What is the best time to visit Botswana?

Best Time to Visit Botswana

The best time to travel to Botswana is during the dry season (May to October) and the green season (November to April).

Dry Season in Botswana

The dry season in Botswana is from May to October and is the best time to visit the country. During this time, the weather is dry and sunny with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C. This season is ideal for outdoor activities such as safari tours, camping, and game viewing. Visitors can also enjoy the annual Okavango Delta Bird Festival, which takes place in August.

Green Season in Botswana

The green season in Botswana is from November to April. During this time, the country receives more rainfall, making it a great time for bird watching and photography. Temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C during this time. Visitors can also enjoy the annual Nxamaseri Bird Festival, which takes place in April.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Botswana

Botswana in January

Weather

January is the hottest month in Botswana, with temperatures ranging from the high 20s to low 30s Celsius (high 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit). It is also the driest month of the year, with little to no rain.

Events

• The annual Gaborone International Music and Culture Week takes place in January. It is a week-long celebration of music and culture, featuring local and international performers.
• The annual Gaborone Marathon is held in January. It is a popular event for both locals and visitors, and it attracts thousands of runners from all over the world.
• The annual Botswana National Arts Festival is held in January. It is a celebration of music, dance, theatre, and visual arts, featuring performances from local and international artists.
• The annual Kgatleng District Cultural Festival is held in January. It is a celebration of the culture and traditions of the Kgatleng District, featuring traditional music, dance, and food.
• The annual Botswana National Sports Festival is held in January. It is a celebration of sports, featuring competitions in a variety of sports, including football, basketball, and athletics.

Botswana in January

Weather

January in Botswana is the beginning of the hot season. Temperatures can reach up to 30°C (86°F) during the day, and drop to around 15°C (59°F) at night. Rainfall is low, with an average of 4 days of rain throughout the month.

Events

• The annual Kalahari Desert Challenge takes place in January. This is a multi-day mountain biking race, where participants compete over a course of up to 600 kilometers.
• The annual Botswana International Music Festival is held in January. This event brings together performers from all over the world, and is a celebration of music, art, and culture.
• The annual Gaborone International Music and Culture Festival is held in January. This event features a variety of musical performances, art exhibitions, and cultural activities.
• The annual Maun International Film Festival is held in January. This event showcases the best of Botswana’s film industry, and is an opportunity for filmmakers from around the world to network and collaborate.
• The annual Botswana National Arts Festival is held in January. This event celebrates the best of Botswana’s culture and heritage, and features performances from traditional and contemporary artists.

Botswana in March

Weather

March is the start of Botswana’s dry season, and temperatures are beginning to rise. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-20s to the mid-30s Celsius (77-95°F). The nights are cool, with temperatures ranging from the mid-teens to the mid-20s Celsius (60-77°F). Rainfall is rare, with the occasional shower.

Events

• The Botswana International Trade Fair is held in Gaborone in March. This event showcases the best of Botswana’s products and services, and provides a great opportunity for networking and business development.
• The Maitisong Festival is held in Gaborone in March. This festival celebrates Botswana’s culture, with music, dance, theatre and visual arts performances.
• The Botswana Marathon is held in Gaborone in March. This event is a great opportunity for runners of all levels to challenge themselves and take part in a unique race.
• The Botswana Music Festival is held in Gaborone in March. This event brings together some of the best local and international musicians for a weekend of music and fun.
• The Botswana National Arts Festival is held in Gaborone in March. This event celebrates Botswana’s culture and showcases the best of its art, music, dance, theatre, and visual arts.

Botswana in April

Weather

April is the beginning of the dry season in Botswana, with temperatures ranging from low to mid-20s Celsius (low to mid-70s Fahrenheit). The days are sunny and bright, and the nights are cool and pleasant.

Events

• The annual Tuli Elephant Run is held in April, a 5-day event that takes place in the Tuli Block of Botswana. Participants hike and camp in the bush, and learn about the environment and wildlife.
• The Botswana International Jazz Festival is held in April in Gaborone, and features a variety of jazz acts from around the world.
• The Kgale Hill Challenge is an annual race up the Kgale Hill in Gaborone, and is held in April. The race is open to all ages and abilities.
• The Botswana National Arts Festival is held in April in Gaborone, and showcases the best of Botswana’s performing and visual arts.
• The Botswana International Trade Fair is held in April in Gaborone, and features a variety of exhibitors from around the world.

Botswana in May

Weather

May is the start of the dry season in Botswana, with temperatures ranging from a low of 10°C (50°F) to a high of 24°C (75°F). The days are mostly sunny with occasional afternoon thunderstorms.

Events

• The Botswana International Trade Fair is held in Gaborone from May 1-4. This event showcases the best of Botswana’s culture, art, and industry.
• The Botswana Marathon is held in Gaborone on May 11. This event is a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K run, and is open to all levels of runners.
• The Botswana Music Festival is held in Francistown on May 18. This event showcases the best of Botswana’s music, from traditional to contemporary.
• The Botswana National Arts Festival is held in Gaborone from May 24-26. This event showcases the best of Botswana’s visual and performing arts.
• The Botswana International Film Festival is held in Gaborone from May 28-31. This event showcases the best of Botswana’s film and television industry.

Botswana in June

Weather

June in Botswana is the start of the winter season. Temperatures during the day range from 15-25°C (59-77°F), with cooler temperatures at night. Rainfall is common during this month, with an average of about 30mm (1.2in) of precipitation.

Events

• The Botswana International Jazz Festival is held in June. This three-day festival features a variety of jazz and blues music from local and international artists.
• The Great Thirstland Trek is a four-day, 300km (186mi) race across the Kalahari Desert. This race is held in June and is open to both professional and amateur racers.
• The Botswana National Arts Festival is an annual event that celebrates the country’s culture and art. This event takes place in June and features traditional music, dance, and art.
• The Botswana Book Fair is held in June and is a celebration of literature, with authors from around the world gathering to discuss their work.
• The Botswana International Film Festival is held in June and showcases films from both local and international filmmakers.

Botswana in July

Weather

July is the middle of winter in Botswana. The average temperature is around 17°C (63°F) during the day and 8°C (46°F) at night. There is very little rainfall during this month, with an average of only 2-3 days of precipitation.

Events

• The annual Botswana International Trade Fair (BITF) is held in Gaborone. This event showcases the best of Botswana’s products and services and provides a platform for international businesses to connect with local businesses.
• The annual Maun Arts Festival is held in Maun. This event celebrates the creativity of the local community with a variety of art exhibitions, performances, and workshops.
• The annual Botswana Music Festival is held in Francistown. This festival is a celebration of Botswana’s music, featuring local and international artists.
• The annual Botswana National Arts Festival is held in Gaborone. This event showcases the best of Botswana’s traditional and contemporary art, with performances, exhibitions, and workshops.
• The annual Botswana International Film Festival is held in Gaborone. This event showcases the best of Botswana’s film industry, with screenings of local and international films.

Botswana in August

Weather

August in Botswana is the beginning of the dry season, with temperatures ranging from 20-30 degrees Celsius. There is very little rain during this time of year, and the days are often sunny and clear.

Events

• The Botswana National Day is celebrated on the 30th of August. This is a day to celebrate the independence of Botswana, with parades, festivals, and other activities taking place throughout the country.
• The annual Kalahari Desert Challenge is held during the month of August. This is a multi-day car race that takes place in the Kalahari Desert.
• The annual Gaborone International Music and Culture Week is held during the month of August. This festival features music, art, and cultural performances from around the world.
• The annual Gaborone International Arts Festival is held during the month of August. This festival celebrates the art, music, and culture of Botswana, with performances and exhibitions taking place throughout the city.
• The annual Gaborone International Trade Fair is held during the month of August. This fair features products from around the world, and provides a platform for businesses to showcase their products and services.

Botswana in September

Weather

September in Botswana is the beginning of the dry season. The average temperature is around 20°C (68°F) during the day and 10°C (50°F) at night. Rainfall is very low, with an average of only 1-2 days of rain.

Events

• The Botswana International Trade Fair is held in Gaborone in September. It is a great opportunity for local businesses to showcase their products and services.
• The Botswana National Day is celebrated on September 30th. It is a day of national pride, with parades, music, and other festivities.
• The Botswana Music Festival is held in September. It is a great opportunity to experience the vibrant music culture of Botswana.
• The Botswana Marathon is held in September. It is a great way to experience the beauty of the country while pushing yourself to the limit.
• The Botswana Wildlife Festival is held in September. It is a great opportunity to learn about the country’s diverse wildlife and to experience the beauty of the Botswana wilderness.

Botswana in October

Weather

October is the beginning of the dry season in Botswana. Temperatures are mild, ranging from lows of 10°C (50°F) to highs of 27°C (81°F). The days are sunny and the nights are cool.

Events

• The Botswana International Trade Fair is held in Gaborone in October. This event showcases the best of Botswana’s products and services, with over 200 exhibitors from around the world.
• The Okavango Delta hosts the annual Okavango Delta Wild Race in October. This race is a multi-day event that includes running, cycling, and kayaking through the delta.
• The annual Botswana Music Festival is held in Francistown in October. This festival celebrates the best of Botswana’s music, dance, and culture.
• The Kalahari Desert hosts the Kalahari Desert Challenge in October. This event is a multi-day off-road race that takes competitors through the desert.
• The annual Botswana International Film Festival is held in Gaborone in October. This festival showcases the best of Botswana’s film industry, with screenings of local and international films.

Botswana in November

Weather

November is the start of the hot season in Botswana. Daytime temperatures can reach up to 33°C (91°F), while night-time temperatures can drop to as low as 14°C (57°F). Rainfall is low, with an average of only 10mm (0.4in).

Events

• The Botswana International Trade Fair is held in Gaborone from the 6th to the 10th of November. This event showcases a variety of products and services from Botswana and other countries.
• The Gaborone Marathon is held on the 10th of November. This event is a great opportunity for runners to explore the beautiful landscapes of Botswana.
• The Botswana National Arts Festival is held in Francistown from the 15th to the 17th of November. This event celebrates Botswana’s culture and heritage through music, dance, theatre, and visual art.
• The Gaborone Jazz Festival is held on the 24th of November. This event brings together local and international jazz musicians to celebrate the music of Botswana.
• The Botswana International Film Festival is held in Gaborone from the 28th to the 30th of November. This event showcases the best of Botswana’s film industry and provides a platform for filmmakers to share their stories.

Botswana in December

Weather

December is the beginning of the summer season in Botswana. The temperatures are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to mid-30s Celsius (77-95°F). The days are long and sunny, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms.

Events

• The Botswana International Music Festival takes place in December, showcasing the best of Botswana’s musical talent.
• The Botswana National Day is celebrated on September 30th, commemorating the country’s independence from Britain in 1966.
• The Botswana Book Fair is held in December, showcasing the best of Botswana’s literary talent.
• The Botswana International Film Festival is held in December, showcasing the best of Botswana’s film talent.
• The Botswana National Arts Festival is held in December, showcasing the best of Botswana’s artistic talent.