Namibia Travel Guide

Weather & Climate

253 Namibia Safaris

Expert

By Anthony Ham

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

Climate Chart Windhoek – 1,700m / 5,577ft

Namibia mostly has a subtropical desert climate characterized by great differences in day and nighttime temperatures, low rainfall and overall low humidity. Namibia experiences winter and summer at opposite times to Europe, North America and Asia, and they correspond to the Dry and Wet seasons.

Windhoek’s Climate Compared to Namibia’s Parks

Except for the temperatures, which vary across the country, the climate in Namibia’s parks is generally similar to that of Windhoek, the capital city. Windhoek is located on the semi-arid central plateau at 1,700m/5,577ft, and most parks are around 1,000m/3,280ft and lower. Temperatures increase by about 6°C for every 1,000m you descend (or 3.5°F per 1,000ft). As a result, Namibia's parks are hotter, especially those located in the desert, while coastal regions can be surprisingly cool. Rainfall is higher in the far north, including in Etosha National Park and the Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip). Farther south the climate is hotter and drier.

Dry Season –May to October – Winter

There is little to no rainfall during the entire winter and humidity is low. Wildlife will gather close to waterholes and rivers when other water sources dry up.

May – May is the end of summer. The rains have stopped, but the scenery is still lovely and green. The nights aren’t cold yet, and daytime temperatures average 23°C to 27°C (73°F to 81°F).
June – The nights are getting cold and can drop below 10°C/50°F. In desert areas, it can be freezing overnight. Daytime temperatures are still pleasant at around 20°C to 24°C (68°F to 75°F).
July & August – The average maximum temperature is 21°C to 25°C (70°F to 77°F). The average minimum temperature is around 7°C/45°F, but it can fall to below freezing at night in the deserts and higher areas. Be sure to pack warm clothing for early morning game drives.
September & October – September is a lovely month. It isn’t too hot yet, but the chill in the mornings is becoming less. Dry conditions prevail, and the skies are clear. During October, the heat gradually builds.

Dry Season Photos

+21 Photos

Wet Season –November to April – Summer

Some regions receive very little rainfall, but the wettest (and hottest) months begin in November, really get going in January, and run through to April.

November – The heat continues to rise and by November it is very hot. However, humidity is still low, keeping conditions quite pleasant. On average, the daytime temperature is above 30°C/86°F but it can be a lot higher in desert regions. Clouds build in the afternoons.
December – The first rains usually arrive and with them the temperature drops. The landscape changes after the first rains and everything comes to life.
January & February – This is midsummer. It tends to be hot and humid, with maximum temperatures around 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F) and peaks of over 40°C/104°F in the desert. There may be torrential downpours in the afternoon but not every day. Mornings are usually clear.
March & April – Rainfall decreases and stops around April. It cools down after the rains and the nights start to get cold again. Average daytime temperatures are around 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).