The Best Time to Visit Namibia

Although Namibia is a dry, desert country, each month brings shifts in the climate. Changes in rainfall and temperature alter the landscapes and wildlife. Some months become great for safari and hot air ballooning, others best for dramatic landscapes and photography.

January is the height of summer in Namibia and part of the wet season, which runs from November to April. Heavy rains often fall with thunderstorms that create dramatic skies, with daytime temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F) and nights still warm. The Caprivi Strip becomes a paradise for birdwatchers, while on the coast Swakopmund and Walvis Bay stay cooler and quieter, and you can watch large flocks of flamingoes gathering on the lagoons.

February is another wet month in Namibia, with afternoon rain showers and humidity building as temperatures climb to 40°C (104°F). The rains scatter wildlife, making game viewing less predictable, but this is also the calving season for zebra and springbok, with young animals visible across the landscape. On the coast, conditions are warm with highs of around 28°C (82°F) with refreshing sea breezes from the Benguela Current.

In March the rains ease and temperatures cool a little. You can experience morning temperatures of around 15°C (59°F) and midday highs often reaching 30°C (86°F) or higher in the desert. The landscape remains lush and it’s one of the best months to see newborn wildlife such as springbok, impala and wildebeest. We often recommend Ongava Main Lodge, as mothers and calves can be seen at waterholes or on game drives in Etosha National Park and Ongava Reserve.

Rainfall decreases in April, marking the start of the shoulder season. Expect only a few lingering showers and daytime temperatures in the mid-20s°C (70°Fs). In Windhoek, the annual WIKA carnival is typically in April filling the capital with parades and music, while the Oshituthi Shomagongo festival celebrates the marula (a seasonal fruit) harvest, bringing communities together to share food, drink and storytelling.

May is the official start of winter but still part of the shoulder season. Days are mild, averaging 13–22°C (55–72°F), making it a comfortable month to travel avoiding the high season. This is when black rhino tracking experiences begin in Damaraland. Although animals are still spread out in search of water, the vegetation supports wildlife year-round and dedicated trackers help to locate these epic creatures. Opportunities increase as the dry season continues until October.

In June, early morning game drives can feel chilly as winter sets in, with temperatures ranging from 10–25°C (50–77°F). Water sources begin to dry up, and by the end of the month conditions are ideal for safaris. In Etosha National Park, wildlife starts to gather at the waterholes, making sightings more frequent. The cooler climate is excellent for hiking the Fish River Canyon, when the trails are easier to tackle without the intense heat.

July and August are among the best times to visit Namibia. Days are warm but not too hot, averaging 21–25°C (70–77°F), while nights can be cold, sometimes dropping to freezing in the desert. With no rainfall, wildlife gathers at the remaining waterholes, making game viewing highly rewarding as visibility improves with sparse vegetation. These dry winter months also bring blue skies over the burnt-orange dunes of Sossusvlei, one of Africa’s best stargazing locations. As this is peak season, we recommend booking well in advance.

Namibia in September experiences warm days averaging 19–28°C (66–82°F). The landscapes are dusty and arid, but with fewer visitors than in July and August the experience feels calmer. It is also the prime month for hot air balloon safaris over Sossusvlei, where clear skies reveal the desert’s dawn colours in all their intensity – one of the most memorable to appreciate the sheer scale of Namibia’s landscapes.

October is one of Namibia’s hottest and driest months, when daytime temperatures can reach 35°C (95°F). Scarce water sources draws wildlife to the last waterholes, creating some of the most dramatic game viewing of the year. Walvis Bay is prime for whale watching as southern right, humpback and minke whales migrate through the Atlantic, and the stable conditions on the Skeleton Coast let you appreciate the striking contrast of cobalt skies and desert dunes.

November brings intense heat, with desert temperatures climbing as high as 40°C (104°F). Afternoon thunderstorms mark the start of the wet season, offering welcome relief and transforming the dry plains into green landscapes. This is the month when flamingos gather in their thousands at Walvis Bay, while it also marks the beginning of peak birdwatching in the Caprivi Strip, which lasts until April. We recommend staying at Hoanib Camp to observe desert-adapted wildlife and experience the culture of the Himba and Herero people.

December is the start of the rainy season in Namibia and the beginning of the summer. You can expect hot temperatures of around 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F). On the coast the climate is more pleasant, with cooler air and fewer visitors than in the winter months. Travelling in December also gives you the chance to experience local Christmas celebrations in towns and villages – a festive alternative to the traditional holiday season.