Best Time to Visit Namibia: A Month-by-Month Guide

Best Time to Visit Namibia: A Month-by-Month Guide. When winter rolls around in North America and Europe, it’s summer in Namibia—just one example of how the seasons in Southern Africa are completely backwards from the northern hemisphere. If you want to go on a safari in Namibia, the best time to go is in the winter (summer in the northern hemisphere) because the animals are more visible and don’t wander too far from the few water sources left. The vegetation is also thinner and drier during this time, so it’s easier to spot them.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO VISIT NAMIBIA | Travel Guide

When Is The Best Time To Go To Namibia

Peak Or High Season

Winter months of June, July, and August are the most popular since they correspond with the region’s school holidays (and, fortunately, with the northern hemisphere’s long summer vacation season). Peak season in Namibia spans from around May (fall) to October (spring). Nighttime lows, particularly in desert regions, are much lower than the warm and dry days. Tourists swarm to Etosha, Sossusvlei, and Swakopmund, three of Namibia’s most popular attractions, during this time.

Lodges, campgrounds, and hotels in Namibia are on the smaller side, so there won’t be a lot of people and cars jammed together. This results in a delightful peak season, but it also means that if you want to travel during this period, you’ll need to book your accommodations well in advance. Travellers who leave it till the last minute may discover that they are completely unable to be accommodated.

Green Or Low Season

From around November to April, the desert landscape of Namibia comes to life with green pastures and millions of vibrantly coloured flowers throughout the summer months of very hot days, warm nights, and infrequent rain. Only around 65 days of the year do you typically get rain.

One of the quietest periods to visit Namibia is during low season, when you can find better rates and a greater selection of accommodations, with the exception of around mid-December to mid-January (Christmas, New Year’s, regional school vacations), and around Easter. Summer is a fantastic travel season for people who enjoy hot weather (although not all hotels have air conditioning or pools). After a long day of exerting yourself, it’s essential to take a break and relax in the shade, just like the animals do.

During the low or “green” season, animals are less common due to the summer rains. Animals have greater freedom to move due to the abundance of water, but they are more difficult to spot due to the thicker foliage. On the other hand, there are substantial benefits, such as the immense joy and fulfilment that comes from actively seeking out sightings and the abundance of infants and birds in the area. From antelopes to zebras, every migratory species is making its way south to avoid the severe winters in Europe. Many grazers are also giving birth at this time to take advantage of the plentiful food. Because predators are unable to keep up with the sheer volume of prey, the odds of survival for the newborns are much improved when mothers give birth in large groups.

If you want to escape the heat and humidity of Namibia in January and February, you should stay away from the Caprivi Strip. The gravel road here could become impassable after a big storm if it gets too muddy.

While travelling in the winter is the most weather-friendly option, it will cost you more. On the other hand, summer is hotter but cheaper. No matter when you decide to go, it’s best to get in touch with your Africa Safari Expert early so you can get your preferred accommodations, transportation, and flights.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Namibia

Namibia Places to Visit | Best time to Visit | Interesting Facts

It is generally believed that the months of May through October, when the weather is dry, are ideal for game viewing in Namibia, particularly in Etosha National Park. As the dry season progresses, the sky is clear, the likelihood of malaria is minimal, and animals are congregating near water sources in greater numbers. In contrast to the sweltering heat of September and October, June and July can bring chilliest nights. From November to April, the country has summer rainfall, which sometimes cause desert floods and turn the landscape green.

Month By Month Guide For Travelling To Namibia:

Travelling To Namibia From January To April

The majority of the nation is experiencing high temperatures and heavy afternoon showers in this mid-summer month of January. After the summer rains, Etosha National Park becomes verdant and verdant, however it can be difficult to see animals due to the thick vegetation. Now is a great time to go bird watching, and you can’t miss the flamingos’ pink plumes. During the rainy season, it is not recommended to visit the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) because it receives the highest rainfall in Namibia and the roads there are prone to flooding. An increased likelihood of malaria is also present.

The hottest, rainiest, and most humid month is February. There is a lot to do if you can stand the weather. Even though it can be difficult to sight animals in Etosha National Park during February due to the calving season, there is a chance that you may glimpse newborn babies during this period.

March sees less precipitation overall, but the weather remains hot and muggy throughout the day and gradually cools down at night. While March isn’t the ideal season to see animals in Namibia, if you’re a serious photographer, April is when you should go. The sky are clear, and the landscape is waiting to be captured.

Visiting Namibia During May And June

Many people believe that May, the beginning of winter, is the best time to visit Namibia as it is then that the country’s prime safari season begins. The weather is ideal for game drives, with minimal humidity and almost no precipitation. As rivers and other major water sources dry up and become scarce, animals begin to congregate around watering holes.

In June, the nights get progressively chillier and the temperature drops considerably; in desert regions, it drops below freezing. Clear, blue skies characterise the daytime weather, which is quite comfortable. When it doesn’t rain in Namibia, the landscape gets sparse and dry, which makes it easier to see animals on a luxury safari. Even though the game parks are still rather empty at the beginning of the month, they can get extremely busy by the month’s conclusion.

Travelling To Namibia From July To October

The game parks in Namibia, particularly Etosha National Park, are at their most pleasant in July, the driest month of the year. It is not unusual to witness large groups of animals, including gazelles, wildebeests, elephants, zebras, and giraffes, all congregating around a single watering hole during this time.

Even though it’s the dead of winter in Namibia, August is a popular tourism month, so hotel rooms tend to fill up quickly. Daytime temperatures are nice and temperate despite very cold nights, making this a great month for outdoor desert activities and animal viewing. The Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is truly a sight to behold in August, when the wild spring flowers burst into bloom, covering the terrain in a lovely carpet of blossoms.

The month of September is perfect for a safari in Namibia. The weather is lovely during the day and gets progressively warmer at night. Game viewing is at its best in the month of May since the weather remains dry across the countryside.

October is the final month of winter in Namibia. Even if there’s a danger of rain and temperatures are rising, the skies are often clear, making it an ideal time to watch the stars or a sporting event. Observe southern right, minke, and humpback whales as they pass through the Walvis Bay area in October during their yearly Atlantic migration if you’re planning a coastal whale watching trip in Namibia.

Visiting Namibia During November And December

In November, the country has its first rainy season and a general cooling of the weather. During this month, the weather can be very variable, but as the rain begins to fall, you might witness some spectacular thunderstorms. Thousands upon thousands of flamingos, each with a brilliant pink plume, congregate around lagoons at Swakopmund from November till around February.

Etosha National Park is at its best in December for wildlife watching, with excellent chances of seeing kudu, rhino, elephant, and lion. Since migratory birds start to arrive with the wet season, summer is the best time to visit Namibia if you want to go bird watching. Many people travel to Namibia for an end-of-year safari vacation during this busy time of year due to school holidays and the Christmas season.

Ready To Start Planning Your Trip To Namibia

Go on a conversation with an experienced soul. To create the perfect Namibia vacation, speak with one of our Africa Safari Experts.