Namib-Naukluft National Park

Weather & Climate

98 Namib-Naukluft Safaris

Expert

By Anthony Ham

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

Climate Chart Namib-Naukluft National Park – 0-2,044m / 0-6,706ft

Namib-Naukluft National Park 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 (May to October).

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 25°C/77°F. Areas at lower altitude, such as Sossusvlei, can be substantially hotter. It is cold in the early morning, with temperatures 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 27°C/81°F, but can reach a peak of 38°C/100°F and above in low-altitude areas. Early mornings are less cold, at around 9°C/48°F.

Summer –November to April

The summer months are hot. Although daytime temperatures average 30°C/86°F, they frequently rise to 38°C/100°F and above in low-altitude areas of the park, including Sossusvlei. Early mornings average 13°C/55°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 30°C/86°F. Areas at lower altitude, such as Sossusvlei, will be much hotter.
January, February & March – These are the only months with regular rain, although it is still mostly dry and sunny. People need to be careful of flash floods in dry riverbeds during occasional storms. It usually cools down after rain and average daytime temperatures are around 30°C/86°F.
April – Rain decreases rapidly in April. The weather cools slightly with average temperatures around 28°C/82°F.