Last updated: August 28, 2025
October in Zanzibar, Tanzania offers a warm tropical climate marked by maximum temperatures reaching 31°C (88°F) and an average of 26°C (80°F). While the days are predominantly sunny, the month sees about 16 days of precipitation, accumulating to approximately 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, typical for this time of year. Humidity levels hover around 75%, creating a humid yet vibrant atmosphere perfect for exploring the island's rich culture and stunning landscapes. Whether you're basking on the beach or indulging in local cuisine, October provides a delightful experience in this idyllic paradise.
In October, Zanzibar experiences a warm transition as the last quarter of the year unfolds. With minimum temperatures around 23°C (73°F) and maximums reaching up to 31°C (88°F), the island remains comfortably balmy, ideal for outdoor exploration and beach lounging. The average temperature settles at 26°C (80°F), striking a pleasant balance that invites visitors to bask in the tropical sun. As the month progresses, you might notice a slight uptick in humidity, hints of the impending rainy season, yet the overall warmth remains consistent. This mild shift from the cooler months of August and September marks a delightful time to enjoy Zanzibar's vibrant landscapes and rich culture.
In October, Zanzibar experiences a notable shift in its weather dynamics, with precipitation levels reaching 92 mm (3.6 in) across 16 rainy days. This is a marked increase compared to the drier months of July and August, highlighting the onset of the short rainy season. While the rainfall is lower than the peaks of April and May, it sets the stage for the lush greenery that characterizes the island. October's precipitation is crucial for replenishing the environment after the dry spell, and as the month progresses, visitors may enjoy a mix of vibrant landscapes and refreshing tropical showers. This balance of rainfall not only nurtures local agriculture but also enhances the beauty of Zanzibar's famous beaches and lush sceneries, making it an enchanting time for exploration.
In October, Zanzibar experiences a comfortable humidity level of 75%, representing a slight increase from the drier months of August and September, which see humidity levels around 74% and 73%, respectively. As the year progresses, humidity tends to rise again with November and December reaching 84% and 85%. The early months of the year start off with higher humidity, peaking at 86% in May. Overall, October marks a transition period, where the humidity begins to hover around a more moderate level, providing a pleasant atmosphere for both residents and visitors.
In October, Zanzibar continues to bask in high solar intensity, sporting a UV Index of 13, which places it firmly in the extreme exposure category. With a burn time of just 10 minutes, it is crucial for visitors and locals alike to take precautions against sun damage. This trend of elevated UV levels persists throughout the year, particularly from January to April, where the index consistently reaches 14. Notably, it decreases slightly during the cooler months of June and July but returns to the extreme zone by August. Therefore, whether you are planning a beach day or exploring the vibrant culture, be sure to stay protected under the sun. For more insights on safe sun practices, check the detailed Zanzibar UV Index.
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October in Zanzibar, Tanzania, is a sun-drenched paradise, boasting an impressive 348 hours of sunshine. This month stands out as one of the sunniest of the year, following a trend of increasing daylight that peaks in the late summer months. As the year progresses, there’s a consistent rise in sunshine hours, with October showcasing a notable leap from the 342 hours recorded in September. The warm, bright days invite travelers to explore Zanzibar's breathtaking beaches and vibrant culture, making it a prime time for adventure. Notably, the sunshine levels remain high through the rest of the year, ensuring that visitors can bask in the beautiful glow of the tropics well into December.
In Zanzibar, Tanzania, October marks a delightful transition into sunnier skies, boasting a 66% chance of sun. This notable increase from earlier months reflects a clear upward trend, as the region basks in one of its sunniest periods of the year. Following a series of moderate sunshine percentages from January through September, October ties with November for peak opportunities to soak up the sun. This makes it an ideal month for travelers seeking vibrant beach days and outdoor adventures, as the warmth of the sun enhances the island's already stunning landscapes. With such favorable conditions, October stands out as an enticing choice for those yearning for a sunny escape.
In Zanzibar, Tanzania, the pattern of daylight duration throughout the year reflects a delightful consistency, especially noticeable in October. With 12 hours of daylight, October continues a trend established in the earlier months of January, February, and March, where sunshine is abundant. The shift begins in April as daylight dips to 11 hours, a slight reduction that persists through the middle of the year. However, as the seasons turn, October heralds a return to the wonderful equilibrium of light, signaling that both October and the subsequent months of November and December will once again bask in 12 hours of sunshine. This rhythm not only enhances the island's charm but also creates a perfect backdrop for both adventure and relaxation, making Zanzibar a captivating destination year-round.
As October settles over Zanzibar, the island experiences a gentle breeze, with average wind speeds dropping to 3.3 m/s (7 mph). This marks a continuation of the declining trend observed since the blustery peak in July, where winds reached 5.1 m/s (12 mph). Following the transition from the cooler months of June and July, October's lighter winds are reminiscent of the calmer conditions seen earlier in the year, particularly in March when winds were the lowest at 3.3 m/s (7 mph). As the month progresses, the subdued wind speeds are ideal for enjoying the pristine beaches and tranquil surroundings, offering a perfect blend of warmth and serenity in this tropical paradise.
Weather in Zanzibar varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares October’s weather to other months in Zanzibar, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
The weather in October and January presents notable differences, particularly in temperature and humidity. In October, temperatures range from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), while January sees slightly warmer averages with temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 33°C (91°F). October experiences higher precipitation, with about 92 mm (3.6 in) over 16 days, compared to January's 52 mm (2.0 in) over 13 days. Humidity levels are also higher in January at 82%, compared to October's 75%. For more details on the weather patterns during January, check out Zanzibar weather in January.
October and February exhibit distinct weather patterns in terms of temperature, precipitation, and humidity. In October, the minimum temperature is slightly lower at 23°C (73°F) with an average of 26°C (80°F) and a maximum reaching 31°C (88°F). This month also sees higher precipitation at 92 mm (3.6 in) over 16 days, combined with a humidity level of 75%. In contrast, February is warmer, with a minimum temperature of 25°C (78°F) and an average of 28°C (83°F), peaking at 33°C (91°F). February experiences less rainfall, with 59 mm (2.3 in) across 13 days and slightly higher humidity at 78%. For a deeper dive into the specific conditions of February, you can check Zanzibar weather in February.
In October, the weather offers a warm climate with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F) and an average of 26°C (80°F). However, October experiences considerable rainfall, with 92 mm (3.6 in) of precipitation spread over 16 days and a humidity level of 75%. In contrast, March sees slightly higher temperatures, with a minimum of 25°C (77°F) and a maximum of 33°C (92°F), yielding an average of 28°C (83°F). March is also wetter, with a total of 133 mm (5.2 in) of rainfall occurring over 20 days, while humidity remains comparable at 76%. For more detailed information on the weather in March, you can explore Zanzibar weather in March.
When comparing the weather in October and April, we see some notable differences. October experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with an average of 26°C (80°F) and maximums reaching 31°C (88°F). In contrast, April is warmer, boasting an average temperature of 27°C (81°F) and highs of up to 33°C (92°F). However, April is significantly wetter, with precipitation totaling 276 mm (10.8 in) over 28 days, compared to October's 92 mm (3.6 in) across 16 days. Humidity levels are also slightly higher in April at 79%, compared to 75% in October. For those interested in more details, you can explore Zanzibar weather in April.
When comparing the weather in October and May, both months exhibit warm temperatures, with minimum temperatures around 23°C (73°F). October typically sees an average temperature of 26°C (80°F), peaking at 31°C (88°F), while May has a similar average of 26°C (79°F) but a slightly lower maximum of 30°C (87°F). However, May experiences significantly higher precipitation at 225 mm (8.8 in) over 22 days, compared to October's 92 mm (3.6 in) over 16 days. The humidity in May is also higher at 86% compared to October's 75%. For more detailed insights, you can explore Zanzibar weather in May.
In comparing the weather of October and June, both months display similar average temperatures, hovering around 26°C (79°F). However, October tends to be slightly warmer at its maximum temperature, reaching 31°C (88°F), compared to June's peak of 30°C (86°F). Additionally, October experiences more rainfall, with 92 mm (3.6 in) of precipitation over 16 days, while June sees only 45 mm (1.8 in) across 12 days. Humidity levels are also notably higher in June at 84%, compared to 75% in October, contributing to a more humid climate during the earlier month. For more detailed information, you can check Zanzibar weather in June.
When comparing the weather in October and July, October tends to be warmer and wetter. In October, temperatures range from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average of 26°C (80°F). In contrast, July has slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 22°C (72°F), an average of 25°C (78°F), and a maximum of 29°C (85°F). Additionally, October experiences significantly more rainfall, with a total of 92 mm (3.6 in) over 16 days, compared to July's 31 mm (1.2 in) over 10 days. However, July has slightly higher humidity at 80%, while October stands at 75%. For more details, you can check the Zanzibar weather in July.
When comparing the weather in October and August, it becomes clear that October is slightly warmer, with average temperatures reaching 26°C (80°F) compared to August's 25°C (78°F). The highest recorded temperature in October is also a touch higher at 31°C (88°F) versus August’s 30°C (86°F). However, October experiences significantly more precipitation, with 92 mm (3.6 in) over 16 days, in contrast to August's 33 mm (1.3 in) across 11 days. Humidity levels remain quite similar, with October at 75% and August at 74%. For more detailed insights into August weather, you can visit Zanzibar weather in August.
In comparing the weather of October and September, October tends to be slightly warmer with a minimum temperature of 23°C (73°F) and a maximum of 31°C (88°F), compared to September's minimum of 22°C (72°F) and a maximum of 30°C (86°F). Both months have similar average temperatures around 26°C (79°F - 80°F). However, October experiences significantly more precipitation at 92 mm (3.6 in) over 16 days, while September has only 35 mm (1.4 in) across 14 days. Humidity levels are also slightly higher in October at 75%, compared to September's 73%. For a more detailed look, you can check out Zanzibar weather in September.
October and November present a gradual transition in weather patterns. In October, temperatures range from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average temperature of 26°C (80°F). The month experiences around 92 mm (3.6 in) of precipitation over 16 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 75%. In contrast, November brings slightly higher temperatures, with a minimum of 24°C (75°F) and a maximum of 32°C (90°F), averaging at 27°C (81°F). Precipitation increases to 112 mm (4.4 in) over 22 days, and humidity rises to 84%. Overall, November tends to be warmer and wetter compared to October. For more details, check out Zanzibar weather in November.
In comparing the weather between October and December, both months exhibit warm temperatures, with average highs reaching around 31°C (89°F). October features a minimum temperature of 23°C (73°F) and overall lower humidity at 75%, while December sees a slight increase with a minimum of 24°C (76°F) and a higher humidity level of 85%. Notably, December experiences more precipitation, with 137 mm (5.4 in) over 26 days compared to October's 92 mm (3.6 in) across 16 days. For more details on December weather in Zanzibar, you can visit this link: Zanzibar weather in December.
As October rolls in, Zanzibar experiences a distinctive shift in weather compared to other months. With average temperatures hovering around 26°C (80°F), days can feel warm and inviting, but the humidity levels remain high at 75%, creating a muggy atmosphere that's characteristic of this transitional period. While you can expect some rainfall—averaging 92 mm over 16 days—the showers often offer a refreshing break from the heat. This blend of warmth and moisture sets October apart, making it a unique time to experience the lush beauty of the island. For a deeper insight into the yearly patterns, check out the full Zanzibar Climate page.