Things to Do in Moroni in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Moroni
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- March sits right at the tail end of the hot dry season before the heavy rains arrive in April - you'll get warm beach weather around 30°C (86°F) with only occasional afternoon showers rather than the daily downpours that come later
- The ocean visibility is still excellent for diving and snorkeling, typically 15-25 m (49-82 ft), before the rainy season stirs up sediment. Water temperatures hover around 27°C (81°F), which is actually more comfortable than the cooler months
- Tourist numbers drop significantly compared to the European winter escape crowd of January-February, meaning better prices on guesthouses (typically 20-30% lower than peak season) and you'll have beaches and dive sites largely to yourselves
- March catches the last of the ylang-ylang harvest season - the distilleries around Bambao are still processing flowers and you can visit working facilities without the tourist groups that descend during European summer holidays
Considerations
- The heat and humidity combination is genuinely intense by mid-afternoon - that 70% humidity makes 30°C (86°F) feel considerably hotter, and locals basically disappear indoors between 1pm and 4pm for good reason
- March weather can be unpredictable as the seasons transition - you might get five brilliant days followed by two of heavy cloud and rain, making it tricky if you're on a tight schedule and have specific activities planned
- Some boat operators start scaling back inter-island services toward the end of March as they prep for the rougher seas of the rainy season, which can limit your flexibility for last-minute trips to Mohéli or Anjouan
Best Activities in March
Coelacanth Marine Centre diving and snorkeling
March offers some of the year's best underwater visibility before April's rains arrive. The water is warm enough at 27°C (81°F) that you'll be comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit, and the coelacanth research center near Iconi provides fascinating context about these living fossils found in Comorian waters. The combination of calm seas and clear water makes this ideal for both beginners and experienced divers. You'll typically see green sea turtles, reef sharks, and if you're incredibly lucky, dolphins passing through the channel.
Mount Karthala volcano hiking
March weather is actually ideal for tackling the 2,361 m (7,746 ft) active volcano - early mornings are clear and relatively cool, giving you the best chance of summit views before afternoon clouds roll in. The trail is dry from months without heavy rain, making the steep sections safer than during wet season. You'll need to start around 3am to reach the crater rim by sunrise, but the lack of crowds in March means you might have the sulfurous moonscape entirely to yourselves. The recent 2005 eruption zone is still visibly scarred and genuinely impressive.
Medina market and Old Friday Mosque cultural exploration
March mornings before 10am are the perfect time to explore Moroni's medina before the heat becomes oppressive. The Old Friday Mosque, built in 1427, is one of the oldest functioning mosques in the region and the carved doors and coral stone architecture are worth the early wake-up. The nearby market is where locals actually shop - you'll find fresh vanilla pods at 8,000-12,000 KMF for 10 pods compared to tourist shop prices of double that. The spice vendors near the fish section sell exceptional cloves and cinnamon from local plantations. Fridays bring the biggest crowds if you want atmosphere, but Tuesday or Thursday mornings are better for actually browsing.
Chomoni Beach and Maloudja village coastal exploration
The northwestern coast around Chomoni offers the kind of black sand beaches and traditional fishing villages that most visitors completely miss. March seas are still calm enough for swimming, and the beach is lined with outrigger canoes that head out each morning around 5am - fishermen often welcome observers if you show genuine interest and speak basic French or Comorian. The village of Maloudja, about 3 km (1.9 miles) north, has women's cooperatives selling handwoven baskets and embroidered clothing at fair prices, typically 2,000-5,000 KMF for quality pieces.
Ylang-ylang distillery tours around Bambao
March catches the tail end of harvest season, and the distilleries are still processing flowers into essential oil. The scent is overwhelming in the best possible way - that sweet, heady perfume that makes you understand why Comoros produces some of the world's finest ylang-ylang. Small family operations around Bambao welcome visitors, typically charging 5,000-8,000 KMF for tours that include seeing the copper stills in action and explaining the 20-hour distillation process. You can buy oil directly at 15,000-25,000 KMF for 10 ml bottles, which is considerably cheaper than export prices.
Inter-island boat trips to Mohéli Marine Park
March represents the last reliable month for calm seas before the rainy season makes crossings rougher and less predictable. Mohéli's marine park offers exceptional snorkeling with hawksbill and green turtles basically guaranteed at sites like Nioumachoua. The 2-3 hour boat crossing from Moroni is typically smooth in March, and you'll often spot flying fish and occasionally dolphins. Day trips include snorkeling gear, lunch, and park fees for around 45,000-60,000 KMF per person depending on group size.
March Events & Festivals
Maulid celebrations
The exact date shifts with the Islamic lunar calendar, but Maulid (celebrating the Prophet's birthday) sometimes falls in March. When it does, you'll see processions through the medina, special foods prepared in homes, and mosques filled for evening prayers. It's not a tourist event whatsoever, but if you're respectful and dressed appropriately, locals generally welcome quiet observation. The atmosphere in the medina becomes genuinely festive with families visiting each other and sharing special rice dishes and grilled fish.