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Timor-Leste in October: Weather and What to Expect

Late dry season · Good time to visit

Last verified: Climate normals from the national meteorological services; events from official sources

By David

Quick answer · as of October 2026

October is hot, sunny and still dry on the coast, with about 16 mm of rain in Dili and highs of 32°C. From late October, pygmy blue whales pass through the Wetar Strait, and pilgrimages to Mount Ramelau, Matebian and Aitara draw crowds of the faithful. Rain can begin in the mountains.

Dili high / low
32.3°C / 22.8°C
Rainfall (Dili)
16 mm
Rainy days
2
Sea temperature
About 29°C
Sunshine
9.6 hours a day
Season
Late dry season
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Weather in October

October in Dili averages highs of 32.3°C and lows of 22.8°C, with 16 mm of rain over about 2 rainy days. For comparison, the hottest month averages 32.7°C and the wettest, January, gets 175 mm. Dili is one of the driest places in the country; the mountains and the south coast get more rain, and above 1,000 metres nights are cool all year.

Dili climate in October (1991–2020 averages)
MeasureOctober
Average high32.3°C
Average low22.8°C
Rainfall15.5 mm
Days with rain (1 mm or more)2.1
Sunshine9.6 hours a day
Humidity68.5%
Sea temperatureAbout 29°C
Source: Indonesian Agency for Meteorology (BMKG) and Timor-Leste's Directorate of Meteorology, via Wikipedia; sea temperatures from Climates to Travel.

What October is good for

  • Whale watching (from late October)
  • Pilgrimages and religious festivals
  • Diving

What to watch out for

  • Heat and haze
  • Showers starting in the mountains

Holidays and events in October

Festivals and events in October
DateEventWhere
7 October (2026)Our Lady of Ramelau pilgrimageMount Ramelau
8 October (2026)Christ the King ceremonyMount Matebian
16 October (2026)Our Lady of Aitara pilgrimageAitara shrine, Manatuto

See all public holidays and festivals.

What to pack

  • Light, loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees, a hat and high-factor sunscreen.
  • A warm layer for the mountains.
  • Insect repellent: dengue occurs in Timor-Leste, most of all in the wet season.

See the full packing list and the best time to visit.

Frequently asked questions

Is October a good time to visit Timor-Leste?

Yes, mostly. October is a good month to visit, though it is hot.

Does it rain in Timor-Leste in October?

Dili averages 16 mm of rain over about 2 rainy days in October. The mountains and the south coast are usually wetter than Dili.

How hot is Timor-Leste in October?

In Dili, average highs are 32.3°C and lows 22.8°C, with the sea at about 29°C. It is much cooler in the mountains, especially at night.

Sources

Official sites, operators and references we checked for this page.

Weather

Timor-Leste Weather by Month

Month-by-month weather in Timor-Leste: Dili temperatures, rainfall, rainy days and sea temperature, with the best months for beaches, hiking and whales.

Destinations

25 Best Things to Do in Timor-Leste

The best things to do in Timor-Leste: Atauro's reefs, Jaco Island, a Ramelau sunrise, whale watching, coffee farms, Dili's history museums and more.