Kaokoland

Weather & Climate

11 Kaokoland Safaris

Expert

By Anthony Ham

Anthony is the author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.

Climate Chart Kaokoland

Kaokoland is a desert with typical big differences in night and day temperatures. The graph above illustrates averages, though temperatures can build to well above 38°C/100°F and freezing temperatures can occur during winter nights (May to October).

There is a Wet season (November to April) during the summer, although it never rains that much, and occasional thunderstorms can be expected. Wintertime is totally dry.

Dry Season –May to October – Winter

Hardly any rain occurs during the winter season, which is also the coolest time of year. Drought increases as the season continues.

May, June, July & August – Afternoon temperatures of 23°C/73°F are common, although mornings are quite chilly (11°C/52°F) and require warm clothing. Despite it being the coolest time of year, the sun is almost always shining. Drought is typical.
September & October – Temperatures increase as winter comes to an end. Daytime averages of 26°C/79°F are the norm. Early mornings are cool at around 15°C/59°F. The rainy season starts somewhere between the end of October and the beginning of November.

Wet Season –November to April – Summer

Although rainfall is still low during this time of year, it is considered the Wet season. Temperatures are hot, and the sun is generally out all day. Random thundershowers occur, but not daily. Early morning temperatures are pleasant at 17°C/63°F.

November & December – Thundershowers begin in the month of November, although they don’t occur regularly. Temperatures can build to much higher than the average of 27°C/81°F, reaching 38°C/100°F or more.
January, February & March – Although it’s mostly sunny during the day, thunderstorms occur during the afternoons with some regularity. The average daytime temperature of 26°C/79°F shows how the rain can lower temperatures overall, but they can also spike higher than that.
April – Rain slows and temperatures cool during the month of April. Average daily temperatures of 25°C/77°F are typical.