​Weather & Climate – Damaraland

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.

Climate Chart Damaraland

Climate Chart Damaraland

* Averages based on 50 years of monthly climate data, taken from 1km² (0.39mi²) interpolated climate surfaces.
© chart & park data: SafariBookings. © climate grid data: WorldClim project. All rights reserved.

Damaraland has a harsh, semi-desert climate. Daytime temperatures can spike to well above 38°C/100°F during summer (November to April), with winter nights falling below freezing (October to April).

The Wet season occurs during summer and sees sporadic rainfall, unlikely to disturb your trip. In winter, conditions are extremely dry.

Dry season May to October - Winter

As the winter months wear on, conditions become drier and drier. These are the coolest months of the year.

  • May, June, July & August - This is a time of drought, lots of sunshine and the coolest temperatures of the year. Afternoon temperatures average 25°C/73°F. Mornings average around 11°C/51°F, but they can often fall below freezing. Pack warm clothes for early morning wildlife drives.
  • September & October - Temperatures are on the rise, averaging a warm 29°C/84°F. Early morning averages at 14°C/58°F. The month of October is characteristically very hot, with temperatures occasionally soaring above 38°C/100°F. The rains usually begin end of October/beginning of November.

Wet season November to April - Summer

Calling this the Wet season is slightly misleading, as there is still only a scant amount of rain. Yet, afternoon showers do occur, just not on a daily basis. The climate remains sunny and hot. Warmer mornings are typical, with averages of around 16°C/61°F.

  • November & December - The occasional thundershower occurs in November, signifying 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 29°C/84°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. Temperatures reach 29°C/82°F, but are known to spike higher.
  • April - April sees the rains slowing gradually, as the temperature cools to an average of around 28°C/79°F.

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