When to go to Namibia

As a significant proportion of the country’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, and there are more popular times to visit based on weather and wildlife viewing. The average daily temperature is 25 degrees C but this dips to a much lower level overnight.

The main part to think about is the weather and you can see from the chart below that there are quite big variations depending on where you are heading, and even from day to night. 

The best time to go to Namibia is from June to November, but there is no time to avoid it and you can enjoy it year round. 

December to March 

This is Namibia’s wet season, and during this time 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.

April to June 

These can be great months to visit, as the country 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 as it is a shoulder period outside of the peak time to travel. 

July to November 

The latter part of the dry season, this is the most popular time to visit Namibia as the country cools down and dries out. It is also the best time to see big game as the animals 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. 

Windhoek Carnival or WIKA takes place annually in April, with a celebration of music and dancing, marking the capital’s most important cultural event. KUSKA Caste Carnival is in August and takes place in Swakopmund, with street parties, food stalls and children’s activities igniting the town. Maharero Day is a remembrance day also held in August, and represents one of the country’s most colourful events, with traditional costumes worn by women who chant throughout the procession.