Best time to travel Namibia

Travel recommendation

Namibia

Highlights of Namibia

from 14 days

from €3,500

Climate and Seasons in Namibia

Namibia offers a climate that allows travelers to experience it in various ways at different times of the year. Essentially, the year can be divided into two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.

Dry Season and Rainy Season

The two main seasons, dry and rainy, are divided into the summer phase from November to April and the winter phase from May to October. Here, winter is part of the dry season and summer is part of the rainy season. The Namibian summer can be quite wet. Most precipitation occurs from December to February in the form of short but heavy showers. At the same time, temperatures can reach up to 37 degrees Celsius, depending on the region, and can exceed 40 degrees. In Namibia's winter, however, it is dry and temperatures range between a pleasant 23 and 27 degrees.

Transitional Periods

The months of October and April are considered transitional months. October averages around 20 degrees and is regarded as one of the driest months. The average temperature in April is 18 degrees, which does not differ significantly from October, and although winter officially begins in this month, it remains predominantly dry.

Purely in terms of weather, the best travel time for Namibia is during the dry season. However, this does not mean that the rainy season lacks charm. All pros and cons for each season are listed in the section "High Season vs. Low Season".

All our Namibia trips are tailored to your desired travel time – both for the dry season from May to October and for the green low season.

Geographical and Climatic Differences in Namibia

The climatic conditions depend on the geographical location. This primarily divides into desert and coastal region, as well as highlands.

• Desert: The Namib Desert along the coast is extremely dry year-round. Here, temperatures are high during the day and very cold at night.
• Coastal Region: The Atlantic coast around Swakopmund and Walvis Bay has a cooler, maritime climate with frequent fog and moderate temperatures that rarely exceed 25 degrees Celsius.
• Highlands: The central highlands around Windhoek have a temperate climate with hot summers and cool winter nights. The altitude provides more pleasant temperatures compared to lower desert regions.

The Best Travel Times by Region

Namibia is vast and differs from region to region – accordingly, there is much to discover. What each area offers in terms of special features and when these can best be explored is explained here.

Namib Desert, Sossusvlei, and Deadvlei – Dunes and Salt Pans as far as the eye can see

When red dunes meet white salt pans, you have arrived at Sossusvlei . The Namib-Naukluft is not only the largest national park in Africa , it also boasts the highest dunes in the world. The three main dunes include Big Daddy, Dune 45, and Elim. The salt pans are named Hidden Vlei, Dead Vlei, and Nara Vlei. A river that drained created a vast area of salt and clay, with cracks forming into a true work of art. When rain falls, which is rare about every ten years, waterfowl, springboks, and antelopes find their way here to drink from the waterholes. The best months are from May to November with daytime temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees (but cold nights).

Extreme temperature differences can be expected in the Namib Desert: while it can exceed 40 degrees during the African summer, the temperatures in winter nights can drop low enough to create frost. During the winter months, daytime temperatures ranging from 21 to 25 degrees are pleasantly warm and dry.

Since the Namib Desert offers a fascinating experience year-round, the best travel time for this part of Namibia depends on personal preference: heat in summer, warmth during the day, and cold at night in winter. Only the green areas and the occasional flowers that bloom in the rainy season make a difference in the scenery.

City Life, Art, and Culture in Windhoek

Surrounding the capital Windhoek is the central highlands of Namibia. In the dry season, daytime temperatures average between 20 to 26 degrees. At night, temperatures range from 6 to 13 degrees. The months of June and July are considered the coolest. Rainfall is minimal during this time, with only a slight chance in April. The rainy season is very warm with average temperatures of 27 to 31 degrees, but bearable. Only the high humidity caused by the rain makes it uncomfortable. This mainly affects the months from January to March. Nighttime temperatures drop to 15 to 17 degrees.

Framed by mountains, the capital of Namibia offers an idyllic picture especially from a bird's eye view. In contrast to other parts of the country, one finds built-up urban areas with a functioning economy. In the township of Katutura, for example, a suburb of the city, there is a lot of art and culture to see. The best travel time for this part of Namibia is during the dry season, with the coolest months being June and July.

Mystique in the Coastal Region

The Namibian coast is known as the Skeleton Coast. With the largest ship graveyard in the world and a mix of sand plains and salt pans, it offers an extraordinary backdrop. The climate here is predominantly mild year-round, and it can become windy and foggy. The water temperatures in the Atlantic are consistently cold.

Shipwrecks and whale bones – the so-called Skeleton Coast got its name for a reason. Cold winds and fog drift over the coast and create a mystical image. National parks and cities like Swakopmund , Walvis Bay and Lüderitz are among the coveted spots. Seals and desert lions are the animal stars of this region. The mild temperatures year-round also make this area a good year-round destination.

Etosha National Park: White landscape versus green oasis

The biggest contrast in Etosha National Park lies in its scenery: in the dry season, the area resembles one single white landscape, as the clay settles almost everywhere. The rainy season, on the other hand, makes the plants sprout. Both offer an impressive sight, which is why a visit can be worthwhile at either time.

What matters much more are the conditions in each season: in the dry season it is very dusty, but temperatures stay at a pleasant 20 to 30 degrees. Wildlife viewing is easier, as you can head straight for the few waterholes that also attract the animals. In the rainy season, the roads are often impassable due to flooding. Distances also become longer, as the animals are scattered across the whole area. On top of that, it gets hot and humid. Here it is advisable to plan your trip for the end of the rainy season, when the showers ease and it is no longer too hot.

© Ongava Lodge

Kalahari Desert in the rainy season

Even though the dry season is generally considered the best time to travel to Namibia , the rainy season has a very special charm of its own: heavy days of rain on the one hand, magnificent vegetation on the other – that is probably the most interesting contrast in the Kalahari Desert. The mix of salt clay flats, semi-deserts, forests and beautiful flowers is well worth putting up with the occasional downpour. The wildlife also makes the most of the many newly formed waterholes, which makes for exciting safari experiences.

Caprivi – a year-round insider tip

The Caprivi region (also known as the Caprivi Strip or Caprivi Zipper) in the northeast of the country is considered a little insider tip. Whether in high season or low season – this remote area is one of the less visited parts of Namibia, although a trip to the area is very worthwhile. Several national parks await you with good opportunities for wildlife observation. The tropical climate makes nature shine in lush green. It is most bearable during the dry season – to experience some of the green nature, winter beginning and the end of daylight saving time (April to June) are recommended.

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Best travel time for specific activities

In addition to the safari tours in Etosha National Park, the Namib Desert, the Kalahari Desert, the Caprivi Strip, and wildlife observations along the coast, we would like to draw your attention once more to the desert tours and hikes. Here, you will gain insight into the possibilities for leisure activities and learn when what is best to do.

Adventures and outdoor activities

Guided hikes, jeep tours, and quad rides are available in the Namib Desert en masse. A hike over the red sand dunes is also an absolute must. Rides in hot air balloons or flights by helicopter or small aircraft show the fascinating landscape from a breathtaking perspective. The Sesriem Canyon with its rustic rock walls also provides an exciting adventure: this gorge plunges up to thirty meters deep into the earth. At the end of the rainy season and at the beginning of the dry season (April to June) is the best time to travel to Namibia with regard to such activities: The rain decreases and the heat has not yet reached its peak.

Cultural events

• Every year in February, the Bank Windhoek Arts Festival takes place. While local artists showcase their works, the atmosphere is enlivened by theater and dance events.
• In May, Africans celebrate their hard-won multiculturalism at various local venues with Africa Day. This is intended to strengthen coexistence and the joint work of the people.
• And Oktoberfest is also celebrated in Namibia: The former German colony awaits visitors in Windhoek (of course) with plenty of beer and fun games.
• On White Flag Day in October, people gather in the suburb of Ozonde in Herero costumes and with poems for military parades. This celebration is held in honor of the soldiers who fell against the German troops.

Practical tips for your trip to Namibia

Seasonal advantages and disadvantages, photography tips, price examples, and clothing tips – finally, we give you a few pieces of advice for your journey.

High season versus low season: The advantages and disadvantages

The high season is considered to be from July to October – which is why this period is regarded as the best travel time for Namibia. Daytime temperatures are in the moderate range, so they are pleasantly warm. Only in the morning and evening hours can it get a bit cool. Due to the dry season, there is hardly any precipitation. As a result, wildlife gathers around the coveted waterholes – which means good visibility for people to see the animals. However, both the moderate temperatures and the easier wildlife observations attract more people.

The low season includes the months from November to March. The days become hot and humid. The rainy season brings corresponding precipitation, which is heavy but short-lived. The rain also brings nature to life – the plants grow lushly, and the animals roam wildly. However, wildlife is also more dispersed in the vastness of the country, making animal sightings more difficult. The lush vegetation also obscures the view of the animals. However, there are fewer people on site.

Price differences for accommodations and flights

To get to Namibia as cheaply as possible, booking should be done with a lead time of one year. To provide you with a rough orientation, we have listed the prices of Lufthansa with consideration of the one-year lead time as an example. Thus, amounts starting from 780 euros in economy class, 1,050 euros and up in premium eco, and 2,600 euros and up in business class are indicated. Direct flights are usually more expensive than flights with stopovers.

Accommodation prices vary depending on the standard. The low season from November to March is considered cheaper.

Recommended clothing according to the season

In addition to summer clothes for warm to hot regions, you should especially bring warm or long tops and pants for the nights. Long clothing is also suitable as sun or mosquito protection. Breathable fabrics are ideal in warm temperatures. A water- and windproof jacket for rainy days is also recommended.

To be prepared for any weather spontaneously, the classic layered look is helpful: Multiple layers can be easily removed and stored in a backpack. Sturdy footwear including padded socks for hiking and safaris is important to comfortably and painlessly endure long walks. Additionally, a head covering makes sense – this way, you avoid sunstroke. And having sunglasses with UV protection is also important.

In the wild, you should behave as inconspicuously as possible, which is why the clothing should also be kept in natural tones. Long pants are advisable in the bush. Since you will be on the move a lot, comfortable clothing is advantageous. When visiting restaurants (both in hotels and outside), it can be a bit fancier.