Best Time to Visit Namibia

Self Drive Safaris, fly-in safaris and private guided safaris, pick the best time of year for your perfect safari experience...

Namibia has a diversity of natural habitats: the rugged coastline and haunting beauty of the Skeleton Coast, the endless stretch of undulating ochre-coloured sand dunes at Sossusvlei, the impressive gorge of the Fish River Canyon winding through the arid landscape of the great plateau, and the vast salt pan of Etosha National Park. Despite its phenomenal growth, tourism to Namibia is still on a small scale, so the feeling of wilderness has not been lost, even during peak season.

While there is no best time to visit Namibia, there are times when some aspects of the country are at their best and most visitors prefer to travel between Easter and the end of October.

Climate
Most of Namibia has a sub-tropical ‘desert’ climate, characterised by a wide range in temperature from day to night and summer to winter. Average daily temperatures are 25C but it is much colder at night.

The rainy season is from December to March, when downpours can be heavy and prolonged. However on a typical day during the rains, the sky will start blue and by early afternoon the clouds will appear and it will rain. By early evening it will be fine again.

Most people visit between Easter and the end of October but travel in the shoulder season (between the wet and dry seasons) will be rewarded by reduced prices and increased availability and the chances are it will not rain heavily for prolonged periods.

Wildlife
Game viewing: the latter part of the dry season (July to November) is certainly the best time to see big game as animals tend to congregate around the watering holes. Having said that, the author of this spent his honeymoon travelling through Namibia in December and enjoyed glorious weather and some great game viewing! After November/December time the game moves into the bush where the lush vegetation tends to hide them. Many animals will have young during the rainy season, as food is more plentiful then, so if you are looking for new born, this is the best time to travel.

Bird watching: The last few months of the year witness the arrival of the summer migrant birds from the north, anticipating the coming of the rains. However it is worth bearing in mind that domestic species will be easier to spot in the dry season.

Festivals and Events

April	WIKA (Windhoek Carnival). The most important cultural event in the capital with music and dancing
May	Africa Day, nationwide. A celebration of all cultures held to promote integration and development in Africa.
August	KUSKA (Caste Carnival), Swakopmund. Festivities include street parades, all-night parties, food stalls serving up local delights and lots of drinking. There are many activities for children, insuring that the entire family can enjoy the party.
August	Maharero Day (Heroes’ Day), Okahandaja. One of Namibia's most colourful and spectacular annual events. Military processions are accompanied by poems which are chanted in remembrance of former war heroes. Women dress in traditional costume and can be heard chanting throughout the processions
October	Oktoberfest, Windhoek. This worldwide festival is held in Windhoek and sees crowds of people attending, all looking for fun and games. Despite being on a much smaller scale to the one in Munich, it is still one of the most important events of the year.

Visitors are welcome to join in with festivities but should always observe religious and private gatherings from a respectful distance, unless invited to join in!

Public Holidays
New Years Day (Jan 1), Independence Day (21 Mar), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day (May 1), Cassinga Day (4 May), Africa Freedom Day (25 May), Ascension Day, Heroes Day (26 Aug), Human Rights Day (10 Dec), Christmas Day (Dec 25), Family Day (Dec 26)

Costs
Costs will come down and lodges will be delightfully quiet outside of the main season which is from mid July to late October

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