What's the best time to visit Namibia?
The best time to visit Namibia falls between May and October when temperatures range from 68-82°F, creating perfect conditions for safaris, hiking, and wildlife viewing. During these months, the weather is comfortable for exploring the outdoors, and the reduced water sources draw animals to waterholes, enhancing the safari experience.
If you’re planning to visit the African desert and wildlife haven of Namibia, you need to know the months that are prime for a visit and which ones to avoid.
The best time to visit Namibia centers around the rainy and dry seasons, average costs, and peak tourism times. Namibia’s extreme desert landscapes contrast with the gorgeous coasts and rugged mountains towering over the copper-colored dunes.
If you know the right time of year to go, you’ll be able to avoid the most intense heat, heavy downpours, and periods when wildlife is scarce.
We’ll show you the best time to visit Namibia for comfortable weather and safari conditions, affordable prices, and smaller crowds as well as the worst time of year to go.
Overall Best Time to Visit Namibia
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The best time to visit Namibia is during the winter dry season between May and October. This period after the summer rains boasts moderate temperatures, low humidity, and abundant wildlife spotting opportunities.
The ephemeral rivers in Namibia run dry during the winter season that technically runs from June to September. The river beds come thoroughfares for wildlife and big game and watering holes draw thirsty herds in droves. It’s the perfect time for a safari or park tour.
The temperatures between May and October are some of the most comfortable you’ll experience in Namibia. May marks summer’s end with average temperatures between 75-82F and green vegetation everywhere.
Things cool down to 68-75F in June with chilly overnight lows in the 40s or lower in desert regions. Temperatures hover in the 70s in July and August with overnight lows in the 40s and 50s.
September and October begin heating up and can reach the upper 80s with lows in the 50s and 60s. Green vegetation begins to die out and makes wildlife spotting even better, plus you can see whales migrating from Walvis Bay!
It’s no secret that May to October is the best time to experience Namibia, so its parks and resort towns are more crowded this time of year. Room availability is limited and prices may be higher as a result, so book early.
Here’s a look at the average hotel prices between May and October across Namibia:
- May: $41/night (2-star) to $500/night (4-star)
- June: $43/night (2-star) to $639/night (4-star)
- July: $45/night (2-star) to $639/night (4-star)
- August: $84/night (2-star) to $201/night (4-star)
- September: $44/night (2-star) to $491/night (4-star)
- October: $79/night (2-star) to $222/night (4-star)
You can save money visiting the coastal resort towns in August or October, but the cheapest period to visit during the peak season throughout the rest of Namibia is in May-July and September.
- You’ll enjoy a peak season visit to Swakopmund or Walvis Bay for resort stays on the beach with whale watching and desert adventures, though prices will be higher and resorts will be more crowded.
- This is an ideal time to visit Namib-Naukluft Park for a safari. After the rains of summertime (October to March) have faded, wildlife emerges in massive herds — see giraffe, gemsbok (similar to antelope), ostrich, and more in the park’s northern section.
- It’s the perfect time to head to Fish Canyon for a challenging hike with great views of the mountains and deserts around south Namibia. The dry season is the only time you’ll be able to access the area and be prepared: This is a tough hike, even in the cooler temperatures.
Cheapest Time to Visit Namibia
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The cheapest time to visit Namibia is November through April. This is the rainy summer season when prices dip as crowds disperse due to wet, hot, and humid conditions across the country.
Choosing to come between November and April means you’ll be trading nice weather for the lower prices in the central, northern, and eastern parts of Namibia, especially if you visit between November and February when temperatures are at their hottest and rainfall is at its peak.
Expect daily highs that in the upper 80s and 90s around the interior of Namibia, cooling off nicely in April with highs from 71-84F around the country.
But the temperatures along the coast, like Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, are much more comfortable this time of year than in the interior with highs around 64-70F. January through April is a good time for a cheaper visit to either of these resort towns, especially since there’s less rainfall here than in the interior regions.
Here’s a look at the average hotel prices per night during the often-rainy summer season:
- November: $32/night (2-star) to $439/night (4-star)
- December: $29/night (2-star) to $559/night (4-star)
- January: $58/night (2-star) to $154/night (4-star)
- February: $68/night (2-star) to $149/night (4-star)
- March: $61/night (2-star) to $159/night (4-star)
- April: $101/night (2-star) to $155/night (4-star)
Your budget can help you dictate the best time to visit during the cheaper low season. If you’ll be staying at an affordable 2-star hotel, the cheapest months for a visit are November and December (as low as $29/night on average).
If you’ll be staying at a nice 4-star hotel or resort, the cheapest months to visit are January, February, March, and April with February offering the lowest prices of all (around $150/night).
- Enjoy cheaper resort stays at Walvis Bay beaches with minimal rain and great birding opportunities between January and April with temperatures in the comfortable mid-60s to low 70s.
- Migratory birds are at their peak from September to April, making this the perfect time to go bird-watching along the Caprivi Strip in Kavango and Zambezi, where thousands of species arrive en masse.
- If you can handle the heat, it’s a good time to hike out to see the star dunes (like Dune 45) and mountainous landscapes in the deserts of Namib-Naukluft Park.
Least Busy Time to Visit Namibia
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The least busy time to visit Namibia is January through April, when tourism drops off as rain and storms pick up in the summer.
The least busy time to visit aligns almost perfectly with the cheapest time to visit — and it’s all because of the higher temperatures and increased rainfall.
Some regions of Namibia get inundated with rainfall that fills the dry riverbeds, floods backroads in the parks, and forces the dry vegetation into beautifully greened-out landscapes.
While the coastal resort towns don’t experience very much rain or heat during the summer season, the interior (especially the central and northwest regions) gets very hot and wet by the time January rolls around.
You can expect daily highs between 82-95F around the interior of the country, which can feel miserable in the deserts and plains. Some parts see as much as 5.5″ of rain in a month, but the precipitation and heat drop off around April.
In the southern part of Namibia (including towns like Keetmanshoop), the hottest temperatures make it difficult to enjoy outdoor recreation in the parks and game preserves.
Check out the average hotel rates during the least busy time to visit Namibia:
- January: $58/night (2-star) to $154/night (4-star)
- February: $68/night (2-star) to $149/night (4-star)
- March: $61/night (2-star) to $159/night (4-star)
- April: $101/night (2-star) to $155/night (4-star)
You’ll be able to enjoy the lower prices at hotels and resorts across the country during the summer as many tourists stay away due to the rain and heat. The best thing to do during this season is stick to the cooler, drier areas on the coast.
- It’s a nice time to head to the semi-desert lands of the Tsau Khaeb National Park, where highs range from 79-81F and make exploring the diamond mines, abandoned villages, succulents as tall as trees, and massive rock formations a lot of fun.
- Spend a few days at a resort in Swakopmund to enjoy the cool temperatures between 64-70F with minimal rainfall and lots of outdoor activities to do in the mild weather.
- You might enjoy visiting Etosha National Park between January and April, though some backroads will be impassable. This is a good time to see the birds when the park bursts into lush green as the rain waters the landscape.
Worst Time to Visit Namibia
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The worst time to visit Namibia is during the months of January and February. These are the wettest months of the year in some parts of the country and can bring oppressive heat.
The sun is scorching hot around the south, central, and northwestern regions of Namibia during January and February. You may see daily highs in the upper 90s in parts down south.
The intense rainfall is another drawback to visiting during the months of January and February. This is when some regions in the interior experience anywhere from 1″ to 5.5″ of rain in a 30-day period.
Combine the rain with very muggy, humid conditions in the northwest and it’s a miserable soup out there. It’s not a good time for safaris, but it’s not all bad this time of year.
You’ll find the cheapest prices on hotels, open availability for booking rooms, fewer crowds at parks and resorts, and really nice weather conditions along the coast to beat the heat and rain.
Hotels and resorts drop their rates during these less-popular months to attract tourists:
- January: $58/night (2-star) to $154/night (4-star)
- February: $68/night (2-star) to $149/night (4-star)
While it’s wet, hot, and humid in many parts of Namibia this time of year, the rain isn’t constant and some regions do have cooler temperatures thanks to ocean breezes and higher altitudes.
- It’s an ideal time to visit the drier, cooler coastal resort towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay at a lower price with fewer crowds.
- Try visiting the Skeleton Coast and see shipwrecks, whale bones, and endless rugged landscapes along the powerful coast with cooler temperatures and less rain.
- Avoid visiting the Zambezi Region, which receives a lot of rain during January and February. It’s better to come between September and December or in March-April.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Visiting Namibia for the first time might leave you with a lot of questions about the right time to travel, when to go on safari, and more. Check out the most frequently asked questions below to learn more!
Is May a good time to visit Namibia?
May is an excellent time to visit Namibia and is one of the most comfortable months of the year. The weather across the country is warm and mild with highs in the 70s and minimal rainfall in all regions.
You'll find that the Namibia coast is especially nice in May, while the parks and nature preserves in the country's interior offer peak wildlife viewing with dry conditions that make access to more remote areas easy.
What months to go on safari in Namibia?
The best months to go on safari in Namibia are generally May to September. This dry "winter" season sees the best conditions for animals and birds across Namibia as wildlife congregates around the watering holes in the parks and preserves.
You'll have the chance to see big cats like lions and cheetahs, elephants, wildebeest, giraffes, rhinos, impala, and more between May and September.
What is the rainy season in Namibia?
Namibia's rainy season occurs during the summer months of October through March-April, depending on the region. This is when conditions are hot, wet, and humid across much of the country.
The coastal areas don't receive much rainfall during the summer, but the central and northwest regions see 5+ inches of rain each month at summer's peak.
Is Namibia a cheap country to visit?
The cost of visiting Namibia is reasonable in most regions and it's possible to find budget hotel rooms for as low as $29/night in the low summer season. Resorts and luxury hotels along the coast are more expensive, ranging from $160-$600+ per night during the peak winter dry season.
The cost of food, transportation, and flights should also be factored into your overall budget to visit Namibia.
Flights can be the most expensive part ($800-$1,500+), while renting a 4WD vehicle for the trip can cost a few hundred dollars. Food costs vary by region, but plan on paying $5-$20 per meal, per person.
How many days is enough in Namibia?
You'll need at least 10 days in Namibia to see the highlights of its parks, coastal towns, and historic sites. It takes time to get around the country and there are vast areas of wilderness to travel through.
Ideally, you could spend 10-14 days in the country exploring areas like Namib-Naukluft Park, Etosha National Park, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, the Skeleton Coast, Tsau Khaeb National Park, and Fish Canyon.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Namibia?
When you go to Namibia, you’ll be amazed at the biodiversity and vast landscapes of mountains, deserts, and dramatic coastlines.
The best time to visit Namibia overall is between May and October for the most comfortable weather, minimal rain, and ideal wildlife viewing opportunities if you plan to go on safari.
You’ll save money and avoid crowds by visiting between November and April (January-April for the smallest crowds), but you may experience a lot more rain and scorching-hot temperatures in the desert regions this time of year.
If you can, avoid visiting Namibia in January or February, which are the wettest months of the year with the highest temperatures in the south, central, and northwest regions.
From spotting big cats and elephants on safari to the grueling-yet-rewarding hike down to Fish Canyon, Namibia is a treasure in Southern Africa that will leave you with lifelong memories and a new appreciation for the beauty of extreme landscapes. Be smart when you plan your stay to experience the best this country has to offer!