Namibia in December

Hot; regional holidays fill campsites and coast.

• Central highlands · Windhoek, Waterberghot

  At 1,650 m: summer thunderstorms (Jan–Mar), cold clear winter nights near freezing.

• Namib Desert · Sossusvlei, Sesriem, NamibRandhot

  Summer days above 40 °C in the dunes; winter days warm, nights cold. Rain is rare.

• Skeleton and central coast · Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Cape Crossbest weather

  Cool fog most mornings all year; east-wind sandstorms can blow in winter.

• Damaraland and Kunene · Twyfelfontein, Palmwag, Opuwohot

  Hot and dry; summer rain floods the ephemeral rivers.

• Etosha · Okaukuejo, Halali, Namutonirainy

  Game gathers at waterholes June–October; rains bring green grass, dispersed animals and birdlife.

• Zambezi region (Caprivi) · Katima Mulilo, Bwabwata, Mudumurainy

  Tropical, wetter and with the highest malaria risk; rivers and floodplains.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Human Rights Day

  10 Dec

  Public holiday.

• Christmas and Family Day big impact

  25–26 Dec

  Coast packed; many businesses closed.

Crowds · Namibia

High

Prices · Namibia

High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Rated best or good this month

• Skeleton and central coast

  Best weather of the year (Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Cape Cross)