THE SEASON AHEAD
Right now, the dry season in Namibia is showcasing the country in all its glory. There is almost no rainfall, and daytime temperatures are not excessively hot which means I feel more energised when I’m out and about exploring the desert. This is a particularly good time for wildlife viewing as animals frequent the watering holes in greater numbers. I also love this time of year for photography, as the crisp blue skies and winter sunlight turn Namibia’s already stunning landscapes into the most vivid canvas of colours.
By October, warmer temperatures bring a new energy to the landscape. This is a good time to explore Namibia with fewer visitors – and often with very attractive prices. December sees the arrival of the first rains, cooling the temperatures again and prompting fairly sudden landscape changes – particularly in the north of the country. It’s amazing to watch grass appear almost overnight and turn the land into a lush, green savannah.
Nora – June 2025
WHERE AND WHEN
When is the best time to visit Namibia?
Namibia is a destination that can be enjoyed year-round. The most popular time of year to visit Namibia is during the dry (winter) season of April to September. Clear, sunny days prevail, and daytime temperatures range from 23C to 28C (73F to 82F). This means you can be outdoors enjoying activities for much of the day without oppressive heat or humidity. Namibia’s dry season is also a great time of year for game viewing, as animals are more likely to gather around watering holes.
Namibia’s summer season from October to March brings more rainfall, but afternoon showers do not occur every day, and are rarely disruptive. Daytime temperatures are higher; 28C to 35C (82F to 95F) on average, depending on the region, and humidity increases later in the season. You can also observe welcome splashes of green in the arid desert.
Where are the best places to visit in Namibia?
The colossal, russet-red sand dunes of Sossusvlei are one of the absolute highlights of a visit to Namibia. The fiery red glow of these towering dunes in the ever-changing light is simply extraordinary. The dunes can be scaled on foot, traversed by quad bike, or enjoyed from above by helicopter or hot air balloon. Guided nature walks to view San rock paintings add a further fascinating dimension.
The Skeleton Coast offers a distinct contrast to Sossusvlei. Here the dunes glow gold, rather than red, and the coastline is scattered with the ruins of shipwrecks – and the occasional tracks of prowling mountain lions.
The Etosha National Park is another essential stop on any visit to Namibia. During the dry season, the park becomes a magnet for wildlife, as elephants, lions, rhinos and giraffes gather around the numerous waterholes of the vast Etosha pan. Unlike denser bushveld parks, Etosha’s open terrain provides superb visibility for game viewing and photography.
If you can spare a little longer in Namibia, we also recommend including the northern region of Kaokoland to meet the Himba people, as well as Twyfelfontein for its astonishing rock carvings. In central Namibia, we also recommend spending even longer in NamibRand to experience unforgettable stargazing in Africa’s only International Dark Sky Reserve.