The best time to visit Nosy Komba is May to October - the dry season - when temperatures sit between 25 and 30 degrees, rainfall is minimal, and visibility for snorkelling is at its peak. September and October are particularly special: the weather is warm, the island is uncrowded, and whale sharks arrive in the surrounding waters.
Nosy Komba has a tropical maritime climate with two distinct seasons: a hot, wet season from November to March and a warm, dry season from April to October. There is no truly "bad" time to visit - but the experience varies dramatically depending on when you arrive.
Month-by-Month Overview
| Month | Temp | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Highlights | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28-32C | 29-30C | Heavy | Very low | Lush greenery, turtle nesting, lowest prices | xx |
| February | 28-32C | 29-30C | Heavy | Very low | Cyclone risk, some closures | x |
| March | 27-31C | 29C | Heavy | Low | Rain easing late month, fruit season | xx |
| April | 27-31C | 28-29C | Moderate | Low | Transition month, great value | xxx |
| May | 26-30C | 27-28C | Low | Low | Dry season begins, excellent snorkelling | xxxx |
| June | 24-28C | 26-27C | Very low | Moderate | Cool and clear, best hiking weather | xxxx |
| July | 23-27C | 26C | Very low | High (peak) | Driest month, European holidays | xxxx |
| August | 23-28C | 26C | Very low | High (peak) | Dry, clear, humpback whale season begins | xxxx |
| September | 25-29C | 27C | Very low | Moderate | Whale sharks arrive, warm days return | xxxxx |
| October | 26-30C | 28C | Low | Moderate | Peak whale shark month, warm water | xxxxx |
| November | 27-31C | 29C | Moderate | Low | Season transition, good deals, last whale sharks | xxx |
| December | 28-32C | 29-30C | Heavy | Low | Holiday visitors, humid, afternoon storms | xx |
Dry Season: May to October (Best Overall)
This is when Nosy Komba is at its most accessible and enjoyable. Rainfall drops to near zero in June, July, and August. Skies are clear, underwater visibility is exceptional (15-25 metres), and trails are dry for hiking.
May & June
Sweet SpotMay marks the start of the dry season. The last of the rains clear, humidity drops, and the island is lush from months of moisture. Accommodation prices are lower than peak season.
June is cooler - evenings can drop to 20 degrees - but beautifully clear. This is the best month for the summit hike to Antaninaomby (622m).
July & August
Peak SeasonThis is when European holidaymakers arrive. Guesthouses are at their fullest, and rates are at their highest. The weather is excellent: dry, sunny, and mild. Humpback whales begin migrating through the Mozambique Channel from August.
Book accommodation at least 4-6 weeks in advance. At Makis' Vallee, our studios start from 32 euros/night during peak season.
September & October
Our Top RecommendationThe weather is warm (25-30 degrees) and dry. Peak-season crowds have departed, so the island feels peaceful again. Accommodation prices drop 15-25% from July/August rates.
Most importantly, whale sharks arrive. October is the peak month for sightings, with guided excursions reporting a 70-80% success rate.
Wet Season: November to April
The wet season does not mean constant rain - mornings are often sunny and beautiful. But afternoon downpours are common, humidity is high (80-90%), and tropical cyclones occasionally affect the region between January and March.
November
Transition MonthNovember is a gamble that often pays off. The first rains arrive, but they are typically brief afternoon showers. Prices are at low-season rates, and the island is quiet.
December - March
Wet MonthsJanuary and February bring heavy, sustained rainfall. Humidity is at its peak. Tropical cyclones occasionally pass through the region - strong winds and rough seas can disrupt boat transfers for several days. Those that remain open offer the lowest rates of the year.
April
Recovery MonthRain tapers off through April. The island transitions back to dry weather. Vegetation is explosively lush from months of rain. By late April, the weather often feels like early dry season.
Best Time for Specific Activities
| Activity | Best Months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Snorkelling | May-November | Visibility 15-25m, calm seas, warm water |
| Whale sharks | Sep-Nov (peak: Oct) | Annual migration through the archipelago |
| Summit hike | May-August | Cool, dry, clear trails |
| Scuba diving | April-November | Best visibility and calmest conditions |
| Humpback whales | August-October | Mozambique Channel migration |
| Kitesurfing | May-November | Consistent trade winds |
| Photography | May-Jun, Sep-Oct | Golden light, clear skies, wildlife active |
| Budget travel | Apr-Jun, November | Low-season rates, still good weather |
| Turtle nesting | November-February | Green turtles nest on Nosy Iranja beaches |
| Fruit season | November-March | Mangoes, lychees, jackfruit at their peak |
See our excursions page and things to do on Nosy Komba for full details on booking activities.
What to Pack by Season
Dry season (May-October)
Light layers - evenings can feel cool, especially June to August (20-24 degrees after dark). A light fleece or long-sleeve shirt for evenings. Sturdy sandals or hiking shoes. Sunscreen and a hat. Snorkelling gear if you have your own.
Wet season (November-April)
Everything above, plus a lightweight rain jacket or poncho. Quick-dry clothing is essential. Insect repellent (mosquitoes are more active in the wet season). A dry bag for electronics when on boats.
Year-round essentials
Reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for rocky shores, a headlamp (electricity can be intermittent on the island), cash in Ariary and Euros (no ATMs on Nosy Komba - read our Before You Travel guide for more details).
Nosy Komba Climate Summary
| Dry Season (May-Oct) | Wet Season (Nov-Apr) | |
|---|---|---|
| Air temperature | 23-30C | 27-32C |
| Sea temperature | 26-28C | 28-30C |
| Rainfall | Very low (0-50mm/month) | High (150-400mm/month) |
| Humidity | 65-75% | 80-90% |
| Snorkelling visibility | 15-25 metres | 8-15 metres |
| Crowd level | Moderate to high (Jul-Aug) | Low to very low |
| Accommodation rates | Standard to peak | 20-40% lower |
| Cyclone risk | None | Low (Jan-Mar) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Nosy Komba?
September and October are the standout months - warm weather, minimal rain, whale shark season, fewer crowds than July/August, and lower prices. May and June are also excellent for budget-conscious travellers who want dry weather.
When is the rainy season on Nosy Komba?
December to March, with January and February being the wettest months. Rain typically falls in heavy afternoon downpours rather than all-day drizzle. Mornings are often sunny.
When is whale shark season near Nosy Komba?
September to November, peaking in October. Guided snorkelling excursions cost 40-60 euros per person with a 70-80% sighting rate during peak season.
Is Nosy Komba open all year round?
Most guesthouses operate April to November. Some close during the wettest months (January-March). Contact your guesthouse directly to confirm seasonal opening dates.
What is the water temperature around Nosy Komba?
Sea temperatures range from 26C (July-August) to 30C (January-February). No wetsuit needed at any time of year.
When is the cheapest time to visit Nosy Komba?
January to April and November offer the lowest accommodation rates - typically 20-40% below peak season (July-August). May, June, September, and October balance good weather with prices below peak.
Plan your trip to Nosy Komba
Browse our rooms and rates - from 12 euros/night. Or message us on WhatsApp to discuss dates.
View Rooms & Rates