Sima, Comoros Travel Guide

City City in Anjouan, Comoros

Sima perches on a sheltered bay on Anjouan, with a sleepy wharf, spice traders and easy access to mountain trails inland.

Costs
$25-$50 / day (budget)
Coastal village prices; boat and cargo traffic influence local commerce.
Safety
Generally safe with dockside petty risks
Typical small-town safety; be cautious around busy docks and at night.
Best Time
May-October (dry season)
Drier months ease boat travel and improve sea visibility.
Time
Weather
Population
8,737
Infrastructure & Convenience
Small port facilities, limited accommodation, local markets and informal transport.
Popularity
Very few non-local visitors; mainly a working port and fishing village.
Known For
port activity, fishing, coral reefs, snorkeling spots, spice cultivation, traditional boats, coastal markets, local craftwork
Sima is a coastal Anjouan port used for inter-island boats and local trade.

Why Visit Sima, Comoros? #

This port town functions as a local hub for fishermen and traders, drawing travelers who appreciate authentic coastal commerce and seafaring culture. The harbor is a focal point for daily life, and surrounding vanilla and clove estates explain much of the island’s scent and economy. Short visits reveal bustling markets, boat activity, and simple guesthouses that provide a close look at Anjouan’s maritime traditions without tourist gloss.

Top Things to Do in Sima, Comoros

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • Sima harbour - Active ferry and fishing harbour connecting Anjouan with other islands and towns.
  • Local fish market - Early-morning market selling the day's catch straight from boats to customers.
  • Seafront promenade - Pleasant stretch along the water ideal for walking and watching harbor activity.
Hidden Gems
  • Harbor-side cafés - Small cafés serving fresh seafood and coffee with harbor views and boat traffic.
  • Nearby shell beaches - Sandy shores with shells and shallow pools for children and casual swimmers.
  • Village artisan stalls - Stalls featuring locally carved items, woven hats, and small souvenirs.
Day Trips
  • Mutsamudu Old Town - Explore the old port town's markets, mosques, and cliffside viewpoints.
  • Anjouan coastal drives - Drive the island's coastal roads for sweeping sea views and village stops.

Best Time to Visit Sima, Comoros #

Sima is most pleasant in the cool, dry months (May-August) for calm waters and outdoor exploring. November-April brings humid, stormy weather and choppier sea conditions.

Rainy Season
November - April · 25-31 °C (77-88 °F)
Hot, humid, with frequent heavy downpours and rough seas - best avoided for beach plans but great for seeing lush waterfalls and very quiet resorts.
Cool Season
May - August · 22-27 °C (72-81 °F)
Pleasant, breezy and drier - ideal for snorkeling, hiking volcano trails, exploring villages, and enjoying calm seas and sunsets with far fewer tourists.
Hot Season
September - October · 24-30 °C (75-86 °F)
Hotter humidity returns but before heavy rains - best for cheaper flights, clear water for diving, and lively island festivals with abundant seafood.

Best Time to Visit Sima, Comoros #

Climate

Sima, Comoros's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1768 mm/year), wettest in January.

Best Time to Visit
AugustSeptemberJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (358 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

358 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.6h daylight

February

February is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (288 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

288 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

March

March is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (237 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 29°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

237 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

April

April is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (168 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 30°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

168 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
11.7h daylight

May

May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (112 mm).

81 Excellent

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 29°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.4h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).

84 Excellent

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
20° 28°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

July

July is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).

86 Excellent

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
19° 27°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

92 Ideal

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
19° 27°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
11.6h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

90 Ideal

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
19° 27°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

October

October is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

86 Excellent

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
20° 28°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

90 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

November

November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Regular rainfall (93 mm).

84 Excellent

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 29°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.6h daylight

December

December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (190 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 29°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

190 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.7h daylight

How to Get to Sima, Comoros

Sima (Anjouan) is normally reached via Ouani Airport (AJN) followed by a short road transfer; arrivals via Grande Comore require a domestic flight or ferry to Anjouan. Local transport is informal and relies on taxis, moto-taxis and minibuses.

By Air

Ouani Airport (AJN): The easiest air access point for Sima and surrounding areas on Anjouan; local taxis and moto-taxis provide short transfers from the strip to village centres in under an hour depending on destination.

Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH): International arrivals often land at Hahaya (HAH) on Grande Comore; from Moroni you can take a domestic flight to AJN or an inter-island ferry to Anjouan. Flights are faster while ferries take several hours.

By Train & Bus

Train: No rail service in the Comoros.

Bus / Shared taxis: Shared minibuses and bush taxis are the standard way to travel between towns on Anjouan. Schedules are informal and depend on demand; expect stops and variable journey times on scenic but winding roads.

How to Get Around Sima, Comoros #

Sima is a small coastal settlement; most places are within a short walk, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer trips use shared taxis or minibuses that connect Anjouan’s towns. Inter‑island ferries and flights exist but can be unreliable, so check times ahead and bring sufficient cash for fares and small purchases.

Where to Stay in Sima, Comoros #

Budget
Village centre - $8-25/night
Sima is a small settlement with primarily local guesthouses and simple lodgings. Online booking options are virtually non-existent; arrange stays locally.
Mid-Range
Near main village road - $25-45/night
A couple of private rooms and modest inns offer better comfort. These are family-run and often require phone or agent booking.
Luxury
N/A - stay in larger towns - $70+/night
No luxury options in Sima. For high-end accommodation, plan to stay in Anjouan's larger centres and travel to Sima by road.

Where to Eat in Sima, Comoros #

Local Food
Street Food & Markets

Nightlife in Sima, Comoros #

Evening life in Sima is quiet and community-focused. Expect small cafés, neighborhood bars and local gatherings rather than lively nightlife. Most venues close early and entertainment is informal.

Shopping in Sima, Comoros #

Shopping is very local - small markets and vendors sell fish, fruit, staples and occasional handcrafted items. Specialty souvenirs and tourist shops are rare. Bring anything specific you need from larger towns, as selection here is minimal.

Nearby Cities #