What is the best time to visit Namibia?

Best Time to Visit Namibia

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

Dry Season in Namibia

The dry season in Namibia runs from May to October and is characterized by clear skies and low humidity levels. This is the best time to visit Namibia as the days are sunny and warm, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The dry season is the perfect time to explore the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Namibia. Popular attractions like the Namib Desert, Etosha National Park, and Sossusvlei are best experienced during this time. The dry season is also the ideal time to attend festivals like the Namibia International Film Festival, the Windhoek Show, and the Namibia Cultural Expo.

Cooler Season in Namibia

The cooler season in Namibia runs from November to April and is characterized by cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall. Temperatures during this time range from 10°C to 20°C, making it the perfect season for outdoor activities. This is the ideal time to explore the lush green landscapes of Namibia and the many national parks. The cooler season is also the best time to witness the spectacular wildlife of Namibia, as many animals migrate to the waterholes to quench their thirst. Popular attractions like the Fish River Canyon and the Skeleton Coast are also best experienced during this time.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Namibia

Namibia in January

Weather

January in Namibia is hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to the mid-30s Celsius. The nights are cool and pleasant.

Events

• The Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) is held in January. This event celebrates the best in Namibian music and is a popular event amongst locals.
• The annual Namibian National Arts Festival is held in January. This event showcases the best in Namibian art and culture, including performances, exhibitions, and workshops.
• The annual Namibian National Crafts Festival is held in January. This event celebrates the best in Namibian crafts, including pottery, basketry, and jewelry.
• The annual Namibian National Film Festival is held in January. This event showcases the best in Namibian film, including documentaries, feature films, and shorts.
• The annual Namibian National Dance Festival is held in January. This event celebrates the best in Namibian dance, including traditional and contemporary styles.

Namibia in January

Weather

January is the hottest month in Namibia, with temperatures ranging from 18-32°C (64-90°F). The days are generally sunny, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms in the northern and eastern parts of the country.

Events

• The Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) is a major event held in Windhoek, the nation’s capital. It celebrates the best of Namibian music and is usually held in the first week of January.
• The Namibian International Film Festival (NIFF) is an annual event held in Windhoek. It showcases the best of Namibian and international films, and is usually held in the last week of January.
• The Namibian National Arts Festival (NNAF) is an annual event held in the town of Grootfontein. It celebrates the best of Namibian culture and art, and is usually held in the second week of January.
• The Namibian National Marathon is an annual event held in Windhoek. It attracts runners from all over the world and is usually held in the third week of January.
• The Namibian National Horse Racing Festival is an annual event held in the town of Windhoek. It attracts riders and horses from all over the world and is usually held in the fourth week of January.

Namibia in March

Weather

March in Namibia is hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s Celsius during the day to the low-teens at night. This is the beginning of the dry season, which lasts until October.

Events

• The Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) take place in March, celebrating the best in Namibian music.
• The Namibian National Marathon is held in March in the capital city of Windhoek.
• The Namibian International Film Festival is held in March, showcasing the best in Namibian and international film.
• The Namibian National Arts Festival is held in March, celebrating the country’s rich cultural heritage.
• The Namibian National Soccer Tournament is held in March, with teams from all over the country competing for the title.

Namibia in April

Weather

April is a wonderful time to visit Namibia, as the weather is mild and pleasant. The average temperature is around 20°C (68°F), with highs of around 25°C (77°F) and lows of around 15°C (59°F). April is the beginning of the dry season in Namibia, and the days are sunny and dry with low humidity.

Events

• The Namibian Annual Trade Expo (NATEX) is held in April in Windhoek. This event is the largest trade show in Namibia, and it showcases the latest products and services from local and international companies.
• The Fish River Canyon Marathon is held in April in the Fish River Canyon. This is a challenging marathon that takes runners through the stunning scenery of the canyon.
• The Namibian Music Awards are held in April in Windhoek. This event celebrates the best of Namibian music, and it features performances from some of the country’s top artists.
• The Namibian National Arts Festival is held in April in Windhoek. This event showcases the best of Namibian culture, with performances from traditional dancers, musicians, and visual artists.
• The Namibian Film Festival is held in April in Windhoek. This event celebrates Namibian cinema, and it showcases the best of local and international films.

Namibia in May

Weather

May is the beginning of the dry season in Namibia, with temperatures ranging from the low 20s to the mid 30s Celsius (70s to 90s Fahrenheit). The days are usually sunny and dry, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms.

Events

• The Namibian National Arts Festival takes place in May, showcasing the best of Namibian culture, music, and art.
• The annual Namibian Music Awards is held in May, recognizing the best of Namibian music.
• The annual Namibian Film Festival is held in May, showcasing the best of Namibian films.
• The annual Namibian Food Festival is held in May, celebrating the best of Namibian cuisine.
• The annual Namibian Crafts Festival is held in May, showcasing the best of Namibian craftsmanship.

Namibia in June

Weather

June in Namibia is the start of the dry season, with temperatures ranging from a low of 10°C to a high of 25°C. The days are sunny and the skies are clear.

Events

• The Namibian International Trade Fair takes place in Windhoek in June, showcasing the best of Namibian products and services.
• The Namibian Music Awards is held in June, celebrating the best of Namibian music.
• The Windhoek Jazz Festival is held in June, with performances from both local and international jazz musicians.
• The Namibian National Arts Festival is held in June, bringing together local artists to showcase their work.
• The Namibian National Marathon is held in June, with runners from all over the world competing in the race.

Namibia in July

Weather

July in Namibia is the coldest month of the year, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F). Rainfall is low, with an average of only 8mm (0.3in) of precipitation. The days are generally sunny with clear skies.

Events

• The Namibian Independence Day is celebrated on 21 July, commemorating the country’s independence from South African rule in 1990.
• The Namibian National Arts Festival is held in Windhoek in July, showcasing the country’s diverse culture and heritage.
• The Namibian National Marathon takes place in Windhoek in July, with runners competing in various distances ranging from 5km to 42km.
• The Namibian Music Awards are held in July, recognizing the best in Namibian music.
• The Fish River Canyon Ultra Marathon is held in July, with participants running a gruelling 85km course through the Fish River Canyon.

Namibia in August

Weather

August in Namibia is usually hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 17-30°C (63-86°F). Rainfall is rare, with some areas not receiving any rain at all.

Events

• The Namibian Annual Trade Expo (NATEX) is held in August in Windhoek. This event showcases Namibian businesses and products, and is an important opportunity for local entrepreneurs.
• August is a great time to visit the Etosha National Park, as the dry season means that animals are more concentrated around the waterholes.
• The Damara Festival is held in August in the Kunene region. This festival celebrates the Damara culture and includes traditional music, dance, and food.
• The Namibian Music Awards are held in August in Windhoek. This event celebrates the best of Namibian music and is a great opportunity to discover new talent.
• The Namibian National Arts Festival is held in August in Windhoek. This event showcases the best of Namibian art, culture, and music.

Namibia in September

Weather

In September, Namibia experiences warm and dry weather with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 28°C. The days are sunny and pleasant.

Events

• The annual Namibian National Music Awards takes place in September. This event celebrates the best of Namibian music and is held in Windhoek.
• The Namibian National Art Festival is held in September. This event showcases the best of Namibian art, featuring exhibitions, performances, and workshops.
• The Namibian National Film Festival takes place in September. This event celebrates the best of Namibian film and is held in Windhoek.
• The Namibian National Craft Fair is held in September. This event showcases the best of Namibian crafts and is held in Windhoek.
• The Namibian National Food Festival takes place in September. This event celebrates the best of Namibian cuisine and is held in Windhoek.

Namibia in October

Weather

October in Namibia is the beginning of the hot season. Temperatures range from the mid-20s to mid-30s Celsius (75-95°F). The days are sunny and dry, with occasional showers in the evening.

Events

• The Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) take place in October. This event celebrates the best of Namibian music, with awards given in various categories.
• The annual Namibian National Arts Festival is held in October. This festival celebrates Namibian culture and features performances, workshops, and exhibitions.
• The Namibian International Film Festival is held in October. This festival showcases films from Namibia and around the world.
• The annual Namibian National Crafts Fair is held in October. This event showcases the best of Namibian crafts, with vendors selling handmade jewelry, pottery, and other items.
• The annual Namibian National Horse Racing Festival is held in October. This event features races, competitions, and exhibitions of horses from around the country.

Namibia in November

Weather

November in Namibia is a warm month, with temperatures ranging from a low of around 16°C (61°F) to a high of around 30°C (86°F). The days are usually sunny and dry, with occasional thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Events

• The Namibian Independence Day is celebrated on 21 November. This day marks the day Namibia gained independence from South Africa in 1990.
• The Namibian Annual Trade Expo is held in November in Windhoek. This event provides an opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services to the public.
• The Namibian Dune Challenge is a 4×4 off-road race that takes place in November in the Namib Desert.
• The Namibian National Arts Festival is held in November in Windhoek. This festival celebrates the country’s rich cultural heritage with performances, workshops, and exhibitions.
• The Namibian International Film Festival is held in November in Windhoek. This festival showcases the best of Namibian and international films.

Namibia in December

Weather

December in Namibia is a warm month with temperatures ranging from a low of 16°C (61°F) to a high of 32°C (90°F). Rainfall is low, with an average of 0.5 inches (12 mm) of rain throughout the month.

Events

• The annual Namibia National Arts Festival takes place in December, showcasing the best of Namibian music, dance, and art.
• The annual Namibian Music Awards are held in December, recognizing the best of Namibian music.
• The annual Namibian International Film Festival takes place in December, showcasing the best of Namibian and international films.
• The annual Namibian National Marathon is held in December, with runners competing in a 42 km race.
• The annual Namibian National Soccer Tournament is held in December, with teams competing for the championship title.