When to go to Namibia

A month by month breakdown to discover the best times to visit Namibia

Partially covered by the Namib Desert, one of the world's driest deserts, the climate in Namibia is generally dry and pleasant throughout the year and great to visit in any month.

The ‘rainy’ season is during the summer months, from November to April. The weather tends to be hot and humid with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms.

However, the downpours are short and heavy, so it's unlikely that the rain will disrupt your travel plans - meaning that you don't have to worry about when to go to Namibia because even the rainy season is a great time to visit.

The ‘dry’ season takes place during the winter months from May to October and the weather is typically warm and sunny, albeit with very cold nights.

These months are considered to be the best time to go to Namibia, as you can enjoy uninterrupted blue skies and plenty of sunshine, except along the coast where there is often a fog. The daytime temperatures during these months are moderate, however it can get very cold in the evenings.

If you're wondering when to go to Namibia in terms of wildlife, the dry winter months (July and August) are ideal for game viewing in Etosha National Park and Ongava Game Reserve because the vegetation is sparse and water sources dry out.

Therefore, the local wildlife gathers around the permanent water holes, making animals easier to locate, observe and photograph.

March can also be a good time to visit Namibia's Etosha National Park. Following the birthing season in January and February, you will be able to see young animals taking their first steps in the wild.

On the other hand, the lush vegetation seen in March to May can make game viewing more challenging.

Windhoek Karneval (often abbreviated to WIKA) is the biggest cultural event in the country, taking place in April. You'll notice the heavy German influence of this festival, which includes music, performance, a masked ball and huge parade.

Africa Day is held in May each year and is a time for local communities to come together and promote peace and diversity. Considering Namibia's difficult history with colonialism, race and apartheid, this is a particularly significant and poignant celebration.

Oktoberfest, taking place in October, is another celebration leftover by the former German influence in Namibia. People come to the capital city of Windhoek for beer, fun and games.