The climate of Windhoek
Windhoek, the largest city of
Namibia, is situated under the BSh category of the Köppen climate classification. This frequently signifies a subtropical steppe climate where there is limited rainfall and clear skies most of the year. However, relative humidity is relatively low, ranging from 41% in
January to 23% in
August, promoting comfortable living conditions.
When delving into the annual weather patterns, there is a perceptible difference in the temperature range, along with defined wet and dry periods. Throughout the year, the temperature typically fluctuates from 6°C (42.8°F) to 29.5°C (85.1°F). Humidity also shows considerable variation, oscillating from a low of 19% in
September and
October to a high of 51% in
March.
Windhoek's annual climate is notable for its zero rainfall from
June to August. The highest rainfall occurs in
February, with an average of 102mm (4.02") over 15.9 days. Distinctively, March also records significant rain, marked at 54mm (2.13"), and this wet period drops to a considerably low value in
April and
May.
The best time to visit Windhoek
The most favorable time to visit
Windhoek is during the mild winter months, from
June to
August. This period characterized by clear, sunny days, low humidity of 35% to 23%, and average daylight hours of 10.8 to 11.4. With no rainfall and low humidity, these months provide perfect conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Additionally, the average maximum temperature stays around a comfortable 19.8°C (67.6°F) to 23.6°C (74.5°F), and the UV index drops to 4, providing a respite from the intense summer sun.
The worst time to visit Windhoek
The rainfall season, particularly
February, might not be an ideal time for visiting
Windhoek, as it sees the highest rainfall of 102mm (4.02") over almost 16 days. Additionally, temperatures can reach up to 29.4°C (84.9°F) in
December, likely to be discomforting for those unaccustomed to such highs. The relative humidity also peaks at 50%, which can make the overall feelings of heat more intense.
Spring weather in Windhoek
Springtime in
Windhoek is brief, marked by
September and
October. In these months, temperatures begin to rise from a low of 8.6°C (47.5°F) to highs around 29.5°C (85.1°F) by October's end. While the humidity is quite low around 19%, the rainfall is almost minimal, with a mere 2mm (0.08") recorded in September. Hence, the spring season in Windhoek is typically dry, sunny, and increasingly warm.
Summer weather in Windhoek
Occurring from
November to
February, summer in
Windhoek brings high temperatures, increased rainfall, and high humidity. Average maximum temperatures during these months can reach up to 29.5°C (85.1°F), with minimum temperatures not dipping below 17.3°C (63.1°F). Rainfall begins in earnest in November with 19mm (0.75") and peaks in February, with 102mm (4.02") recorded. The relative humidity is also at its highest point of the year, reaching 50% in February.
Autumn weather in Windhoek
In
Windhoek, autumn is typified by the months of
March and
April. This period sees a decrease in rainfall from 54mm (2.13") in March to a mere 19mm (0.75") in April. Temperatures begin to lose their intensity, ranging from 15.7°C (60.3°F) to 26.4°C (79.5°F) in March and further lowering to between 12.8°C (55°F) and 24.5°C (76.1°F) by April. Despite decreased precipitation, the relative humidity remains quite high, at around 48% to 50%.
Winter weather in Windhoek
Winter in
Windhoek, covering
May to
August, is known for its cool temperatures and clear, cloudless skies. The maximum temperature drops to its lowest point of 19.8°C (67.6°F) in
July, while the minimum temperature also dips to 6°C (42.8°F). The heavenly rains recede completely during this period, resulting in zero recorded rainfall from
June to August. The relative humidity also falls to its lowest of the year, around 23% in August. Despite the absence of rainfall, the winter season has relatively long days with over 10 hours of daylight per day, allowing ample time for exploration and activities.
Weather in January
The first month of the year in
Windhoek,
Namibia, generally sees warm temperatures with some rainfall. Weather conditions shift accordingly from
December, with a marginal decrease in temperature. A unique signifier of this time of the year is the rainfall measured at 46mm (1.81"), considerably higher than the preceding month.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Stepping into
February, the weather in
Windhoek remains warm, but with an increased probability of rainfall in comparison to
January. The month overlooks a significant rise in rainfall, jumping from 46mm (1.81") to 102mm (4.02"), making February the wettest month of the year.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Entering
March, the warm, wet weather persists but takes a downward shift compared to
February. Evident in the decrease of rain from 102mm (4.02") to 54mm (2.13"), the city begins to dry out with less dense cloud cover. Nevertheless,
Windhoek retains some of its verdant scenery thanks to the moisture, turning March into an excellent time to marvel at
Namibia's natural landscapes.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks a pronounced departure from the preceding wet months, introducing drier and slightly cooler weather to
Windhoek. The marked drop in rainfall, from 54mm (2.13") in
March to a meagre 19mm (0.75") in April, initiates the onset of the dry season.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May manifests as a step further into the dry season in
Windhoek, characterized by minimal rainfall and cooler temperatures compared to
April. The transition from substantial rain in previous months to a bare 2mm (0.08") in May starkly illuminates the shift in weather patterns.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June, the dry and relatively cooler weather in
Windhoek is maintained from
May. The significant detail of June weather in the city is the absence of rainfall—a stark contrast from the earlier parts of the year—with no recorded precipitation throughout the month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As
July folds out,
Windhoek holds on to the consistent trend of dry, cooler weather from
June. The fact that July marks another month without rain underscores the height of the city’s dry season. It retains the least crowded skies, with only 3% cloud coverage.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August signals a slight change in
Windhoek,
Namibia, where the evenly balanced weather returns after the notably dry and cold conditions of
July. With temperatures gradually climbing from 19.8°C (67.6°F) to 23.6°C (74.5°F), the city begins to escape the grip of the cooler weather.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September sees
Windhoek maintain relatively warm temperatures, with a slight increase from the preceding month. The gradual thawing of the city discerns the onset of the warmer months, though rainfall remains scarce. The limited 2mm (0.08") rainfall received in this month fails to alter the dry conditions considerably.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October initiates a noticeable shift in
Windhoek's weather pattern as temperatures continue to rise, indicating the arrival of the summer season. The climb in temperature from 27.3°C (81.1°F) to 29.5°C (85.1°F) and an increase in rainfall to 11mm (0.43") denote a break from the previous dry period.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Windhoek welcomes the warmer conditions. As part of this transformation, showers become slightly more frequent, lifted subtly from 11mm (0.43") to 19mm (0.75"). The city observes an increase in the cloud percentage, giving the sky a beautifully speckled appearance at times.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Rounding out the year,
December encapsulates the typical weather patterns of
Windhoek with warm conditions and slightly higher rainfall than in
November. A noticeable detail about December is the boost in rainfall up to 49mm (1.93"), ending the year on a relatively wetter note.
Weather in December » [Resources]