Things to Do in Comoros in February

February Weather in Comoros

28°C (82°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

180 mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Ylang-ylang flowering season peaks in February - the air across all three islands fills with the intoxicating scent that makes Comoros the world's largest ylang-ylang producer
Sea turtle nesting season on Mohéli beaches - February offers the best chances to witness hawksbill and green turtle nesting, particularly at Nioumachoua Beach after 9pm
Optimal underwater visibility of 25-30 m (82-98 ft) for diving at Mohéli Marine Park - the calmest seas between December and March make February ideal for exploring the pristine coral reefs
Mango and jackfruit harvest season means local markets overflow with fresh tropical fruits at rock-bottom prices - a large mango costs just 100 CF (about $0.20)

Considerations

Cyclone season risk - while direct hits are rare, February sits in the Indian Ocean cyclone season (November-April) with potential for flight cancellations and rough seas affecting inter-island travel
High humidity makes hiking volcanic peaks extremely challenging - the combination of 70% humidity and afternoon temperatures of 28°C (82°F) can be overwhelming for those not accustomed to tropical conditions
Afternoon thunderstorms from 2-5pm disrupt outdoor activities daily - locals call this 'l'heure de la pluie' and plan accordingly, but first-time visitors often get caught unprepared

Best Activities in February

Mohéli Marine Park Diving and Snorkeling

February offers the clearest waters of the year with 25-30 m (82-98 ft) visibility and calm conditions. The marine park protects pristine coral reefs where you'll encounter whale sharks, manta rays, and endemic fish species found nowhere else. Water temperature stays at a comfortable 26°C (79°F). Morning dives from 7-11am avoid afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: Book certified PADI operators 7-10 days ahead through hotels or local dive centers. Expect to pay 15,000-25,000 CF ($30-50) for two-tank dives including equipment. All operators must be registered with the marine park authority. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Grande Comore Volcanic Hiking Tours

Mount Karthala (2,361 m / 7,746 ft) offers spectacular crater views, but February's humidity makes this extremely challenging. Better to focus on coastal volcanic formations and lava tube caves near Moroni. Early morning hikes from 5-8am beat both heat and afternoon rains. The volcanic soil creates unique endemic plant communities visible only during wet season.

Booking Tip: Local guides charge 8,000-12,000 CF ($16-24) per day and are essential for safety and plant identification. Book through your accommodation or tourist office in Moroni. Crater hikes require 2-day advance booking due to permit requirements. Current tour availability in booking widget below.

Anjouan Spice Plantation Tours

February is harvest time for ylang-ylang, vanilla, and cloves - you'll see the entire production process from flower picking at dawn to essential oil distillation. The island's mountainous terrain creates microclimates perfect for spice cultivation. Tours typically last 4-5 hours including traditional lunch with plantation families.

Booking Tip: Family-run plantations offer the most authentic experiences for 5,000-8,000 CF ($10-16) per person including meals. Book directly through hotels in Mutsamudu or contact plantations 2-3 days ahead. Morning tours from 7am-noon avoid afternoon rains. See booking options below.

Sea Turtle Night Watching Tours

February is peak nesting season for hawksbill and green turtles on Mohéli's protected beaches. Nioumachoua Beach offers the highest success rates with guided tours from 9pm-2am. Strict protocols protect the turtles - red lights only and silent observation from 10 m (33 ft) distance. Success rate in February exceeds 80%.

Booking Tip: Tours cost 6,000-10,000 CF ($12-20) and must be booked through certified eco-guides registered with Mohéli Marine Park. Maximum 8 people per group. Book 3-5 days ahead as tours are limited to protect nesting sites. Weather-dependent - cancelled during storms.

Traditional Dhow Island-Hopping

February's calmer seas make traditional dhow sailing between islands more reliable than other wet season months. These wooden sailing vessels offer authentic transportation and fishing experiences with local crews. Inter-island trips take 3-6 hours depending on wind and destination. Best cultural immersion experience available.

Booking Tip: Negotiate directly at ports in Moroni, Mutsamudu, or Fomboni. Expect 8,000-15,000 CF ($16-30) per person for day trips including simple meals. Shared trips are cheaper than private charters. Always confirm weather conditions and carry seasickness medication. Book morning departures to avoid afternoon storms.

Local Market and Cooking Experiences

February's fruit harvest makes local markets incredible - mangoes, jackfruit, breadfruit, and fresh coconuts at peak ripeness. Traditional cooking classes teach Comorian cuisine using wood fires and clay pots. You'll learn to prepare pilao (spiced rice), langouste curry, and sambusas while gaining insight into Islamic Comorian culture.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes through local women's cooperatives cost 4,000-7,000 CF ($8-14) including market visits and meals. Book through accommodations or community centers. Morning sessions from 8am-1pm work best around market schedules and afternoon rains. Vegetarian options always available.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Maulida Religious Festival

This Islamic celebration honoring Prophet Muhammad's birth involves community prayers, traditional poetry recitations, and communal feasts. Each village celebrates slightly differently, with some including traditional taarab music and dance. Visitors are welcome to observe respectfully, particularly the evening community meals.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - afternoon storms drop 15-20 mm (0.6-0.8 inches) in 30 minutes and umbrellas are useless in the wind

Quick-dry hiking pants and breathable cotton shirts - synthetic fabrics become unbearable in 70% humidity

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off white sand beaches intensifies exposure

Waterproof phone case and electronics bag - humidity and sudden downpours damage devices rapidly

Closed-toe water shoes for volcanic coastlines - sharp lava rock and sea urchins make flip-flops inadequate

Long-sleeve shirt for mosque visits - required for both men and women at religious sites across all islands

Insect repellent with 30% DEET - mosquitoes are most active during February's wet conditions, especially at dawn and dusk

Small daypack with waterproof liner - essential for protecting belongings during hiking and boat trips

Cash in small denominations - credit cards rarely work and breaking large bills can be difficult in villages

Modest swimwear covering shoulders and thighs - respects local Islamic customs at public beaches

Insider Knowledge

Locals take a mandatory rest break from 12-3pm called 'repos' - shops close and activities pause, so plan around this daily rhythm rather than fighting it

Inter-island flights cancel frequently in February due to weather - always book refundable accommodations and build 2-3 buffer days into your itinerary for weather delays

The best exchange rates are at small shops ('dukas') in town centers rather than hotels or the airport - look for handwritten 'change' signs and bring clean USD bills

February is wedding season - if you hear drums and celebration music, you're welcome to observe from a respectful distance, and locals often invite curious visitors to share food

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking non-refundable accommodations without considering February's unpredictable weather - cyclone warnings can force last-minute itinerary changes

Attempting strenuous hiking during midday heat - locals start all outdoor work before 8am and resume after 4pm for good reason

Not carrying cash everywhere - even upscale hotels often can't process card payments due to unreliable internet connections