Things to Do in Comoros in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Comoros
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- February sits right in the middle of Comoros' dry season, which means you'll get mostly sunny days with just occasional afternoon showers. The seas around Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Mohéli are exceptionally calm during this period, making it the absolute best time for diving and snorkeling - visibility can reach 30 m (98 ft) in spots like the Mohéli Marine Park.
- You're visiting during the ylang-ylang harvest season, which is genuinely special. The distilleries are running at full capacity in February, and you can actually watch the entire process from flower to essential oil. The scent across Anjouan's hillsides is incredible, and distillery tours typically cost 2,000-3,000 KMF (4-7 USD) when you book directly.
- February falls outside both European holiday periods and Ramadan, so you'll find significantly fewer tourists and better availability at guesthouses. Prices for accommodations drop by roughly 20-30% compared to December-January, and you won't be competing with crowds at places like Mount Karthala or Lac Salé.
- The sea turtle nesting season overlaps with February on Mohéli, particularly at Nioumachoua Beach. While peak nesting runs through March, you'll still catch green turtles coming ashore in the evenings. Local guides charge around 5,000 KMF (10-12 USD) for nighttime walks, and the experience is far more intimate than the packed turtle tours you'd find in more developed destinations.
Considerations
- While February is technically dry season, you're still in the tropics - those 10 rainy days usually mean sudden afternoon downpours that last 30-45 minutes. They're predictable enough to plan around, but if you're on a tight 3-4 day schedule, a badly timed storm can wipe out half a day of hiking or boat activities.
- February temperatures combined with 70% humidity create conditions that many travelers find genuinely uncomfortable, especially if you're coming from temperate climates. That 30°C (86°F) feels closer to 35°C (95°F) with the humidity factored in, and there's essentially no air conditioning outside of a handful of hotels in Moroni. You'll be sweating constantly.
- Inter-island boat services can still be unpredictable in February despite the calmer seas. The speedboat between Grande Comore and Anjouan runs only 2-3 times weekly and frequently gets delayed or cancelled with minimal notice. If you're planning to visit multiple islands, you need to build in at least one buffer day per crossing or risk missing your international flight home.
Best Activities in February
Mohéli Marine Park snorkeling and diving excursions
February offers the clearest water visibility of the entire year in Mohéli Marine Park, typically reaching 25-30 m (82-98 ft). The calm seas make boat trips comfortable even for those prone to seasickness, and you'll encounter green turtles, dolphins, and occasionally whale sharks. The coral gardens off Nioumachoua are particularly vibrant right now. Water temperature sits at a comfortable 27°C (81°F), so you won't need a thick wetsuit.
Mount Karthala volcano hiking
February's drier conditions make the trek to Karthala's crater significantly more manageable than during the rainy months when trails turn into mudslides. You'll start hiking around 2am to reach the 2,361 m (7,746 ft) summit by sunrise, and the reduced cloud cover in February means you're far more likely to actually see into the crater and across to the other islands. The sulfur vents are particularly active lately, which adds drama but also means bringing a bandana for the fumes.
Ylang-ylang distillery tours in Anjouan
February sits in the heart of ylang-ylang harvest season, and the distilleries across Anjouan's hillsides are processing flowers daily. You'll see the traditional alembic stills in action, watch workers hand-sort the yellow flowers, and learn why Comorian ylang-ylang commands premium prices in the perfume industry. The scent is overwhelming in the best way possible. Most distilleries operate between 6am-2pm when the flowers are freshest.
Traditional dhow sailing around Moroni coastline
February's calm seas and consistent trade winds create ideal conditions for sailing in the traditional outrigger dhows that have been used here for centuries. You'll sail along Grande Comore's western coast, stopping at small fishing villages and volcanic rock formations. The experience feels genuinely unhurried compared to motorboat tours, and you're supporting traditional boat builders who still construct these vessels by hand.
Lac Salé crater lake exploration
This saltwater lake sitting in an extinct volcanic crater is one of Comoros' most unusual landscapes, and February's lower water levels make the surrounding moonscape terrain easier to explore on foot. The contrast between the turquoise water and black volcanic rock is striking. You can swim in the lake - the high salinity makes you incredibly buoyant. The 30-minute hike down from the crater rim is steep but manageable in dry conditions.
Mutsamudu medina walking tours
Anjouan's capital has one of the best-preserved Swahili medinas in the Indian Ocean, and February's weather makes wandering the narrow stone streets actually pleasant in the early morning or late afternoon. You'll find carved wooden doors dating back 200+ years, active spice markets, and the crumbling Sultan's palace. The harbor area is particularly photogenic with traditional dhows and colonial-era warehouses.
February Events & Festivals
Maulide (Mawlid) celebrations
If Maulide falls in February 2026, which depends on the Islamic lunar calendar, you'll witness one of Comoros' most important religious festivals celebrating the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. The celebrations include night-long Sufi chanting ceremonies, traditional dances, and community feasts. Moroni and Mutsamudu have the largest public gatherings. As a visitor, you can observe respectfully from the edges of public celebrations, though private ceremonies are family affairs.