Things to Do in Comoros in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Comoros
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season comfort means you can actually plan outdoor activities without constant rain interruptions - June sits right in the sweet spot between the heavy rains and the scorching heat, with temperatures around 26°C (79°F) that feel manageable even during midday hikes
- Humpback whale season peaks in June through September, making this genuinely one of the best months globally for whale watching off Ngazidja and Mwali - the waters are clearer than earlier months, and you'll often spot mothers with calves in the channels between islands
- Ylang-ylang harvesting is in full swing during June, and the distilleries across Ngazidja are processing flowers daily - you can visit working distilleries in the morning when the air is thick with that distinctive floral scent, something you simply cannot experience during other months
- Fewer tourists than July-August means you'll have beaches like Chomoni and Bouni largely to yourself, accommodation prices haven't hit their August peak yet, and local boat operators are more flexible with departure times and willing to negotiate on multi-day charters
Considerations
- June is technically dry season, but those 10 rainy days can be unpredictable - when it rains, it tends to be sudden afternoon downpours that can strand you if you're hiking in the Karthala caldera or exploring remote villages without covered transport options
- Sea conditions between islands can be rougher than you'd expect for dry season, particularly the crossing between Ngazidja and Mwali - if you're prone to seasickness, the 2-3 hour boat rides can be genuinely uncomfortable, and flights book up quickly as people avoid the choppy waters
- Limited infrastructure means that when something goes wrong, it really goes wrong - ATMs run out of cash more frequently as tourist numbers increase, diesel shortages can affect boat schedules, and the handful of decent restaurants in Moroni get uncomfortably crowded on weekends without taking reservations
Best Activities in June
Humpback Whale Watching Expeditions
June through September is peak season for humpback whales migrating through Comorian waters, but June specifically offers the best combination of whale presence and manageable tourist numbers. The water visibility is excellent at 20-25 m (65-82 ft), and you'll frequently encounter mother-calf pairs in the deeper channels. Morning departures between 7-9am typically yield the best sightings when the ocean is calmer. The experience is genuinely world-class and costs a fraction of what you'd pay in Tonga or Madagascar for similar encounters.
Mount Karthala Volcano Trekking
The 2,361 m (7,746 ft) active volcano is best tackled in June when the trails are dry enough for safe footing but temperatures stay cool enough for the strenuous 6-8 hour round trip climb. You'll start around 3am to reach the crater rim by sunrise, and the June weather typically provides clear views into the massive 3 km (1.9 mile) wide caldera. The sulfur vents are more visible in the cooler morning air. This is genuinely challenging terrain with loose volcanic rock, but June conditions make it as manageable as it gets.
Ylang-Ylang Distillery Tours
June is prime harvesting season for ylang-ylang flowers, and the distilleries across Ngazidja process fresh flowers daily between 6am-11am. You can watch the entire traditional steam distillation process that produces the essential oil used in perfumes worldwide. The scent is overwhelming in the best way, and you'll learn why Comoros produces some of the world's finest ylang-ylang. Some distilleries near Bambao and Itsandra allow you to pick flowers alongside workers and see the massive copper stills in action.
Moheli Marine Park Snorkeling
The protected waters around Mwali offer some of the Indian Ocean's best coral reef systems, and June provides excellent visibility at 20-30 m (65-98 ft) with calmer seas than the transition months. You'll encounter green turtles feeding on seagrass beds, and if you're lucky, dugongs in the southern bays. The reefs around Nioumachoua and Sambia are particularly healthy with abundant fish life. Water temperature sits around 26°C (79°F), comfortable for extended snorkeling sessions without a wetsuit.
Traditional Fishing Village Experiences
June brings excellent fishing conditions, and villages like Mitsamiouli, Chindini, and Nioumachoua see daily catches of tuna, marlin, and reef fish. You can join morning fishing expeditions on traditional outrigger canoes, watch the afternoon fish auctions on the beach, and learn traditional net-mending techniques. The cultural exchange is genuine rather than staged for tourists, and you'll likely be invited to share grilled fish and coconut rice with fishing families. This provides insight into daily Comorian life that few visitors experience.
Anjouan Coastal Circuit
The island of Ndzuwani offers spectacular coastal scenery with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and terraced vanilla plantations cascading down mountainsides. June's drier conditions make the rough coastal roads more passable by 4x4, and you can visit vanilla cooperatives where farmers are preparing for the upcoming harvest season. The drive from Mutsamudu to Moya via Domoni takes 4-5 hours but reveals Comoros at its most photogenic. Swimming spots like Moya Beach and Bimbini are pristine and virtually empty.
June Events & Festivals
Comoros Independence Day
July 6th is the main independence celebration, but festivities actually begin in late June with cultural performances, traditional dancing, and sports competitions across all three main islands. You'll see traditional ngoma drumming performances, wrestling matches, and elaborate displays of Comorian dress. Moroni's waterfront becomes the center of activities with food stalls selling local specialties and evening concerts. It's genuinely community-focused rather than tourist-oriented, which makes it more authentic but also means limited English and few organized viewing areas.