Namib-Naukluft National Park

Weather & Climate

143 Namib-Naukluft Safaris

Expert

By Anthony Ham

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

Climate Chart Namib-Naukluft National Park – 0-2,044m / 0-6,706ft

Namib-Naukluft National Park has a hot and extremely dry climate with very little rainfall. Temperatures can peak well above 38°C/100°F during summer, but nights can drop below freezing in winter. Summer corresponds with the Wet season (November to April), but rainfall is low. Winter is known as the Dry season (May to October).

The altitude in the park varies widely, as do temperatures as a result. The Sossusvlei area sits at a low altitude and temperatures can get very hot there. The higher altitudes are mostly in the Naukluft Mountains section, where it tends to be a bit cooler.

Dry Season –May to October – Winter

These are the coolest months, bringing relief from the oppressive heat at other times of the year. There is almost no rain and it gets drier as the winter progresses.

May, June, July & August – It is sunny and totally dry. These are the coolest months and the average afternoon temperature is 25°C/77°F. Areas at lower altitude, such as Sossusvlei, can be substantially hotter. It is cold in the early morning, with temperatures around 9°C/48°F.
September & October – It is still dry and sunny. This is the end of winter and temperatures increase to an average of 27°C/81°F. But it can reach a peak of 38°C/100°F or more in low-altitude areas. Early mornings are less cold, at around 9°C/48°F.

Wet Season –November to April – Summer

The summer months are hot. Daytime temperatures average 30°C/86°F, but often reach 38°C/100°F or higher in low-altitude areas of the park, such as Sossusvlei. Early mornings are around 13°C/55°F.

November & December – It is very dry. When the first rain falls, it comes as a relief after a long dry winter, although it rarely rains much. Afternoon temperatures are around 30°C/86°F.
January, February & March – These are the only months with regular rain. However, it is still mostly dry and sunny, and monthly rainfall totals are low. People need to be careful of flash floods in dry riverbeds. It usually cools down after rain and average daytime temperatures are around 30°C/86°F.
April – It rains little and rarely in April. The weather cools slightly with average temperatures around 28°C/82°F.