Things to Do in Comoros in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Comoros
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season transition means you get mostly sunny mornings with predictable afternoon showers - perfect for planning beach activities early and cultural sites after 2pm when rain provides natural cooling. The rain actually makes hiking more comfortable than bone-dry months.
- Humpback whale migration peaks in September around Moheli Marine Park. Water visibility reaches 25-30 m (82-98 ft) as calmer seas settle after winter storms, making this genuinely the best month for underwater encounters with mothers and calves.
- Ylang-ylang harvest season is in full swing - the flowers are picked at dawn and you can actually watch distillation processes at plantations. The entire island smells incredible, and prices for essential oils drop 20-30% compared to tourist high season in July-August.
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in after European summer holidays end. Accommodation costs drop significantly while weather remains excellent - you're looking at 30-40% lower rates than August, and domestic flights from Moroni have more availability and flexibility for island hopping.
Considerations
- September sits in an awkward booking window - it's technically still dry season but tour operators start reducing boat schedules as they prep for October rains. Some smaller guesthouses on Moheli close for maintenance, limiting budget accommodation options outside Moroni.
- The transition between seasons means weather can be genuinely unpredictable - you might get three perfect days followed by two overcast ones. Wind patterns shift, which occasionally cancels boat transfers between islands with only 6-12 hours notice.
- Ramadan timing varies yearly and occasionally falls in September (not in 2026, but worth checking). When it does, daytime restaurant options become extremely limited outside hotels, and you'll need to be respectful about eating publicly during daylight hours.
Best Activities in September
Moheli Marine Park Whale Watching and Snorkeling
September is peak humpback season - mothers with calves rest in shallow waters before migrating south. Morning departures between 7-10am offer calmest seas and best visibility. The marine park's coral reefs are at their clearest right now with 25-30 m (82-98 ft) visibility, and green sea turtles are nesting on Nioumachoua Beach. Water temperature sits at a comfortable 26°C (79°F), warm enough without wetsuit but cool enough that you're not overheating on the boat.
Mount Karthala Volcano Trekking
The 2,361 m (7,746 ft) active volcano is actually more manageable in September because occasional afternoon showers cool things down and reduce dust on trails. Start at 3am for sunrise summit attempts - you'll avoid both heat and clouds that roll in by 10am. The crater lake is at decent water levels after winter rains but before dry season evaporation. Cloud forest sections are lush right now with endemic birds most active.
Grande Comore Ylang-Ylang Plantation Tours
September is harvest peak - workers pick flowers at dawn (starting around 5:30am) when essential oil concentration is highest. You can watch the entire distillation process at working plantations, and the scent is genuinely overwhelming in the best way. Many plantations offer direct sales at 20-30% below retail prices since they're processing large volumes. The combination of plantation visits with nearby vanilla farms makes for excellent half-day cultural experiences.
Mitsamiouli Beach and Northern Coast Exploration
September brings consistent morning sunshine before afternoon clouds - perfect for beach time from 8am-1pm. Water is calm for swimming and the black sand beaches are nearly empty on weekdays. The northern coast road to Trou du Prophète offers dramatic coastal views, and September's lighting (less haze than dry season peak) makes photography exceptional. Local fishermen return with catches around 11am and you can buy fresh octopus and reef fish directly.
Moroni Medina and Friday Mosque Cultural Walking
September's variable weather actually works in your favor for walking tours - overcast afternoons are cooler for exploring the old medina's narrow streets. Friday Mosque (one of the oldest in the region) is most active for Friday prayers, but you can visit exterior and grounds daily. The harbor fish market peaks with activity from 6-8am, and spice vendors in the medina are processing ylang-ylang and vanilla from current harvests. Early morning or late afternoon walks avoid midday heat and humidity.
Anjouan Waterfall and Spice Route Hiking
Anjouan's mountainous interior stays lush in September with waterfalls still flowing strong from recent rains. The island's clove and vanilla plantations are active with processing, and trails through spice forests are cooler than coastal areas. Moya Beach at trail endpoints offers excellent swimming after hikes. September's moderate rainfall means trails are passable but streams are full - better than bone-dry October when waterfalls reduce to trickles.
September Events & Festivals
Ylang-Ylang Harvest Festival
Not a formal tourist event but a working celebration at major plantations when harvest peaks. Workers celebrate with traditional music and communal meals after dawn picking sessions. Some plantations welcome visitors to observe and participate in flower sorting. It's authentic cultural immersion rather than staged performance - you're watching actual agricultural traditions that have sustained the islands' economy for over a century.