Plan your safari with confidence. What each month brings, from the dry winter of the waterholes to the green summer storms.
Namibia is dry and sunny for most of the year. Almost all of its rain falls in summer, from about November to April, and mostly as afternoon thunderstorms in the centre and the north. The coast, cooled by the cold Benguela current, stays mild and almost rainless all year, and the far south is dry.
There is no bad month to visit, only different ones. The dry winter brings the classic game viewing at the waterholes; the summer brings green landscapes, young animals, superb birding and quiet lodges. Pick your month below for what to expect, region by region.
Warm, sunny days and cold nights. The animals gather at the waterholes and game viewing improves month by month. July and August are the busiest months.
The land at its driest, with the most concentrated game of the year and rising heat. Clouds start to build late in October.
Heat, afternoon storms and green landscapes, with young animals, superb birding, dramatic skies and quieter lodges. A good time for the desert and the coast.
Average day and night temperatures and rainfall. Choose a month for the full picture.
Long-term averages for Windhoek, in the central highlands. Etosha is a few degrees warmer by day, the desert colder at night, and the coast mild all year.
Tell us when, and we will suggest the route and the properties that suit the season.
Every Secret Namibia safari begins with a private Safari Concierge consultation. We set aside 30 minutes; most travellers have everything they need in 5 to 10.
