When to go · Tanzania
Tanzania in October
Great month. Herds start south; dry and dusty; mandatory mainland insurance applies from 1 Oct 2026.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Great
- Crowds
- Medium
- Tanzania
- Prices
- High
- Tanzania
Verdict
Herds start south; dry and dusty; mandatory mainland insurance applies from 1 Oct 2026.
Weather in October
- Northern circuit · Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengetibest weather
Short rains Nov–Dec are light; long rains Apr–May close some camps. Migration position changes month to month.
- Kilimanjaro · Moshi, Marangu, the mountainbest weather
Summit nights below −10 °C all year; best climbing Jan–Mar and Jun–Oct.
- Zanzibar and the coast · Stone Town, Nungwi, Paje, Dar es Salaam, Pembabest weather
Humid; the masika rains Apr–May are heavy and several resorts close.
- Southern parks · Nyerere (Selous), Ruaha, Mikumibest weather
One long wet season Nov–Apr; many camps open only June–October.
- Western lakes · Mahale, Gombe, Katavi, Lake Tanganyikabest weather
Chimp trekking is easiest in the dry season when chimps come down the slopes.
- Arusha27° / 13°, 4 rain days
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Nyerere Day
14 Oct
Public holiday.
Nane Nane (Farmers' Day) check
Around 8 August in most of Tanzania, with regional shows into October · Arusha
Agricultural show draws regional crowds; some road congestion.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Tanzania
- Medium
- Prices · Tanzania
- High
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
What to pack
Nothing unusual for the weather this month.
Where to go in October
Rated best or good this month
Northern circuit
Best weather of the year (Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti)
Kilimanjaro
Best weather of the year (Moshi, Marangu, the mountain)
Zanzibar and the coast
Best weather of the year (Stone Town, Nungwi, Paje, Dar es Salaam, Pemba)
Southern parks
Best weather of the year (Nyerere (Selous), Ruaha, Mikumi)
Western lakes
Best weather of the year (Mahale, Gombe, Katavi, Lake Tanganyika)
Dry, warming; short rains start late.