Weather in Zanzibar in October

How October compares

October is the 6th warmest month of the year in Zanzibar and ranks 12th of 134 destinations we compare for October - see where else is hot in October. Against London's average high of 14.6°C in October, Zanzibar is 14.7°C warmer by day and 15.3°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in October

The typical October day in Zanzibar peaks at 29.3°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 30.5°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and 1 in 4 pass 30°C. Nights average 23.7°C; one night in ten drops to 22.8°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest October day here reached 31.9°C (2015-10-29) and the coldest night 20.8°C (1991-10-05).

Rain in October

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 11 days with 1 mm or more, 58 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest October was 2019 with 306 mm, the driest 2000 with 10 mm. Humidity averages 76%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sea temperature in October

The sea averages 26.6°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 26.2°C to 27.1°C. For the warmest sea here, come in March (29.0°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 7.4 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.1 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:02 and sets about 18:16 local time in mid-October. Average cloud cover is 39%.

Is October a good time to visit Zanzibar?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. The best months for Zanzibar on our scoring are September, August, July; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Hot days, with little cooling after dark

Zanzibar feels markedly hotter than London in October: the average daytime high is about 15°C higher. Humidity averages 76%, so leave room for shade and breaks rather than planning to be active throughout the hottest part of the day. Loose, breathable clothes are a practical choice, and accommodation with effective cooling is worth prioritising because average night lows remain around 24°C. The heat is dependable, but temperatures above 30°C are not an everyday feature. This suits travellers who enjoy warmth from morning into evening; it is less comfortable if you rely on cool nights to recover from a hot day.

Useful sunshine, but keep plans flexible

October brings about 7.4 hours of sunshine a day within 12.1 hours of daylight, so rain does not make this a write-off for time outdoors. The catch is about 11 days with measurable rain: waterproof protection for your belongings and a light rain layer deserve space in your luggage. Avoid making every day depend on dry weather, and be ready to move outdoor plans around. Rainfall varies substantially between years, so the average is not a promise of how wet your stay will be. October works better for someone relaxed about weather interruptions than someone seeking a reliably dry holiday.

Warm sea makes swimming a strong reason to go

The sea averages 26.6°C in October, making swimming a clear strength of the month. Its year-to-year range of 26°C to 27°C suggests little variation in water warmth, although warm water alone does not tell you what conditions will be like on the day. For a holiday built around swimming and taking things slowly in the heat, October makes sense. The flight from London is about 10 hours, so weigh that long-haul journey against your tolerance for rain rather than questioning if it will be warm enough. If dry weather matters more than timing, compare October with September, August or July before committing.