🌤️ When to go?Best time to visit Namibia
The best time to visit Namibia for backpacking is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the weather is generally cooler and there is less rainfall, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities and hiking. Additionally, wildlife viewing is at its best as animals gather around water sources. However, it is important to note that Namibia can be visited year-round, and each season offers unique experiences.
Why visit Namibia in May?
May is a great time to visit Namibia because it falls within the shoulder season, meaning you can avoid the crowds and high prices of the peak tourist months while still enjoying relatively mild weather. The temperatures in May are generally comfortable, making it a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the stunning landscapes that Namibia has to offer.One of the main draws of visiting Namibia in May is the opportunity to witness the stunning natural phenomenon of the changing seasons. May marks the transition from the wet season to the dry season, so you can experience the lush greenery and flowing rivers before they start to dry up, creating a unique and diverse landscape.
On the downside, visiting Namibia in May means that you may encounter some intermittent rainfall, which could affect your outdoor plans. Additionally, some of the remote areas and lodges may be closed or have limited availability during this time as they prepare for the upcoming peak season. It’s important to plan ahead and make reservations in advance to ensure that you have access to accommodations and activities during your visit.
Why visit Namibia in June?
June is an ideal time to visit Namibia for a variety of reasons. The weather is relatively mild during this time, with comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. The landscape is also lush and green, providing a stunning backdrop for exploring the country’s diverse terrain.One of the main attractions of visiting Namibia in June is the opportunity to witness the annual migration of wildlife in Etosha National Park. As the dry season sets in, animals gather around the waterholes, offering unparalleled opportunities for game viewing and photography. This is also a great time to visit the Namib Desert, where the cooler temperatures make it more comfortable to explore the towering sand dunes and unique desert ecosystems.
Additionally, June is a popular time for birdwatching in Namibia, as many migratory bird species arrive in the country during this period. Bird enthusiasts will have the chance to spot a wide variety of species in their breeding plumage, adding an extra dimension to the wildlife experience.
Overall, visiting Namibia in June offers a unique opportunity to experience the country’s natural beauty and wildlife in a comfortable and relatively uncrowded setting.
Why visit Namibia in July?
July is an ideal time to visit Namibia because it falls within the dry season, offering clear skies and comfortable temperatures. This makes it the perfect time for outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the stunning landscapes that Namibia has to offer. The lack of rain also means that wildlife congregates around water sources, making it easier to spot animals in the national parks and reserves.The cooler temperatures in July make it more pleasant to explore the desert regions, such as the iconic Sossusvlei dunes and the otherworldly landscapes of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Additionally, the dry season means that the roads are in better condition, making it easier to travel around the country and visit its various attractions.
July also coincides with Namibia’s winter season, which means that the nights are longer and offer excellent opportunities for stargazing. The lack of humidity in the air provides clear views of the night sky, making it a great time for astrophotography or simply marveling at the stars.
Overall, visiting Namibia in July offers the perfect combination of favorable weather conditions, wildlife viewing opportunities, and the chance to explore the diverse and breathtaking landscapes of this African gem.
Why visit Namibia in August?
August is the perfect time to visit Namibia for wildlife enthusiasts. The dry season is in full swing, and the animals are drawn to the water sources, making it easier to spot them in the national parks and reserves. Etosha National Park, in particular, is a must-visit during this time, as the animals gather around the waterholes, providing excellent game viewing opportunities.For photography enthusiasts, August offers clear skies and stunning sunsets, providing the perfect backdrop for capturing the dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife of Namibia. The contrasting colors of the desert, the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, and the rugged mountains make for breathtaking photo opportunities.
August is also an ideal time for adventure seekers to explore Namibia’s vast and diverse landscapes. Whether it’s hiking in the Fish River Canyon, quad biking in the dunes of the Namib Desert, or exploring the Skeleton Coast, the cooler temperatures and dry weather make outdoor activities more enjoyable.
In addition, August is a great time to experience Namibia’s cultural festivals and events. The annual Ongwediva Trade Fair, celebrating the culture and traditions of the Ovambo people, is a highlight for visitors interested in immersing themselves in the local culture.
Why visit Namibia in September?
September is an ideal time to visit Namibia for a variety of reasons. The weather is generally mild and dry, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities such as safaris, hiking, and exploring the stunning landscapes. The temperatures are comfortable, and the wildlife is abundant, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.During September, Namibia’s iconic Etosha National Park is in full swing with wildlife congregating around waterholes, offering fantastic game viewing experiences. The famous Namib Desert is also more accessible during this time, with cooler temperatures and clear skies providing ideal conditions for exploring the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei and the otherworldly landscapes of the Skeleton Coast.
Additionally, September marks the beginning of Namibia’s spring season, bringing with it the blooming of wildflowers and vibrant greenery across the countryside. This makes for beautiful scenery and stunning photo opportunities, especially in the remote and lesser-visited regions of the country.
Overall, September offers a perfect balance of weather, wildlife, and natural beauty, making it an ideal time to experience the best that Namibia has to offer.
Why visit Namibia in October?
October is an ideal time to visit Namibia for several reasons. The weather is generally warm and dry, making it a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the stunning landscapes. The temperatures are comfortable, and the days are long, providing ample time to experience all that Namibia has to offer.One of the main highlights of visiting Namibia in October is the opportunity to witness the annual migration of wildlife in Etosha National Park. This is a truly spectacular sight, as thousands of animals move across the vast plains in search of water, creating incredible photo opportunities and unforgettable memories.
October also marks the start of the wildflower season in Namibia, when the desert landscapes come alive with colorful blooms. This is a unique and beautiful natural phenomenon that adds an extra layer of beauty to the already stunning scenery.
On the downside, October is also the start of the peak tourist season in Namibia, meaning that popular attractions and accommodations may be more crowded and prices may be higher. It’s important to book accommodations and activities in advance to ensure availability and to avoid disappointment.
Overall, visiting Namibia in October offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the country’s natural beauty and wildlife in a comfortable and enjoyable climate.
🌤️ Climate in Namibia
Namibia, formerly South-West Africa, has a sub-tropical climate, desert along the coast and in the south, and arid, but with a rainy season from November to March, in inland north-central areas and in the north-east.Being in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are reversed in comparison with Europe or North America, and the coolest period is from May to August.
The country is crossed by the Tropic of Capricorn, but a cold current, called Benguela Current, flows along the coast, while the interior is occupied by a plateau.
As a result, the climate is cooler and drier than you might think.
Nevertheless, it can get hot in summer, especially at some distance from the sea and in areas located at not too high altitudes. There may be blistering days from September to March in the north, from November to January in Windhoek, which is located in the center and at a pretty high altitude, and from September to Avril or early May in the center-south.
On the contrary, during winter, the plateau can get cold at night, with possible light frosts everywhere.
The country is home to nature reserves and parks of great beauty, like the Etosha National Park.
The driest region is the coastal area, where the Namib Desert is located, as well as the south, where the Kalahari Desert is found. The latter is slightly rainier, and it's home to xerophyte plants such as cacti and other succulent species.
The rainiest area of Namibia is the north-east, where rainfall ranges from 500 to 600 millimeters (20 to 23.5 inches) per year.
Winter is dry everywhere, while in non-desert regions (north and east) it rains in summer, from November to March, usually in the form of showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon. The peak of the rainy season is from January to March.
source: climatestotravel.com