Dhaka in October

October weather, activities, events & insider tips

October Weather in Dhaka

32°C (89°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

175 mm (6.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Post-monsoon river trips become possible again - the Buriganga and nearby waterways are navigable after September flooding, making October perfect for traditional boat tours to see Old Dhaka from the water
Durga Puja festival season brings the city alive with elaborate pandals (temporary temples) throughout neighborhoods - particularly spectacular in areas like Shakhari Bazar and Ramna Park with intricate decorations and cultural performances
Cooler evening temperatures drop to 24°C (75°F) making street food exploration comfortable after sunset - the famous Chawk Bazaar and Kolkata areas buzz with activity from 7pm onwards
Clear skies between rain showers offer excellent visibility for rooftop dining and photography - you can actually see across the city from places like Sky Lounge or hotel rooftops, unlike the hazy summer months

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon downpours can last 45-60 minutes and flood streets within 20 minutes - this disrupts outdoor plans and makes transportation challenging between 2-5pm daily
High humidity at 70% makes indoor air conditioning essential during midday hours - walking outdoors between 11am-4pm feels oppressive even for locals
Festival season crowds mean popular areas like Lalbagh Fort and Ahsan Manzil become extremely congested on weekends - expect 2-3x normal visitor numbers and longer queues

Best Activities in October

Old Dhaka Heritage Walking Tours

October's cooler mornings (24-26°C/75-79°F) make exploring the narrow lanes of Puran Dhaka comfortable before 10am. Post-monsoon cleanup reveals freshly washed Mughal architecture at Lalbagh Fort and Star Mosque. The humidity drops enough that 3-4 hour walking tours become manageable for international visitors.

Booking Tip: Book early morning slots (6-10am) to avoid afternoon heat and crowds. Tours typically cost ৳2,000-3,500 per person. Look for certified Bangladesh Tourism Board guides who speak English. Book 5-7 days ahead during festival season through hotel concierges or see current options in booking section below.

Buriganga River Boat Excursions

October marks the return of safe river navigation after monsoon flooding subsides. Water levels stabilize, making traditional wooden boat trips possible again. Early morning (6-8am) and evening (5-7pm) departures offer the best experience when temperatures are 24-28°C (75-82°F) and river traffic is lighter.

Booking Tip: Traditional wooden boats cost ৳800-1,500 per hour for groups of 4-6. Modern tour boats with safety equipment run ৳1,200-2,000 per person. Book through registered operators only - check for life jackets and insurance. Reserve 3-4 days ahead, see current river tour options in booking section below.

Durga Puja Pandal Hopping

October coincides with Dhaka's most spectacular Hindu festival. Elaborate temporary temples appear in neighborhoods like Shakhari Bazar, Tanti Bazar, and Ramna area. Evening visits (6-10pm) when temperatures drop to 26°C (79°F) offer the best atmosphere with lighting, music, and cultural performances.

Booking Tip: Join organized cultural tours for ৳1,500-2,500 per person including transportation between 8-12 pandals. Independent exploration is free but challenging to navigate. Local cultural guides cost ৳1,000-1,800 per day. Book cultural tour packages 7-10 days ahead during peak festival period.

Rickshaw Art and Craft Workshop Tours

October's stable weather makes visiting outdoor rickshaw painting workshops in areas like Dhamrai and Savar feasible. Artisans work in covered but open-air spaces that become comfortable in October's reduced humidity. You can observe and participate in traditional painting techniques.

Booking Tip: Half-day workshop tours cost ৳2,800-4,200 including transportation and materials. Full-day experiences with lunch run ৳4,500-6,500. Look for tours that include multiple craft workshops - rickshaw painting, pottery, and weaving. Book 5-7 days ahead through cultural tour operators.

Evening Food Market Exploration

Cooler October evenings make street food tours comfortable from 6pm onwards. Markets like Chawk Bazaar, Iftar Market (open year-round), and Kolkata food courts come alive when temperatures drop to 24-26°C (75-79°F). The reduced rain risk means outdoor food stalls operate more consistently.

Booking Tip: Guided food tours cost ৳1,800-2,800 per person for 3-4 hour experiences covering 8-12 food stops. Independent exploration budget ৳500-800 for a full evening. Look for tours that include traditional sweets, street snacks, and restaurant dishes. Book food tours 3-4 days ahead.

Rooftop Cultural Performances

October's clearer skies and comfortable evening temperatures make rooftop venues ideal for traditional music and dance performances. Many cultural centers and hotels host outdoor events taking advantage of the post-monsoon weather and festival season atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Rooftop cultural events cost ৳1,200-2,500 per person including refreshments. Private rooftop dining with performances runs ৳3,000-5,500. Book through hotels or cultural centers 7-14 days ahead as October is peak season for outdoor events. Check weather backup plans for indoor venues.

October Events & Festivals

Early to Mid October

Durga Puja

Dhaka's largest Hindu festival transforms the city with elaborate temporary temples (pandals) featuring intricate decorations, classical music, and traditional dance performances. Major celebrations occur in Shakhari Bazar, Ramna Park, and university campuses with 24-hour festivities

Mid to Late October

Kali Puja

Follows shortly after Durga Puja with nighttime celebrations featuring clay goddess statues, oil lamp decorations, and community gatherings. Particularly busy in Old Dhaka's Hindu neighborhoods with traditional sweets distribution and cultural programs

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic t-shirts and lightweight cotton pants - 70% humidity makes cotton blends essential, avoid heavy fabrics that don't breathe

Compact umbrella or lightweight rain poncho - October downpours are intense but brief, lasting 45-60 minutes with little warning

Waterproof phone case and plastic bags for electronics - sudden rain can damage devices, especially during outdoor market visits

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 8 is strong even with cloud cover, reapply every 2 hours

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - monsoon aftermath means wet surfaces and occasional puddles on sidewalks

Lightweight long-sleeve shirt for mosque visits - required for entry to major mosques like Baitul Mukarram, also provides sun protection

Anti-bacterial hand gel and wet wipes - essential for street food exploration and after touching surfaces in crowded areas

Portable phone charger/power bank - humid weather drains phone batteries faster, especially when using GPS and camera frequently

Insect repellent with DEET - standing water after rains increases mosquito activity, particularly at dawn and dusk

Small daypack with waterproof lining - for carrying essentials during day trips, keeps items dry during unexpected showers

Insider Knowledge

October festivals mean Friday and weekend traffic increases by 40-50% around temple areas - plan extra travel time and use rideshares instead of walking in congested zones like Shakhari Bazar and Ramna

Local restaurants serve special Durga Puja dishes in October - try khichuri and begun bhaja combinations that aren't available other months, particularly at family-run establishments in Old Dhaka

Book accommodations by mid-September for October visits - festival season and improved weather create 60-70% higher occupancy rates, especially in Old Dhaka heritage hotels

Morning prayers at major mosques (5:30-6:30am) offer the most authentic cultural experience with fewer tourists - dress conservatively and observe quietly from designated visitor areas

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities between 2-5pm when afternoon thunderstorms are most likely - locals avoid scheduling important outdoor events during these hours

Wearing white or light-colored clothing to crowded festival areas - colored powder (abir) and decorative paints are common during October celebrations and will stain light fabrics permanently

Booking same-day transportation during festival weekends - traffic increases dramatically and ride prices surge 150-200%, book hotels within walking distance of major attractions