One of the biggest reasons why Namibia is such a great place to visit is the weather.
All year round, the climate in Namibia is just perfect for a holiday, with its clear skies and warm temperatures making travelling comfortable, relaxed and full of the best kinds of sightings, whether you are travelling to see wildlife or landscapes.
Although year round the weather is wonderful, there are still some times of year that are better to travel than others, depending on what you plan to do when you visit.
In this seasonal guide to planning a Namibia tour, we’re going to give you all the information you need, season by season, for planning a trip based on your holiday expectations.
Spring (September – November)
Spring in Namibia is spectacular, much like everywhere else in Southern Africa.
This is a season of blooms and that warmer than usual weather (even though Namibia is a desert nation, the winter days are still pretty chilly), is so wonderfully invigorating, it will uplift your soul.
During spring, the wildflowers pop out everywhere in a kaleidoscope of pinks, oranges, and purples, erupting across the plains, turning a dull winter landscape into a work of art.
This burst of life attracts a flurry of activity, making spring an exceptional time for a Namibian safari, especially if you want to go to a wildlife park.
Wildlife Watching
Spring is a time of renewal and nowhere is that more evident than in the wildlife parks.
Etosha National Park, Namibia’s most famous wildlife destination, comes alive with the arrival of play newborn springboks, zebras, and oryx calves.
But with all this new life, the predators also become more active as they hunt to support their own growing young.
When travelling at this time of year, you will get to see cheetahs stalking their prey with lightning speed, lions basking in the warm sun, and elephants, those ever-gentle giants, leading their young across the flourishing plains.
The Namib-Naukluft National Park also offers exceptional spring wildlife viewing. Here, the desert comes alive with a surprising abundance of life, from springboks gracefully leaping across the dunes to elusive black rhinos which can be seen munching happily on vegetation.
Activities
Spring’s warm days and cool nights provide the perfect conditions to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. For starters, you can get out there and enjoy the sights and sounds of the renewed landscapes with a guided walk, where knowledgeable guides can point out the native flora and fauna that have sprung to life. And while in the wilderness, you simply must go on a game drive, as this is the ideal way to see the absolute best of what the spring months bring.
For a truly breathtaking perspective, you can take a scenic helicopter tour. This tour will have you flying high above the blossoming plains, giving you a unique perspective of the landscape in full bloom.
Accommodation
When travelling during the spring months, you should choose a lodge that complements your spring experience.
Choose a place that incorporates natural elements and light colours in its décor, reflecting the vibrant hues of the season.
Most lodges in Namibia have comfortable outdoor dining areas, allowing you to savour delicious meals while surrounded by the blooming scenery, as well as “star beds” which will allow you to sleep safely beneath the open skies.
Summer (December – February)
Summer in Namibia is not for the faint of heart.
We’re not going to lie to you and say that the summer months are pleasantly warm, because they are not. Depending on where you plan to travel and what you plan to do, the summer can be intense but not impossible to enjoy.
Summer paints the landscape in a palette of bold colours, and harsh shadows, and it also brings with it some rain, to some parts at least.
While the days are undeniably hot, the nights offer a welcome respite, with cool desert air making sleep comfortable and relaxed. This stunning season creates a unique atmosphere, perfect for a safari experience unlike any other.
The summer months, especially from December to March, are considered the ideal time to visit the coast.
Wildlife Concentration
As summer dries out the short-lived waterholes, permanent water sources become vital for Namibia’s wildlife. Animals, large and small, converge on these life-giving watering holes, creating incredible viewing opportunities, especially as they tend to arrive in their numbers!
Waterberg Plateau National Park, with its stunning landscapes and permanent water sources, is a prime location for seeing this summer spectacle. Elephants, rhinos, and a variety of antelope species gather around the waterholes, giving photographers a chance to capture some of the most amazing wildlife encounters.
The Skeleton Coast, another destination that is every photographer’s dream, also comes alive in summer. Like other areas of the country, when the desert reaches its peak dryness, wildlife, including adapted desert lions and hyenas, congregate around the few remaining sources of water.
Activities
Summer’s long daylight hours open up a world of possibilities for exploration.
You can (and we think you most certainly should) go on a sunrise game drive as these early morning drives will give you a front-row seat to seeing Namibia’s wildlife waking up. And if it is the nocturnal world that you want to see, you should book an evening game drive, where you might get to see predators emerge to hunt under the cloak of darkness while also getting to see Namibia’s iconic sunset.
For the photography enthusiast, summer means you will have almost perfect lighting conditions for capturing Namibia’s stunning landscapes and wildlife. To make the most of this, you should book a specialised photography safari, led by experienced guides who will help you capture stunning, frame-worthy images.
One particular activity you should plan to do, if you are someone who loves flowers, is to visit the Sandhof lilies.
They can be found close to Maltahöhe in Southern Namibia, and they are in full bloom in January, but only if the area has had a good rainy season. When the conditions are just right, the lilies burst into colour, with thousands blooming at the same time, in the water-filled pan. The lilies only bloom for 6 to 8 days, so your planning will have to be perfect.
Accommodation
To fully enjoy and be comfortable in the summer heat, you should choose a lodge with a swimming pool or private plunge pool. Many lodges also have outdoor dining areas, where you can tuck into a delicious meal under the star-studded sky.
Autumn (March – May)
Autumn in Namibia is a season of delightful transitions.
The scorching summer heat finally mellows and is replaced by pleasant days and cool nights, making it a comfortable time to explore.
The ochre sands of the desert begin to soften with subtle hints of gold and red, while the first hints of russet appear on the leaves of acacia trees.
April and May are generally considered to be “shoulder months”. This means the crowds are fewer and many lodges offer discounts on both their basic and more luxurious options.
Wildlife Sightings
Autumn turns Namibia into the perfect destination for birdwatchers.
With lusher vegetation along watercourses and with the cooler temperatures, migratory birds arrive in large numbers. Etosha National Park safaris are perfect at this time of year, with its waterholes and varied habitats, attracting an impressive array of avian visitors.
During the autumn you will be treated to sights of colourful flamingos wading in the shallows, or the aerial acrobatics of martial eagles, as they soar above the plains.
The Caprivi Strip, a lush finger of land bordering Angola, is another prime destination for birding enthusiasts in autumn. Along the banks of the Chobe River, you will get to catch sight of brightly coloured bee-eaters and those elusive African skimmers.
Activities
Autumn’s pleasant temperatures provide the perfect opportunity to combine wildlife viewing with some time spent exploring the changing landscapes.
During this time of the year, it is a good idea to go on a guided nature walk, led by knowledgeable guides who will teach you all about Namibia’s flora and fauna. As the leaves begin to change, the sights become a bit more magical, so do bring along your camera.
For a truly unique perspective, you can take a hot air balloon safari. As you drift gently above the transforming landscape, those autumn hues will become even more pronounced.
If water levels permit, kayaking is another fun activity that will have you peacefully exploring Namibia’s waterways during autumn. As you paddle past the riverbanks, keep your eyes peeled for hippopotamuses or crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks.
Accommodation
At this time of the year, you should choose a lodge located near a permanent water source. You can just imagine waking up to the chorus of birdsong or spending your evenings on your private balcony watching as flocks of colourful birds descend upon the waterholes for their evening drink.
Winter (June – August)
Winter in Namibia is utterly beautiful with the landscape covered in cool blues and crisp whites.
This is the country’s dry season, and with minimal rainfall and clear skies that stretch endlessly overhead, the once-lush vegetation recedes, creating a dramatically beautiful sight of the desert in all its glory.
June to August also happen to be the best times of the year to visit the Sossusvlei. Since this part of Namibia tends to get unbearable during the summer, it is best to travel here during the winter.
Wildlife Excursions
Winter is undeniably the peak season for wildlife viewing in Namibia.
As water sources become scarce, the animals instinctively congregate around permanent waterholes, which for safari goers means there is a wonderful concentration of wildlife to see.
Predators and prey alike are drawn to these vital oases, offering photographers and safari enthusiasts a front-row seat to nature’s drama.
Etosha National Park truly comes alive in winter.
Waterholes attract elephants, lions, and a variety of antelope species who gather to quench their thirst.
The Skeleton Coast, often shrouded in mist during other seasons, is extra stunning in winter. With clear skies and minimal humidity, the adapted desert-dwelling animals, like the elusive brown hyena, also congregate around the few remaining waterholes.
Activities
The cool, clear weather of winter creates ideal conditions for a variety of activities. You should certainly sign up for a night drive to spot Namibia’s nocturnal creatures.
For a breathtaking perspective on the winter landscapes, you can take a scenic flight. Soaring above towering sand dunes and vast plains, will present you with an extra beautiful perspective on the wildlife as well as the landscapes.
Winter is also a great time of year to visit some of Namibia’s other famous destinations, such as Damaraland and the desert. The cooler weather makes a visit to such places a lot easier and more comfortable.
Accommodation
To make the most of those cool winter evenings, choose a lodge with a fireplace or heated rooms. And since winter is the season to indulge in good, homely food, try to find a place to stay where you can look forward to a delicious menu.
Spring blooms, summer gatherings, autumn’s birding paradise, or winter’s celestial display; Namibia is spectacularly beautiful all year round.