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Elephant with calf

Best time to visit Namibia

If you’re after pleasant daytime temperatures and excellent wildlife viewing, the winter season (between April and October) is the best time to travel to Namibia. This is when skies are clear, the chance of rain is low, and game viewing opportunities are at their best. The winter months are also a great time to experience the Namib Desert and Sossusvlei’s towering dunes.

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When to visit Namibia


Winter is ideal for adventurers and nature lovers

When it comes to wildlife viewing, the best time to visit Namibia is during the drier winter months (between April and October), especially if you’re planning to explore the country’s top safari destination: Etosha National Park. Since vegetation is sparse and there’s little to no rainfall during this time, animals are more likely to congregate around the waterholes when rivers and other water sources begin to dry up — which makes for a fantastic game-viewing experience. The winter season is also a great time to visit the dramatic dunes of Sossusvlei; these months bring cooler temperatures and beautiful, clear skies.


Combine your Namibia holiday with a South Africa tour for the best of both worlds

From the Skeleton Coast in the north to the Orange River in the south, Namibia has a vast expanse of spectacular coastline. The country’s beaches are starkly beautiful, but rough seas, harsh winds, and strong ocean currents mean they’re not suitable for swimming or sunbathing. If you’d like to include some relaxing time at the beach with your Namibian holiday, combine your trip with an overland tour of South Africa (the Cape has hot, dry weather in its summer months between November and March).
 

Pro tips

For budget travellers
Most prices, including food and drink, activities, and entrance fees, tend to be on par with South Africa, and — depending on your preferred choice of accommodations and transport — it is possible to travel Namibia on a budget.
For families
Dry, blazing heat and long journeys are the norm in Namibia, so you’ll need to plan and prepare carefully if you’re considering travelling to the country with younger children. For adventurous teens, Namibia offers a range of unique and exciting activities they’re sure to love.

Best month to visit Namibia

Best time to visit

Rhino near water

Best time to see wildlife in Namibia

Namibia’s dry winter season is the best time to spot wildlife for one main reason: Etosha’s arid saltpans offer perfect viewing conditions as animals congregate to drink from limited water sources.
 
April to October: Bringing clear blue skies, plenty of sunshine, and pleasant daytime temperatures, the dry winter season (between April and October) is considered to be the best time to spot wildlife in Namibia.
 
July to September: July, August, and September are the driest months and the absolute best time for an African safari in Namibia. During this period, vegetation is sparse and large herds of animals gather around rivers and waterholes, making them easier to spot. If big game-viewing is your top priority in Namibia, mark these dates on your calendar!
 
November to April: Wildlife viewing is more challenging during the rainy season, but visiting between November and April still comes with plenty of advantages: flights and tours will be cheaper, there are fewer crowds, and the lush landscapes make it an ideal time for bird watching and seeing young animals taking their first steps in the wild.
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Namib Desert

Best time to visit the Namib desert

Since the Namib Desert boasts a predominantly pleasant and dry climate, it’s easy to include a visit to both Etosha National Park and Sossusvlei during your Namibia holiday. Spring and autumn are widely regarded as the best time to visit Sossusvlei, but the Namib Desert is very much a year-round destination, so you can make the most of your trip no matter what month you choose!
 
May to October: Daytime temperatures are mild throughout the cooler winter months, and exploring the area will be more enjoyable from May to October. The only downside to visiting during the winter? Gusts of powerful winds sometimes sweep through the area, bringing hot air and coarse dust with it. Remember to pack warm winter clothing if you’re visiting in winter as evenings and early mornings are chilly.
 
November to April: If you choose to visit during the summer months, be aware that it can get uncomfortably hot from November to April, with temperatures often hovering around the high 30s and occasionally reaching 40°C. Be sure to pack accordingly and always carry plenty of water.
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Climate in Namibia

Namib Desert

  1. Dry Season

    APRIL TO OCTOBER

    Most visitors choose to travel to Namibia during the country’s dry season between April and October. Throughout these months, the weather is typically warm and sunny with uninterrupted blue skies and virtually no rain. Daytime temperatures are also pleasant during this period, averaging anywhere from 28°C to 30°C. It does get very cold in the evenings, though — especially in the desert — so be sure to pack high SPF sunscreen along with warmer clothes for evenings and early mornings.

  2. Rainy Season

    NOVEMBER TO MARCH

    During the rainy season, you can expect hot and humid weather with an increased risk of intense afternoon thunderstorms. These mid-day downpours are often short-lived, however, so you don't have to worry about the rain disrupting your travel plans if you’re visiting Namibia between November and March. Grasses and foliage are lush after the rains in national parks like Etosha, making game viewing more challenging during this period.

Temperatures and rainfall in Namibia

January and February are the hottest months in Namibia; daytime temperatures in the centre of the country typically hover around 30°C, but nights tend to be mild. The winter season runs from May to September, and while daytime temperatures can still hit 25°C, it cools down significantly in the evening. Conditions are warmer from October to April, but early mornings and evenings remain chilly even at the hottest time of the year.

 

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High°C Day31° C30° C29° C28° C26° C24° C24° C27° C31° C33° C32° C31° C
Min °C Night18° C18° C17° C15° C11° C8° C8° C10° C15° C18° C18° C18° C
Max °F Day88°F88°F84°F82°F79°F75°F75°F81°F88°F91°F91°F88°F
Min °F Night64°F64°F63°F59°F52°F46°F46°F50°F59°F64°F64°F64°F
Chances of rainHighHighMediumMediumLow----LowMediumMedium

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