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Kudu in Damaraland in Namibia

When is the best time to visit Namibia?

Kudu in Damaraland in Namibia

The best time to visit Namibia is from July to October, when the temperatures are just above 70°F 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.

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Month-by-month guide for traveling in Namibia

Flamingos near Sandwich Harbour

Visiting Namibia in January

This is mid-summer in Namibia. It tends to be hot and humid, with maximum temperatures hitting around 86°F to 95°F; reaching up to 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.
Ostriches in the Kalahari Desert, Botswana

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.
Black-maned lion

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 59°F, although during the day this rises to around 86°F, making for pleasant conditions.

Zebra drinking from an Etosha waterhole

Visiting Namibia in April

The rain should have stopped by April and daytime temperatures should drop to around 77°F. Expect lows of around 55°F at night, although it can be cooler in the desert.

Giraffe at a waterhole, Etosha National Park

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.

White rhino seen from Ongava Tented Camp

Visiting Namibia in June

The nights are getting cold and temperatures can drop to below 50°F, while in the desert areas it can get to freezing. Daytime temperatures are pleasant however, with blue skies and temperatures in the 70°Fs.

Cheetah in Etosha National Park

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 70-77°F. At night it will be around 45°F, but it can drop to below freezing in the desert.

Oryx in Sossusvlei

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.

Gemsbok fighting

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 84°F and it gets even hotter in the desert.

Leopard on the Okonjima Reserve

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 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.
Acitivities from Rundu, Rundu

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 81°F 2" 79°F 3" 79°F 3" 79°F 1" 75°F 0" 72°F 0" 70°F 0" 75°F 0" 79°F 0" 82°F 0" 82°F 1" 81°F 1"
Fish River Canyon 91°F 0" 91°F 0" 88°F 1" 84°F 0" 77°F 0" 73°F 0" 72°F 0" 75°F 0" 79°F 0" 84°F 0" 88°F 0" 91°F 0"
Mudumu & Nkasa Lupala National Park 88°F 5" 88°F 5" 88°F 3" 86°F 1" 82°F 0" 77°F 0" 79°F 0" 84°F 0" 91°F 0" 95°F 1" 91°F 2" 88°F 4"
Sossusvlei & Sesriem 77°F 0" 77°F 0" 77°F 1" 75°F 0" 72°F 0" 70°F 0" 68°F 0" 68°F 0" 70°F 0" 73°F 0" 75°F 0" 77°F 0"
Southern Kalahari 95°F 1" 93°F 2" 90°F 2" 84°F 1" 75°F 0" 70°F 0" 72°F 0" 75°F 0" 82°F 0" 88°F 0" 93°F 0" 95°F 1"
The Skeleton Coast 73°F 0" 75°F 0" 75°F 0" 73°F 0" 72°F 0" 70°F 0" 66°F 0" 64°F 0" 66°F 0" 68°F 0" 72°F 0" 72°F 0"
Windhoek 86°F 3" 84°F 4" 82°F 3" 81°F 1" 77°F 0" 72°F 0" 73°F 0" 79°F 0" 84°F 0" 88°F 0" 88°F 1" 90°F 1"

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Travel advice

Practical tips for traveling to Namibia, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest US State Department travel advice.

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