Moroni in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Moroni

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Peak ylang-ylang harvest season - the air is perfumed with the famous flowers used in French perfumes, and you can visit active distilleries processing the blooms at 40% lower tourist prices than July-August
Ideal ocean temperatures of 27°C (81°F) with 15-20m (50-65 ft) underwater visibility - perfect for discovering the untouched coral reefs around Comoros without the December-March cyclone concerns
Ramadan typically ends in early May, meaning full restaurant schedules return and locals celebrate with elaborate evening meals you can join - cultural immersion opportunities triple compared to the fasting month
Inter-island flights run most reliably in May with 85% on-time performance versus 60% during cyclone season, making island-hopping between Comoros, Comoros, and Comoros actually feasible

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms arrive predictably between 2-4pm, lasting 45-90 minutes with intense rainfall that can flood Moroni's unpaved roads and halt outdoor activities
High humidity combined with 30°C (86°F) temperatures makes walking uphill to the Medina exhausting - many visitors underestimate the physical demands of exploring the volcanic terrain
Limited accommodation availability as this coincides with Comorian wedding season - hotel prices increase 30-40% and advance booking 6-8 weeks ahead becomes essential

Best Activities in May

Ylang-Ylang Plantation and Distillery Tours

May is peak harvest season when the flowers are picked at dawn and processed immediately. The distillation process is mesmerizing and the plantations are at their most fragrant. Morning tours at 6am avoid the afternoon heat and showcase the traditional hand-picking methods passed down for generations. The humidity actually enhances the floral scents.

Booking Tip: Book directly with plantation owners through your hotel - tours typically cost 8,000-12,000 KMF (roughly $18-27 USD) including transportation. Morning slots fill quickly during harvest season, so arrange 3-4 days ahead. Look for tours that include the full distillation process.

Mount Karthala Volcano Crater Hikes

May offers the clearest views into the 3km (1.9 mile) wide crater before the dry season haze begins. The cooler morning temperatures make the 6-8 hour trek more manageable, and you'll avoid the intense heat that makes this hike dangerous in July-September. Recent volcanic activity in 2022 created new lava formations visible from the rim.

Booking Tip: Arrange through licensed mountain guides - expect 25,000-35,000 KMF ($55-78 USD) for full-day guided treks including equipment and lunch. Book minimum 1 week ahead as only 3-4 certified guides operate these tours. Weather can change rapidly at 2,361m (7,746 ft) elevation.

Traditional Dhow Sailing and Fishing Expeditions

May's consistent trade winds and calm seas create perfect conditions for experiencing traditional ngalawa sailing vessels. Local fishermen take visitors on half-day trips targeting yellowfin tuna and dorado, which are abundant in May waters. The afternoon storms actually push fish closer to shore, improving catch rates significantly.

Booking Tip: Negotiate directly with fishermen at Moroni's old port early morning (5-6am) - typical half-day trips cost 15,000-20,000 KMF ($33-44 USD) including basic equipment. Full-day expeditions with lunch run 30,000-40,000 KMF ($67-89 USD). No advance booking needed, but arrive early for best boat selection.

Mohéli Marine Park Snorkeling

May offers the year's best underwater visibility before algae blooms start in June. The park's pristine coral reefs showcase 200+ fish species, and May is nesting season for hawksbill turtles. Inter-island flights are most reliable this month, making day trips from Moroni actually feasible with 85% on-time performance.

Booking Tip: Book day trips through Moroni travel agencies - expect 45,000-60,000 KMF ($100-133 USD) including flights, boat transfers, snorkel gear, and lunch. Reserve 10-14 days ahead as flights fill quickly. Weather delays are minimal in May compared to other months.

Medina Cultural Walking Tours

With Ramadan typically ending in early May, the historic quarter comes alive with food vendors, artisan workshops, and evening markets. The narrow coral-stone alleyways stay cooler during morning hours, and you can witness traditional crafts like gold embroidery and sandalwood carving in full operation. The 18th-century Friday Mosque is particularly impressive in soft morning light.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration works best - hire local guides through your hotel for 3,000-5,000 KMF ($7-11 USD) for 2-3 hour tours. Early morning (7-9am) or late afternoon (5-7pm) avoid midday heat. Evening food tours during post-Ramadan celebrations offer exceptional cultural immersion opportunities.

Anjouan Perfume Valley Expeditions

May is when Comoros's famous perfume plants - ylang-ylang, jasmine, and orange blossom - reach peak bloom. The valley's microcimate stays cooler than Moroni, and local families operate small distilleries processing flowers for international perfume houses. The humid air carries scents for kilometers, creating an almost surreal sensory experience.

Booking Tip: Multi-day trips from Moroni include inter-island flights and accommodation - budget 80,000-120,000 KMF ($178-267 USD) for 2-day/1-night packages. Book through established Moroni agencies minimum 2 weeks ahead. May weather provides reliable flight schedules compared to cyclone season uncertainty.

May Events & Festivals

Early May

Post-Ramadan Celebrations (Eid al-Fitr)

When Ramadan ends in early May, Moroni transforms with three days of festivities including traditional Comorian dancing, elaborate communal feasts, and family gatherings. Visitors can join public celebrations at the main mosque and experience authentic local hospitality. Food vendors return to full schedules after the month of fasting.

Throughout May

Wedding Season Peak

May marks the height of Comorian wedding season, with elaborate multi-day celebrations featuring traditional music, henna ceremonies, and grand feasts. While this limits accommodation availability, respectful visitors can sometimes observe ceremonies and experience the islands' rich cultural traditions firsthand.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain poncho or packable rain jacket - afternoon storms bring 20-30mm (0.8-1.2 inch) downpours that can soak through regular umbrellas in 90% humidity

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen in large bottles - UV index reaches 8-9 and local availability is limited with prices 300% higher than home

Breathable cotton or linen clothing only - synthetic fabrics become unbearable in 70% humidity and 30°C (86°F) heat

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - sudden rainfall and sea spray during boat trips can destroy electronics instantly

Sturdy hiking boots for Comoros - volcanic rock is sharp and loose, and you'll need ankle support for the 2,361m (7,746 ft) ascent

Insect repellent with 30% DEET minimum - May's humidity increases mosquito activity significantly, especially near ylang-ylang plantations

Quick-dry towel and swim gear - multiple swimming opportunities daily and regular towels never fully dry in the humidity

Cash in euros - ATMs frequently malfunction and credit cards aren't accepted outside major hotels, bring 200-300 euros minimum

Portable power bank - humidity affects battery life and power outages are common during afternoon storms

Light long sleeves for evening - provides mosquito protection and cultural appropriateness when visiting mosques and local homes

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations 6-8 weeks ahead for May - wedding season drives occupancy to 90%+ and prices increase 30-40% compared to other months

Plan outdoor activities for 7am-1pm window - afternoon storms arrive predictably between 2-4pm and last 45-90 minutes with flooding potential

Carry small bills in Comorian francs (KMF) - vendors rarely have change for large denominations and euros are often quoted at poor exchange rates

Time your ylang-ylang distillery visits for dawn (5:30-6am) - flower picking happens at first light and the entire process is most active during cool morning hours before heat affects the delicate blooms

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating afternoon storm intensity - visitors get caught without proper rain gear and end up stranded for hours as unpaved roads flood quickly

Booking accommodation less than 6 weeks ahead - May is peak wedding season and hotel availability becomes extremely limited, forcing visitors into unsuitable or overpriced options

Planning outdoor activities for afternoon hours - the predictable 2-4pm thunderstorms consistently disrupt hiking, boat trips, and cultural site visits that weren't scheduled for morning slots