Namibia

Best Time to Visit Namibia

It doesn’t matter what time of year you experience Namibia—its epic wildlife and breathtaking beauty is on display year-round. The cooler and drier winter season, from May to September, is the most popular time due to concentrated wildlife. The shoulder months of April and October can vary, but often offer the best of both summer and winter. The green season months, from November to March, are punctuated by short and spectacular afternoon showers. It’s during these warmer summer months that the plains game enter calving seasons, flocks of migratory species descend upon the verdant landscape, and dust-free skies allow for astonishing vistas. To take advantage of this quieter (and cheaper!) time, our special Green Season Safari captures the best of Namibia—with savings of more than $1,500 per person compared with safaris in the peak season.

Tourists photographing a cheetah in the wild.

January

Visiting during the summer’s peak means higher temperatures and afternoon showers, which is a small price to pay for the highlights it affords: fewer crowds, prime birdwatching, and the deep hues of the Namib desert contrasted against lush greenery. Join us on our Green Season Safari—a great value at over $1,500 less per person than for a similar peak-season safari—to explore every corner of this otherworldly destination.

February

Similar to January, this month’s higher heat, humidity, and chance of rain can often feel like a blessing in disguise, with clear, dust-free air; warm morning game drives; and unique wildlife viewing (Baby animals! Flamingos!).

March

Offering a lovely balance between summer and winter’s unique draws: cooler air yet the chance to see spectacular thunderstorms; pleasant desert mornings and comfortable coastal afternoons. It’s an especially ideal time to visit the iconic Skeleton Coast, one stop on our thrilling two-week Green Season Safari, which comes with a savings of more than $1,500 per person compared with safaris in the busy season.

April

This month ushers in the end of the rainy season. It also marks the slow start to peak safari season. Our classic Namibia Expedition kicks off this month, and takes full advantage of the shoulder season, from tracking rhino on foot in Damaraland to sleeping beneath the stars in Africa’s first Dark Sky Reserve.

May

The official start to winter means less humidity and cooler temperatures. Plus, as vegetation dwindles and water sources dry up, Namibia’s unique wildlife (Desert-adapted elephants! Black rhino!) become easier to track and spot. Our Ultimate Namibia and Botswana adventures begin this month, highlighting the best of each destination.

June

We begin to enter peak wintertime, with chilly mornings and nights, and drier conditions making for excellent game-viewing, especially in the wildlife epicenter of Etosha National Park. Joining our Namibia Expedition and Ultimate Namibia and Botswana journeys is a world-class conservation itinerary: In the Realm of the Desert Lion. This exclusive safari, only offered every few years, takes WT travelers behind-the-scenes of the country’s efforts to protect this unique predator.

July

This is the coolest and driest time of the year, which for Namibia’s wildlife means journeying to find fewer water sources. Resulting in scenes straight out of a Disney movie—wildebeest, giraffes, elephants, and more congregating around the same watering hole. This month, join us for a very unique experience: Our Namibia Giraffe Conservation Safari where you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside a leading research team to track and tag giraffes in the wild.

August

Similar to July, this is an ideal time to explore much of the country, especially the country’s greatest wildlife source, Etosha National Park, and the magnificent Sossusvlei Dunes. While this is the busiest time of the year, our special access to private concessions and reserves means you’ll be far from the crowds.

A group of people climbing dunes in Namibia.

September

Considered one of the most pleasant times of year due to spring-like conditions, September is when temperatures start to rise but the rain remains at bay. In addition to our classic Namibia Expedition, which gets you off the typical visitor circuit, we offer a departure of In the Realm of the Desert Lion, a conservation safari that’s exclusive for WT travelers.

October

The end of winter means fewer crowds, though months of little rainfall can often result in dusty conditions and occasional sandstorms. A vestige of the country’s capital, Windhoek, being once a German colony is a lively Oktoberfest celebration. Join us on a Private Journey for an intimate adventure charting the best of Namibia.

A traveler being served a glass of wine.

November

It can be difficult to predict weather conditions this month, when year-to-year variation can mean prevailing winter temperatures and little rainfall, or a strong start to the green season—the first thunderstorm of the year is always a celebration! Plus, it’s the start of prime bird-watching.

December

Summer is usually in full swing by now, with warmer and more humid days, and nights that are either crisp and clear from an afternoon rainstorm, or cloudy in preparation for rain the next day. The influx of migratory birds, including an abundance of flamingos that coat lagoons in pink, makes for excellent bird-watching.

Namibia’s Weather

We’ve planned our adventure for Namibia’s best season (April through September), when daytime temperatures are in the mid-70s and wildlife viewing is at its peak as waterholes attract a vast array of animals. Nighttime temperatures in the desert can drop to the 50s, so be sure to pack layers for early-morning game drives and our nights on the Tok Tokkie Trail. The coastal region, including Swakopmund and the Skeleton Coast, is cool and dry throughout the year.

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Talk to an Expert

Our Africa Specialists know every detail about our Namibia safaris. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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