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Best time to visit Namibia: month by month
Short answer
May to October, the dry season, is best for wildlife and clear skies, with highs of about 20–29°C and cold desert nights. November to April is hotter (around 27–31°C, up to 40°C in the desert), with afternoon storms, green landscapes and fewer visitors.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28°C | 17°C | 16 | low |
| Feb | 27°C | 16°C | 9 | low |
| Mar | 27°C | 15°C | 7 | low |
| Apr | 26°C | 13°C | 1 | medium |
| May | 23°C | 10°C | 0 | medium |
| Jun | 20°C | 7°C | 0 | high |
| Jul | 21°C | 7°C | 0 | very high |
| Aug | 25°C | 9°C | 0 | very high |
| Sep | 29°C | 12°C | 0 | very high |
| Oct | 31°C | 15°C | 2 | high |
| Nov | 31°C | 16°C | 3 | medium |
| Dec | 31°C | 16°C | 5 | medium |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Sep–Nov)
Highs of 29–31°C, dry until the first storms in November. Wildlife gathers at Etosha's waterholes; hot in the desert.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
The rainy season, with highs of 27–31°C and up to 16 rainy days in January. Green scenery, newborn animals and migratory birds; some gravel roads become muddy.
Autumn (Mar–May)
Rain tapers off, with highs of 23–27°C and greener landscapes. A good, quieter time to visit.
Winter (Jun–Aug)
Dry, clear and cool: highs of 20–25°C and lows of 7–9°C, sometimes below 0°C in the desert at night. Peak wildlife viewing and busiest season.
Events worth planning around
- Windhoek Karneval (German-style carnival, around April or May)
- Independence Day (21 March)
- Windhoek Oktoberfest (October)
When to avoid
January and February can bring heavy storms in the north and very hot desert days. July to September is the busiest; book lodges and park camps months ahead.
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Common questions
What is the best time to visit Namibia?
May to October for wildlife and dry weather, with highs of about 20–29°C.
How cold does Namibia get?
Desert nights in June and July can drop below 0°C, though days are around 20–25°C.
Is the rainy season a bad time to visit?
Not necessarily: November to April is hotter and stormier but green, quieter and cheaper.