Kaokoland

Weather & Climate

12 Kaokoland Safaris

Expert

By Anthony Ham

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

Climate Chart Kaokoland – 0-2,039m / 0-6,690ft

Kaokoland is a desert region with big variations between day and night temperatures. The climate chart shows the averages, but it can reach well above 38°C/100°F during the day in summer, and drop to freezing at night during winter. The Wet season (November to April) coincides with summer, although it never rains that much. Occasional thunderstorms can be expected. The Dry season (May to October) coincides with winter and 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. Dry conditions are 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 sometimes begins at the end of October.

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 for most of the 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 is 26°C/79°F, but it can 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.