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Kudu in Damaraland in Namibia

When is the best time to visit Namibia?

Kudu in Damaraland in Namibia

The best time to visit Namibia is from July to October, when the temperatures are just above 20°C and the chance of rain is low. This is also the best time for wildlife viewing, making it peak travel season — you will need to plan well in advance.

The Northern Hemisphere summer is warm and sunny, albeit with cold nights, while during the winter Namibia is hot with the chance of spectacular thunderstorms. However, it’s a predominantly dry country, where deep orange sand dunes contrast with cobalt skies.

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Month-by-month guide for traveling in Namibia

Flamingos near Sandwich Harbour

Visiting Namibia in January

This is mid-summer in Namibia. It tends to be hot and humid, with maximum temperatures hitting around 30°C to 35°C; reaching up to 40°C in the desert. There may be torrential downpours in the afternoon, but not every day. Mornings are usually clear, with the rain falling in the late afternoon.

Events & Festivals

  • Birdwatching in the Caprivi Strip (November to February): The Caprivi Strip is at its best during the summer months, when there are fantastic birdwatching opportunities, with more than 450 species recorded in the area.
  • Flamingos gather (November to February): The summer months are the best time to see a flamboyance of flamingos, where they gather on lagoons in their thousands in Swakopmund.
Ostriches in the Kalahari Desert, Botswana

Visiting Namibia in February

Very similar to January, with hot, humid days and the chance of the occasional downpour in the afternoons.

Events & Festivals

  • Birdwatching in the Caprivi Strip (November to February): The Caprivi Strip is at its best during the summer months, when there are fantastic birdwatching opportunities, with more than 450 species recorded in the area.
  • Flamingos gather (November to February): The summer months are the best time to see a flamboyance of flamingos, where they gather on lagoons in their thousands in Swakopmund.
Black-maned lion

Visiting Namibia in March

Rainfall starts to decrease and temperatures lower after the rains. The nights start to get cooler again, with temperatures falling to around 15°C, although during the day this rises to around 30°C, making for pleasant conditions.

Zebra drinking from an Etosha waterhole

Visiting Namibia in April

The rain should have stopped by April and daytime temperatures should drop to around 25°C. Expect lows of around 13°C at night, although it can be cooler in the desert.

Giraffe at a waterhole, Etosha National Park

Visiting Namibia in May

May is the beginning of Namibia's winter. There is little to no rainfall during the winter and humidity is low. Wildlife will start to gather around the waterholes when rivers and other water sources dry up.

White rhino seen from Ongava Tented Camp

Visiting Namibia in June

The nights are getting cold and temperatures can drop to below 10°C, while in the desert areas it can get to freezing. Daytime temperatures are pleasant however, with blue skies and temperatures in the 20°Cs.

Cheetah in Etosha National Park

Visiting Namibia in July - August

July and August are the main winter months. Be sure to pack warm clothing because game drives in open vehicles can be chilly. The maximum temperature is around 21-25°C. At night it will be around 7°C, but it can drop to below freezing in the desert.

Oryx in Sossusvlei

Visiting Namibia in September

September is a lovely month and considered the best time to travel to Namibia. It isn't yet too hot, but the humidity is still low, keeping it very pleasant. It is dry and the skies are clear.

Gemsbok fighting

Visiting Namibia in October

During October the green vegetation is fading and the heat gradually builds up. This is a very good time for game viewing because the country is so dry. Temperatures during the day can reach 29°C and it gets even hotter in the desert.

Leopard on the Okonjima Reserve

Visiting Namibia in November

The heat continues to rise by November and it will be very hot; although humidity is still low. On average, daytime temperatures are above 30°C. Clouds start to build in the afternoon, bringing a chance of rain.

Events & Festivals

  • Birdwatching in the Caprivi Strip (November to February): The Caprivi Strip is at its best during the summer months, when there are fantastic birdwatching opportunities, with more than 450 species recorded in the area.
  • Flamingos gather (November to February): The summer months are the best time to see a flamboyance of flamingos, where they gather on lagoons in their thousands in Swakopmund.
Acitivities from Rundu, Rundu

Visiting Namibia in December

The first rains usually arrive in December, and with it the temperature drops. The landscape changes after the first rains as everything comes to life, and the animals start to disperse as more water sources become available.

Events & Festivals

  • Birdwatching in the Caprivi Strip (November to February): The Caprivi Strip is at its best during the summer months, when there are fantastic birdwatching opportunities, with more than 450 species recorded in the area.
  • Flamingos gather (November to February): The summer months are the best time to see a flamboyance of flamingos, where they gather on lagoons in their thousands in Swakopmund.

Namibia Climate Guide

Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Damaraland 27°C 54mm 26°C 64mm 26°C 81mm 26°C 25mm 24°C 3mm 22°C 0mm 21°C 0mm 24°C 0mm 26°C 2mm 28°C 10mm 28°C 20mm 27°C 17mm
Fish River Canyon 33°C 6mm 33°C 9mm 31°C 17mm 29°C 6mm 25°C 3mm 23°C 3mm 22°C 2mm 24°C 1mm 26°C 2mm 29°C 3mm 31°C 2mm 33°C 3mm
Mudumu & Nkasa Lupala National Park 31°C 130mm 31°C 127mm 31°C 73mm 30°C 22mm 28°C 2mm 25°C 1mm 26°C 0mm 29°C 0mm 33°C 3mm 35°C 22mm 33°C 53mm 31°C 109mm
Sossusvlei & Sesriem 25°C 6mm 25°C 8mm 25°C 13mm 24°C 4mm 22°C 2mm 21°C 3mm 20°C 1mm 20°C 1mm 21°C 1mm 23°C 1mm 24°C 2mm 25°C 1mm
Southern Kalahari 35°C 36mm 34°C 39mm 32°C 42mm 29°C 22mm 24°C 6mm 21°C 2mm 22°C 0mm 24°C 1mm 28°C 1mm 31°C 7mm 34°C 12mm 35°C 16mm
The Skeleton Coast 23°C 5mm 24°C 4mm 24°C 10mm 23°C 1mm 22°C 0mm 21°C 0mm 19°C 0mm 18°C 0mm 19°C 0mm 20°C 0mm 22°C 1mm 22°C 1mm
Windhoek 30°C 75mm 29°C 92mm 28°C 84mm 27°C 33mm 25°C 6mm 22°C 2mm 23°C 0mm 26°C 1mm 29°C 3mm 31°C 12mm 31°C 28mm 32°C 31mm

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Travel advice

Practical tips for traveling to Namibia, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest Government of Canada travel advice.

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