Things to Do in Comoros in January

January Weather in Comoros

28°C (82°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

150mm (5.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 150mm (5.9 inches) compared to 300mm+ (11.8+ inches) during rainy months, making hiking and island hopping reliable
Calm seas around Grande Comore and Anjouan ideal for boat transfers and diving - visibility reaches 25-30m (82-98 ft) underwater
Ylang-ylang harvest season creates intoxicating island-wide fragrance and cultural celebrations, with distilleries operating at full capacity
Cooler evening temperatures of 23°C (73°F) make outdoor dining and night markets comfortable after hot days

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and advance booking essential - many guesthouses fully booked by mid-December
Afternoon temperatures can feel oppressive at 85-90°F (29-32°C) with 70% humidity, limiting midday outdoor activities
Strong trade winds create choppy inter-island flights - delays and cancellations affect 20-30% of domestic flights during January peaks

Best Activities in January

Karthala Volcano Crater Hikes

January's dry conditions make the challenging 1,850m (6,070 ft) summit accessible with minimal mud and clear crater views. Cool morning temperatures of 23°C (73°F) perfect for the 6-8 hour trek. Local guides report 90% success rate during January compared to 60% in rainy season.

Booking Tip: Book with certified mountain guides 2-3 weeks ahead through your accommodation. Treks cost 15,000-25,000 KMF ($35-60) including guide and basic equipment. Start at 4am to avoid afternoon heat and potential weather changes.

Traditional Dhow Island Hopping

Calm January seas make the 2-3 hour crossings between islands comfortable in traditional sailing vessels. Water temperature stays warm at 26°C (79°F) while trade winds provide natural cooling. Peak season for spotting humpback whales migrating through Mozambique Channel.

Booking Tip: Charter full-day dhow excursions for 40,000-60,000 KMF ($95-145) for up to 8 people. Book through local fishermen cooperatives at least 10 days ahead. Weather delays rare in January but always confirm morning of departure.

Ylang-Ylang Distillery Tours

January harvest season means distilleries operate dawn to dusk processing fresh flowers. Witness traditional steam distillation creating the world's finest ylang-ylang essential oil. Morning tours at 6am offer coolest temperatures and most active production.

Booking Tip: Contact distilleries directly in Bambao and Ouani regions. Tours cost 2,000-5,000 KMF ($5-12) per person. No advance booking needed but arrive early morning when production is most active and temperatures manageable.

Chomoni Beach Turtle Nesting

Green turtle nesting season peaks in January with 60-80% success rate for sightings during night walks. Calm weather makes beach access easy along the 3km (1.9 mile) protected coastline. Local conservation groups offer guided experiences.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local conservation groups for 8,000-12,000 KMF ($20-30) per person. Night walks start 9pm-11pm when temperatures drop to comfortable 25°C (77°F). Book 3-5 days ahead during peak season.

Mutsamudu Old Town Walking Tours

January's lower humidity makes exploring narrow stone alleyways and climbing to elevated viewpoints comfortable. Traditional Swahili architecture photography benefits from consistent dry weather and dramatic afternoon light at 4-6pm.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration costs nothing, but local cultural guides charge 3,000-6,000 KMF ($7-15) for 2-3 hour tours. Start early morning at 8am or late afternoon at 4pm to avoid midday heat. No advance booking required.

Traditional Langouste Fishing Experiences

Peak lobster season coincides with calm January seas around Moheli and Grande Comore. Join local fishermen for dawn expeditions using traditional techniques. Water clarity excellent at 20-25m (65-82 ft) visibility for free diving.

Booking Tip: Arrange through fishing cooperatives for 20,000-35,000 KMF ($50-85) per person including equipment and boat. Trips start 5am returning by noon before afternoon heat. Book 1 week ahead through local contacts.

January Events & Festivals

Mid January

Ylang-Ylang Harvest Festival

Traditional celebrations marking peak flower harvest with distillation demonstrations, cultural performances, and essential oil trading. Villages across Anjouan host community gatherings with local music and flower crown ceremonies.

Late January

Grande Comore Spearfishing Championship

Annual competition bringing together fishermen from all three islands. Spectators welcome at Itsandra Beach for weigh-ins and traditional boat races. Local food vendors offer fresh seafood preparations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in cotton or linen - protect from UV index 8 sun while allowing airflow in 70% humidity

Quick-dry hiking pants for volcano treks - morning temperatures start at 23°C (73°F) but summit conditions can be 10°C (18°F) cooler

Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen - essential for boat trips and beach activities with intense equatorial sun reflection off water

Packable rain jacket - afternoon showers brief but intense, lasting 15-30 minutes with little warning

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support - volcanic rock trails are sharp and unforgiving, especially on Karthala crater rim

Breathable wide-brimmed hat - crucial for extended outdoor activities when shade is scarce on open boat decks

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes most active during brief evening cooling periods around 6-8pm

Quick-dry towel - high humidity means regular towels stay damp for days in coastal accommodation

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat trips and sudden tropical downpours that soak everything in minutes

Electrolyte supplements - dehydration happens quickly in warm humid conditions during physical activities

Insider Knowledge

Local fishermen offer the best boat transfers between islands at half the price of tourist operators - negotiate at main harbors around 6am when they're preparing for daily runs

Bring euros or dollars cash - ATMs frequently empty and card acceptance nearly nonexistent outside main hotels. Exchange rate better for larger denominations

Buy ylang-ylang oil directly from distilleries at 8,000-12,000 KMF ($20-30) per 10ml bottle - same quality costs $80-120 internationally

Stay in local guesthouses rather than the few resort hotels - better food, cultural interaction, and prices 60-70% lower at 15,000-25,000 KMF ($35-60) per night

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating flight delays and inter-island transportation time - domestic flights cancelled 20-30% of time, always have backup days in itinerary

Not bringing enough cash euros - banking infrastructure minimal and credit cards rarely accepted outside main hotels

Planning outdoor activities during midday heat 11am-3pm - locals rest during these hours, you should too