The best time to visit Namibia is during their winter, between June and October. During this period there is almost no rainfall and humidity is low. Game viewing is at its best because there is less foliage to block your view, and the animals will be flocking to the water holes as the rivers dry up. The safari parks in Namibia are fantastic and get significantly less visitors than those in South Africa. If you want to visit during peak season, it’s best to book well in advance so you get your first choice of accommodation because the lodges themselves are fantastic and are as much a part of your holiday as the game viewing.
If you go for the safari drives and wildlife during the dry period, perhaps consider your preferred temperature. It will be in the low to mid-twenties throughout much of the country during the early part of the dry season. If you prefer it a little warmer, September and October are great months. Temperatures will be rising from the mid to high twenties and it’s still a time of very low rainfall and humidity.
There is a second peak season in Namibia that is largely relevant to avid bird watchers. Bird watching season is during Namibia’s green season and runs from November to May. During this time it will be very hot, at around thirty degrees upwards, but the bird watching opportunities are fantastic, particularly in the Caprivi Strip where you can spot species such as Racket-tailed Roller and Arnot’s chat in the floodplains and forests. From November to February you can enjoy a ‘flamboyance of flamingos’ at Swakopmund
Summary of the best time to visit Namibia
In summary, the best time to visit Namibia is during the dry season when the game viewing is optimum. If you prefer temperatures in the low to mid-twenties, head there in June, July, or August. If you like it hot, then visit in September or October when temperatures will be rising from the mid to high twenties. Those that are visiting Namibia primarily for the bird watching opportunities should come between November and May but be prepared for some really hot days.
