Best time to visit Namibia

By and large Namibia is a year-round destination, with each month having its own merits and challenges when it comes to planning trips and travelling there. Below gives you a guide as to the various seasons in Namibia to help you plan when to go.

December to March – Green summers: As the summer rains arrive in Namibia locals rejoice (can you imagine such a reaction in Britain!) and the dry, dusty desert plains turn a lush green, birds drink from the standing water and flowers bloom in the heart of the deserts. That said, the rain tends to be sporadic, so visitors who can cope with the heat of summer in the desert benefit from amazing landscapes, great wildlife viewing and lower visitor numbers. Roads remain in good condition, although additional time should be allowed for journeys in the immediate aftermath of downpours. A great value-for-money time to travel as well, with many lodges offering free nights to encourage visitors. Some activities, most notably walking trails in the Fish River Canyon, can be limited at this time of year, so anyone with a specific interest in walking should consider another time of year.

April and May – Beautiful autumns: As the summer rains subside, their legacy remains in the tinge of green that covers the deserts, wildlife remains easy to spot and the birding remains strong. Daytime temperatures are very pleasant for exploring, although it can be somewhat cooler in the early mornings and late evenings, so ensure that you pack accordingly.

June to September – The joy of winter: The cool of winter is regarded as the perfect time to visit Namibia, with clear skies, dry and cool weather, which is perfect for exploring. Keen hikers flock to Namibia at this time of year to tackle its fabulous range of hiking trails, especially those in the spectacular Fish River Canyon which are off-limits for much of the year owing to the heat. It can be cold at the start and end of the day, so a good jacket is very welcome, especially when on safari or visiting Sossusvlei.

October and November – Spring days: An increasingly popular time of year to visit Namibia, days heat up rapidly and there can be some scattered rain showers, although these are isolated and seldom last for more than an hour or so. The game viewing is excellent and many visitors choose to head east into the Caprivi Strip to catch the end of the prime game viewing season there. Hiking in the south becomes scaled back, but there are still opportunities to enjoy walks along the canyon rim for sundowner drinks.