Best time to go to Namibia for a perfect weather and where to go?
Julie Parment and Tony Samson last update: 16/04/2024When is the best time to go to Namibia?
Benefiting from pleasant climatic conditions, traveling to Namibia is possible throughout the year. With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, the country enjoys top-notch weather! However, some precipitation may occur, and temperatures may vary depending on the regions. Moreover, it should be noted that the seasons are reversed compared to those in Europe, as the country is located in the southern hemisphere.
What is the best time to visit Namibia and see the most wildlife?
To ensure an unforgettable safari, the best time to visit the country's many national parks is during the dry season, which coincides with the southern winter, from May to October. During this period, wild animals that gather around water points are easily observable. Perfect for taking incredible photos! During the rainy season, animals are more scattered in nature, and parks may be closed due to high temperatures and impassable roads.
The southern winter is also the best season for hiking or trekking. The vegetation is low, and the temperatures are pleasant without being too hot. Hikers will therefore avoid the rainy season, which makes most trails impassable due to mud.
During the dry season, tourist traffic is higher, so it is essential to book your accommodations well in advance, often a year ahead. Prices are also higher but remain reasonable compared to other safari destinations like Tanzania or Kenya.
When to visit Namibia in the low season and have the fewest tourists?
If wildlife is not the main purpose of your visit, it is possible to travel to Namibia the rest of the year, between mid-November and late April. During the low season, tourists are fewer, and the visiting conditions are good enough for you to have unforgettable moments. The period between October and December, in particular, remains conducive to animal observation as the vegetation is not too dense. Moreover, prices are lower than during the high season. Birdwatching enthusiasts should not miss visiting Sossusvlei during the rainy season: thousands of birds gather there at that time.
However, Namibia is not suitable for beach tourism. The sea temperature rarely exceeds 18°C (65°F) in the height of summer, except in the far northwest where it can reach 22°C (72°F) . Apart from swimming, visiting the coast will offer you magnificent landscapes, especially on the Skeleton Coast with its shipwrecks on the sand and at Cape Cross with its sea lions.
Where and when to go based on the weather?
Central of Namibia
Windhoek, Kalahari, Sossusvlei...
East and Caprivi
Etosha National Park, Grootfontein, Katima Mulilo...
North West of Namibia
Swakopmund, Opuwo, Kaokoland...
South of Namibia
Lüderitz, Keetmanshoop, Oranjemund...
To get all the information about the climate and weather in Namibia for a specific month, click on the corresponding link below:
Namibia in january Namibia in february Namibia in march Namibia in april Namibia in may Namibia in june Namibia in july Namibia in august Namibia in september Namibia in october Namibia in november Namibia in december
Best time to travel to Namibia by cities
Climate and Weather in Namibia
Located on the African continent, between Angola, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa, Namibia experiences a semi-desert climate. Overall, the weather in Namibia is very pleasant: it is warm to hot during the day and cool at night, with little precipitation.
There are 4 seasons:
- a dry season that extends from May to October. During this period, the climate in Namibia is ideal, although it can be cold at night.
- a rainy season between December and March. It is hotter and more humid, especially in the northeast of the country.
- two intermediate seasons: between October and December and between March and May. The climate is less pronounced during these periods: temperatures are moderate during the day and night, with rare precipitation.
Although generally desertic, the climate can vary depending on the regions:
Climate in the central high plateau of Namibia and in the Kalahari Desert
In this part of Namibia, the climate is arid, with temperatures varying greatly between day and night, whether in summer or winter. Thus, the thermometer can rise to 40°C (104°F) in summer and drop below 0°C (32°F) in winter! Here, precipitation is low compared to the rest of the country, and the wind helps to cool down the hot summer days.
On the central plateau, in the Brandberg massif for example, the altitude can reach 2000 m (generally between 1200 and 1700 m), making the weather more changeable but with lower humidity in summer.
Climate in the Windhoek region
The climate in Windhoek, Namibia, is semi-desertic, with very hot summers and mild winters. Thus, average temperatures remain pleasant. In general, the rainy season is a bit longer than in the rest of the country and extends from November to April.
The precipitation rate is moderate throughout the year:
- almost non-existent in June and July,
- very low in May, August, and September,
- low from November to April, with some rain falling,
- more significant between January and March.
In the capital, temperatures range from 7 to 17°C (63°F) , with highs between 22 and 32°C (90°F) .
Climate in the Namib Desert
The Namib Desert is the driest area in all of Namibia. In the same day, it can happen that temperature variations of over 40°C (104°F) occur between day and night.
During winter, the desert is warmed by east winds, often causing significant sand whirlwinds.
Precipitations are almost non-existent throughout the year.
Climate on the Namibian coast
The climate on the Namibian coast is dry and arid. It is influenced by the cold Benguela current, and is characterized by particularly low precipitation. The peculiarity of this area, especially in cities like Walvis Bay, is the presence of a rather thick fog from late afternoon until mid-morning during the rainy season.
In mid-summer, temperatures rarely rise above 20°C (68°F) . In winter, it can be cold, even during the day. The humidity rate is high, although rainfall is very low.
Climate in the northern part of the country
Temperatures in northern Namibia are higher than elsewhere. During summer, especially between January and April, the climate is hot and very humid, with frequent thunderstorms. This season is best avoided if you plan to visit this part of the country.
Temperatures and rainfall in Namibia
On these 3 graphs, we present the evolution of temperatures of Namibia and month-by-month rainfall for the cities of Windhoek, Swakopmund, Etosha National Park, Grootfontein and Kalahari, as well as the month-by-month sea temperature for coastal cities.
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Namibia
Find out when Namibia has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Namibia
The months with low numbers of tourists are: January, February, March, April, May, June, July and November. The number of visitors to Namibia is high in: August, September, October and December.
- Very low season in Namibia: January, February, March and June.
- Low season in Namibia: April, May, July and November.
- High season in Namibia: September, October and December.
- Peak season in Namibia: August.
Figure: Visitor index for Namibia month by month
Average price for flights to Namibia
A return flight between London and Windhoek is generally cheaper if you go in may ($ 1138 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 417 more for your airline ticket to Windhoek if you go in august.
Where to go in Namibia?
This table allows you to see the maximum temperature for each city and our opinion on the weather month by month (see colour legend below the table).
| Cities | jan. | feb. | mar. | apr. | may | jun. | jul. | aug. | sep. | oct. | nov. | dec. |
| Windhoek | 86°F | 83°F | 81°F | 77°F | 74°F | 70°F | 68°F | 76°F | 83°F | 86°F | 88°F | 86°F |
| Swakopmund | 72°F | 74°F | 76°F | 76°F | 76°F | 72°F | 72°F | 70°F | 70°F | 70°F | 72°F | 72°F |
| Etosha National Park | 92°F | 90°F | 88°F | 86°F | 85°F | 79°F | 79°F | 86°F | 94°F | 97°F | 95°F | 94°F |
| Grootfontein | 86°F | 85°F | 83°F | 81°F | 79°F | 74°F | 74°F | 83°F | 90°F | 94°F | 90°F | 86°F |
| Kalahari | 88°F | 86°F | 85°F | 81°F | 77°F | 72°F | 72°F | 79°F | 86°F | 90°F | 90°F | 90°F |
| Kaokoland | 92°F | 90°F | 88°F | 86°F | 85°F | 79°F | 79°F | 86°F | 94°F | 97°F | 95°F | 94°F |
| Katima Mulilo | 86°F | 86°F | 86°F | 86°F | 85°F | 81°F | 81°F | 88°F | 97°F | 99°F | 95°F | 88°F |
| Keetmanshoop | 95°F | 94°F | 92°F | 85°F | 79°F | 70°F | 70°F | 76°F | 83°F | 88°F | 92°F | 95°F |
| Lüderitz | 81°F | 81°F | 81°F | 79°F | 76°F | 72°F | 72°F | 70°F | 74°F | 76°F | 77°F | 79°F |
| Opuwo | 90°F | 90°F | 88°F | 88°F | 86°F | 83°F | 83°F | 90°F | 97°F | 99°F | 94°F | 92°F |
| Oranjemund | 79°F | 79°F | 79°F | 79°F | 76°F | 72°F | 70°F | 70°F | 72°F | 76°F | 77°F | 77°F |
| Sossusvlei | 81°F | 81°F | 81°F | 79°F | 76°F | 72°F | 72°F | 70°F | 74°F | 76°F | 77°F | 79°F |
| Aus | 81°F | 81°F | 81°F | 79°F | 76°F | 72°F | 72°F | 70°F | 74°F | 76°F | 77°F | 79°F |
| Brandberg Mountain | 88°F | 86°F | 85°F | 83°F | 81°F | 76°F | 76°F | 81°F | 88°F | 92°F | 92°F | 90°F |
| Cape Cross | 72°F | 74°F | 76°F | 76°F | 76°F | 72°F | 72°F | 70°F | 70°F | 70°F | 72°F | 72°F |
| Caprivi Strip | 86°F | 86°F | 86°F | 86°F | 85°F | 81°F | 81°F | 88°F | 97°F | 99°F | 95°F | 88°F |
| Chameis | 79°F | 79°F | 79°F | 79°F | 76°F | 72°F | 70°F | 70°F | 72°F | 76°F | 77°F | 77°F |
| Damaraland | 88°F | 86°F | 85°F | 83°F | 81°F | 76°F | 76°F | 81°F | 88°F | 92°F | 92°F | 90°F |
| Epupa Falls | 76°F | 77°F | 76°F | 77°F | 79°F | 77°F | 79°F | 85°F | 88°F | 86°F | 81°F | 77°F |
| Fish River Canyon | 97°F | 95°F | 94°F | 88°F | 81°F | 72°F | 72°F | 76°F | 83°F | 88°F | 92°F | 95°F |
Legend:
perfect weather
good weather
tolerable weather
very bad weather
About Namibia
What can I do in Namibia?
Beaches / swimming
Nature and countryside
Culture and heritage
Sports
Family travel
Crafts / shopping
Gastronomy
Nightlife
Is this weather information for Namibia reliable?
Climate data for Namibia has been gathered every day since January 2009. The analysis of these meteorological data for Namibia allows us to determine the average for each month in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Etosha National Park, Grootfontein, Kalahari, Kaokoland, Katima Mulilo, Keetmanshoop, and 32 other cities.
So yes: this data is reliable except in cases of temporary climate disruption in the region.