Things to Do in Comoros in December

December Weather in Comoros

29°C (84°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

78% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Lush green landscapes at their most spectacular - waterfalls like Dzialandzé are at full flow and the ylang-ylang plantations are vibrant after months of rain
Significantly fewer tourists mean you'll have beaches like Itsandra and Chomoni almost entirely to yourself, plus accommodation rates drop 30-40% from July-August peaks
Peak sea turtle nesting season on Grande Comore's beaches - hawksbill and green turtles nest at night with guided viewing possible
Fresh tropical fruit season - lychees, mangoes, and breadfruit are abundant and incredibly cheap at local markets like Volo Volo

Considerations

Daily afternoon thunderstorms lasting 1-2 hours make outdoor planning unpredictable - expect rain between 2pm-5pm most days
High humidity (78%) combined with 29°C (84°F) temperatures creates exhausting conditions for hiking or extended outdoor activities
Some remote roads become impassable due to flooding, particularly on Anjouan's mountain routes and dirt roads to secluded beaches

Best Activities in December

Mount Karthala Volcano Hiking

December's cooler mornings and cloud cover make the 2,361m (7,746ft) ascent more bearable than dry season. Start at 4am to reach the crater rim by 10am before afternoon storms. The wet season creates stunning cloud formations and the clearest views into the active crater lake. Local guides are essential and more available during low season.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through your accommodation. Expect to pay 15,000-25,000 KMF for guided day trips. Ensure guides provide proper safety equipment and check weather conditions the night before. Most tours include transportation from Moroni.

Mohéli Marine Park Snorkeling

December brings the warmest water temperatures (28°C/82°F) and excellent visibility between rain showers. The wet season concentrates marine life around the coral reefs, and you'll encounter fewer boats. Time trips for morning departures (7am-11am) to avoid afternoon storms. Sea conditions are generally calmer than dry season trade wind months.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed operators in Fomboni 3-4 days ahead. Half-day trips typically cost 8,000-15,000 KMF including equipment. Morning trips have better weather reliability. Look for operators with covered boats due to sudden rain showers.

Anjouan Ylang-Ylang Plantation Tours

The wet season is when ylang-ylang flowers bloom most prolifically on Anjouan's hillsides. December tours include the full distillation process as factories operate at peak capacity. The humidity actually enhances the fragrance experience, and plantation workers are more available during the slower tourism period. Morning visits (8am-11am) offer the best flower picking demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Contact plantations directly or through Mutsamudu accommodations 2-3 days prior. Tours typically cost 3,000-6,000 KMF per person. Many plantations offer combined tours with traditional perfume making. Bring cash as card payments aren't accepted.

Traditional Dhow Sailing

December's variable winds create ideal learning conditions for traditional dhow sailing around Grande Comore's coast. Local fishermen supplement income during wet season by offering tourist trips. The afternoon storms create dramatic seascapes, and you'll experience authentic Comorian maritime culture. Best combined with village visits to see dhow construction.

Booking Tip: Arrange through fishing communities in Itsandra or Chomoni. Expect to pay 5,000-10,000 KMF for 2-3 hour trips. Always check weather forecasts and avoid afternoon departure times. Many fishermen speak basic French but bring a translator if needed.

Moroni Old Town Cultural Walking Tours

December's frequent rain showers make covered medina exploration perfect. The wet season coincides with increased cultural activity as people spend more time indoors, leading to better craft demonstrations and cultural exchanges. The Friday Mosque and old Arab architecture provide excellent shelter during sudden downpours.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration works well, but local guides enhance the experience for 2,000-4,000 KMF per half day. Start early morning (8am) to maximize dry time before afternoon rains. Many shops close during prayer times, so plan around local schedules.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Mawlid an-Nabi Celebrations

The Prophet Muhammad's birthday brings community gatherings, traditional music, and special foods throughout the islands. Mosques organize evening prayers and community meals, offering visitors insight into Comorian Islamic culture.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants - essential for Mount Karthala's muddy wet season trails and sudden weather changes at 2,361m (7,746ft) elevation

Waterproof phone case - daily rain showers and 78% humidity will damage electronics quickly

High-SPF waterproof sunscreen (SPF 50+) - UV index reaches 9 even through clouds and reflects off wet surfaces

Lightweight rain poncho - umbrellas are useless in sudden tropical downpours with wind

Breathable cotton or merino wool clothing - avoid polyester which becomes unbearable in 78% humidity

Waterproof hiking boots with good grip - volcanic rock becomes extremely slippery when wet

Mesh laundry bag - clothes take 2-3 days to dry in December humidity

Antifungal powder - essential for preventing foot problems in constantly damp conditions

Ziplock bags for documents and cash - nothing stays dry without proper protection

Insect repellent with DEET - wet season increases mosquito activity significantly

Insider Knowledge

Schedule important activities for 8am-1pm daily - afternoon storms between 2pm-5pm are virtually guaranteed and can be severe

Bring twice as much cash as you think you need - ATMs frequently run out of money during wet season when supply boats are delayed by weather

Book accommodations with backup power - electricity outages during storms are common and can last 4-6 hours

Learn basic Comorian greetings - locals are especially welcoming to tourists who visit during the challenging wet season and appreciate cultural effort

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities after 1pm - afternoon thunderstorms make hiking, snorkeling, and beach activities dangerous or impossible

Bringing only summer clothes - December nights can feel surprisingly cool (25°C/77°F) after hot humid days, especially at elevation

Expecting European wet season patterns - Comoros storms are intense but brief tropical downpours, not all-day drizzle