The short answer
- Month
- October
- Verdict
- Very good
- Safari weather
- Dry and warm
- Great Migration
- Northern Serengeti, last crossings
- Kilimanjaro
- Very good
- Zanzibar
- Sunny
October is the last full dry month. The herds are usually still in the north early in the month before turning south, and animals crowd around the remaining water in Tarangire and the southern parks.
Tanzania in October at a glance
The map opens on October; tap another month to compare.
Choose your month
October
Dry and warm; the last crossings in the north. A quieter month with excellent game viewing.
- Serengeti (best)plus the Great Migration all year
- Ngorongoro and Tarangire (best)the rest of the northern circuit
- Kilimanjaro (best)climbing conditions
- Zanzibar (best)beaches and Stone Town
- Southern parks (best)Nyerere and Ruaha
Where is the Great Migration in October?
Choose your month
Highlighted months: herds mostly in Tanzania.
October
- Base in the Serengeti
- Kogatende or Lobo
- River crossings
- Likely
Crossings continue, then the herds start heading back into Tanzania as the short rains approach.
Where the herds are: Masai Mara and Northern Serengeti
October across the year
How October compares with the rest of the year in each region. The ringed column is October.
Swipe sideways to see all 12 months →
| Region | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serengetiplus the Great Migration | Best | Best | Mixed | Wet or difficult | Mixed | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Best |
| Ngorongoro and Tarangirenorthern circuit | Best | Best | Mixed | Wet or difficult | Mixed | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Best |
| Kilimanjaroclimbing | Best | Best | Mixed | Wet or difficult | Wet or difficult | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Mixed |
| Zanzibarbeaches | Best | Best | Mixed | Wet or difficult | Wet or difficult | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Best |
| Southern parksNyerere, Ruaha | Mixed | Mixed | Wet or difficult | Wet or difficult | Wet or difficult | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Mixed |
Where to go in October
- Northern Serengeti: The last crossings, often with fewer vehicles.
- Tarangire, Nyerere and Ruaha: Animals concentrated at the rivers.
- Zanzibar: Dry and warm before the short rains.
What to avoid in October
- Late October in the far north if you want crossings: the herds may already be moving south.
Events and holidays in October
- Nyerere Day (14 October): A public holiday honouring Tanzania's first president.
Weather in October
Average highs, lows and rainfall, with October highlighted.
Average daily high / low and monthly rainfall
| Month | Arushaabout 1,400 m, Moshi is warmer | SerengetiSeronera, about 1,500 m | Ngorongoro rimabout 2,300 m, cold at night | ZanzibarStone Town |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28° / 13°60 mm | 28° / 15°90 mm | 21° / 9°80 mm | 32° / 24°70 mm |
| Feb | 28° / 13°75 mm | 28° / 15°90 mm | 21° / 9°85 mm | 32° / 24°60 mm |
| Mar | 27° / 14°145 mm | 28° / 15°140 mm | 20° / 10°140 mm | 32° / 24°150 mm |
| Apr | 25° / 15°320 mm | 27° / 15°170 mm | 19° / 10°210 mm | 30° / 24°350 mm |
| May | 23° / 14°170 mm | 26° / 14°90 mm | 18° / 9°110 mm | 29° / 23°250 mm |
| Jun | 22° / 12°25 mm | 26° / 13°20 mm | 17° / 7°25 mm | 28° / 22°55 mm |
| Jul | 21° / 11°10 mm | 26° / 12°10 mm | 16° / 6°15 mm | 28° / 21°45 mm |
| Aug | 22° / 11°10 mm | 27° / 13°15 mm | 17° / 6°15 mm | 28° / 21°40 mm |
| Sep | 24° / 11°15 mm | 28° / 13°25 mm | 19° / 7°20 mm | 29° / 21°50 mm |
| Oct | 26° / 12°30 mm | 29° / 14°45 mm | 20° / 8°45 mm | 30° / 22°90 mm |
| Nov | 26° / 13°110 mm | 28° / 15°110 mm | 20° / 9°110 mm | 31° / 23°200 mm |
| Dec | 27° / 13°90 mm | 27° / 15°110 mm | 20° / 9°100 mm | 32° / 24°140 mm |
Rounded long term averages. Blue shading marks the wetter months. Individual years can be hotter, colder or wetter.
A 10 day trip for October
Our suggestion for October: Tarangire, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, then Zanzibar. Every trip can be made private, or try your own route in our Tanzania trip planner.
Tip: Early October gives a good chance of crossings with fewer people.
Want a October trip made for you?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for 10 days, built around your dates.
Other months
Thinking about September or November? See Tanzania in September and Tanzania in November, or compare every season in our guide to the best time to visit Tanzania.
Rather have a trip to Tanzania made just for you?
Answer a few quick questions and a local specialist will send you a free, no-obligation itinerary and price.
Frequently asked questions
Is October a good time to visit Tanzania?
Yes. It's hot and dry with excellent game viewing, the last of the river crossings and fewer visitors than August.
Sources we checked
Tanzania month by month
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