Namibia in Summer: Discover the Green Season

Namibia’s green summer season showcases a completely different side of the country, with dramatic thunderstorms, spectacular sunsets, vibrant green landscapes and unique wildlife encounters. Fewer visitors also mean greater exclusivity, attractive lodge rates, and often reduced international airfares.

The early summer months: October to December

Early summer temperatures are the hottest, with daytime highs often reaching 30°C to 36°C. This can be managed by staying in carefully selected lodges with air conditioning and an outdoor pool, and travelling between locations in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles.

Rainfall during the early part of the season is often less significant than many visitors expect. October through December are generally among the drier months of Namibia’s green season, with rain usually arriving in the form of short, dramatic afternoon thunderstorms. These storms rarely last all day and often transform the landscape, clearing the air and creating extraordinary skies.

Because rainfall tends to arrive later in the day, the rhythm of a safari remains much the same. Early morning and late afternoon game drives are still the best times for wildlife viewing, while the warmer middle hours of the day are ideal for relaxing by the pool or enjoying the comforts of your lodge

The late summer months: January through to April

From January through to April, Namibia enters the wetter phase of its green season and temperatures are a little cooler. Rainfall is generally more frequent than in December, although it still tends to arrive as short-lived afternoon or evening thunderstorms rather than prolonged wet weather.

There is a real energy to Namibia’s summer storms. Deep peals of thunder echo across the open landscape while dramatic forks of lightning dance across the horizon, creating some of the most memorable skies of the year. As the rain arrives, the air cools, the scent of the earth rises, and the landscape seems to come alive.

Etosha During the Green Season

For many visitors, Etosha National Park remains the centrepiece of a journey through northern Namibia. The area around Andersson’s Gate and southern Etosha is generally less humid than the far north-eastern regions of the country. While wildlife is no longer concentrated around permanent waterholes this is also the season when newborn springbok, zebra and antelope begin appearing across the park. These youngsters provide endless entertainment and, of course, attract predators, creating exciting wildlife encounters.

For bird lovers, summer is arguably one of the finest times to visit, with migratory species arriving from Europe and elsewhere in Africa, dramatically increasing the diversity of birdlife throughout the park.

The Lush Far North-East – The Zambezi Region

The Zambezi Region, formerly known as the Caprivi Strip, is the perfect place to visit during Namibia’s wetter and more humid summer months. The region can feel hotter and more humid than Etosha or Damaraland, despite being a tad cooler, because the humidity means you feel the heat more intensely. But this area is all about embracing wildlife that can be found around the rivers and wetlands, so a bit of rain only enhances the experience.

Though part of Namibia since 1890, geographically speaking it feels more closely connected to Botswana. The wildlife experiences here are very different from the desert-adapted species of Namibia’s arid plains, or the flamingo and seal colonies of Namibia’s the Atlantic coast. Here, experiences are centred around the rivers, floodplains,  and wetlands.

Visitors can enjoy boat cruises, canoe safaris, and exceptional birdwatching and game viewing. Partially located within Namibia’s Zambezi Region is Bwabwata National Park. Here, you’ll discover some of the country’s most unique wildlife experiences, where elephants, buffalo and antelope roam freely alongside local communities, and boat-based safaris on the Okavango and Kwando river systems provide a refreshing alternative to traditional game drives.

The high elevations of Damaraland and the Waterberg Plateau

Damaraland sits at a high elevation, so can be a little cooler than other regions. Following the summer rains, the normally arid valleys and mountains are touched with fresh colour, creating a beautiful contrast against the region’s ancient granite outcrops. Damaraland’s key wildlife highlights include the large number of elephant herds, black rhino, the large antelope species, like oryx and kudu, and lion.

The Cool Skeleton Coast, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay

Although much of the focus during summer is on the wildlife-rich north, Namibia’s coast remains a good addition to any itinerary. Swakopmund and the surrounding coastline are often cooler than inland regions, thanks to the influence of the cold Atlantic Ocean. This makes the coast an excellent place to break up a safari journey and enjoy activities such as marine excursions, scenic desert drives, and the excellent seafood restaurants of Swakopmund.

Morning fogs drifting in from the ocean can create an almost mystical atmosphere, while afternoons are frequently clear and pleasant. Around Walvis Bay and Sandwich Harbour, thousands of flamingos gather in the lagoons and salt pans, while the waters offshore are home to dolphins and, from July to November, whales. Cape Cross has one of the world’s largest colonies of Cape fur seals, and you can enjoy driving across the desert in a 4X4, looking for animal tracks in the sand. Depending on the location and conditions, you may encounter springbok, oryx, ostrich, jackals, brown hyena, bat-eared foxes and a surprising variety of reptiles, insects and birdlife specially adapted to survive in this harsh environment.

Why Consider Namibia in Summer