Zanzibar in October
In October, Zanzibar averages 30°C (86°F) during the day and 23°C (74°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 27 days of the month see precipitation (92 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
October offers comfortable temperatures in Zanzibar, with some rain to plan around.
How October compares to the rest of the year in Zanzibar
October is in the middle of the year for warmth in Zanzibar (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. October runs 1°C warmer than September (29°C) and stays flat into November.
October sunrise & sunset in Zanzibar
Times shown for Zanzibar local time (Africa/Dar_es_Salaam), calculated for the 15th of October. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Zanzibar — October
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of October, in Zanzibar's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Zanzibar in October
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on October's tier (Shoulder) and Zanzibar's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — October in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — October in Zanzibar
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Zanzibar — October
Across the year Zanzibar's sea swings from 26.2°C (August) to 29.8°C (December) — October sits at 27.4°C.
Zanzibar in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C / 88°F | 26°C / 78°F | 42 mm | 23 | — |
| February | 32°C / 90°F | 26°C / 79°F | 34 mm | 19 | — |
| March | 31°C / 89°F | 26°C / 78°F | 119 mm | 26 | — |
| April | 29°C / 84°F | 25°C / 76°F | 317 mm | 30 | — |
| May | 28°C / 82°F | 24°C / 76°F | 166 mm | 29 | — |
| June | 28°C / 82°F | 23°C / 74°F | 44 mm | 26 | — |
| July | 27°C / 81°F | 23°C / 73°F | 40 mm | 28 | — |
| August | 28°C / 83°F | 22°C / 72°F | 34 mm | 28 | — |
| September | 29°C / 85°F | 22°C / 72°F | 42 mm | 26 | — |
| October | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 74°F | 92 mm | 27 | — |
| November | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 76°F | 135 mm | 28 | — |
| December | 31°C / 87°F | 25°C / 78°F | 90 mm | 26 | — |
Other cities with similar October weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Zanzibar in October →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Zanzibar in October?
In October, Zanzibar averages a high of 30°C (86°F) and a low of 23°C (74°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Zanzibar in October?
October is quite rainy in Zanzibar, with about 27 rainy days on average.
Is October a good time to visit Zanzibar?
October is hot but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Zanzibar in October?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full October packing list for Zanzibar for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.