Best Time To Visit Namibia
A guide to Namibia’s varied seasons
The climate in Namibia is distinguished separately within its vast landscapes – from the deserts in the west and east, to the fertile north. The Namib Desert is particularly dry, and in the Kalahari Desert, it rains a bit more. The daily temperatures vary from 77°F to 91°F. At night, on the other hand, it can be really cold, especially in winter between May and September. Within a few hours, temperatures drop by more than 68°F.
The Atlantic Coast, on the other hand, is cool in the summer due to the cold Atlantic Ocean and is often cold in winter. Fog gives the already surrealistic skeletal coast a ghostly flair. The Caprivi Strip is the most precipitous area in Namibia and is a location where you can visit jungle areas during your Namibia vacation. In Central Namibia, on the other hand, it is warm during the day and cool at night. The weather here is determined by the altitude (1,000-1,600m). In general, the winter months offer the best conditions for visiting the top Namibia attractions and museums in cities such as Windhoek.
Below is an overview on the weather across the country, and highlights by month, to help you plan the perfect Namibia tours.
Best Time To Visit
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- Escape the heat and head to the milder coastal regions with a trip to the Skeleton Coast, considered the largest ship cemetery in the world and one of the oldest landscape formations on earth
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- Head to the harbor town of Luderitz with its distinctive architecture, pristine landscapes and varied wild and marine life
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- With rain covering most of Namibia, head to the slightly drier Kunene region in Namibia’s remote northwest and explore its cultural heritage by spending time with the Himba people
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- Head to the Namib Sand Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the sand dunes and the barren beauty of this coastal desert
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- A trip to the imposing and starkly arid Kalahari Desert with its sand and rock formations, created over 60 million years of erosion, is a must-do at this time of the year
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- Dry conditions make it a good time to head to the Mudumu Park in Namibia
- Explore the palm-lined promenades, generous gardens and resorts in Swakopmund, a former German colony turned green oasis in Namibia’s desert landscape
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- Marvel at over 100 species of mammals and the famous Etosha Salt Pans on your safari through Etosha National Park
- Explore the Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park near Aus with its wide diversity of landscapes
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- Discover Erongo, an extinct ancient volcano complex ago with incredible views of rock formations, giant granite rocks and thousands of ancient Bushman paintings
- Head to the Waterberg Plateau for a safari where you will encounter rhinos, giraffes, antelopes, jackals, cheetahs and leopards and over 200 bird species
- Visit the town of Rundu in the northeast of the country for dynamic cultural encounters, warm and friendly locals, and delicious local cuisine
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- Hike through the Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world
- Explore curious rock formations and dry valleys of Palmwag or go wildlife tracking for a chance to witness rare desert elephants and rhinos
- Weather wise, this is a good time to head to the Caprivi Strip in the northwest of the country for fantastic game drives and mokoro or dugout canoe rides
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- This is the best time to spot humpback, minke and southern right whale off the coast and a catamaran cruise around Walvis Bay is the perfect opportunity to so
- Discover the NamibRand Reserve in the southern part of the country, created by former farm owners to protect the unique and diverse ecosystem of this region
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- Savor remnants of a German colonial past in the architecture and even the food in Namibia’s tranquil capital Windhoek
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- Watch the sun rise over 300-meter-high dunes at Sossusvlei, a mudflat in the Namib Desert
Best time to visit Namibia by season
April -May/June: This is a great time to travel in Namibia. Expect crisp, fresh air, green landscapes and increasingly dry weather conditions.
June/July – August: The Namibian “Winter” season is a comfortable time to travel with cool and dry conditions. Rivers and water sources recede creating good game viewing opportunities as wildlife congregates around waterholes. Temperatures can drop below freezing point in some areas. August is a very dusty month in Namibia.
September – October: Expect warm temperatures with great game-viewing opportunities. However, there’s often a lot of dust all around. Wildlife are gathered around watering holes so if you don’t mind the rising temperatures, this time is ideal for game viewing.
November: Sometimes the hot, dry weather will continue, but at other times the sky will fill with clouds and threaten to rain.
December – March (Rainy Season): This is the Namibian “Summer” – expect warm to very hot temperatures with occasional heavy, wet conditions. It’s the best time for birding in Namibia.
What to Pack
Pack things that you would normally wear in a warm climate. In the parks and resorts clothing is generally casual. A few suggested items include good quality sunglasses – preferably polarized, a flashlight, if you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust, a southern African bird guide if you are a keen bird watcher, personal toiletries (basic amenities are supplied by most establishments), malaria tablets (if applicable), moisturising cream and suntan lotion – SPF 20 or higher recommended, basic medical kit (aspirin, plasters, Imodium, antiseptic cream, Antihistamine cream etc), camera equipment and plenty of film/memory sticks, waterproof/dustproof bag/cover for your camera, and binoculars. Please bear in mind that scheduled airlines in southern Africa generally impose a weight restriction of 20 kg per economy class traveller, and 30 kg for business class. Please check with your Trip Coordinator about the specific luggage restrictions for your flights.
Popular Trips to Namibia
Best Places To Visit
Things To Do
There are so many things to do in Namibia, ranging from stunning wildlife safaris to incredible sand dunes and salt pans, and a lovely coastal oasis and a tranquil capital. Plan your vacation around the top highlights with tips from our experts.
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Is Namibia travel safe? Our destination experts are often asked this question. Here is the good news: Namibia is one of the safest travel destinations in Africa. Here are some general safety measures to follow in Namibia to ensure that your vacation is completely stress-free.
Travel Guide
Before you set out to explore Namibia, it’s a good idea to acquaint yourself with some basic facts and information to navigate this vast land. Our destination experts have put together all the essentials for you in our Namibia travel guide.
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