​Best Time To Visit – Namibia

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the 'Botswana & Namibia' guide.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor

The best time to visit Namibia is during the Dry season (May to October). However, it can be visited year-round as the climate is generally dry and pleasant. Wildlife viewing in all parks, but especially in Etosha National Park, is best in the drier months. In the Wet season (November to April), animals move away from the waterholes and scatter around the parks. Between December and March, some days will be humid and rain may follow, often in localized afternoon thunderstorms.


259 Namibia Safaris
Best Time May to September (Most parks)
High Season July to October or November (Will not feel too crowded, except for Etosha and around Sossusvlei)
Low Season November or December to June (All parks are very quiet)
Best Weather May to August (Moderate temperatures, little to no rainfall, green landscape)
Worst Weather October or November to March (Very hot)

May to October –Dry Season – Winter

  • Wildlife gathers around rivers and waterholes, making animals easier to spot – this is the best time to visit Etosha National Park
  • It’s sunny with no clouds and there is virtually no rain
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still don’t feel crowded (except for Etosha and parts of Namib-Naukluft National Park)
  • It gets cold at night and in the mornings; pack warm clothes for morning game drives from June to August

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (19)
+17 Photos Want To Visit

November to April –Wet Season – Summer

  • The scenery is greener and there are newborn animals
  • Rates are lower because it’s low season
  • Migratory birds are present and birding is at its best
  • Rains are mostly short showers in the afternoon and rarely have a negative impact on your trip
  • It gets very hot from October or November to March
  • It’s more difficult to spot animals, especially in Etosha

Wildlife Photos

Oryx standing in front of a dune
Greater kudu on the hilltops
+17 Photos

Best Time To Go by Major Park

If seeing wildlife is your main objective, the best time to visit most parks, especially Etosha, is in the Dry season (May to October). Namibia is a scenic country and can be visited throughout the year. The colors will be most vibrant during and after the Wet season (November to April). From October or November to March it can be unpleasantly hot.

Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor

Want To Visit Namibia?

259 Namibia Safaris