The climate of Namibia
Geographically,
Namibia sits on the southwestern coast of Africa, and it spans an area that intertwines varying landscapes from desolate desert plains to rugged mountain ranges and deep river valleys. The Tropic of Capricorn dissects the country into two halves, situating it at the southern tip of the tropics. Its climate is fundamentally arid, with its primary classification being BWh (Hot desert climate) and BSh (Hot semi-arid climate) in accordance with the Köppen climate system. Across Namibia, one can expect more than 300 sun-drenched days annually, creating a warm and sunny atmosphere throughout the year. However, precipitation levels vary considerably across the country, from almost nil along the coastal desert to over 600mm (23.62") in the Caprivi Strip. Weather and climate along the coast are heavily influenced by the cold Benguela Current, which induces low precipitation, frequent dense fog, and generally cooler temperatures compared to the rest of Namibia. Contrarily, inland regions like the Central Plateau and the Kalahari experience wide temperature ranges, which can swing up to 30°C (86°F) within a single day.
The Best Time to Visit Namibia
The period from
May to
October is often considered the prime time to visit
Namibia. This duration corresponds to the dry winter season when wildlife viewing is at its finest, particularly in the Etosha National Park, as animals tend to congregate around water sources. During this time, temperatures can range from 20°C (68°F) during the day to below freezing at night. The sky is usually clear, with low humidity levels, offering outstanding opportunities for stargazing. Visitors should prepare for cold nights, particularly in the desert and higher-altitude regions.
The Worst Time to Visit Namibia
From a general tourist perspective,
January to
April may be considered less ideal for a visit, as these months correspond to the summer rainy season. The climate during this period is often hot and humid, with temperatures rising above 30°C (86°F), accompanied by unpredictable heavy showers. Moreover, the higher humidity and rainfall make wildlife viewing more challenging, as animals have a wider range of water sources and can disperse more widely. Some roads, particularly in remote areas, may also become impassable due to flooding.
Spring Weather in Namibia
Spring in
Namibia is brief, typically stretching from late
September to
October. Temperatures gradually rise from the cooler winter months, averaging between 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). Rainfall remains minimal, although some regions may begin to see the first showers toward the end of October. The transition from winter to summer also makes for a picturesque landscape as vegetation begins to flourish, and many bird species commence their migration patterns.
Summer Weather in Namibia
Namibian summers, from
November to
April, are characterized by hot temperatures and increased rainfall. Daytime temperatures can climb over 30°C (86°F), particularly in inland regions. Rainfall patterns vary across the country, with the northeastern Caprivi Strip receiving the most precipitation. Despite being the rainiest period, rainfall in
Namibia is often short-lived and localized, frequently in the form of afternoon thunderstorms.
Autumn Weather in Namibia
Autumn in
Namibia is a short transition period occurring in
April and
May, marking the shift from summer to winter. Daytime temperatures decrease gradually, averaging between 25°C (77°F) and 30°C (86°F). Nights begin to cool down, particularly in desert regions. Rainfall continues to diminish, with occasional showers occurring mainly in the northern parts of the country. This is also the time when the landscape starts to dry out, with the vegetation turning from lush green to golden hues.
Winter Weather in Namibia
Winter, from
May to
September, is dry and sunny with clear skies in
Namibia. Daytime temperatures are generally mild, ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F). However, nights can be cold, particularly in the desert regions, where temperatures can drop below freezing. Inland areas, such as the Central Plateau, experience a wide diurnal temperature range. Winter also sees a phenomenon known as Berg wind or Oosweer, a hot, dry wind that blows from the inland to the coast.
Weather in January
January is part of the rainy season in
Namibia, experiencing the height of summer weather. It's one of the warmest months, with average temperatures hovering between 20°C (68°F) to 34°C (93.2°F) across the country, although they can occasionally rise even higher, especially in the inland regions. In Windhoek, the capital and largest city situated on the Central Plateau, temperatures in January range from 17°C (62.6°F) to 31°C (87.8°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
February continues the trend of warm and wet conditions established in
January, firmly rooted in
Namibia's summer rainy season. Across the country, temperatures generally range from 18°C (64.4°F) to 34°C (93.2°F). The average monthly rainfall for February is marginally less than that of January, but it still ranks as one of the wettest months of the year. In Windhoek, nestled in the Central Plateau, February mirrors January's weather pattern closely.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
Namibia signifies the gradual retreat of the summer rainy season. Although the country still experiences some rainfall, the frequency and intensity of the showers start to decrease. Across the country, temperatures typically range from 18°C (64.4°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). In the capital city of Windhoek, temperatures in March are slightly cooler compared to the preceding months, averaging between 16°C (60.8°F) and 29°C (84.2°F).
Weather in March » Weather in April
April is a month of transition in
Namibia, indicating the end of the rainy season and the onset of the dry period. Temperatures across the country begin to reduce, averaging from 14°C (57.2°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). Rainfall continues to decrease compared to
March, with an average precipitation of approximately 30mm (1.18"), marking the conclusion of the summer rainy season. In Windhoek, located in the Central Plateau, temperatures in April range between 13°C (55.4°F) to 27°C (80.6°F), noticeably cooler than the preceding months.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Namibia marks the official start of the dry, cool winter season. Across the country, temperatures continue to decrease, with average values ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 25°C (77°F). The already low rainfall levels from
April continue to diminish, with May recording an average precipitation of less than 10mm (0.39"), indicating the onset of the drier months. In Windhoek, situated on the Central Plateau, temperatures in May range between 8°C (46.4°F) to 24°C (75.2°F).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June signals the peak of the dry, winter season in
Namibia. Temperatures across the country continue to fall, with averages ranging from 7°C (44.6°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). Rainfall remains minimal, with June being one of the driest months of the year.
Weather in June » Weather in July
July in
Namibia continues the trend of the dry winter season. With minimal changes in weather patterns from
June, temperatures across the country generally range from 6°C (42.8°F) to 22°C (71.6°F). Rainfall remains virtually absent, with the average precipitation less than 5mm (0.2"), reinforcing July's standing as one of the driest months of the year. In Windhoek, located on the Central Plateau, July temperatures typically vary between 6°C (42.8°F) to 21°C (69.8°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Namibia signifies the gradual transition from the cool winter months towards the warmer spring season. Average temperatures across the country start to increase, ranging from 8°C (46.4°F) to 25°C (77°F). The rainfall remains extremely low, with the average precipitation less than 5mm (0.2"), maintaining the dry conditions of the winter season. In Windhoek, on the Central Plateau, August temperatures typically fall between 9°C (48.2°F) to 26°C (78.8°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Namibia is characterized by the onset of spring, with temperatures across the country continuing to rise, typically ranging from 13°C (55.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F). Rainfall remains low with the average precipitation less than 10mm (0.39"), but there is a slight increase compared to the preceding winter months, signalling the early stages of the forthcoming rainy season. In Windhoek, situated on the Central Plateau, September temperatures typically fluctuate between 14°C (57.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F).
Weather in September » Weather in October
October in
Namibia marks the height of the spring season and the transition towards the summer months. Temperatures across the country continue to rise, typically ranging from 16°C (60.8°F) to 33°C (91.4°F). While rainfall is generally low, averaging 15mm (0.59"), the frequency of rain showers starts to increase, signalling the onset of the summer rainy season. In Windhoek, located on the Central Plateau, October temperatures usually vary between 17°C (62.6°F) to 34°C (93.2°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Namibia signifies the start of the hot summer season, and it also marks the beginning of the rainy season. Temperatures across the country continue to climb, usually fluctuating between 18°C (64.4°F) and 34°C (93.2°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Namibia is characterized by hot temperatures and the full onset of the summer rainy season. Temperatures across the country are typically high, ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 36°C (96.8°F). Rainfall increases significantly, with the average precipitation reaching about 60mm (2.36"), as the country is now in the throes of its summer rainy season. In Windhoek, situated on the Central Plateau, December temperatures generally vary between 20°C (68°F) to 36°C (96.8°F).
Weather in December »