Best time to visit

While February is one of Namibia’s wettest months, the rain is usually weak and patchy. Some parts of Namibia will experience heavy rainfall, while others (like the Namib-Naukluft National Park) won’t. This month is birding and photography season; migrant bird species are still active in parks and reserves and dramatic thunderstorms create spectacular moments to capture on camera. Namibia in February is also the perfect time of the year to see animals with their young – the green landscapes provide some coverage for the babies to hide them from predators.

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Namibia in March is an out-of-this-world experience! With acres upon acres of red dunes, the desert environments of the country are magnificent to see and create magical settings for photographic safaris. March is the beginning of the end of the wet season, so rain begins to taper off as the month reaches its end. The landscapes have soaked in the rain, so you’ll be able to experience greener landscapes dotted with flowers. Baby animals can be seen during this time of the year, making a green season safari in Namibia an extremely cute experience.

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As the middle of the year approaches, rain clouds retreat, landscapes start drying up, and temperatures begin dropping. These conditions make Namibia in April a sublime safari choice for surreal desert scenery and unique holiday escapes. Due to the previous rains, the atmosphere is primarily clear of dust and some landscapes are still green. The lack of clouds in the evenings makes for superb stargazing.

Temperatures during April are much more comfortable, with highs of around 26 °C/79 °F. Early mornings and nights can be colder, so it’s best to be prepared with some extra layers for a Namibia safari at this time of the year. An April safari can include incredible opportunities for cultural excursions, photographic trips, and birding safaris.

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May is the beginning of the dry season in Namibia. As there is little to no rain, watering holes start drying up. During a Namibia safari at this time of the year, the possibility of seeing wildlife is highly likely (especially in Etosha National Park) as animals stick around limited permanent water sources. Thanks to the rain during the previous months, some landscapes still retain some of their greenery in May. This is the start of peak safari season in Namibia, especially for big game viewing and desert safaris.

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June is a fantastic time of the year for a wildlife safari in Namibia. The dry winter conditions have set in, reducing the number of water sources available for animals, making them easier to spot while on game drives and walking safaris. From wildlife viewing in the lush Caprivi region to hot air balloon rides over the arid Sossusvlei, there are a range of incredible safari experiences waiting for you in Namibia.

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This is the time for big game viewing in Namibia’s national parks and game reserves. After the dry season has kicked in during May, the landscape in places like Etosha National Park, Okonjima Nature Reserve, and Ongava Private Game Reserve dries out, creating environments ideal for game drives and walking safaris. The lack of rain causes the animals of the parks and reserves to stay around the few remaining watering holes, so game drives can be more productive compared to the wet summer months.

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At this point in the year, Namibia hasn’t seen much, if any, rain for at least three months. The country is at its driest, and the winter season has peaked. August almost guarantees the chance to see wildlife. Safari experiences are typically excellent, as animals are sticking around remaining watering holes to drink. Although the weather is generally good, evenings and mornings can get pretty chilly, so it’s helpful to pack warm clothes for game drives. This is the perfect time of the year for walking safaris and trips into the desert thanks to the cooler temperatures.

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September is an excellent time for a Namibia safari. Namibia in September is characterised by dry conditions, as, since May, the country hasn’t seen much rain. The thinned-out vegetation clears the way for excellent wildlife opportunities, including in the lush Zambezi Region and the famous Etosha National Park with its shimmering salt pan. Head to Fish River Canyon – the second largest canyon in the world – for mesmerising views, made all the better by the clear skies and mild weather.

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The dry season continues into October, and parks like Etosha National Park and bordering reserves Ongava and Onguma are excellent places for Namibia wildlife safaris. Herds of animals congregate at the remaining rivers and watering holes, making spotting wildlife easier during walking safaris and game drives.

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With an increase in rain, November is an interesting time to go on a safari in Namibia. The rainfall causes an explosion of vegetation; this is also when the calving season begins, so a Namibia safari in November can include sightings of adorable newborn animals. This southern Africa destination’s parks and reserves are also less busy after the very full peak season (May to October), another reason why we recommend November as a fantastic month of the year for a Namibia safari.

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As the year comes to an end, rain increases, which blankets certain regions in lush greenery, thickening vegetation and making animals found in Namibia harder to spot during game drives. However, if you’re an avid birdwatcher, this is the best time for a Namibia safari! Migrant species can be seen in Caprivi, Etosha, and Namib-Naukluft, creating a spectacle for safari-goers.

Namibia is generally best for photographic safaris at this time of year, as the rain usually clears the dust. Thunderstorms provide fantastic opportunities to capture mesmerising moments on camera. Namibia is home to varying landscapes and scenery, making it a photographer’s paradise!

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