Gondwana Travel Centre - Best Time to Travel

No matter when you visit Southern Africa, you will find something extraordinary: the serenity of endless dunes, the thrill of a lion sighting, or the peaceful flow of a mighty river. Pick the right time based on what you want to experience most, and this incredible safari destination will reward you with memories to last a lifetime.

Remember that the seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere. In most safari regions of Southern Africa, the rainy season occurs during the summer months, typically from November to March. Therefore, the dry winter months are considered the prime time for safaris, as wildlife tends to gather around limited water sources, making animals easier to spot.

But don’t underestimate the charming summer months. The first rains bring new life: antelope begin to give birth, the landscape transforms with fresh greenery and blooming flora, and birdlife reaches its peak. While wildlife may be more dispersed and harder to spot, the reward lies in seeing well-fed, content animals and their adorable young in a lush, revitalised environment.

It's worth noting that the Western Cape region of South Africa, including Cape Town, experiences a different pattern, with rainfall occurring mainly in winter.

Ultimately, there are no “bad” times to visit. Each season in Southern Africa offers a distinct experience, thanks to the region’s incredible diversity – no matter when or where you choose to travel.

With 300 days of sunshine each year, Namibia is one of the sunniest countries in the world and can be enjoyed year-round. The climate is generally dry and pleasant, with very low humidity throughout most of the country.

Winter
The dry winter months from May to October are considered the best time for safaris, particularly in Etosha National Park. As water becomes scarce, wildlife congregates around the few remaining waterholes, offering excellent game-viewing opportunities Expect clear, sunny days, crisp nights, and almost no rainfall during this season. The far south, including the Fish River Canyon area, might receive some scarce winter rainfall.

Spring
From October into November temperatures start rising and the “little rainy season” brings a welcome end to the long dry spell.

Summer
The main summer rains typically arrive in January. While showers are often short and sporadic, they bring a refreshing change to the landscape transforming it into a lush, green environment. Though Namibia remains an arid country with limited rainfall, both locals and visitors celebrate these bursts of life-giving rain.

Autumn
By April and May, the rains have mostly subsided, and temperatures begin to drop, creating mild, comfortable conditions. Many seasoned Namibia travellers consider this one of the most rewarding times to visit.

Etosha National Park

🔸Best time: May to October (Dry Season)
Etosha is one of Africa’s largest and most celebrated savannah conservation areas, famous for unforgettable wildlife encounters in a dramatic, natural setting. Timing your visit can make a big difference.

Dry Season (May–October)
This is prime wildlife viewing time. With water sources drying up, animals gather in large numbers around the few remaining waterholes, offering incredible game sightings. But be prepared; these months attract more tourists, and the popular waterholes can get busy.

Rainy Season (November–March):
Wildlife is more dispersed, and the lush vegetation can make animals harder to spot. However, fewer visitors mean more solitude and often better rates at lodges. If you don’t mind a bit of unpredictability, this can be a peaceful time to experience Etosha in a more intimate way.

Sossusvlei

🔸Best time: Year-round
The surreal desert landscapes of the Namib are timeless and impressive, no matter when you go. The UNESCO-listed Namib Sand Sea, with its iconic sites like Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, and Sesriem Canyon, can be explored year-round.

Winter (May–October):
Cooler temperatures make early morning excursions particularly pleasant. Morning light casts long shadows on the dunes, perfect for photography and avoiding the harsh midday heat.

Summer (November–April):
Expect hotter days and a chance of rain. On rare occasions, the desert bursts into life with green patches or water in the pan, a magical and rare spectacle worth witnessing.

Fish River Canyon

🔸Best time: Year-round

The Fish River Canyon, Africa’s largest, is an awe-inspiring sight at any time of the year. Stretching 160 km in length and plunging to depths of up to 550 meters, it's a geological wonder with breathtaking views from various lookout points.

🔸Best time for hiking: May to mid-September

The famous multi-day Fish River Canyon hike is only open during the cooler, dry season from May to mid-September. This is when temperatures are more manageable, though nights can get chilly; so pack warm gear.

Swakopmund

🔸Best time: Year-round
Located along the Atlantic coast, Swakopmund enjoys mild, moderate temperatures all year. It’s not your typical beach town due to the cold ocean waters, but it makes up for it with charm and adventure. Think desert quad biking, skydiving, sandboarding, kayaking, and boat tours...

May to October (Winter):
Expect cooler weather and morning fog. Bring a warm jacket! July to October is the best time for whale watching (if luck permits).

November to April (Summer):
Warm, sunny days dominate even though the Atlantic waters stay refreshingly cool. During Namibia’s December and January holidays, many locals head to the coast to escape the inland heat; making the most of the seaside with sunbathing, swimming, and laid-back beach days.

April to July:
You might encounter warm east winds and the occasional sandstorm, but also beautiful warm days with spectacular sunsets.

Damaraland

🔸Best time: Year-round
Rugged and remote, Damaraland is a place of raw beauty, ancient rock art, and rare desert-adapted wildlife. It’s a fantastic year-round destination, with each season offering a unique experience.

Best time for wildlife viewing: May–October
This is the safari time where wildlife viewing is at its best, especially for spotting desert-adapted elephants and rhinos around sparse waterholes. Clear skies and cooler temperatures make it ideal for exploring.

Summer (November–April)
Fewer tourists and better rates at lodges make this a great time for travellers who enjoy Damaraland’s cultural heritage and striking landscapes. Just plan your activities around the heat, especially walks at Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring one of Africa’s largest rock engraving collections.

🔸Best time: June to October (Dry Season), but great year-round
This lush, tropical corner of Namibia stands in stark contrast to the country’s deserts. With its flowing rivers, dense greenery, and abundant wildlife, the Zambezi Region is a hidden gem, a remote corner of Namibia never feels crowded.

Dry Season (June–October):
Ideal for wildlife safaris. Animals congregate near water, and parks like Bwabwata, Mudumu, and Nkasa Rupara offer excellent chances to see four of the Big 5 - elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards -, and even the elusive African wild dog.

Green Season (November–May):
During the rainy season, the Zambezi Region transforms into a vibrant, green paradise. While dense vegetation can make spotting wildlife more challenging, the region’s rich waterworld, teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and waterbuck, continues to offer unforgettable encounters.

What are temperatures like in Namibia?

Namibia experiences hot, and occasionally rainy, summers from November to March. Temperatures vary by region but can soar to 35°C (95°F) or higher, especially during December and January.

Winter, from June to August, is dry and much cooler. Daytime temperatures are generally mild, averaging around 20°C (68°F), while nights, particularly in desert areas, can become quite cold, sometimes dropping below freezing.

September and October mark the arrival of spring in Namibia, with steadily rising temperatures.

When is the rainy season?

Namibia’s rainy season typically occurs between November and March. Rainfall varies from year to year; some seasons see hardly any precipitation and are barely distinguishable from the dry season, while others bring more substantial rains.

During wetter years, the landscape transforms into a vibrant green. You can even see green patches and small flowers on the sand dunes of the Namib. The air is clear and less dusty, offering a refreshing contrast to the previous dry months.

The rainy season is an excellent time for birdwatching. However, game viewing, particularly in Etosha, can be more challenging during this period. Tall grasses and thicker vegetation can make animals harder to spot. With water widely available, wildlife tends to disperse, no longer relying solely on waterholes.

When is the low season for tourism?

Namibia’s low season typically runs from November to February or March. During this time, it can get very hot, and humidity levels may rise, especially in certain regions.

The low season coincides with the rainy season, with brief but intense, localised showers. As vegetation becomes more lush and water sources are more widespread, wildlife in Etosha National Park is more dispersed, making game viewing more challenging.

Travelling to Namibia during the low season has its advantages. There are fewer tourists than during the high season, and you’re more likely to find availability at popular lodges and camps, often at lower rates.

When is the dry season?

Namibia’s dry season spans from May to October. It brings cooler weather and is ideal for wildlife viewing, particularly in Etosha National Park. As natural water sources dwindle, animals gather around the remaining waterholes, offering excellent opportunities to spot multiple species at once. The thinning vegetation and sparse tree cover also make it easier to see wildlife.

The climate in the dry winter months of May, June, July and August is generally pleasant, with mild daytime temperatures and chilly nights. The spring months of September and October are warmer.

When is the dry season?

The climate in the dry winter months of May, June, July and August is generally pleasant, with mild daytime temperatures and chilly nights. The spring months of September and October are warmer.

When is the best time for game viewing?

The best time for game viewing in Namibia and much of Southern Africa is typically in the dry season between May and October. Rainfall is minimal and animals are drawn to waterholes in the early mornings and late afternoons, making them easier to spot from a vehicle or hide.

Wildlife sightings are often at their peak toward the end of the dry season, in September and October, when temperatures rise and water sources become even scarcer.

However, in regions with seasonal migrations such as northeastern Botswana, western Zambia, or parts of the Kalahari, wildlife movements may vary, offering unique viewing opportunities outside this general pattern.

With 300 days of sunshine each year, Namibia is one of the sunniest countries in the world and can be enjoyed year-round. The climate is generally dry and pleasant, with very low humidity throughout most of the country.

When is the Best Time to Visit Namibia’s Top Destinations?

Namibia offers breathtaking beauty and diversity throughout the year, from dramatic deserts and vast savannahs to lush riverine landscapes. However, depending on what you want to see and experience, certain times of the year might be better suited than others.

Etosha National Park

Sossusvlei

Fish River Canyon

Swakopmund

Damaraland

Zambezi Region

Safari Seasons in Namibia (FAQ)

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