The best time to visit Namibia is from July to October, when the temperatures are just above 20°C and the chance of rain is low. This is also the best time for wildlife viewing, making it peak travel season — you will need to plan well in advance.
The Northern Hemisphere summer is warm and sunny, albeit with cold nights, while during the winter Namibia is hot with the chance of spectacular thunderstorms. However, it’s a predominantly dry country, where deep orange sand dunes contrast with cobalt skies.
Month-by-month guide for travelling in Namibia
Visiting Namibia in January
This is mid-summer in Namibia. It tends to be hot and humid, with maximum temperatures hitting around 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F); reaching up to 40°C (104°F) in the desert. There may be torrential downpours in the afternoon, but not every day. Mornings are usually clear, with the rain falling in the late afternoon.
Events & Festivals
- Birdwatching in the Caprivi Strip (November to February): The Caprivi Strip is at its best during the summer months, when there are fantastic birdwatching opportunities, with more than 450 species recorded in the area.
- Flamingos gather (November to February): The summer months are the best time to see a flamboyance of flamingos, where they gather on lagoons in their thousands in Swakopmund.
Visiting Namibia in February
Very similar to January, with hot, humid days and the chance of the occasional downpour in the afternoons.
Events & Festivals
- Birdwatching in the Caprivi Strip (November to February): The Caprivi Strip is at its best during the summer months, when there are fantastic birdwatching opportunities, with more than 450 species recorded in the area.
- Flamingos gather (November to February): The summer months are the best time to see a flamboyance of flamingos, where they gather on lagoons in their thousands in Swakopmund.
Visiting Namibia in March
Rainfall starts to decrease and temperatures lower after the rains. The nights start to get cooler again, with temperatures falling to around 15°C (59°F), although during the day this rises to around 30°C (86°F), making for pleasant conditions.
Visiting Namibia in April
The rain should have stopped by April and daytime temperatures should drop to around 25°C (77°F). Expect lows of around 13°C (55°F) at night, although it can be cooler in the desert.
Visiting Namibia in May
May is the beginning of Namibia's winter. There is little to no rainfall during the winter and humidity is low. Wildlife will start to gather around the waterholes when rivers and other water sources dry up.
Visiting Namibia in June
The nights are getting cold and temperatures can drop to below 10°C (50°F), while in the desert areas it can get to freezing. Daytime temperatures are pleasant however, with blue skies and temperatures in the mid-20°Cs (70°Fs).
Visiting Namibia in July - August
July and August are the main winter months. Be sure to pack warm clothing because game drives in open vehicles can be chilly. The maximum temperature is around 21-25°C (70-77°F). At night it will be around 7°C (45°F), but it can drop to below freezing in the desert.
Visiting Namibia in September
September is a lovely month and considered the best time to travel to Namibia. It isn't yet too hot, but the humidity is still low, keeping it very pleasant. It is dry and the skies are clear.
Visiting Namibia in October
During October the green vegetation is fading and the heat gradually builds up. This is a very good time for game viewing because the country is so dry. Temperatures during the day can reach 29°C (84°F) and it gets even hotter in the desert.
Visiting Namibia in November
The heat continues to rise by November and it will be very hot; although humidity is still low. On average, daytime temperatures are above 30°C (86°F). Clouds start to build in the afternoon, bringing a chance of rain.
Events & Festivals
- Birdwatching in the Caprivi Strip (November to February): The Caprivi Strip is at its best during the summer months, when there are fantastic birdwatching opportunities, with more than 450 species recorded in the area.
- Flamingos gather (November to February): The summer months are the best time to see a flamboyance of flamingos, where they gather on lagoons in their thousands in Swakopmund.
Visiting Namibia in December
The first rains usually arrive in December, and with it the temperature drops. The landscape changes after the first rains as everything comes to life, and the animals start to disperse as more water sources become available.
Events & Festivals
- Birdwatching in the Caprivi Strip (November to February): The Caprivi Strip is at its best during the summer months, when there are fantastic birdwatching opportunities, with more than 450 species recorded in the area.
- Flamingos gather (November to February): The summer months are the best time to see a flamboyance of flamingos, where they gather on lagoons in their thousands in Swakopmund.
Namibia Climate Guide
Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Damaraland | 27°C 54mm | 26°C 64mm | 26°C 81mm | 26°C 25mm | 24°C 3mm | 22°C 0mm | 21°C 0mm | 24°C 0mm | 26°C 2mm | 28°C 10mm | 28°C 20mm | 27°C 17mm |
Fish River Canyon | 33°C 6mm | 33°C 9mm | 31°C 17mm | 29°C 6mm | 25°C 3mm | 23°C 3mm | 22°C 2mm | 24°C 1mm | 26°C 2mm | 29°C 3mm | 31°C 2mm | 33°C 3mm |
Mudumu & Nkasa Lupala National Park | 31°C 130mm | 31°C 127mm | 31°C 73mm | 30°C 22mm | 28°C 2mm | 25°C 1mm | 26°C 0mm | 29°C 0mm | 33°C 3mm | 35°C 22mm | 33°C 53mm | 31°C 109mm |
Sossusvlei & Sesriem | 25°C 6mm | 25°C 8mm | 25°C 13mm | 24°C 4mm | 22°C 2mm | 21°C 3mm | 20°C 1mm | 20°C 1mm | 21°C 1mm | 23°C 1mm | 24°C 2mm | 25°C 1mm |
Southern Kalahari | 35°C 36mm | 34°C 39mm | 32°C 42mm | 29°C 22mm | 24°C 6mm | 21°C 2mm | 22°C 0mm | 24°C 1mm | 28°C 1mm | 31°C 7mm | 34°C 12mm | 35°C 16mm |
The Skeleton Coast | 23°C 5mm | 24°C 4mm | 24°C 10mm | 23°C 1mm | 22°C 0mm | 21°C 0mm | 19°C 0mm | 18°C 0mm | 19°C 0mm | 20°C 0mm | 22°C 1mm | 22°C 1mm |
Windhoek | 30°C 75mm | 29°C 92mm | 28°C 84mm | 27°C 33mm | 25°C 6mm | 22°C 2mm | 23°C 0mm | 26°C 1mm | 29°C 3mm | 31°C 12mm | 31°C 28mm | 32°C 31mm |
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