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!
Weather in December

Average rainfall increases to almost two inches in December; this is accompanied by hotter temperatures, with the maximum hitting around 31 °C/88 °F. Bring along a light rain jacket in case you get caught in a downpour.
Average Weather in December
Temperature | Celsius | Fahrenheit | Rainfall |
Min | 17℃ | 63℉ | 0.1 inches |
Max | 31℃ | 88℉ | 5.9 inches |
National Parks to Visit in Namibia During December

Caprivi (Zambezi Region)
Caprivi is the place to go to spot less common species in Namibia. This region is water-rich, in stark contrast to the rest of the country, so it supports animals like hippos, crocodiles, and buffaloes. Even though the best time for a wildlife safari in Namibia is during the dry winter, Caprivi in December is lush and dotted with flowers, baby animals, and migrant bird species.
Namib-Naukluft Park
The desert embraces a new look during the wet summer season. An increase in rain causes the arid landscape to shift and flowers to pop up. Rainfall clears the environment of dust, creating a better setting for photographic safaris in Namibia. The Namib-Naukluft Park includes coastal regions like Sandwich Harbour, an important habitat for flamingos. During the wet season, migrant bird species fly into the park, creating a haven for avid birders.
Etosha National Park
In the wet season, Etosha National Park is a beautiful place to go for a Namibia safari. Although rains are more common than during the winter months, it usually doesn’t rain for long, and the increase in water creates a beautiful lush green landscape to explore. While this vegetation can make finding wildlife more challenging, when you do find them, you may see them with their young. This is also the perfect time of the year for a birding safari.
Activities to Do in Namibia in December
- Photographic safaris
- Birdwatching safaris
- Culture safaris