Things to Do in Comoros in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Comoros
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Ylang-ylang harvesting season creates intoxicating island fragrance and cultural festivals celebrating the perfume industry
- Humpback whale migration peak offers 85% sighting success rates on boat trips between Grande Comore and Mohéli
- Rainy season provides lush green landscapes and powerful waterfalls at full flow, especially Dziani Boundouni crater lake
- Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to dry season peaks, with better availability at boutique properties
Considerations
- Daily afternoon thunderstorms from 2-5pm can disrupt outdoor activities and boat transfers between islands
- High humidity 78% makes hiking Mount Karthala extremely challenging - many guides refuse summit attempts
- Rough seas cancel inter-island flights 40% more frequently, requiring flexible schedules and backup plans
Best Activities in October
Humpback Whale Watching Expeditions
October marks peak humpback migration season with mothers and calves passing close to shore. Morning departures (7am-11am) offer calm seas before afternoon storms hit. Success rates reach 85% in October compared to 40% other months. The dramatic contrast of whales against stormy skies creates unforgettable photography opportunities.
Ylang-Ylang Distillery Cultural Tours
October harvest season brings distilleries to life with steam-filled copper stills and workers hand-picking flowers at dawn. You'll witness the 22-hour distillation process that produces Comoros' most valuable export. The air is thick with floral perfume, and local families share traditional harvesting songs passed down through generations.
Mohéli Marine Park Snorkeling Adventures
October's increased rainfall creates nutrient-rich waters attracting massive schools of fish and feeding sea turtles. Green turtle nesting season overlaps with October, offering rare opportunities to witness egg-laying on protected beaches. Morning snorkeling (8-11am) provides best visibility before afternoon rain clouds darken the water.
Anjouan Waterfall Photography Tours
October rains transform Anjouan's waterfalls into thundering spectacles. Cascade de Dzialandzé reaches peak flow, creating mist rainbows and dramatic photography conditions. The 2-hour trek through spice plantations becomes an aromatic journey through ylang-ylang, vanilla, and clove groves heavy with October moisture.
Traditional Dhow Sunset Sailing
October's dramatic weather creates spectacular sunset sailing conditions with towering storm clouds and golden light breaking through. Traditional dhows navigate calmer morning and evening waters while showcasing centuries-old Swahili sailing techniques. You'll learn to tie traditional knots and help raise the lateen sail while dolphins often accompany boats during this season.
Active Volcano Night Photography
October's increased cloud cover creates dramatic silhouettes for photographing Mount Karthala's active crater. While summit hiking becomes dangerous due to rain, lower altitude viewpoints (800-1200m/2625-3937ft elevation) offer spectacular night shots of glowing crater against storm clouds. Local volcanic activity often increases during rainy season, providing more dramatic photo opportunities.
October Events & Festivals
Ylang-Ylang Harvest Festival
Village celebrations throughout Grande Comore mark peak flower harvesting with traditional dances, distillation demonstrations, and communal feasts. Women wear flower crowns and perform ancient picking songs while master distillers share perfume-making secrets passed down through families.
Maulidi Religious Celebrations
Islamic celebrations honoring Prophet Mohammed feature traditional Comorian Sufi chanting, communal prayers, and elaborate evening feasts. Mosques throughout all islands host special evening programs with traditional qasidas (religious poetry) and local delicacies shared with visitors.