Zanzibar Travel Guide
Zanzibar in October: Weather, Autumn Holidays & Tips
By Haji, your local · updated on 09.10.2026 · 5 min read
Part of our complete Zanzibar travel guideZanzibar in October is a very good time to travel: the dry season is still going, it gets warmer again (around 31 °C) and the island is relaxed. Towards the end of the month the first showers announce the short rainy season – usually brief and harmless. Perfect for the autumn holidays and for anyone who wants to escape autumn back home.
October weather in numbers
| Value | October |
|---|---|
| Daytime high | approx. 31 °C |
| At night | approx. 20 °C |
| Sunshine hours per day | approx. 8 |
| Rainfall | approx. 95 mm on around 9 days |
| Sea temperature | approx. 26 °C |
Long-term averages, rounded. The weather in individual years may differ.
How Zanzibar feels in October
At home the days grow short and grey, while in Zanzibar it becomes properly summery again. The air is warm, the sea calm, and the island not yet in Christmas mode. October has something serene about it: everything is open, nothing is overcrowded.
What works especially well in October
- Beach and swimming in every region.
- Boat trips on a calm sea: Blue Safari and Prison Island & Nakupenda.
- Last chance for humpback whales – the season fades out in October.
- Secluded bays in the south: Mtende Beach & Salam Cave.
Autumn holidays in Zanzibar
The autumn school holidays of the German federal states are spread across October. Families like to travel now because the climate and flight time are a good fit. You will find ideas for children in Zanzibar with Kids. For the autumn holidays it is worth booking a few months in advance.
What to watch out for in October
- From the end of October showers become more frequent. Plan boat trips for the first half of your stay.
- 14 October is Nyerere Day, a public holiday throughout Tanzania.
- To enter the country you need a visa and the compulsory insurance: Zanzibar entry requirements.
Compare with Zanzibar in September and Zanzibar in November or read the month-by-month overview.
Swap autumn for summer? I will plan you a free October route.
Frequently asked questions
Is October a good time to visit Zanzibar?+
Yes. October is warm, mostly dry and relaxed. Only towards the end of the month do showers become more frequent.
How warm is Zanzibar in October?+
Around 31 °C during the day and about 20 °C at night. The sea is around 26 °C.
Does it rain in Zanzibar in October?+
Rarely – on average on around nine days, mostly towards the end of the month as a short shower.
Is Zanzibar good for the autumn holidays?+
Very good: a pleasant climate, little rain and a flight time that is manageable even with children.