Weather & climate

Namibia: Weather & climate

The best time to visit Namibia

We're often asked 'when is the best time to go to Namibia?', and the answer is usually complex. It will depend on many things including your interests, where you want to visit and why you're travelling. One person's best time is another's worst!

However, often a concern about the weather underlies the question of 'the best time to go'.

So here we've put together a very rough guide to the climate in Namibia. Remember that this comes from records and our experience, not from a crystal ball, and that Africa's weather patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable – probably due to global warming.

Partially covered by the Namib Desert, one of the world's driest deserts, Namibia's climate is generally very dry and pleasant – it's fine to visit all year round. Namibia only receives a fraction of the rain experienced by countries further east. Between about December to March some days will be humid and rain may follow, often in localised, afternoon thunderstorms. These are more common in the centre and east of the country, and more unusual in the desert.

April and especially May are often lovely months in Namibia. Increasingly dry, with a real freshness in the air, and much greenery in the landscape; at this time the air is clear and largely free from dust.

From June to August Namibia cools down and dries out more; nights can become cold, dropping below freezing in some desert areas. As the landscape dries so the game in the north of the country gravitates more to waterholes, and is more easily seen by visitors. By September and October it warms up again; game-viewing in most areas is at its best, although there's often a lot of dust around and the vegetation has lost its vibrancy.

November is a highly variable month. Sometimes the hot, dry weather will continue, at other times the sky will fill with clouds and threaten to rain – but if you're lucky enough to witness the first rains of the season, you'll never forget the drama.

Weather in other African countries

For comparison, see similar climate charts and information for our other African destinations:

► Botswana climate – Similar weather pattern to Namibia, perhaps with slightly higher rainfall.
► Kenya climate – A very different weather pattern from Namibia.
► Malawi climate – Similar weather pattern to Namibia, but with more rain.
► Mozambique climate – Much wetter than Namibia, but following a broadly similar pattern.
► Rwanda climate – A very different weather pattern from Namibia.
► Seychelles climate – Completely different weather pattern from Namibia.
► Cape of South Africa climate – Almost completely ‘opposite’ weather pattern to most of Namibia’s climate.
► Tanzania climate – A different weather pattern from Namibia, with two rainy periods.
► Zambia climate – Slightly different weather pattern to Namibia, with a longer rainy season.
► Zanzibar climate – Quite a different weather pattern from Namibia; much more rain.
► Zimbabwe climate – Weather follows a similar pattern to Namibia, but with a longer, heavier rainy season.

<b>January</b>: a rainy month with high humidity levels.

<b>February</b>: one of Namibia's wettest months of the year; great for bird-watching.

<b>March</b>: the third and last month of the rainy season is wet and humid.

<b>April</b>: a very fresh, green month; some rain but also lots of clear weather.

<b>May</b>: a favourite month: the landscape is usually beautiful and green, the air very clear.

<b>June</b>: a dry month with very little chance of rain. Warm days but cold nights.

<b>July</b>: nights can be cold, but the days are warm and clear.

<b>August</b>: a lovely and dry month, but temperatures can still plummet at night.

<b>September</b>: dry, warm days and cold nights gradually heat up as the month progresses.

<b>October</b>: one of the the hottest and driest months of the year.

<b>November</b>: very variable: maybe hot and dry, but with showers looming towards the end.

<b>December</b>: an unpredictable month during the transition from dry to rainy season.

January: a rainy month with high humidity levels.

February: one of Namibia's wettest months of the year; great for bird-watching.

March: the third and last month of the rainy season is wet and humid.

April: a very fresh, green month; some rain but also lots of clear weather.

May: a favourite month: the landscape is usually beautiful and green, the air very clear.

June: a dry month with very little chance of rain. Warm days but cold nights.

July: nights can be cold, but the days are warm and clear.

August: a lovely and dry month, but temperatures can still plummet at night.

September: dry, warm days and cold nights gradually heat up as the month progresses.

October: one of the the hottest and driest months of the year.

November: very variable: maybe hot and dry, but with showers looming towards the end.

December: an unpredictable month during the transition from dry to rainy season.

Our top picks for holidays to Namibia

We'll always tailor-make your trip for you. Here are some of our favourites to inspire you.

Chongololo Self-drive Safari

21 days • 11 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

This self-drive safari focuses on the best walking experiences in Namibia. Get your boots ready for the apricot dunes of the Namib Desert and the ancient hills of Damaraland.

US$8,230 - US$9,890 per person

Hartebeest Self-drive Safari

16 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

This self-drive safari focuses on the best cultural experiences in Namibia. Visit a Himba village and enjoy three days living with the San Bushmen interspersed with some excellent wildlife watching.

US$4,410 - US$4,830 per person

Rock Hare Self-drive Safari

20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.

US$6,550 - US$8,320 per person

Caracal Self-drive Safari

14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

The quintessential Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the highlights from Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert to Damaraland’s wilderness and a safari in Etosha. A great mix of accommodation and excellent value.

US$3,020 - US$4,120 per person

Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari

14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A combination fly-in self-drive exploration of Namibia, with quick, easy and scenic flights in and out of Sossusvlei before a classic road trip adventure of the country’s rugged north.

US$5,270 - US$5,760 per person

Brown Hyena Self-drive

14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

The perfect trip for those who want to mix the adventure and freedom of a self-drive with some of our favourite luxury camps in Namibia and a great mix of activities.

US$8,770 - US$9,870 per person

Quiver Tree Self-drive Safari

14 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

An offbeat Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the epic Fish River Canyon and fascinating Kolmanskop ghost town in the south, before turning north via the classic highlights of Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Damaraland.

US$3,060 - US$3,670 per person

Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari

19 days • 10 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Journey from South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town to central Namibia’s Okonjima Nature Reserve during this self-driven safari. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes, offering access to this beautiful continent’s rich diversity.

US$4,140 - US$4,250 per person

Cape Fox Guided Safari

13 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A classic clockwise circuit around Namibia’s northern highlights with a private guide and vehicle. We can’t think of a better way to see more in this timeframe.

US$9,220 - US$10,690 per person

Black-faced Impala Guided Safari

13 days • 6 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A unique mix of luxury and adventure in our original, and perhaps most varied, destination on a privately guided Namibian overland safari. Perfect for families, friends or couples travelling together.

US$10,080 - US$12,850 per person

View all holidays in Namibia

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