of Comoros' best weather window (May through October), meaning you'll get mostly sunny days with just occasional brief showers. The humidity is actually manageable compared to the wet season, and the 26°C (79°F) highs are warm enough for beach days without being oppressive.
- Humpback whale season peaks - August is legitimately one of the two best months (along with September) to see humpback whales migrating through Comoros waters. The calmer seas during dry season make boat trips more comfortable, and visibility underwater is typically excellent for snorkeling near these incredible animals off Mohéli's coast.
- Lower tourist numbers mean better prices - Comoros doesn't get crowded by any standard, but August falls just after the July European vacation rush and before the September honeymoon season. You'll find better availability at guesthouses and can often negotiate room rates down 15-20% compared to peak months.
- Karthala volcano hiking conditions are ideal - The drier trails and clearer skies in August make this the most reliable month for attempting the 2,361 m (7,746 ft) summit of Mount Karthala on Grande Comore. Morning starts typically offer cloud-free views across the archipelago, and the reduced rainfall means fewer trail cancellations due to safety concerns.
Considerations
- Wind can be stronger than you'd expect - August brings consistent southeast trade winds, which is great for keeping things cool but can make some beach activities less pleasant. The windward coasts of Grande Comore get choppy, and if you're planning beach days, you'll want to stick to the protected western shores. Snorkeling can be challenging on windy days.
- Some marine activities have limited visibility - Ironically, while August is dry season, the winds can stir up sediment in shallower waters around Grande Comore and Anjouan. If you're serious about diving or snorkeling coral reefs, you might find that early morning sessions before winds pick up (typically by 10-11am) offer the clearest water.
- Ylang-ylang harvest means rural areas are busier - August falls during the ylang-ylang flower harvest season, which is culturally fascinating but means that plantation areas can be quite active with workers. If you're hoping for completely secluded rural experiences, you'll encounter more activity than usual in the agricultural regions of Anjouan and Mohéli.
Best Activities in August
Humpback whale watching excursions off Mohéli
August is peak season for humpback whales migrating through the Mozambique Channel, and Mohéli Marine Park offers some of the Indian Ocean's most reliable sightings. The calmer seas during dry season mean boat trips are comfortable even for those prone to seasickness, and you'll often see mothers with calves in relatively shallow waters. The 70% humidity is actually pleasant on the water with the breeze, and morning departures around 7-8am offer the best combination of calm seas and active whales. Success rates in August typically run 80-85% for sightings.
Mount Karthala volcano summit hikes
August offers the most reliable weather window for tackling Grande Comore's active volcano. The 2,361 m (7,746 ft) summit hike typically starts around 3-4am to reach the crater rim by sunrise, and in August you'll have about 75% chance of clear views (compared to maybe 30% during wet season). The cooler temperatures at night - dropping to around 15°C (59°F) at higher elevations - make the steep ascent more manageable than hotter months. The trail conditions are drier and safer, with less mud and fewer cancellations due to weather. This is genuinely challenging terrain though, requiring decent fitness for the 6-7 hour round trip.
Traditional dhow sailing along the coast
The consistent southeast trade winds in August make this the best month for traditional dhow sailing experiences around the islands. These wooden outrigger boats are how locals have navigated these waters for centuries, and in August the winds are strong enough to make sailing genuinely exciting without being dangerous. Half-day or full-day trips typically include stops at fishing villages, snorkeling spots, and beach picnics. The morning departures (8-9am) catch the building winds perfectly, and you'll see working dhows bringing in catches alongside tourist boats. The cultural authenticity here is real - these aren't replica boats, they're actual working vessels.
Ylang-ylang distillery tours and plantation visits
August coincides with ylang-ylang flower harvest season, and visiting the distilleries during active production gives you a completely different experience than off-season tours. The flowers are picked early morning (you can join harvest walks starting around 5-6am), and by mid-morning the distillation process is underway with the incredible fragrance filling the air. Anjouan has the most accessible plantations, particularly around Bambao and Pomoni. The process is genuinely fascinating - watching how these yellow flowers become the essential oil that ends up in high-end perfumes. The 26°C (79°F) temperatures make the outdoor plantation walks comfortable, especially in morning hours.
Snorkeling at Mohéli Marine Park coral gardens
While wind can affect some snorkeling spots in August, the protected areas within Mohéli Marine Park maintain excellent visibility, especially during morning sessions before winds pick up around 10-11am. The water temperature hovers around 25°C (77°F) - comfortable without a wetsuit - and August brings good chances of seeing green turtles, which nest on park beaches. The coral gardens near Nioumachoua and Itsamia are accessible from shore or short boat rides, and the marine life density here genuinely rivals better-known Indian Ocean destinations. The lower tourist numbers in August mean you'll often have sections of reef to yourself.
Medina exploration and local market visits
August's relatively comfortable weather makes walking through the old medinas of Moroni, Mutsamudu, and Fomboni much more pleasant than during hot or rainy months. The narrow stone streets stay cooler, and the 70% humidity is noticeable but not oppressive, especially in early morning or late afternoon. Markets are particularly vibrant in August with seasonal produce and the ylang-ylang harvest bringing extra activity. Moroni's Friday market (actually runs Thursday evening through Friday) is the largest, but Mutsamudu's daily market has better spice and vanilla selections. The architecture - Arab-Swahili influences with carved wooden doors and coral stone buildings - is best photographed in the softer light of early morning before 9am or late afternoon after 4pm.
August Events & Festivals
Maulid celebrations (Prophet Muhammad's birthday)
The date shifts annually based on Islamic lunar calendar, but Maulid often falls in August or September in 2026. This is one of Comoros' most significant religious celebrations, featuring special prayers, processions, and community gatherings across all islands. In Moroni and Mutsamudu, you'll see elaborately decorated mosques and evening celebrations with traditional taarab music and poetry recitations. It's a deeply spiritual time but also genuinely welcoming to respectful visitors. The community feasting aspect means you might be invited to share meals if you've built any local connections during your stay.