Things to Do in Comoros in September

September Weather in Comoros

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

180 mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect ocean conditions - calm seas and 25-30 m (82-98 ft) visibility for diving around Mohéli Marine Park before October swells arrive
Peak whale watching season - humpback whales migrate through waters between Grande Comore and Mohéli, best viewing from shore cliffs 6-8am
Ylang-ylang harvest season reaches peak - distilleries on Anjouan offer morning tours (7-10am) when flowers are processed, air filled with fragrance across the islands
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% less than July-August peak, and international flights from Paris/Nairobi are typically €200-400 cheaper

Considerations

Increasing humidity makes midday heat feel oppressive - temperatures feel like 35-38°C (95-100°F) between 11am-3pm, limiting outdoor activities
Irregular rain showers become more frequent - storms can strand you on outer islands for extra days if boat services are cancelled
Some mountain trails on Karthala volcano close due to muddy conditions from increased rainfall, limiting trekking options to coastal areas

Best Activities in September

Mohéli Marine Park Diving and Snorkeling

September offers the year's clearest waters with 25-30 m (82-98 ft) visibility before October swells arrive. Green sea turtles nest on beaches while hawksbill turtles feed in coral gardens. Water temperature perfect at 26°C (79°F). Afternoon boat trips (2-5pm) avoid midday heat while catching optimal lighting underwater.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through marine park certified operators. Full-day trips typically cost 25,000-35,000 KMF ($55-77). Equipment rental adds 8,000-12,000 KMF. See current certified operators in booking section below.

Karthala Volcano Crater Rim Hiking

September's drier mornings offer clearest views into the active crater before afternoon clouds roll in. Start 5am to reach rim by 8am - temperatures manageable at 18-22°C (64-72°F) at 2,361 m (7,746 ft) summit. Rain hasn't yet made trails treacherous like October-March. Guides essential for navigation and safety around active fumaroles.

Booking Tip: Book guides 3-5 days ahead in Moroni. Two-day crater trips cost 40,000-60,000 KMF ($88-132) including camping gear and meals. Single-day rim hikes 25,000-35,000 KMF. Reference booking section for current guide associations.

Anjouan Ylang-Ylang Distillery Tours

September is peak harvest for ylang-ylang flowers used in Chanel No. 5 - distilleries operate at full capacity with intoxicating aromas filling valleys. Morning tours (7-10am) show traditional steam distillation while flowers are freshest. Temperatures comfortable before midday heat. Purchase essential oils direct from producers at 30-50% below export prices.

Booking Tip: Contact distilleries directly through hotels or local guides. Tours typically 8,000-15,000 KMF ($18-33) including transport from Mutsamudu. Best distilleries located in Bambao region. No advance booking usually needed except weekends.

Grande Comore Coastal Village Walks

September's moderate temperatures make walking between fishing villages comfortable before October heat arrives. Low tide in mornings reveals coral pools and traditional fish traps. Villages like Itsandra and Chindini offer authentic interactions without tourist crowds. Coconut crab season begins - locals harvest them for traditional September feast preparations.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local guides in Moroni for 12,000-20,000 KMF ($26-44) full day including lunch with families. Walking tours cover 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) on coastal paths. Bring sun protection and water. See current guide options in booking section.

Traditional Dhow Sailing Between Islands

September offers ideal sailing conditions with steady southeast trade winds 15-20 knots and calmer seas before October cyclone season. Traditional dhow trips between islands showcase centuries-old navigation techniques. Best routes: Grande Comore to Mohéli (4-6 hours) or inter-island sunset cruises. Water calm enough for comfortable sailing.

Booking Tip: Book through fishermen cooperatives in Moroni or Fomboni ports. Inter-island dhow trips 20,000-40,000 KMF ($44-88) depending on distance and group size. Sunset cruises 15,000-25,000 KMF. Weather conditions optimal - book day before for flexibility.

September Events & Festivals

Throughout September (varies by village)

Maulidi Festival Celebrations

Traditional Islamic celebration honoring Prophet Muhammad's birth with night-long recitations, traditional dances, and community feasts. Each village celebrates on different dates throughout September with unique local traditions mixing Arabic and Malagasy influences.

Early to Mid September

Coconut Crab Harvest Season Opening

Traditional hunting season begins with community celebrations and shared feasts. Local families gather to prepare crabs with coconut rice and traditional spices. Visitors can participate in beach cooking demonstrations and taste this prized delicacy.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) - UV index reaches 9 and reflection off white coral sand intensifies exposure

Lightweight long-sleeved cotton shirts - protects from sun while allowing airflow in 75% humidity

Quick-dry shorts and pants - afternoon showers on 12 days require fast-drying fabrics

Reef-safe snorkel gear - rental quality varies and bringing own ensures proper fit for marine park visits

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat trips and unexpected rain showers

Hiking boots with good ankle support - volcanic rock trails are sharp and uneven, especially on Karthala

Lightweight rain jacket - showers last 15-45 minutes and can be intense, umbrella insufficient on boats

Mosquito repellent with DEET - standing water from increased rainfall creates breeding sites

Cash in euros - ATMs unreliable outside Moroni, euros accepted alongside Comorian francs

Portable water filter or purification tablets - bottled water expensive on outer islands, tap water not potable

Insider Knowledge

Book inter-island flights with Ewa Air at least 2 weeks ahead - September is when locals return from summer travels and seats fill up quickly

Arrive at markets by 7am - best produce and fish sold early before heat spoils goods, and vendors offer better prices to clear stock

Carry small denomination euros (5, 10, 20) - many vendors can't make change for large bills and credit cards not accepted outside hotels

Download offline maps before arrival - internet connectivity sporadic outside main towns and GPS essential for hiking trails

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities between 11am-3pm when heat index reaches 35-38°C (95-100°F) - schedule for early morning or late afternoon

Expecting frequent ferry services between islands - boats cancelled due to weather, always have backup plans and extra accommodation budget

Bringing only summer clothes - mountain temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) at higher elevations, pack layers for volcano hikes