Best time to visit Namibia
Here's what you need to know when traveling to Namibia
Learn about the pros & cons of every season in Namibia, so you can decide which one is the best time to visit Namibia for you!
There is not the “one” best time to visit Namibia – for us its more dependent on what you want to experience! Coming to Namibia in dry- or wet season also determines what you should bring – check out our Blog for the ultimate packing-list. And if you want to find out more about certain destinations, have a look at our Namibia travel highlights.
Table of Contents
When do most tourists travel the country?
The preferred time to visit Namibia is during the winter month from June to November. The majority of visitors travel to Namibia between July and October because these month are ideal for game viewings and we have mild temperatures. But if you have a favour for lush green landscapes and are interested in birds, December to May might be the best time for you to visit. Therefore we listed you the characteristics of each season here. But please keep in mind that weather conditions might change a bit from year to year.
Summer Months: December to March
Facts
Rainy Season with often hot temperatures up to 35 degrees during the day and mild temperatures in the evenings and mornings. After rainfalls and the temperatures often drop a bit and are a refreshing variety. At the coast the temperatures range around 27 degree and the wind has a cooling effect. There is occasionally rainfall but mainly in the afternoons which sometimes lead to massive thunderstorms and create a stunning lightning scenery.
Why you should come now
Escape the European Winter - This season is often overlooked by visitors. After the first rainfalls even the desert gets a light green cover. The rolling hills of the nothern parts show lush green trees and the higher amount of juicy food announces the offspring season in January of most antelopes and also the carnivores start to become more active. For bird lovers this is the perfect season as a lot of birds return to the warmth of Namibia now.
Needs to be considered
Another benefit of the low season: You will find most accommodations with availability and enjoy the landscape without big crowds. Also prices e.g. for rental cars usually drop during these month. Only the town of Swakopmund can be crowded in December due to local vacations.
Autumn Months: April to May
Facts
Still in rainy season the temperatures as well as the rain slowly decrease from March to May. It can still become hot during the day with an average temperature of 26 degree but with cooler evenings to refresh. Especially in may night-temperatures can already drop to the freezing-point in some regions.
Why you should come now
This is an overall recommended time to visit Namibia. The landscape has still enough water to show its green grassy cover and we often have beautiful clear skies but also clouds can form a mystery light over the country. Still a lot of birds enjoy the amount of food provided by all the flowering trees and flowers growing all over the country. Also herds of juveniles roam the game parcs - depending on the first rainfall the birth period ranges from December to March.
Needs to be considered
We have comfortable temperatures during day and nighttime to enjoy a 4x4 camping trip. Especially for photographers these are the perfect month - clear skies but also some thunderstorms give a variety of scenery. Game viewing gets easier and you can find everything from flowering deserts to flamingos in the Etosha Pan.
Winter Months: June to September
Facts
The Namibian winter season hasn´t much to do with an European winter. The temperatures indeed drop but day temperatures still range between 20-30 degree most times. Only during evenings and early mornings it can get freezing when you get up at 2 degree. But as soon as the sun comes out it warms up real quick. Winter is also dry-season, which means there is in most areas no rainfall and therefore the air is nice and dry - even 35 degree feel a lot less than in rainy-season. Only in the South of Namibia rainfall and even sometimes hail showers can occur. In general from June on the green colors get removed and Namibia shows itself in its typically brown and orange tones.
Why you should come now
Its named the best time for game viewings in one of the beautiful reserves across the country. Most bushes and trees start losing their leaves and therefore its easier to spot animals within the bush. Due to less water availability most animals are forced to drink at waterholes where you can get a closer look at them. Namaqualand is known for the blooming lilies mostly in August.
Needs to be considered
We have high season now, which means most tourists choose this time of the year to visit Namibia. This leads to often overbooked car rentals and accommodations as well as higher prices - so we recommend early bookings for these month. Also the national parcs and towns can get a bit more crowded now. Still we will help you find a perfect, less crowded travel route and insider tips how to have a relaxed experience in Namibias high season.
Spring Months: October to November
Facts
From September to November the temperatures start to increase again and in October can reach up to 40 degrees. Usually these month are characterized by hot, dry and long days with average temperatures around 30-35 degree. Even at night it stays summerlike warm. Only the coast still has fresher temperatures due to winds. Sometimes the first rainfalls appear which is awaited by people and animals wishfully.
Why you should come now
When the first rainfalls appear in the northern regions heading down south and with a bit of luck you will experience stunning rainbows spanning over the savannah. The summerly night temperatures are perfect for night game drives or just relaxing around a fire and letting the experiences replay. Animals get more active especially after first rainfalls and distribute more over the country what makes it a bit harder to spot them but still there a good chances!
Needs to be considered
Also for camping its a beautiful season even though you have to be aware of the hot day and night temperatures. Sometimes bush fires start to occur now. Its still high season and until the end of October the prices of car rentals and accommodations usually stay high. Even though its less crowded that the month before.
The best time to visit for safari
Your main focus is to go on Safari in Namibia? Then there are some aspects you have to take into account WHEN you want to visit.
Generally the dry season is mentioned as the best time for game viewings & safari because animals can often spotted around waterwholes and there is less grass to hide behind. But you should consider that there are more tourists in general and if you spot a lion, it usually wont be just you but some cars standing around the sighting.
From our point of view also the greener low season is amazing for game viewings, its just different. For example elephants might be harder to find in Etosha because they often migrating further north – but that does not mean its impossible. Another aspect which stands out for the african summer, most antelopes get their offspring right now!
If you have a favour for birds, either choose caprivi-strip during the dry season as a destination to visit or come in the rainy-season when travelling to south & central Namibia. Many birds migrate to Namibia during rainy season (the european winter).
Here yo find overview charts and background knowledge about Namibian climate & Seasons offered by worldbank
Summary: When to visit Namibia
Every season in Namibia has it´s own charm and is worth a visit. Although our recommendation for your time to travel depends on what you want to see and experience during your journey.
- Dry Season (Winter) from June-October with cold temperatures in the night but warm & dry weather during the day
- Rainy Season (Summer) from November to Mai with some rainy days, thunderstorms & hot weather but still good for travelling
- Time to see the most animals on safari: Between June – November depending of rainfall
- Most tourists visit between July & November – means higher prices and accomodations have to be booked in advance
- Bird lovers – and those who want to escape mass of other tourists should visit in the rainy season
- Avoid Swakopmund in December – every Namibian will be there
- Want to see animals offspring? Travel from January-Mai
- Caprivi-strip (Zambezi region) is best to visit during dry season or end of rainy season
- Namibia is worth a visit the whole year round