​Best Time To Visit – Namibia

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the 'Botswana & Namibia' guide.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.

Anthony is the author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.

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The best time to visit Namibia is in the Dry season from June to October, although it can be visited throughout the year. Wildlife viewing in all parks, but especially in Etosha, is best in the Dry season. The climate is generally dry and pleasant. Between December and March, some days will be humid and rain may follow, often in localized, afternoon thunderstorms. In the Wet season, animals move away from the waterholes and scatter around the park.


185 Namibia Safaris
Best Time June to October (All parks)
High Season July to October (Will not feel too crowded, except for Etosha and the main access road in Namib-Naukluft)
Low Season December to April (All parks are very quiet)
Best Weather April and May (Moderate temperatures, little to no rainfall, green landscape)
Worst Weather November to February (Very hot)

May to October –Dry Season – Winter

  • Wildlife congregates around rivers and waterholes, making animals easier to spot – it is the best time to visit Etosha
  • There are no clouds, it's sunny, and there is virtually no rain
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still don't feel crowded, except for Etosha
  • It gets cold at night and in the mornings – it's advisable to pack warm winter clothing during June, July and August for the cold morning game drives

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (25)
+23 Photos Want To Visit

November to April –Wet Season – Summer

  • After the rains, the scenery is greener and the rates are lower, because it's low season
  • This is the time of the year you can see newborn animals – migratory birds are present, and birding is at its best
  • Rains are mostly short showers in the afternoon and rarely have a negative impact on your trip
  • It gets very hot from October to February
  • It's more difficult to spot animals – this is especially true for Etosha

Wildlife Photos

Oryx standing in front of a dune
Greater kudu on the hilltops
+23 Photos

Best Time To Go by Major Park

If seeing wildlife is your main objective, the best time to visit all parks, especially Etosha, is in the Dry season from May to October. Namibia is a scenic country and can be visited throughout the year. The colors will be most vibrant during and after the Wet season. October to February can be unpleasantly hot.

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185 Namibia Safaris