When to Visit Namibia
A Month-by-Month Travel Guide
Namibia is a land of vast deserts, striking scenery, and remarkable wildlife – and with its predominantly dry climate, it's a destination you can visit year-round. However, seasonal changes do influence game movements, birding, and weather conditions. This guide breaks down what to expect each month, helping you decide the best time to travel based on your interests. Whether you're planning a classic Etosha safari, a trip to the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, or a scenic fly-in tour, we've got you covered.
December to March – Green Season & Summer Safari
Elephant calf enjoying Namibia's green season
- Low season in Namibia: fewer visitors and more attractive rates
- Hot and occasionally humid; expect short afternoon thunderstorms (especially in the central and eastern regions)
- Early mornings are usually clear and beautiful
- Excellent for game viewing, especially newborn plains game like zebra, springbok, and oryx
- Predators are more active due to the birthing season
- Peak birding time thanks to the presence of migratory species
Game drives in Etosha or private reserves, birding safaris, photography trips for dramatic skies, and desert wildlife tracking.
April to May – Green Landscapes & Ideal Weather
Namibia's spectacular Skeleton Coast
- Some of the most pleasant weather of the year: moderate temperatures and little to no rainfall
- Namibia is lush and green, especially beautiful in the desert areas
- Great time to explore the Namib or the Skeleton Coast as cooler temps make desert travel easier
- By late May, wildlife begins returning to perennial water sources, improving game viewing
Scenic desert drives, Sossusvlei dune hikes, cultural experiences in Damaraland, and landscape photography.
June to August – Peak Dry Season & Best Game Viewing
Etosha lion cubs sparring
- Peak safari season with the driest conditions and best wildlife visibility
- Chilly nights, sometimes dropping below freezing in desert areas; days are clear and mild
- Namibia's vastness means it never feels crowded, although popular areas like Etosha and Sossusvlei do get busier
- Book at least 12 months in advance to secure top camps and lodges
Etosha game drives, desert-adapted elephant tracking in Damaraland, stargazing in the Namib, and fly-in safaris.
September to October – Intense Heat & Excellent Wildlife
Animals gathering in Etosha
- Warmer temperatures return; nights are milder
- Animals concentrate around Etosha's remaining waterholes, making for phenomenal game viewing all day
- Best to explore desert areas in the cooler hours (before 11 am and after 4 pm)
- Migrant bird species begin to return, marking the start of another birding window
- Still part of peak tourism season—book early
Full-day safaris in Etosha, photographic safaris, early morning desert walks, and conservancy-based safaris.
November – The Wild Card Month
Oryx crossing through the Namib Desert
- Transitional month with unpredictable weather
- Can be hot and dry or bring the first rains of the season
- When the rains do arrive, the arid landscape bursts into life—an incredible transformation to witness
- Some camps start their "Green Season" pricing
Photographic tours, desert scenic flights, and exploring lesser-visited parks like Nkasa Rupara in the Caprivi.
Year-Round Travel in Namibia
The otherworldly Sossusvlei
- With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Namibia is always open for exploration
- The arid climate makes for consistently dry, pleasant conditions in most regions
- Even in rainy months, storms are typically brief and isolated
- Wildlife is well adapted to desert life, needing less water than in more tropical countries
- Namibia's varied climate zones—from fog-bound Skeleton Coast to lush Caprivi—make for fascinating travel year-round
- Accommodation is limited in high-demand areas: early booking is essential for peak season
Fly-in safaris for scale and scenery, combining Namibia with Victoria Falls or Botswana, exploring fog-covered coastlines and sand dunes.
Want to combine Namibia with another destination?
We can help you plan a seamless multi-country safari. Enquire now for expert advice on the best times to travel across Southern Africa.
Windhoek, Namibia's climate month by month
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9 Day Best of Namibia Safari
Discover Namibia's most iconic landscapes and wildlife with a top nature guide on this expertly planned 9-day safari. From the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei and the wild Atlantic shores of Swakopmund to the rugged beauty of Damaraland and the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha National Park, this small-group tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Namibia. Prefer a private trip? We can tailor the itinerary to suit your interests.
7 Day Namibia Fly-in Safari
This seven-day luxury fly-in safari explores some of Namibia's most iconic safari destinations – the distinctive ochre dunes of Sossusvlei, the rugged, desolate landscape of Damaraland and the Kaokoveld, where you're likely to spot the legendary desert-adapted elephant, and Etosha, Namibia's ancient national park. Flying over this vast country, you'll also get an insight into its fascinating details and incredible landscapes.
