When to go · Namibia
Namibia, month by month
The best months for Namibia: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.
Month by month
- JanuaryMixedHot, first big storms; South African holidaymakers till mid-month.Central highlands: hot · Namib Desert: hot · Skeleton and central coast: best weatherCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
- FebruaryMixedRainiest month in the north and centre; rivers can flood gravel roads.Central highlands: rainy · Namib Desert: hot · Skeleton and central coast: best weatherCrowds: Low
- MarchMixedGreen landscapes and birdlife; Etosha animals dispersed.Central highlands: rainy · Namib Desert: hot · Skeleton and central coast: best weatherCrowds: Low · 2 festivals or holidays
- AprilGoodRains end; clear air and quiet lodges. Easter busy.Central highlands: fine · Namib Desert: fine · Skeleton and central coast: best weatherCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
- MayGreatStart of the dry season: pleasant days, cool nights, green still around.Central highlands: best weather · Namib Desert: best weather · Skeleton and central coast: fineCrowds: Medium · 4 festivals or holidays
- JuneGreatCold desert nights (near 0 °C); Etosha waterholes busy.Central highlands: best weather · Namib Desert: best weather · Skeleton and central coast: coolCrowds: Medium
- JulyGreatEuropean summer peak; Sossusvlei and Etosha book out months ahead.Central highlands: best weather · Namib Desert: best weather · Skeleton and central coast: coolCrowds: High
- AugustGreatDry, clear and busy; east-wind days on the coast.Central highlands: best weather · Namib Desert: best weather · Skeleton and central coast: coolCrowds: High · 2 festivals or holidays
- SeptemberGreatHeat builds; excellent game at Etosha.Central highlands: best weather · Namib Desert: best weather · Skeleton and central coast: coolCrowds: High
- OctoberGoodHot and dusty; best waterhole viewing before the rains.Central highlands: best weather · Namib Desert: fine · Skeleton and central coast: fineCrowds: Medium
- NovemberMixedVery hot inland; first storms in the north.Central highlands: hot · Namib Desert: hot · Skeleton and central coast: best weatherCrowds: Low
- DecemberMixedHot; regional holidays fill campsites and coast.Central highlands: hot · Namib Desert: hot · Skeleton and central coast: best weatherCrowds: High · 2 festivals or holidays
Weather by region
How each climate zone rates each month.
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central highlandsWindhoek, Waterberg | Hot | Wet | Wet | OK | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Hot | Hot |
| Namib DesertSossusvlei, Sesriem, NamibRand | Hot | Hot | Hot | OK | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | OK | Hot | Hot |
| Skeleton and central coastSwakopmund, Walvis Bay, Cape Cross | Best | Best | Best | Best | OK | Cool | Cool | Cool | Cool | OK | Best | Best |
| Damaraland and KuneneTwyfelfontein, Palmwag, Opuwo | Hot | Wet | Wet | OK | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Hot | Hot | Hot |
| EtoshaOkaukuejo, Halali, Namutoni | Wet | Wet | Wet | OK | OK | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Hot | Wet |
| Zambezi region (Caprivi)Katima Mulilo, Bwabwata, Mudumu | Wet | Wet | Wet | OK | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Hot | Hot | Wet |