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Best time to visit Namibia

Don't be fooled into thinking that desert = no rain. While there are famously over 300 days of sunshine per year, when the rain falls, it falls hard - much to the delight of Namibians. The best time to visit Namibia is often considered to be just before the rains begin, when wildlife is clustered around the waterholes. But the rain-refreshed landscapes are a treat for photographers - and bring baby animals, a treat for all.

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Best time to visit Namibia

temperature & rainfall

Windhoek/interior | Swakopmund/coast | Far North/Caprivi

With over 300 days of sunshine per year, there really is no best time to visit Namibia - though wildlife is easier to view during the drier months, when animals jostle for space around the few remaining waterholes.

The desert climate is harsh - nighttime temperatures can drop to freezing in winter, and the dryness is uncomfortable - stock up on excellent local moisturiser and lip balm!

Constant mists mean the coast is cool and damp, while the extreme north is hot and humid, with heavy rains creating a lush, tropical landscape that contrasts with the rest of the country.

When to visit Namibia & when not to

Month by month guide

A visit to Namibia in December, January or February will require an umbrella if you’re traveling within the interior or far north although coastal areas, surrounding Swakopmund, are a lot drier and certainly not as humid.

The rainy season is considered the best time for bird watchers.

March begins to see afternoon thunderstorms become less frequent, particularly in northern regions around Etosha, and into April and May you’ll find a much fresher, greener and clearer environment which many find the best time to visit Namibia, especially when tackling the five day Fish River Canyon hike.

June, July and August are the driest months across the country with the coast and interior areas, around Windhoek, offering a drop in temperatures, especially at night.

The southern winter is Namibia’s peak game watching season and accommodation will start to fill up as early as April, right through to November.

The coast keeps fairly consistently warm temperatures all year round. However, come September the rest of Namibia is heating up with October often proving to be the hottest month.

Best time to visit Namibia

Our recommendations

Emma Gregg is an award-winning travel writer, specialising in responsible tourism in Africa. She talks us through her best times to visit Namibia:

"The end of the dry season is excellent for wildlife watching in Etosha National Park; it's so dry at this time that giraffes, elephants and zebras converge at the waterholes in impressive numbers. If you arrive a little earlier - September, say - there's less dust in the air.

Namibia's landscapes look amazing in May, when the air is very clear, the temperatures are moderate and much of the vegetation is still green."

Our nature pick:

Whale watching season!

Southern right, humpback and Minke whales pass by the coast from July-November, with most sightings taking place in October and November. The best place to see them is Walvis Bay, of course - Walvis means "whale" in Afrikaans.

Festivals & events

Our cultural pick from the Namibian calendar

The annual Windhoek Jazz Festival is held in November, and showcases some of southern Africa's best musicians and singers.

Herero Day takes place every August and is the best opportunity to see Namibia's Herero community kitted out in their finest dresses, complete with cow horn inspired hats.

Did you know about...?

Windhoek Oktoberfest
Namibia's German community comes together each October to celebrate in true Bavarian style - complete with lederhosen, bratwurst, oompah bands... and plenty of beer. It's all quite surreal in 40 degree heat!

Written by Vicki Brown

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