Moroni in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Moroni

28°C (82°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

80% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Prime mango season - December brings the sweetest Comoran mangoes and seasonal fruits that locals wait all year for
Fewer tourists than July-August peak, meaning better prices on accommodation (typically 30-40% lower) and more authentic interactions with locals
Consistent afternoon rain showers cool temperatures from scorching 32°C (90°F) to manageable 25°C (77°F) by evening
Ylang-ylang flowers bloom prolifically in December rains, creating incredible natural fragrance throughout the island and prime distillery tour conditions

Considerations

High humidity (80%) makes it feel significantly hotter than actual temperature - expect to sweat constantly and change clothes twice daily
Daily thunderstorms between 2-5pm disrupt outdoor activities and make beach time unpredictable
Roads become muddy and difficult to navigate, especially outside Moroni center - 4WD essential for exploring rural areas

Best Activities in December

Ylang-ylang Distillery Tours

December's heavy rains make ylang-ylang flowers bloom at their most fragrant. Local distilleries operate at full capacity processing the year's best harvest. Tours typically run 9am-11am before afternoon rains, showing the complete essential oil extraction process. The humid air actually enhances the aromatic experience.

Booking Tip: Contact distilleries directly 3-5 days ahead. Tours cost 2,000-3,500 Comorian francs and include oil samples. Morning slots fill quickly as afternoon operations pause for rain. Look for family-run operations offering real feels.

Market Food Tours

December brings seasonal specialties like fresh cashews, mangoes, and coconut crabs. The covered Volo Volo market stays bustling despite rain. Early morning visits (6-8am) offer the best selection before heat builds. Locals shop early to avoid afternoon downpours, creating authentic atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Independent exploration works best - hire local guides at market entrance for 1,500-2,500 francs. Bring small bills and expect to spend 3,000-5,000 francs on tastings. Avoid 11am-3pm when heat and humidity peak.

Indoor Cultural Experiences

December rains make indoor activities essential. Visit local artisan workshops where woodcarvers and textile makers work during wet afternoons. The National Museum stays cool and dry. Mosque visits are particularly meaningful as locals spend more time indoors during rain season.

Booking Tip: Workshop visits cost 1,000-2,000 francs and no advance booking needed. Museum entry is 500 francs. Plan indoor backup for every outdoor activity. Bring modest clothing for religious sites.

Early Morning Beach Activities

Beaches are pristine and empty at sunrise before daily rains begin. Water temperature stays warm at 26°C (79°F). Snorkeling visibility is best 6-10am before afternoon storms stir up sediment. Local fishermen return with catches around 7am, offering authentic interactions.

Booking Tip: Start beach days at 6am and finish by 1pm. Snorkel gear rental costs 2,000-3,000 francs daily. Book through hotel concierges who know weather patterns. Always have indoor backup plans ready.

Volcanic Hiking Tours

Mount Karthala's lower trails become lush and green from December rains, though upper reaches stay dangerous. Early morning hikes (5am start) avoid afternoon storms and offer cooler temperatures. The humid conditions create dramatic mist and cloud formations around the volcano.

Booking Tip: Book certified guides 1 week ahead through hotels. Costs range 8,000-12,000 francs for day trips. December limits access to lower elevations only due to weather. Expect muddy, slippery conditions requiring proper boots.

December Events & Festivals

Mid to Late December

Maulidi Festival preparations

Communities begin preparing for the important religious celebration with increased mosque activities and community gatherings. While the main festival varies by Islamic calendar, December often sees preparatory events, special prayers, and traditional music practices in local neighborhoods.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic clothing - cotton stays damp for hours in 80% humidity and never fully dries

SPF 50+ waterproof sunscreen - UV index of 11 burns skin in 10 minutes even through clouds

Lightweight rain poncho and compact umbrella - daily storms last 1-3 hours with heavy downpours

Waterproof phone case and bag covers - sudden storms can soak electronics in seconds

Antifungal foot powder - high humidity and wet conditions create perfect fungal growth environment

Multiple pairs of breathable underwear and socks - you'll need to change at least twice daily

Closed-toe water shoes with good tread - streets become slippery when wet, open sandals unsafe

Insect repellent with DEET 25%+ - standing water from rains increases mosquito breeding significantly

Electrolyte powder packets - constant sweating and high temperatures cause rapid dehydration

Microfiber towels that dry quickly - regular towels stay damp and develop mildew odors

Insider Knowledge

Locals take siesta 1-4pm during peak heat and rain - many businesses close, so plan accordingly and rest during this natural break

December mangoes cost 200-300 francs each from street vendors but 800+ francs in hotels - buy from local markets for authentic prices

Power outages increase during December storms - bring portable battery packs and download offline maps before daily afternoon rains

Shared taxis (bush taxis) often refuse longer routes during heavy rains - negotiate fixed rates in advance or arrange hotel transport for rural destinations

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning beach days after 2pm when thunderstorms typically hit - all outdoor activities should finish by 1pm latest

Bringing only cotton clothes that never dry in high humidity - synthetic fabrics are essential for comfort

Not carrying cash in small denominations - many vendors can't change large bills and card readers fail during power outages