Damaraland

Weather & Climate

61 Damaraland Safaris

Expert

By Anthony Ham

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

Climate Chart Damaraland – 1,300-2,573m / 4,265-8,442ft

Damaraland has a harsh, semi-desert climate. Daytime temperatures can soar to well above 38°C/100°F during summer, with nights in winter falling below freezing. Winter is known as the Dry season (May to October), when conditions are extremely dry. Summer is the Wet season (November to April), although rainfall is sporadic and unlikely to disturb your trip.

Dry Season – May to October – Winter

The further winter progresses, the drier conditions become. This is also the coolest time of the year.

May, June, July & August – These months have dry weather, lots of sunshine and the coolest temperatures. Afternoons average 26°C/79°F. Mornings are around 11°C/52°F, but it can sometimes fall below freezing. Pack warm clothes for early morning game drives.
September & October – Temperatures are on the rise, averaging a warm 29°C/84°F during the daytime. Early mornings are around 14°C/57°F. The month of October is typically very hot, with temperatures occasionally soaring above 38°C/100°F. The rains usually begin at the end of October or beginning of November.

Wet Season – November to April – Summer

Calling this the Wet season is slightly misleading, as there is little rain. Afternoon showers do occur, but not on a daily basis, and the climate remains sunny and hot. Warmer mornings are typical, with averages of around 17°C/63°F.

November & December – The occasional thundershower occurs in November, marking the beginning of the rainy season. It is still mainly dry, but these rains bring relief from the long, dry period. Temperatures are the highest of the year, with a typical afternoon average of 30°C/86°F.
January, February & March – Most rain happens during these three months. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoon, but the sun is often out all day long. Daytime temperatures are around 29°C/84°F but can spike higher.
April – In April the rains slow gradually, as the daytime temperature cools to an average of 28°C/82°F.