Things to Do in Comoros in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Comoros
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- October sits in the sweet spot between Comoros' dry and wet seasons, meaning you'll catch warm temperatures around 28°C (82°F) with manageable rainfall - typically short afternoon showers that clear quickly rather than all-day downpours. The ocean visibility is actually excellent during this transition period, making it prime time for diving and snorkeling.
- You'll find significantly fewer tourists in October compared to the July-August peak season. Accommodation prices drop by roughly 20-30% from high season rates, and you won't be competing with crowds at Moheli Marine Park or Mount Karthala. Local boat operators are more flexible with scheduling and pricing during this shoulder period.
- October marks the beginning of ylang-ylang harvest season, which is fascinating to witness since Comoros produces about 80% of the world's ylang-ylang essential oil. The distilleries are operating at full capacity, and you can actually visit working plantations without the tour bus crowds. The scent across the islands is incredible during this time.
- Sea conditions are calmer in October as the trade winds haven't fully picked up yet, making inter-island boat transfers more comfortable. The ferry between Moroni and Mutsamudu runs more reliably, and smaller boat trips to places like Chissioua Mbouzi islet are less likely to be cancelled due to rough seas.
Considerations
- October weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get five consecutive sunny days or three days of intermittent showers. This variability makes it tricky to plan outdoor activities too rigidly in advance. That said, rain showers typically last 20-40 minutes rather than washing out entire days.
- Some guesthouses and smaller hotels close for maintenance during October, particularly family-run places in Anjouan. Your accommodation options are more limited than peak season, and you'll want to book at least 3-4 weeks ahead since the places that remain open fill up with regional business travelers.
- Inter-island flights with AB Aviation can be less frequent in October, sometimes running only 3-4 times weekly instead of daily. If you're planning to visit multiple islands, you'll need to build more flexibility into your itinerary and confirm flight schedules closer to your travel dates.
Best Activities in October
Moheli Marine Park Snorkeling and Diving
October offers some of the year's best underwater visibility at Moheli Marine Park, typically reaching 20-25 m (65-82 ft) as the water transitions between seasons. You'll encounter green sea turtles, dolphins, and whale sharks without the July-August crowds. The water temperature hovers around 26°C (79°F), which is comfortable without a full wetsuit. October's calmer seas mean boat trips are smoother, and you're more likely to reach outer dive sites that get cancelled during rougher months.
Mount Karthala Volcano Hiking
October is actually ideal for summiting Karthala, one of the world's largest active volcanic calderas at 2,361 m (7,746 ft). The trails are drier than November-April but not yet scorching like June-August. You'll start pre-dawn around 4am to reach the crater rim by sunrise, avoiding afternoon heat and the brief rain showers that roll in around 2-3pm. The vegetation is lush from recent rains, and visibility from the summit is excellent on clear mornings - you can see all three main islands.
Ylang-Ylang Distillery Tours
October marks the start of ylang-ylang harvest season, making it the most interesting time to visit working distilleries. You'll see the entire process from hand-picking the yellow flowers at dawn to the steam distillation that produces the essential oil. The scent across the countryside is remarkable during harvest months. Most distilleries are concentrated around Bambao and Itsandra on Grande Comore, operating early morning to mid-afternoon. This is genuinely unique to Comoros - nowhere else produces ylang-ylang at this scale.
Anjouan Waterfall Trekking
Anjouan's interior waterfalls are particularly impressive in October after several months of seasonal rains have filled the streams. The main cascades near Moya and Dzialandzé are accessible via moderate 2-3 hour hikes through spice plantations and rainforest. October temperatures are warm but not oppressive for hiking, and the afternoon showers usually hold off until you're back. The pools at the waterfall bases are deep enough for swimming, and you'll often have them entirely to yourself.
Traditional Fishing Village Experiences
October is prime fishing season as the seas calm down, and you can join local fishermen on traditional outrigger canoes for morning catches. Villages like Itsamia and Nioumachoua on Moheli offer the most authentic experiences. You'll typically depart around 5-6am, spending 3-4 hours fishing for tuna, barracuda, and reef fish using handlines. The cultural exchange is genuine - these aren't staged tourist experiences but actual working trips where you're welcomed as extra hands.
Moroni Medina and Market Exploration
October is comfortable for walking Moroni's old quarter without the intense heat of peak dry season. The Friday market at Volo Volo is particularly vibrant, with seasonal produce including breadfruit, jackfruit, and fresh vanilla pods. The medina's narrow streets are best explored early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat. You'll find local artisans working with coconut wood, woven palm products, and traditional embroidery. The waterfront Badjanani Mosque area is atmospheric during evening prayers around 6pm.
October Events & Festivals
Maulid Celebrations
Maulid, celebrating the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, typically falls in October depending on the Islamic lunar calendar. Comoros observes this with several days of festivities including communal prayers, traditional taarab music performances, and elaborate feasts. The celebrations are particularly notable in Moroni and Mutsamudu where you'll see processions and hear religious chanting throughout neighborhoods. It's a deeply cultural experience, though visitors should be respectful observers rather than active participants unless specifically invited.