Namibia Travel Guide Best Time To Visit
Anthony is the author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.
The best time to visit Namibia is in the Dry season from June to October, although it can be visited throughout the year. Wildlife viewing in all parks, but especially in Etosha, is best in the Dry season. The climate is generally dry and pleasant. Between December and March, some days will be humid and rain may follow, often in localized, afternoon thunderstorms. In the Wet season, animals move away from the waterholes and scatter around the park.
May to October Dry Season – Winter
-
Wildlife congregates around rivers and waterholes, making animals easier to spot – it is the best time to visit Etosha
-
There are no clouds, it's sunny, 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
-
It gets cold at night and in the mornings – it's advisable to pack warm winter clothing during June, July and August for the cold morning game drives
November to April Wet Season – Summer
-
After the rains, the scenery is greener and the rates are lower, because it's low season
-
This is the time of the year you can see newborn animals – 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 to February
-
It's more difficult to spot animals – this is especially true for Etosha
Wildlife Photos
Oryx standing in front of a dune
© Ariadne van ZandbergenGreater kudu on the hilltops
© Michael PolizaSpringbok running
© Michael PolizaBlack-faced impalas fighting
© Ariadne van ZandbergenLion cub resting
© Ariadne van ZandbergenBlack rhinoceros eating
© Ariadne van ZandbergenGround squirrel eating
© Ariadne van ZandbergenRed hartebeest among yellow flowers
© Ariadne van ZandbergenGemsbok in a beautiful landscape
© Ariadne van ZandbergenPlains zebras fighting
© Ariadne van ZandbergenImpala drinking
© PattrickJSBlack-backed jackals playing around
© Ariadne van ZandbergenWhite rhinoceros eating grass
© Ariadne van ZandbergenGiraffe
© WerksdesigCheetah
© WerksdesigOryx in the dunes
© Ariadne van ZandbergenOryx running through the dunes
© Ariadne van ZandbergenCape fur seal colony
© JennieByassCape fur seal on a rock
© Ariadne van Zandbergen Best Time To Go by Major Park
If seeing wildlife is your main objective, the best time to visit all parks, especially Etosha, is in the Dry season from 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. October to February can be unpleasantly hot.