Namib-Naukluft National Park

Weather & Climate

15 Namib-Naukluft Safaris

Expert

By Anthony Ham

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

Climate Chart Namib-Naukluft National Park – -48-1,973m / -157-6,473ft

Namib-Naukluft has a hot and extremely dry climate with very little rainfall. Temperatures can peak well above 38°C/100°F during summer (November to April), but nights can drop below freezing point in winter (October to April).

The altitude in the park varies widely; Sossusvlei is located at a low altitude and temperatures get very hot. The higher altitudes are mostly in the Naukluft Mountains section where it tends to be a bit cooler.

Winter –May to October

These are the coolest months bringing relief from the oppressive heat at other times of the year. There is almost no rain at all and it gets drier as the winter progresses.

May, June, July & August – It is sunny and totally dry. These are the coolest months and the average afternoon temperature is 23°C/73°F. Areas at lower altitude (such as Sossusvlei) can be substantially hotter. It is cold in the early morning, with temperatures of around 9°C/48°F.
September & October – It is still dry and sunny. This is the end of winter and temperatures increase to an average of 25°C/77°F, but can reach a peak of 38°C/100°F and above in low-altitude areas. Early mornings are less cold, at around 11°C/52°F.

Summer –November to April

The summer months are hot. Although daytime temperatures average 27°C/81°F, they frequently rise to 38°C/100°F and above in low-altitude areas of the park, including Sossusvlei. Early mornings average around 14°C/57°F. Summer corresponds with the Wet season, but rainfall is low.

November & December – It is very dry. When the first rain falls, it comes as a relief after a long dry winter. Afternoon temperatures are around 27°C/81°F. Areas at lower altitude (such as Sossusvlei) will be substantially hotter.
January, February & March – The only months with regular rain. It is still mostly dry and sunny. People need to be careful for flash floods in dry riverbeds during occasional storms. It usually cools down after rain and average daytime temperatures are around 28°C/82°F.
April – Rain decreases rapidly in April; there are less and less days with precipitation. The weather cools with average temperatures around 26°C/79°F.