As a significant proportion of Namibia’s land is blanketed by the Namib Desert, Namibia is a predominantly dry, sub-tropical destination that is bathed in glorious sunshine for much of the year. Temperatures can experience huge variations, from day to night and summer to winter, with the average being 25 degrees C. The best time to go visit Namibia depends on where you are heading and what you would like to experience.
Namibia is well known for having night skies that are remarkably clear and unpolluted, making it a refuge for astronomers and astrophotographers. You'll have the opportunity to see breathtaking celestial displays whether you're in the wide deserts, isolated lodges, or the nation's capital, Windhoek. Since the skies are clear and the air is fresh during the dry winter months of May to October, these are the best times to view the Milky Way, constellations, and even meteor showers. Your Namibian vacation has a fascinating new dimension thanks to this celestial encounter.
In January, mornings are often clear, but thunderstorms are common in the afternoons, which can make for spectacular photos. The weather can be quite humid and very hot, and not just for you. The animals will be looking for shade and vegetation to cool off behind and due to the large amount of surface water, they do not need to congregate around water holes so are a little more difficult to spot.
January is a great time for keen birders, and scenery can be greener, making for some beautiful photos. This time of year is the birthing season and you can see springbok and zebra with their new-borns and plenty of predator action.
Namibia is a large country so the weather you encounter will depend on your location. Windhoek is located at quite a high altitude and temperatures can soar here, the Kalahari will be hot too with occasional thunderstorms. The Caprivi Strip is prone to more rain, so much so we recommend you avoid it completely at this time of year. If you choose to travel in January to Namibia, we suggest safaris that explore the coast and southern regions. In contrast to most of the rest of the country, the coast is actually quite mild and sunny so it is a great time for a Skeleton Coast Flying Safari.
During Namibia’s wet season you may experience heavy and prolonged downpours. On a typical day, blue skies will reign until afternoon clouds form, bringing rain with them before clearing again by early evening. The game also moves into the bush at the beginning of this period, where the more luscious vegetation hides them. January & February is the birthing season of the Springbok and Zebra give birth which leads to lots of predator interaction.
Namibia emerges from the wet season and becomes increasingly arid, with crispness in the air and landscapes with more greenery as a result of the rains. The air also has lower dust content, making it more pleasant. Prices may also be lower these months are outside of the peak time to travel.
The latter part of the dry season is the most popular time to visit Namibia as the country cools down and dries out. June to October is also the best time to see big game as large concentrations of herbivore species congregate at watering holes. November can be variable, however, and you may still experience the hot, dry weather but it can also be cloudy and mark an early start to the rainy season. Birders will enjoy the latter months, as migrant birds arrive, anticipating the onset of the rains.
Louw Schoeman’s involvement in the Skeleton Coast has become a lasting legacy in Namibia’s conservation history. The families understanding of the complexities of the desert and the surrounding environment is something only revealed on a safari of this nature as you are accompanied by one of the brothers on a flying adventure into the dunes.
From 20150 per person
Discover the wildlife and landscapes of Namibia on this short self-drive safari taking in the highlights of this stunning destination, staying in luxurious accommodation along the way. Journey through the breath-taking landscapes of Namibia from Windhoek to the Erongo Mountains exploring wildlife hotspots along the way. From spotting the magnificent elephants of Etosha National Park to searching for rare species in the Okonjima Nature Reserve, you will have the chance to encounter and photograph some incredible wildlife, with expert guides imparting their local knowledge to enhance your experience.
From 5500 per person
This expertly-guided small group trip consisting of a maximum of seven guests takes in the highlights of Namibia. Over the course of this ten day trip you will get to visit the iconic towering dunes at Sossusvlei, the coast and wildlife at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, the desert-adapted wildlife and unique rock formations of Damaraland, rewarding wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park and an educational tour of the AfriCat Foundation at Okonjima.
From 4205 per personKnown for its desert-adapted elephants, lions and rhinos, tracking these animals in their arid habitat in the stunning Damaraland region is a unique and rewarding experience.
The location earned its name from the many shipwrecks that dot the shoreline but if you can get past the treacherous conditions, thick coastal fogs, strong currents, and shifting sands there's a huge array of wildlife viewing opportunities. Desert-adapted species like the gemsbok (oryx), springbok, desert elephant, and brown hyena roam the arid terrain. Seals and seabird colonies thrive along the coast.
The Namib Desert is a fantastic place to observe nocturnal animals that come to life when the sun goes down. Join a guided night walk for the chance to see scorpions, geckos and other desert dwellers.
This coastal town offers plenty of marine wildlife experiences, including dolphin and seal cruises. If you're feeling really adventurous then hit the waters in a kayak to see marine life up close.
The Cheetah Conservation Fund near Otjiwarongo is a great place to learn about the conservation efforts that are happening to protect these endandgered big cats and there's even an opportunity to see them up close.
