Tanzania Weather in October

  Season: Dry Season
  In Short: Mild and sunny

Tanzania weather in October is mild and sunny. It comes to the end of the dry season, so there is a slightly growing tendency to the rainfall, which gradually makes Serengeti lush again, attracting animals to move back from the Masai Mara in Kenya. But it generally rains not that much. The average monthly precipitation is 43 mm, and it rains around 5 days on average. In most time during this month, it’s sunny with clear sky and the average temperatures range from 19 - 30°C (66.2 - 86°F). As there’s a big temperature difference between day and night, wear a thin coat when you go out in the early morning and at night.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area in October

Generally, the mild climate and animals’ migrating back to Serengeti make October still a great time to visit Tanzania. Moreover, the peak season draws to an end in October, with the costs of accommodation, air tickets and safari gradually reducing. If you want a hassle-free trip in October, 2025, check our Tanzania Tours 2025 & 2026.

 The hottest places in Tanzania in October: 
Tabora: 19 - 32°C (66.2 - 89.6°F); Zanzibar: 22 - 31°C (71.6 - 87.8°F)
 The coolest places in Tanzania in October:
Dodoma: 16 - 30°C (60.8 - 86°F); Ngorongoro: 16 - 30°C (60.8 - 86°F)

What to Wear and Pack

 Tops: A combination of a tank top or quick-drying short-sleeved shirt with a thin long-sleeved shirt or sun proof coat is very practical either during safari on vast grassland or tour on islands. It’ll be inconvenient to wash clothes, so bring enough tank tops and short sleeves. If you go to a cooler place like Ngorongoro crater, you’d better bring a hardshell jacket or even a thin down jacket. If you go to the beaches, pretty dresses and short-sleeved shirts in beach style are great.

 Shoes: Comfortable and lightweight sneakers are great. In addition, a pair of comfortable slippers are necessary when you stay long in the off-drive vehicle, as they can be easily taken off when you want to stand on the seat and observe animals. If you go to the beaches, a pair of beach shoes or flip-flops will be nice.

 Accessories: Wide-brimmed hats with ropes, sunglasses, disposable breathable masks and goggles are all essential items that protect you from the sun and dust. To prevent mosquito bites, bring insect repellent.

 Tip: We would recommend you earthy-colored clothing during safari and avoid red ones which may easily irritate wild animals. Black and dark blue are prone to attract flies, so avoid them, too.

Top Places to Visit in Tanzania in October

Tourism Rate: 

October Safari in Serengeti

1. Northern Serengeti

October is the time that wildebeest begin getting back to the Serengeti from Masai Mara in Kenya. At this time, you may have a chance to see the “Mara River Crossing”. It is important to note that the exact timing of animal migration varies according to climate changes. For example, it rained a lot in September 2023 and the wildebeest moved back to the Serengeti earlier than previous years. So if you’re planning to admire this great occasion in 2025, check the weather and get prepared ahead of time.

2. Lake Manyara

Olive Baboon at Lake Manyara

In dry season, it’s a great time to see large mammals in Lake Manyara, including herds of elephants and papio anubis, as well as the well-know “tree climbing lions”. In addition, because of the nourishment of water and lush vegetation, the lake is the home to more than 400 kinds of birds and is known as “bird watching paradise”. You’re recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.
 

3. Arusha National Park

Being only around an hour’s drive from the town of Arusha, Arusha National Park is an ideal location for a one-day trip. There is a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, buffalo, zebras and other herbivores, and even wildebeest. October with a little rainfall is a great time to come and observe these wild mammals. You can choose a one-, two- or three-hour walking safari and you’ll be guarded by a guide with a gun. What’s more, on a clear day, you can enjoy spectacular views of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Weather in Major Destinations in Tanzania in October

Destination	Temp.	Rainfall mm / days	Humidity	Sunrise / Sunset
Dar es Salaam	20 - 31°C (68 - 87.8°F)	65 / 5	78%	05:56 - 06:07 / 18:16 - 18:17
Dodoma	16 - 30°C (60.8 - 86°F)	3 / 1	56%	06:11 - 06:22 / 18:29 - 18:31
Mwanza	18 - 29°C (64.4 - 84.2°F)	89 / 8	68%	06:26 - 06:34 / 18:37 - 18:41
Mtwara	20 - 31°C (68 - 87.8°F)	21 / 3	76%	05:49 - 06:03 / 18:14 - 18:16
Zanzibar	22- 31°C (71.6 - 87.8°F)	43 / 7	78%	05:57 - 06:08 / 18:15 - 18:17
Arusha	17 - 30°C (62.6 - 86°F)	15 / 1	62%	06:10 - 06:19 / 18:23 - 18:27
Kilimanjaro	17 - 30°C (62.6 - 86°F)	17 / 2	60%	06:08 - 06:17 / 18:22 - 18:25
Tabora	19 - 32°C (66.2 - 89.6°F)	3 / 3	51%	06:23 - 06: 34 / 18:40 - 18:42
Morogoro	17 - 30°C (62.6 - 86°F)	3 / 1	56%	06:08 - 06:21 / 18:30 - 18:31
Iringa	18 - 28°C (64.4 - 82.4°F)	98 / 3	68%	06:24 - 06:32 / 18:35 - 18:39
Ngorongoro	16 - 30°C (60.8 - 86°F)	19 / 2	62%	06:15 - 06:23 / 18:28 - 18:31

Tanzania Weather by Month