Things to Do in Comoros in May

May Weather in Comoros

29°C (84°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

78% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect ylang-ylang harvest season - the air is intoxicatingly fragrant across all islands, especially in Bambao and Patsy plantations where flowers are picked at dawn
Calm seas between morning showers make it ideal for inter-island dhow travel - traditional boats run reliably between Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Mohéli with 2-3 hour crossings
Ramadan concludes early May 2025, followed by vibrant Eid celebrations featuring traditional twarab music performances and communal feasts with pilao and langouste
Green turtle nesting peaks on Mohéli's southern beaches - witness 200kg (440lb) females laying eggs during guided night walks from Nioumachoua

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms intensify mid-month, often lasting 45-90 minutes and disrupting outdoor activities between 2pm-5pm daily
Rising humidity makes hiking Mount Karthala's 2,361m (7,746ft) summit extremely challenging - start before 5am or risk dangerous afternoon fog
Inter-island flights with Comores Aviation face increasing weather delays, particularly afternoon departures to Anjouan and Mohéli

Best Activities in May

Mohéli Marine Park Diving

May offers exceptional underwater visibility of 25-30m (82-98ft) before June's plankton blooms. Coelacanth sightings increase as deep-water fish move closer to shore due to changing currents. Water temperature holds steady at 26°C (79°F), perfect for extended dives without thick wetsuits.

Booking Tip: Reserve through certified PADI operators 7-10 days ahead. Full-day packages typically cost 25,000-35,000 KMF including equipment and boat transfers. Morning dives avoid afternoon weather disruptions.

Mount Karthala Crater Expeditions

The dry paths of April give way to muddy but manageable trails in May. Cloud cover increases, but early morning ascents (4am starts) still offer clear crater views before 10am fog rolls in. Cooler temperatures at altitude provide relief from coastal humidity.

Booking Tip: Book guided overnight camping trips 14+ days ahead during May's increasing popularity. Expect 40,000-55,000 KMF for 2-day guided expeditions with camping gear and meals included. Check current tour options below for availability.

Grande Comore Ylang-Ylang Distillery Tours

Peak flowering season means active distillation processes at family-run operations in Bambao region. Witness traditional steam distillation methods used for Chanel and other luxury perfumes. Early morning visits (6am-9am) coincide with flower harvesting when oils are strongest.

Booking Tip: Contact distilleries directly through accommodations - tours cost 5,000-8,000 KMF per person including transport from Moroni. May is harvest season so book minimum 5 days ahead as capacity is limited.

Anjouan Spice Farm Experiences

Clove trees begin flowering while vanilla orchids reach full bloom. The wet season's early rains create perfect conditions for aromatic plant tours. Learn traditional cultivation methods on terraced hillsides with panoramic Indian Ocean views between 800-1,200m (2,625-3,937ft) elevation.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours through rural associations cost 15,000-20,000 KMF including traditional lunch and transport. Book through Mutsamudu hotels 3-5 days ahead as many operate on specific days only.

Traditional Dhow Island-Hopping

May's variable winds create perfect sailing conditions for authentic dhow journeys between islands. Local captains navigate using traditional methods while passengers experience centuries-old maritime culture. Calmer morning seas make 3-4 hour crossings comfortable before afternoon weather builds.

Booking Tip: Arrange through port authorities in Moroni or Mutsamudu. Inter-island passages cost 12,000-18,000 KMF per person. Departure times depend on tides and weather - maintain flexible schedules and confirm morning departures.

Nioumachoua Turtle Nesting Expeditions

Green turtle nesting season peaks with 15-20 females coming ashore nightly on Mohéli's protected beaches. Guided walks begin at 8pm when temperatures drop to 25°C (77°F). Witness 90-minute nesting processes and learn conservation efforts protecting this endangered species.

Booking Tip: Book through Mohéli National Park office minimum 48 hours ahead. Night walks cost 8,000-12,000 KMF per person including guide and park fees. Groups limited to 6 people to minimize turtle disturbance.

May Events & Festivals

Early May (exact dates follow lunar calendar)

Eid al-Fitr Celebrations

Three-day festivities marking Ramadan's end feature communal prayers at Grand Mosque, traditional twarab music performances, and elaborate family feasts with pilao rice, grilled langouste, and coconut curries. Communities welcome respectful visitors to public celebrations.

Mid to Late May

Ylang-Ylang Harvest Festival

Local communities in Bambao and Patsy celebrate peak flowering season with traditional distillation demonstrations, flower-picking competitions, and perfume-making workshops. Experience the industry that makes Comoros the world's largest ylang-ylang producer.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket - afternoon storms intensify in May with sudden downpours lasting 45-90 minutes daily

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 and reflects intensely off white coral sand beaches

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - 78% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during 29°C (84°F) daytime temperatures

Waterproof daypack cover - protect electronics and documents during unexpected showers while island-hopping

Sturdy hiking boots - trails to Mount Karthala's 2,361m (7,746ft) summit become muddy and slippery with increased rainfall

Lightweight long sleeves - essential for mosque visits and protection from intense UV at higher elevations

Mosquito repellent with DEET - standing water from rains increases insect activity, especially near ylang-ylang plantations

Waterproof phone case - protect devices during dhow crossings and snorkeling in Mohéli Marine Park

Portable umbrella - compact coverage for sudden downpours while exploring Moroni's markets and medina

Flip-flops and closed shoes - versatile footwear for beach activities and respectful mosque/community visits

Insider Knowledge

Fly morning routes between islands - Comores Aviation delays increase 60% for afternoon flights due to thunderstorm activity after 2pm

Book accommodations in Moroni's Itsandra area during Eid period - beachfront locations offer easier access to celebrations while tourist areas may close 2-3 days

Exchange money before Friday prayers - banks and exchange offices close for extended periods during religious observances, particularly during post-Ramadan period

Start volcano hikes at 4am sharp - cloud cover engulfs Mount Karthala's crater by 10am throughout May, making summit views impossible after mid-morning

Avoid These Mistakes

Attempting afternoon outdoor activities - thunderstorms between 2pm-5pm make hiking, diving, and inter-island travel dangerous and uncomfortable

Underpacking for altitude - Mount Karthala's summit drops to 15°C (59°F) while coastal areas remain 29°C (84°F), creating 14°C temperature differences

Ignoring prayer times during Eid period - shops, restaurants, and tour operators have modified schedules for 3-4 days following Ramadan's conclusion