Things to Do in Comoros in November

November Weather in Comoros

28°C (82°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

120mm (4.7 inches) Rainfall

78% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Peak whale watching season - humpback whales migrate through Comoran waters from mid-October through December, with November offering 85% sighting success rates on clear days
Ylang-ylang harvest season reaches its peak, creating intense floral fragrances across Anjouan and providing authentic experiences at family-run distilleries without tourist crowds
Transitional weather brings manageable rainfall (8 rainy days vs 15+ in rainy season) while maintaining lush green landscapes and full waterfalls at Dziani Dzaha crater
Local lobster and crab season coincides with traditional Comorian wedding celebrations, offering exceptional seafood at village markets for 30-40% less than imported alternatives

Considerations

Unpredictable weather patterns during seasonal transition mean day trips to outer islands may be cancelled with 2-3 hours notice due to rough seas
High humidity (78%) combined with intermittent rain creates challenging conditions for hiking volcanic peaks - trails become muddy and slippery within hours
Limited accommodation availability as November marks the start of the brief tourist season, with guesthouses often fully booked by local diaspora visiting for wedding season

Best Activities in November

Humpback whale watching excursions

November sits at the heart of humpback migration season when whales travel from Antarctic waters toward breeding grounds. Morning departures (7-11am) offer calmest seas and highest success rates. Local fishermen report whale activity daily during this period, with mothers and calves frequently spotted in the Mozambique Channel between Grande Comore and Mohéli.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed boat operators at least 5-7 days ahead as weather-suitable days fill quickly. Tours typically cost 25,000-35,000 KMF (€55-75) including basic equipment. Look for operators with marine radio contact and life jackets. Reference booking widget for current tour availability.

Ylang-ylang distillery experiences

November marks peak flower harvest when ylang-ylang blooms produce the highest quality essential oil. Family-run distilleries across Anjouan welcome visitors during early morning picking sessions (5:30-8:30am) when flowers retain maximum fragrance. The traditional steam distillation process takes 20-22 hours, allowing visitors to observe the complete cycle.

Booking Tip: Contact distilleries directly through village connections or guesthouses. Experiences typically cost 5,000-8,000 KMF (€11-17) including transport from Mutsamudu. Book 2-3 days ahead as harvest schedules depend on weather. See booking section for organized cultural tours.

Crater lake and volcanic hiking

November's recent rains keep volcanic landscapes vibrant while transitional weather provides clear morning visibility before afternoon clouds form. Mount Karthala's lower trails (up to 1,200m/3,937ft) remain accessible, and Dziani Dzaha crater lake reaches maximum water levels. Start hikes by 6am to avoid humidity peaks and afternoon weather changes.

Booking Tip: Hire mandatory local guides through village councils - typically 8,000-12,000 KMF (€17-26) per day including basic safety equipment. Book guides 24-48 hours ahead as popular guides fill quickly. Multi-day Karthala summit attempts require 2-week advance planning. Check current tour options in booking section.

Traditional village wedding celebrations

November wedding season showcases authentic Comorian culture with multi-day celebrations featuring traditional taarab music, elaborate henna ceremonies, and communal feast preparations. Villages around Moroni and Fomboni often welcome respectful visitors during public celebration phases (typically day 2-3 of ceremonies).

Booking Tip: Connect with local families through guesthouses or cultural centers rather than formal bookings. Contributions of 3,000-5,000 KMF (€6-11) toward feast preparations are customary. Dress conservatively and learn basic Comorian greetings. Cultural immersion tours available through booking widget.

Spearfishing and reef exploration

November's clearer waters (15-20m/49-66ft visibility) and reduced swells create ideal conditions for spearfishing around Mohéli's protected reefs. Traditional Comorian fishermen use sustainable techniques passed down through generations. Morning sessions (6-10am) offer calmest conditions and most active fish behavior.

Booking Tip: Join local fishing crews through coastal villages - typically 8,000-15,000 KMF (€17-32) per person including basic equipment and boat share. Equipment rental adds 3,000-5,000 KMF (€6-11). Book through fishermen associations for safety insurance. Marine excursions available in booking section.

Coconut crab nocturnal tracking

November's warm, humid nights with occasional light rains create optimal conditions for observing coconut crabs, which become more active during mating season. These rare land crabs, found primarily on Aldabra-influenced areas of the outer islands, emerge after dusk to feed and mate. Night walks typically last 3-4 hours.

Booking Tip: Book through conservation groups or eco-lodges 7-10 days ahead as tracking requires special permits and trained guides. Tours cost 12,000-18,000 KMF (€26-39) including transport and flashlights. Weather-dependent - cancelled during heavy rain nights. Wildlife tours available through booking section.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

Maulidi celebrations

Religious festivals celebrating the Prophet's birthday feature traditional dhow races, poetry competitions, and communal prayers. Each island celebrates slightly differently, with Grande Comore hosting elaborate evening processions and Anjouan focusing on traditional music performances.

Throughout November

Wedding season peak

November marks the height of traditional wedding season when diaspora Comorians return home. Multi-day celebrations include elaborate ceremonies with traditional dress, communal cooking, and taarab music performances. Villages often welcome respectful visitors during public phases.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - afternoon showers in November last 45-60 minutes and happen 8 days on average

Quick-dry hiking pants for volcanic terrain - trails become muddy within hours of rainfall at 78% humidity

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

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support - volcanic trails include loose scoria rock up to 1,200m (3,937ft) elevation

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - November humidity increases mosquito activity, particularly around crater lakes

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - synthetic fabrics become uncomfortable quickly in 78% humidity conditions

Waterproof phone case - essential for whale watching excursions and crater lake visits where spray is common

Small backpack with rain cover - day trips often involve unexpected weather changes during 4-6 hour excursions

Water purification tablets - remote hiking areas and outer islands may lack reliable bottled water access

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees - required for village visits during traditional wedding celebrations

Insider Knowledge

Local Air Comores flights between islands frequently experience delays during November's transitional weather - book accommodations with flexible cancellation and avoid same-day connections to international flights

Village markets offer the best seafood prices during November lobster season - whole lobsters cost 2,000-3,000 KMF (€4-6) versus 8,000+ KMF (€17+) at hotels, and fishermen sell directly at Volo Volo market in Moroni around 6am daily

November whale watching success depends entirely on morning weather conditions - experienced captains check conditions at 5:30am and decide by 6:15am, so maintain schedule flexibility and have backup indoor activities planned

Traditional healers become more active during November wedding season, offering authentic cultural insights - approach respectfully through village elders rather than directly, and expect informal conversations rather than formal consultations

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking rigid day-trip schedules without weather contingencies - November's transitional climate causes frequent last-minute cancellations of boat trips and mountain hikes

Underestimating humidity impact on physical activities - 78% humidity makes even moderate hikes feel strenuous, requiring 50% more water and frequent rest breaks than expected

Visiting during Friday prayers (11:30am-2pm) when villages become quiet and many services close - plan morning activities early and respect prayer time schedules