Things to Do in Daressalaam in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Daressalaam
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Short rain season transition means you get occasional afternoon showers that clear the humidity rather than constant downpours - typically 20-30 minutes around 3-4pm, then gorgeous evenings. Perfect for planning morning beach visits and evening activities without worrying about all-day washouts.
- October marks the tail end of low season, so you'll find accommodation rates 30-40% lower than June-August peak season, and attractions like the National Museum and Village Museum have virtually no queues. Beaches north of the city are noticeably quieter on weekdays.
- The 25°C (77°F) daytime temperatures are genuinely comfortable for walking tours through Kariakoo Market and the old city - not the oppressive 32°C (90°F) heat you'd face in January-February. Locals actually prefer this weather for outdoor activities.
- Jacaranda trees bloom throughout the city in October, turning streets like Samora Avenue and the Botanical Gardens into purple canopies. It's the most photogenic month in Dar, and something most guidebooks completely miss mentioning.
Considerations
- October sits in the short rain season, which means unpredictable weather patterns - you might get three sunny days followed by two grey, drizzly ones. This makes planning boat trips to Mbudya Island or Bongoyo Island slightly risky, as operators sometimes cancel with short notice if swells pick up.
- The 70% humidity combined with variable cloud cover creates that sticky, uncertain feeling where you're never quite sure if you need sunscreen or a rain jacket. It's the kind of weather that has you reconsidering your outfit three times before leaving the hotel.
- Some beach resorts north toward Bagamoyo reduce their services or close certain facilities during October's shoulder season - always confirm what's actually open before booking. I've seen travelers disappointed when the advertised beach bar turned out to be shuttered until November.
Best Activities in October
Dar es Salaam City Walking Tours
October's cooler mornings (20°C/68°F until about 10am) make this the best month for exploring the compact old city on foot. The humidity hasn't reached December's oppressive levels, and you can comfortably walk from the Fish Market through Kivukoni to St. Joseph's Cathedral without feeling completely drained. The variable weather actually works in your favor - overcast days mean less harsh sunlight for photography, and the occasional drizzle clears out the streets so you're not fighting crowds at Kariakoo Market. Most walking tours run 3-4 hours in the morning, typically costing 40,000-60,000 TZS per person.
Offshore Island Day Trips
Mbudya, Bongoyo, and Sinda islands are actually more enjoyable in October than peak season because you'll have beaches nearly to yourself on weekdays. Water visibility for snorkeling runs 8-12 m (26-39 ft) as the short rains haven't stirred up sediment yet, and sea temperatures hover around 26°C (79°F) - warm enough that you don't need a wetsuit. The trade-off is weather unpredictability. Check conditions the morning of your trip, and be flexible with your dates. Most operators run trips 9am-4pm, costing 50,000-80,000 TZS including snorkel gear and lunch.
Village Museum Cultural Visits
The open-air Village Museum showcases traditional housing from Tanzania's 120+ ethnic groups, and October's variable weather is actually ideal - partly cloudy days mean you can explore the outdoor exhibits without brutal sun exposure, and the occasional drizzle adds atmosphere to the thatched-roof structures. The museum sits 10 km (6.2 miles) north of the city center and sees minimal crowds in October. Plan 2-3 hours here, with entry around 10,000 TZS. Traditional dance performances happen weekends at 3pm if weather cooperates.
Bagamoyo Historical Day Trips
The 75 km (47 mile) drive north to Bagamoyo makes a perfect October day trip when Dar's afternoon showers have you wanting to escape the city anyway. This former slave trade port has crumbling German colonial buildings, the old fort, and Kaole ruins dating to the 13th century. October's overcast conditions actually enhance the haunting atmosphere of the slave chambers and make walking the town more comfortable than blazing sunshine would. Budget a full day (8am-5pm departure), with costs around 80,000-120,000 TZS for transport and guide.
Msasani Peninsula Seafood Dining
October evenings after the afternoon showers clear are magnificent for outdoor dining along the Msasani Peninsula. The humidity drops, temperatures settle around 22°C (72°F), and the sunset views over the Indian Ocean from restaurants along Haile Selassie Road are spectacular. The fish markets at Kivukoni and Msasani get the freshest catches in October as fishing conditions improve after the long rains. Expect to spend 30,000-60,000 TZS per person for grilled prawns, octopus, and calamari with sides.
Pugu Hills Forest Reserve Hiking
Located 20 km (12.4 miles) southwest of the city, this 25 sq km forest reserve offers genuine rainforest hiking just outside Dar. October's rains keep the forest lush and waterfalls flowing, while temperatures under the canopy stay around 22°C (72°F) even midday. You'll spot colobus monkeys, various bird species, and the forest feels worlds away from the city chaos. Trails range from 1-hour walks to 4-hour treks, with minimal crowds any day of the week. Entry costs around 10,000 TZS.
October Events & Festivals
Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair
This major East African trade exhibition typically runs late June through early July at the Sabasaba Grounds, so it won't be happening during your October visit. Worth noting because many sources incorrectly list it as an October event.