Best time to visit Namibia
Best time to visit Namibia
The ideal time to visit Namibia depends on your destination and the experiences you are looking to enjoy. With much of its terrain covered by the Namib Desert, Namibia is a largely dry, sub-tropical country that enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year. Temperatures can vary significantly between day and night and from summer to winter, with an average of 25°C.
The dry winter months from May to October are considered the prime time to visit Namibia for game viewing, particularly in Etosha National Park. During this period, clear skies and minimal malaria risk make for optimal conditions. As the dry season progresses, animals gather around water sources, making sightings more frequent. Be prepared for cold nights in June and July, while September and October can be hot and humid. The summer rains from November to April transform the landscape into lush greenery and can sometimes cause desert flooding.
Namibia Weather
Namibia is a destination worth visiting year-round, offering enjoyable conditions in every season. The summer season, from October to May, features mostly warm and sunny days, with highs around 32°C. Although this period is technically the rainy season, rainfall is usually brief and infrequent, sometimes with gaps of days or even months.
Spring and autumn, occurring in September and June respectively, are short transitional periods with pleasant weather. During the winter months, from late June through August, you can expect plenty of sunshine and cool mornings, with daytime highs ranging from 16-21°C. However, nights can be quite cold, so if you are planning to camp, you should pack appropriately.
May to September are ideal months to visit Namibia as it is the country’s dry season. During these months, Namibia enjoys mild daytime temperatures and clear, sunny skies, making it an excellent period for extended African safaris. The weather is cooler compared to the humid summer season, with nights becoming quite chilly, so bringing a jacket is advisable. April, October, and November are the shoulder months that also offer pleasant weather and the added benefit of fewer tourists.
Dry season Namibia
Namibia’s dry season occurs during the winter months from May to October. During this period, the weather is usually warm and sunny, although nights can be very cold. These months are considered the best time to visit Namibia, as you can enjoy clear blue skies and abundant sunshine, except along the coast where fog is common. Daytime temperatures are moderate, but evenings can become quite chilly.
Rainy season Namibia
The rainy season occurs during the summer months from November to April. The weather is typically hot and humid, with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms. However, these downpours are brief and intense, so they are unlikely to interfere with your travel plans, ensuring that even the rainy season is a good time to visit Namibia.
Where to go in Namibia
Namibia is a destination where nature showcases its unique and extraordinary landscapes. In the ancient Namib Desert, Sossusvlei is a must-see, offering the chance to climb striking orange dunes and visit Deadvlei, known for its petrified trees.
Etosha National Park is one of the top spots in Africa to see black rhinos, along with elephants, giraffes, leopards, and ostriches, all adapted to the arid environment. Fish River Canyon is the continent’s longest and deepest ravine, while Swakopmund offers coastal adventure sports like sandboarding. Damaraland features unusual rock formations, petroglyphs, desert lions, and other wildlife.
Namibia Travel Tips
Wondering what to expect on your visit to Namibia? Here are some travel tips to help you prepare:
- Book in advance – Namibia is known for its remote locations and limited accommodation. Many places are booked a year in advance so it is advisable to book your accommodation well in advance through a travel agent.
- Prepare an Itinerary – There is so much to see and do in Namibia so before you book your trip, do your research. Prepare a good itinerary to ensure you can manage your time and include extra time for unforeseen circumstances.
- Hire a 4×4 – One of the best ways to explore Namibia is self-drive. Fully equipped rental vehicles are available for hire so you can navigate the long distances and dirt roads with ease.
- Stay aware of your surroundings – Although Namibia is a peaceful country, there are some pickpockets lurking around targeting tourists. Lock your doors while driving, keep your valuables close, and beware of scams.
- Check visa and passport requirements – All visitors to Namibia are required to have a passport. As far as visas go, citizens of certain countries do not require one. Research the list of countries with visa exemption agreements with Namibia. We suggest you check with your nearest Namibian Consulate about obtaining a visa if you need one.
- Invest in travel insurance – You always need to be prepared for those worst-case scenarios so check out some travel insurance options that cover Namibia.
- Vaccines and Medicines – At least a month before your trip, pay a visit to your doctor to check the vaccines and medicines list that you may need.
- Buy a universal adapter – Namibia’s standard voltage is 230V supply and 50Hz. Plug types are D and M.
- Currency and spending– The national currency of Namibia is the Namibian Dollar. The South African Rand is also accepted in Namibia. ATM’s are available in populated areas and accept all major credit cards. Carry cash as a back-up especially in remote areas where ATM’s are few and far between.
- What to pack – Pack comfortable, breathable clothes for those long road trips. Flip flops and sneakers are ideal for beach roaming and camping respectively. Pack according to the time of year you plan to visit but ideally, you should take along both warm and cool clothes for the hot days and chilly nights.
Namibia Events
Namibians celebrate New Year on January 1 and Day of the Kings on January 6. The festivities are marked by outdoor celebrations, music and dance, and fireworks. Independence day is on March 21, where Namibians celebrate their independence from South Africa. Easter is celebrated in either late March or early April and the long Easter weekend consists of 4 days which are all public holidays. May 25 marks Africa Day where Namibians celebrate the foundation of the Organization of African Unity. August 26, Herero Day is a three-day festival celebrated annually in Okahandja to commemorate those who died resisting German colonizers. At the end of September, many communities nationwide celebrate the Harvest Festival. The Windhoek Show is Namibia’s largest agricultural and industrial fair. It takes place during the first week of October and visitors can expect a combination of industrial and retail offerings along with food stalls, music and entertainment. The Otjomuise Live Arts Festival in Windhoek is a week-long festival held in November. Launched in 2021, this festival features dances performances, live music, and more. Wondering when to visit Namibia? There isn’t really a bad time to explore this beautiful country — it all depends on what you want to do. Refer to our monthly guide to help you plan your Namibian adventure.
Namibia Travel Guide Month-by-Month
