Moroni in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Moroni

28°C (82°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

250mm (9.8 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Fewer crowds at major attractions - tourist numbers drop 40% compared to July-August peak season
Lush green landscapes at their most beautiful after months of rain, perfect for photography at Comoros foothills
Best time for ylang-ylang flower harvesting - witness traditional distillation processes and buy directly from producers at 30-40% lower prices
Cooler evening temperatures (24°C/75°F) make sunset walks along the Brazzaville comfortable, with dramatic cloud formations over the Indian Ocean

Considerations

Frequent afternoon thunderstorms lasting 1-2 hours can disrupt outdoor plans, occurring 15 days of the month
High humidity (85%) makes midday exploration uncomfortable - you'll need frequent shade and hydration breaks
Some boat services to nearby islands operate reduced schedules due to choppy seas from seasonal winds

Best Activities in November

Old Friday Mosque Heritage Walking Tours

November's cooler mornings (24°C/75°F) are perfect for exploring Moroni's historic medina before 10am. The post-rain air is crystal clear, offering impressive views of the mosque's ancient coral stone architecture. Fewer tourists mean better photo opportunities and more meaningful interactions with local craftsmen in the surrounding souks.

Booking Tip: Book through certified cultural guides 3-5 days ahead. Tours typically cost 8,000-12,000 KMF ($18-27) and last 2-3 hours. Best scheduled for 7-10am to avoid afternoon storms. See current options in booking section below.

Ylang-Ylang Plantation Experiences

November is peak flowering season for ylang-ylang, when the fragrant yellow flowers are harvested at dawn. The recent rains have maximized oil production, making this the best month to witness traditional distillation. Cool morning temperatures make the 45-minute walk through plantations comfortable.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost 15,000-20,000 KMF ($33-44) including distillery visits and oil purchase opportunities. Book 1 week ahead as harvest timing varies. Tours include transport to plantations 8km (5 miles) from city center.

Corniche Sunset Photography Sessions

November's dramatic cloud formations create spectacular golden hour lighting along Moroni's waterfront. The 85% humidity actually enhances color saturation for photos. Evening temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make the 2km (1.2 mile) Brazzaville walk pleasant after 5pm.

Booking Tip: Photography workshops cost 10,000-15,000 KMF ($22-33) for 2-hour sessions. Independent exploration is free - best light occurs 5:30-6:30pm. Bring lens wipes for humidity protection.

Mount Karthala Day Hiking

November offers the clearest views after months of rain wash away dust and haze. Cooler temperatures at 1,000m+ elevation (3,280+ ft) provide relief from coastal humidity. Trails are muddy but manageable, and the volcanic landscape is dramatically green.

Booking Tip: Full-day guided hikes cost 25,000-35,000 KMF ($55-77) including transport and lunch. Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed mountain guides. Start early (6am) to complete 12km (7.5 mile) round trip before afternoon storms.

Traditional Dhow Harbor Tours

Morning departures (8-11am) offer calmer seas before afternoon winds pick up. November's frequent cloud cover provides natural shade, making 2-3 hour harbor excursions more comfortable. This is prime season for observing traditional fishing techniques.

Booking Tip: Harbor tours cost 12,000-18,000 KMF ($26-40) for 2-3 hours. Book morning slots only - afternoon departures often cancelled due to weather. Licensed operators provide life jackets and covered seating areas.

Covered Market Cultural Immersion

November's rainy season drives more vendors into Moroni's covered markets, creating busy indoor experiences. The Volo Volo market is particularly active with seasonal fruits like jackfruit and seasonal spices. Air circulation is better than dry season due to frequent rain cooling.

Booking Tip: Guided market tours cost 6,000-10,000 KMF ($13-22) for 90 minutes including tastings. Self-exploration is free but go with local contacts for best vendor interactions. Best visited 9am-12pm before lunch closures.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Maulid Prophet Birthday Celebrations

Community gatherings featuring traditional Comorian music, poetry recitations, and communal meals. Experience authentic cultural traditions with less tourist crowds. Evening events offer respite from daytime heat and humidity.

Late November

Ylang-Ylang Harvest Festival

Local celebration of the peak flowering season with traditional distillation demonstrations, flower crown making, and perfume workshops. Plantation communities open to visitors for authentic cultural exchange.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic shirts - cotton stays wet too long in 85% humidity and takes 6+ hours to dry

Waterproof phone case - essential for sudden downpours and humid conditions that fog camera lenses

Lightweight rain jacket with ventilation - afternoon storms last 1-2 hours with heavy downpours

Antifungal foot powder - constant moisture creates ideal conditions for athlete's foot in closed shoes

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 7 burns skin in 15 minutes even through cloud cover

Microfiber towel - regular towels won't dry in high humidity and become musty within hours

Mosquito repellent with 25%+ DEET - standing water from rains increases mosquito activity significantly

Breathable hiking boots for Comoros - trails are muddy but ankle support needed on 500m+ (1,640ft+) elevation gains

Silica gel packets - keep electronics and documents dry in camera bags and daypack pockets

Electrolyte tablets - constant sweating in high humidity depletes salt faster than normal climates

Insider Knowledge

Local transportation slows significantly during afternoon storms - schedule important meetings and connections for mornings between 8am-12pm when roads are clearest

Comorian families harvest ylang-ylang at 4-6am when flowers are most fragrant - join early morning visits to plantations for real feels unavailable to typical day tourists

The main power grid experiences more outages in November due to storms - bring portable chargers and expect hotels to run generators during evening hours (7-10pm)

Fish markets receive best catches between 6-8am after boats return from overnight trips - this timing avoids both crowds and afternoon heat while getting freshest selections at lowest prices

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon boat trips or outdoor activities - 70% get cancelled due to storms, and morning alternatives offer calmer conditions and better visibility

Packing only cotton clothing - it stays damp for hours in 85% humidity, leading to skin irritation and unpleasant odors that synthetic fabrics avoid

Expecting reliable internet/power during storms - plan offline entertainment and download maps/information before arriving, as infrastructure disruptions are common during rain events