Home › When to Visit › March
Comoros - Things to Do in Comoros in March

Things to Do in Comoros in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Comoros

30°C (86°F) High Temp
25°C (77°F) Low Temp
150 mm (5.9 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

  • March sits right in the tail end of the hot, dry season, which means you're catching Comoros before the heavier rains arrive in April. You'll get mostly clear days with occasional afternoon showers that cool things down rather than ruin your plans - typically lasting 20-30 minutes before the sun comes back out.
  • The ocean conditions are absolutely prime for diving and snorkeling in March. Water visibility reaches 25-30 m (82-98 ft) around the main dive sites, and the seas are generally calmer than the windier months of June through August. Water temperature hovers around 28°C (82°F), which is warm enough that you can get away with a shorty wetsuit or even just a rashguard.
  • March falls squarely in shoulder season, which means you're avoiding both the December-January peak tourist rush and the cyclone concerns of February. Accommodations are easier to book without the months-ahead planning, and you'll find better availability for boat trips and dive operators without the crowds at popular sites like Mohéli Marine Park.
  • The coelacanth research season is active in March, and if you're genuinely interested in marine biology, this is when research teams are most operational around Grande Comore. While you obviously can't dive with coelacanths (they live at depths of 150-200 m or 492-656 ft), the marine research community is more accessible and some operators offer talks or presentations about ongoing conservation work.

Considerations

  • The humidity in March is real - that 70% average doesn't quite capture how sticky it feels, especially midday. The kind of humidity where your clothes don't fully dry overnight and your camera lens fogs up when you step outside from air conditioning. If you're sensitive to heat and moisture, you'll find the middle of the day pretty draining.
  • March is still within the official cyclone season for the Southwest Indian Ocean, which runs November through April. While direct hits on Comoros are relatively rare, the risk isn't zero, and you might deal with a few days of unsettled weather if a system passes nearby. Travel insurance with weather coverage is genuinely worth considering for March travel.
  • Some of the ylang-ylang distilleries on Anjouan reduce operations or close for maintenance between harvest seasons, and March can catch you in that gap. If seeing the ylang-ylang production process is high on your list, you'll want to confirm ahead that your timing works - the main harvest typically runs October through January.

Investigate Other Months

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
View Year-Round Climate Guide →

Best Activities in March

Diving and snorkeling around Mohéli Marine Park

March offers some of the year's best underwater visibility and calm seas around Mohéli, which is Comoros' marine biodiversity hotspot. You're likely to see green turtles nesting on the beaches (peak season runs through April), and the coral gardens around Nioumachoua are at their most vibrant before the warmer waters of May. The marine park protects about 400 sq km (154 sq miles) of ocean, and March conditions mean you can access sites that get choppy later in the year. Water temperature around 28°C (82°F) makes for comfortable extended dives without heavy wetsuit gear.

Booking Tip: Book diving packages 2-3 weeks ahead through PADI or SSI certified operators - prices typically range 60-90 EUR per dive including equipment. Multi-day packages offer better value, usually 300-400 EUR for 6 dives. For snorkeling, half-day boat trips run 30-50 EUR per person. Check that operators include marine park fees in their pricing. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Mount Karthala volcano hiking

March weather is actually ideal for tackling Karthala - you get the drier conditions before April's heavier rains turn the trails muddy, but it's not yet as scorching as the peak dry months of July-August. The volcano sits at 2,361 m (7,746 ft) and the standard route takes 6-8 hours up and 4-5 hours down. March mornings tend to be clearer, giving you better chances of seeing the crater lake and the coast from the summit before afternoon clouds roll in. Start at 3am or 4am to reach the top by mid-morning when visibility is best.

Booking Tip: You're legally required to hire a registered guide for Karthala - solo hiking isn't permitted. Expect to pay 80-120 EUR for a guide for your group, plus 20-30 EUR for a porter if you want one. Book at least a week ahead through your accommodation or licensed trekking operators. The climb requires decent fitness - you're gaining about 1,800 m (5,906 ft) of elevation. See current guided trek options in the booking section below.

Traditional village visits on Anjouan

March is harvest time for cloves and vanilla on Anjouan, and you'll actually see agricultural activity rather than just the plantations sitting idle. The island's terraced hillsides are particularly green after the wet season, and the roads to villages like Moya and Domoni are more reliably passable than during February's heavier rains. Anjouan's architecture shows the strongest Arab and Shirazi influences in Comoros, and March weather makes walking through the narrow medina streets of Mutsamudu comfortable rather than sweltering.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours through Anjouan villages typically cost 40-60 EUR for a half-day with a guide and driver. Book through registered cultural tourism operators who work directly with village communities - this ensures your visit fee actually benefits locals. Allow 3-4 hours for a meaningful visit including time for conversations and traditional coffee ceremonies. See current cultural tour options in the booking section below.

Sailing and boat trips between islands

March offers the sweet spot for inter-island boat travel - seas are generally calmer than the windier months but you're not yet in the peak of cyclone season. The traditional dhow sailing culture is still alive in Comoros, and you can arrange day trips or overnight sailing adventures between Grande Comore, Mohéli, and Anjouan. The crossing from Grande Comore to Mohéli takes about 3-4 hours in decent conditions, and March winds tend to be moderate and predictable. You'll spot flying fish, occasionally dolphins, and get perspectives on the islands' volcanic profiles that you simply can't get from land.

Booking Tip: Charter day sails typically run 150-250 EUR for a small group, including lunch and snorkeling stops. Overnight dhow trips cost 400-600 EUR per person for 2-3 days including meals and basic accommodation. Book at least 10-14 days ahead and confirm your operator has proper safety equipment and communication devices. Weather can change quickly, so maintain flexible dates if possible. See current sailing options in the booking section below.

Moroni medina and Friday Mosque exploration

March weather makes walking through Moroni's old town actually pleasant - the humidity is high but not unbearable, and you'll want to explore in the morning before midday heat. The medina's narrow streets and Arab-Swahili architecture tell the story of Comoros' position on ancient Indian Ocean trade routes. The Friday Mosque, with its distinctive white minaret, dates to 1427 and remains an active place of worship. Non-Muslims can't enter during prayer times, but the exterior architecture and surrounding neighborhood offer plenty to explore. March also means the fish market is particularly active with good catches coming in.

Booking Tip: Walking tours of Moroni medina cost 25-40 EUR for 2-3 hours with a knowledgeable local guide who can provide historical context and help navigate the maze of streets. Early morning tours (7am-10am) avoid the worst heat. Dress modestly - shoulders and knees covered - as you're walking through residential and religious areas. Photography of people requires permission. See current Moroni tour options in the booking section below.

Lac Salé and lava field exploration on Grande Comore

Lac Salé is a crater lake filled with seawater about 3 km (1.9 miles) south of Moroni, sitting in a collapsed volcanic crater. March conditions make the walk down to the lake manageable - it's about 20 minutes down a rocky path that can get slippery when wet, but March's drier weather means better footing. The surrounding lava fields from historical Karthala eruptions create an otherworldly landscape, and locals swim in the lake despite the slightly sulfurous smell. The contrast between the black volcanic rock and the turquoise water is striking, especially in morning light.

Booking Tip: You can visit Lac Salé independently (taxi from Moroni costs about 3,000-5,000 KMF or 6-10 EUR round trip including waiting time), or as part of a half-day southern Grande Comore tour for 50-70 EUR that includes other sites. Bring sturdy shoes with good grip for the lava rock paths. Swimming is possible but the lake bottom is rocky and uneven. Go morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat. See current Grande Comore tour options in the booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Variable - depends on Islamic lunar calendar for 2026

Maulid celebrations

The Islamic celebration of the Prophet's birthday (Maulid) sometimes falls in March depending on the lunar calendar. In Comoros, this means evening gatherings with traditional twarab music, poetry recitations, and community feasts. The celebrations are particularly vibrant in Moroni and Mutsamudu, where you'll hear the distinctive Comorian style of Islamic chanting mixed with local musical traditions. It's a cultural rather than touristy event, so respectful observation is key - dress conservatively and ask permission before photographing.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight, breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester or synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity as they trap moisture and smell quickly. Your clothes likely won't fully dry overnight, so pack extras.
SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index hits 8 in March and you're close to the equator at 12 degrees south latitude. Reapply every 90 minutes when outdoors, especially on boat trips where reflection intensifies exposure.
Light rain jacket or packable poncho - those 10 rainy days typically mean brief afternoon showers lasting 20-30 minutes rather than all-day rain. Something that stuffs into a daypack is more useful than a full raincoat.
Sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support and good tread if you're planning Karthala or lava field walks - the volcanic rock is sharp and uneven, and trails can be loose and steep. Break them in before you arrive.
Modest clothing for cultural sites - lightweight long pants or long skirts, and shirts covering shoulders. Comoros is 98% Muslim and conservative dress is expected outside beach areas. Women should pack a light scarf for mosque visits.
Quick-dry towel and waterproof phone case - you'll be in and out of water frequently between swimming, snorkeling, and unexpected rain showers. Hotel towels are often limited and take forever to dry in the humidity.
Basic first aid including anti-diarrheal medication, rehydration salts, and any prescription medicines you need - pharmacies in Moroni are reasonably stocked but selection is limited on smaller islands. Bring more than you think you'll need.
French-Comorian phrasebook or translation app with offline capability - French is official but Shikomor is widely spoken. English is rare outside upscale hotels. Download offline translations before arrival as internet can be spotty.
Headlamp or small flashlight - power outages happen regularly across all islands, and street lighting is minimal outside Moroni. Essential if you're doing the pre-dawn Karthala hike.
Cash in EUR or USD for conversion to Comorian Francs - ATMs exist in Moroni and major towns but are unreliable and often empty. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside high-end hotels. Bring more cash than you think you'll need and keep it secure.

Insider Knowledge

The Comorian Franc is pegged to the Euro at a fixed rate (1 EUR equals approximately 492 KMF), making pricing relatively stable and easy to calculate. You'll get better exchange rates from banks or official exchange offices than hotels. Interestingly, some higher-end places quote prices in EUR while local restaurants and transport use KMF exclusively.
March is actually when many Comorians who work abroad return for visits, which means inter-island flights and the few hotels get busier than you'd expect for shoulder season. Book accommodation at least 3-4 weeks ahead, especially on Mohéli where options are extremely limited. The small planes between islands (typically 8-20 seaters) fill up quickly.
The afternoon prayer call around 3pm-4pm coincides with when many shops and offices close for a break, and they might not reopen until 5pm or later. Plan your errands and activities around prayer times - mornings are generally more productive for getting things done than afternoons. Fridays see even longer closures for Jumu'ah prayers.
Local boats between islands (as opposed to flights) run on what locals call 'Comorian time' - departure schedules are suggestions rather than commitments. If you're told a boat leaves at 8am, it might leave at 10am or noon depending on weather, cargo loading, and passenger numbers. Build flexibility into your inter-island travel plans and don't book tight connections.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating travel time between locations - roads on all three main islands are rough, narrow, and mountainous. What looks like 20 km (12 miles) on a map can easily take 90 minutes to drive. Factor in at least double the time you'd expect based on distance, and more if it's been raining recently.
Assuming you can island-hop easily - flights between islands are limited (often just one or two per day), weather-dependent, and need advance booking. The alternative is boats which are slow, potentially uncomfortable in rough seas, and run on unpredictable schedules. Most visitors seriously underestimate how much time inter-island travel consumes.
Not bringing enough cash - this can't be stressed enough. ATMs are unreliable, cards are rarely accepted, and you can't just pop to another machine if one's empty. Bring EUR or USD in good condition (no torn or heavily marked bills as they'll be rejected) and expect to use cash for virtually everything except top-tier hotels.

Explore Activities in Comoros

Continue Planning Your Trip

February

Travel guide for February

April

Travel guide for April

Climate Guide

Weather and seasonal patterns for Comoros

Plan Your Perfect Trip

Get insider tips and travel guides delivered to your inbox

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.