Zanzibar in October
Zanzibar in October is excellent shoulder season: 26-29°C day warm nice beach perfect, 22-24°C night refreshing, water temperature 27-28°C perfect swimming, minimal rainfall 3-5 days occasional short showers, sun 85-90% days, humidity 65-75% comfortable. AdvantagesExcellent climate at the end of the dry season, prices -20-30% vs. high season (Dec-Jan), fewer tourists authentic quiet experience, booking 2-4 weeks enough, visibility snorkeling 15-20 meters good. DisadvantagesActivities: possible short rains at the end of the month (Nov transition), moderate kitesurfing winds 10-18 knots (not optimal vs Aug). Activities: beaches (Nungwi/Kendwa/Paje), snorkeling/diving Mnemba, dolphin tours, Stone Town culture, spice tours. Accommodation: guesthouses 35-60 USD, mid-range 80-150 USD, resorts 200-500 USD. Daily budget: budget 70-130 USD, mid-range 180-350 USD, luxury 450-900 USD.
Zanzibar weather in October
Day temperature: 26-29°C (pleasantly warm, perfect for the beach).
Night temperature: 22-24°C (refreshing, comfortable sleeping).
Water temperature: 27-28°C (perfect for swimming without a wetsuit).
Humidity65-75% (moderate comfortable).
Sol85-90% : Abundant 85-90% days with mostly clear skies.
WindsModerate 10-18 knots (good kitesurfing).
Season: End of dry season (less tourists, good prices).
Weather: Weather.com forecasts.
Data: Climate-Data.org statistics.
Zanzibar activities in October
Beaches: Nungwi/Kendwa north (no tide all day swimming), Paje east (kitesurfing winds 10-18 knots), Paje east (winds 10-18 knots) Windguru), Matemwe quiet family, authentic Jambiani.
Snorkeling/divingMnemba Atoll tours 80-150 USD (visibility 15-20 meters good), certification PADI.
Dolphin Tours: Kizimkazi 50-80 USD morning 6:00-9:00 (80-90% sighting), ethical Whale and Dolphin Conservation.
Stone TownUNESCO heritage UNESCOtours 30,000-50,000 TZS, temperature 26-29°C ideal for hiking.
Spice toursSpice Island 40,000-60,000 TZS half day, clove/cinnamon/vanilla crop.
Jozani ForestRed colobus monkeys, endemic red colobus monkeys, entrance fee 10 USD, nature trails.
Best beaches Zanzibar in October
MatemweNortheast: Quiet family friendly, Mnemba Atoll snorkeling access, less touristy, crystal clear water.
PageboyKitesurfing: East kitesurfing winds 10-18 knots, dramatic tide, backpacker atmosphere, local restaurants.
Jambiani: This quiet authentic, genuine fishing village, less tourists, local experience.
Zanzibar Gastronomy October
PilauRice spices (clove/cardamom/cinnamon) with meat/fish, traditional swahili dish.
Urojo: Spicy tamarind/mango/potato soup, street food Stone Town.
Fresh seafoodLobster/shrimp/fish grill beach restaurants 25,000-60,000 TZS.
Zanzibar Pizza: Meat/egg/vegetable stuffed pancake, Forodhani Gardens nightly 5,000-10,000 TZS.
Spice tea: Local spice tea, authentic experience.
Forodhani MarketStone Town at night, street food, fresh seafood at reasonable prices.
Tips Zanzibar in October
Better balanceExcellent climate + prices -20-30% + less tourists.
Advance booking2-4 weeks sufficient (less demand vs Dec-Jan).
Protección solarSPF 50+ intense sun 85-90% days.
Rainfall end of monthPossible short showers in the afternoon (light raincoat).
MalariaMandatory prophylaxis, DEET 30%+ repellent.
Frequently asked questions Zanzibar in October
What is the weather like in Zanzibar in October?
The Zanzibar weather October is excellent shoulder season: 26-29°C day pleasant warm (less hot vs Dec-Jan 28-32°C), 22-24°C night refreshing, water 27-28°C perfect, humidity 65-75% comfortable, minimal rainfall 3-5 days short showers, sun 85-90% days. October is the end of the dry season with excellent weather transitioning to short rains in November. According to Lonely PlanetOctober is "excellent weather, less tourists". Consult Weather.com, Climate-Data.org.
Is October a good month to visit Zanzibar?
YES, October EXCELLENT balance climate/prices/tourists. AdvantagesPerfect temperature 26-29°C, water 27-28°C ideal, prices -20-30% vs. high season (guesthouses 35-60 USD, mid-range 80-150 USD, resorts 200-500 USD), fewer tourists quiet experience, booking 2-4 weeks is enough. DisadvantagesPossible short showers at the end of the month, kitesurfing winds 10-18 knots moderate. BudgetBudget 70-130 USD, mid-range 180-350 USD, luxury 450-900 USD. According to TripAdvisorOctober "best climate/price balance". Compare Booking.com, Skyscanner.
What to do in Zanzibar in October?
At Zanzibar October: (1) Beaches Nungwi/Kendwa north no tide swimming all day, Paje kitesurfing winds 10-18 knots (Windguru), Matemwe/Jambiani quiet; (2) Snorkeling/diving Mnemba Atoll 80-150 USD visibility 15-20 meters (PADI); (3) Dolphin Tours Kizimkazi 50-80 USD (Whale and Dolphin Conservation); (4) Stone Town culture UNESCO (UNESCO) tours 30,000-50,000 TZS; (5) Spice tours 40,000-60,000 TZS; (6) Jozani Forest colobus monkeys 10 USD. Temperature 26-29°C perfect for activities. Consult Tanzania Tourism Board.