Best time to visit Botswana
Botswana is famous for its population of elephants, the lush Okavango Delta, and as a world-class safari destination. Every year, thousands of travellers visit Botswana to get a taste of it all - will you be one of them? Discover the best time to visit Botswana, depending on what you're most interested in seeing and doing while you're there.
See all Botswana toursBest time for a safari in Botswana
Best month to visit Botswana
January is part of the rainy season in Botswana, but that shouldn't stop travellers from enjoying themselves here! This time of year is also a great time for birdwatching, and this off-season means lower rates and fewer crowds. However, travellers should keep in mind that some lodges and camps may be closed - make sure to check availability before planning a trip to Botswana in January.
See toursThe rainy season continues in February - in fact, it's the rainiest month of the year, with some days becoming complete wash-outs. If travellers aren't afraid of a little rain, they can continue to enjoy lower rates and fewer crowds in Botswana, and may even get to see some baby animals such as buffalo.
See toursTemperatures begin to cool down and rain begins to slow in March, signalling the end of Botswana's summer. However, March is also the peak time for mosquitoes, so travellers are encouraged to bring anti-malarial medication with them. Travellers willing to take the extra precautions necessary will enjoy quieter camps and lodges along with amazing bird and animal life.
See toursPack your layers if you're travelling to Botswana in April! Temperatures can soar up to 30°C (86°F), but can also dip low in the mornings and evenings. Tourism to Botswana begins to pick up in April since temperatures become more pleasant during the day and the rains begin to slow down. April is a great time to spot rhinos in the early morning, and almost all lodges and camps will be open by this month!
See toursMay is one of the driest months in Botswana, which makes it an ideal time to see wildlife! You'll see plenty of animals around available water sources, including the Big Five. May is also one of the best times to travel along the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro canoe; a can't-miss experience.
See toursSunny and warm during the day, cooler at night and in the early mornings, June is a great time to visit Botswana for game drives. Not only will temperatures be manageable (though remember to pack layers!), the dry conditions will see thousands of animals around waterholes. June is one of the best times for a walking safari in Botswana.
See toursJuly's temperatures can dip a little below the warm weather visitors may expect from a safari, but, as the driest month of the year, it's a fantastic opportunity to visit the waterholes in Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, and the Okavango Delta to see the Big Five.
See toursIf your image of an African safari includes bright blue skies stretching forever, August may be the month for you. This is an extremely dry month, and, due to the lack of clouds, nighttime temperatures can dip below freezing. This month, as part of the dry season, is another great opportunity to view wildlife around waterholes.
See toursThings begin to heat up again in September, and, while the occasional thunderstorm makes an appearance, conditions continue to be extremely dry for the most part. By this point, waterholes are beginning to shrink, with some disappearing completely. This means that the concentration of animals will be even higher around existing waterholes!
See toursTemperatures can soar in October - as high as 44°C (111°F) in extreme cases. Travellers who want to visit Botswana in October but don't want to deal with such extreme temperatures should head to the Okavango Delta, where the heat is tempered by the surrounding water. You'll see big cats on the hunt and hippos basking in the sun.
See toursThe rainy season begins in November, but that doesn't mean the heat lets up! The beginning of summer sees temperatures rising to up to 40°C (111°F). If you're looking for big cats, keep in mind that the temperatures will likely have them resting in trees or shade during the day - try looking early in the morning or in the evenings. While conditions are extremely hot, November is still a good time for budget travellers to visit Botswana - as an off-season, rates will be lower.
See toursThe idea of spending the holidays in Botswana is a fairly popular one, which means some camps and lodges may be busier than usual. Early morning game drives become more difficult with high morning humidity, but sightings of predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs are more likely with the birth of new antelope.
See tours
Must see in Botswana
Best time to visit Chobe National Park
Best months: May - September
Best time to visit Okavango Delta
Best months: July - October
Climate in Botswana
Temperatures and rainfall in Botswana
Unlike some other African countries, the weather in Botswana changes remarkably depending on the season, and even sometimes the area of the country! The Okavango Delta, for example, is often much cooler, even in the hot and humid months, because of its abundance of water. Travellers should carefully consider the month of their visit when packing for their safari - some months require plenty of layers!
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High°C Day | 32°C | 31°C | 31°C | 30°C | 28°C | 25°C | 25°C | 28°C | 32°C | 35°C | 34°C | 32° C |
| Min °C Night | 19°C | 19° C | 18°C | 15°C | 10°C | 6°C | 6°C | 9°C | 14°C | 18°C | 19°C | 19°C |
| Max °F Day | 90°F | 88°F | 88°F | 86°F | 82°F | 77°F | 77°F | 82°F | 90°F | 95°F | 93°F | 90°F |
| Min °F Night | 66°F | 66°F | 64°F | 59°F | 50°F | 43°F | 43°F | 48°F | 57°F | 64°F | 66°F | 66°F |
| Chances of rain | high | high | high | low | none | none | none | none | none | low | high | high |
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