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A tropical maritime climate
Lying between 11° and 13° south, the archipelago enjoys a tropical maritime climate: warm temperatures all year round, high humidity and marked contrasts depending on altitude and exposure. Windward slopes receive much more rain than sheltered coasts, and summits such as Karthala or Ntingui are often wrapped in cloud.
Kashkazi and kusi
| Season | Period | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Kashkazi | November to April | North-west monsoon: heat (28 to 32 °C), heavy rain, storms, cyclone risk. |
| Kusi | May to October | South-east trade winds: drier and cooler weather (23 to 28 °C), sea sometimes rough. |
These two words, shared with the Swahili of the African coast, refer to both the winds and the seasons. For a long time they governed the sailing of dhows, which used the monsoon to travel between Arabia, Africa and Madagascar.
Cyclones
During the kashkazi, tropical depressions form in the south-west Indian Ocean. The archipelago, on the edge of their usual track, is hit less often than Madagascar or Réunion, but some episodes have been devastating. In April 2019, Cyclone Kenneth struck Grande Comore and Mohéli. In December 2024, Cyclone Chido ravaged Mayotte, causing widespread destruction.
When to travel?
The dry season, from May to October, is the most pleasant for hiking and diving, and coincides with the presence of humpback whales. The hot season offers lush vegetation and plentiful fruit. See also When to go?.
