Namibia in January

Hot, first big storms; South African holidaymakers till mid-month.

• 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.

• New Year's Day

  1 Jan

  Coast and campsites full.

Crowds · Namibia

Medium

Prices · Namibia

Medium

• 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)