Namibia travel tips: When is the best time to travel to this African country?
Essentially, Namibia is a great travel destination all year round, with different appeals for each season. With roughly 300 days of sun, you can expect a sunny travel experience all year long and nice temperatures every single month, so you really are spoiled for choice. What time you should travel to Namibia, mainly depends on your own wishes of what to see and which route you are going to take.
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The Namibian summer
The Namibian summer, which roughly lasts from December to April, is a rainy season in Namibia. The usually sparse landscapes wrap themselves in a green cloak, blooming plants everywhere. Even the desert revives with verdant and thriving vegetation that creates a spectacular contrast to the deep orange dunes.
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Just as the plants do, the animals also seem to awaken from their deep slumber and revive with new life: huge springbok herds caper through the green plains, new-borns explore the world and brightly coloured birds fill the air with their melodies. The returning of the migrant birds in these months make the Namibian summer perfect for bird-watching.
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Those who like hot temperatures will be absolutely satisfied with daytime temperatures above 30 degrees and even more in some areas like the desert. Cooling-down awaits you at the coastal regions like Swakopmund and Lüderitz, where one can unwind at moderate temperatures.
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While December and January is a popular time for winter escaping Europeans, the months February to April are perfect for a relaxing time far from any inrush of tourists and for getting to know another side of Namibia. Another advantage is the cheaper low season rates of various accommodations.
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The summer from December to April is ideal for:
- Bird- and newborn-watching
- New impressions of a blooming, calm Namibia
- Relaxing days at the coast
- Those who like hot temperatures
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The Namibian winter
The Namibian winter lasts roughly from May to September and is the driest season. That makes these months ideal for any wildlife viewing, as the animals need to come to the remaining waterholes.
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Pleasant temperatures in the whole country make it possible to enjoy every destination to the fullest. Thanks to daytime temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees there are no activities that can’t be done – whether long hikes, mountain bike-tours or other activities.
In contrast to the summer months, it’s now also possible to book a multiple day hike through the Fish River Canyon. One should mind though that the temperatures can drop to 0 degrees Celsius at night and make warm clothing necessary for the evening hours.
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The months from July to September are high season in Namibia, meaning that hotels and lodges are often fully booked well in advance. Those who would like to travel to Namibia now should start early with the bookings. The low season from May to the beginning of July might be a great alternative, when wildlife viewing is generally good as well but one avoids the big rush.
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The winter from May to September is ideal for:
- Animal watching on safaris
- The “real” Namibian feeling with sparse, wide landscapes
- Visiting destinations like the Namib, the Fish River Canyon or the Caprivi Strip, where it gets very hot in summertime
- Those who like moderate temperatures
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The little rainy season in the Namibian “spring”
October and November are likewise worth consideration. These months are the transitional period from winter to summer, so sort of the Namibian spring. With daytime temperatures between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius it gets hotter in the country and the temperatures at night aren’t that frosty anymore. There can be a first period of rainfalls in November, which is called the little rainy season. While October is great for animal watching, November holds first signs of life, of the green landscapes awaited in the rainy season.
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The months are not as popular as the high seasons from December to January and July to September, that makes it possible to experience and enjoy Namibia in peace and far from the rush.
The Namibian “spring” from October to November is ideal for:
- Those, who would like to escape the big rush in the winter season
- Animal watching in October
- Sneaking a peek at the rainy season
- Those who also like hot temperatures
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Which is your favourite season to visit Namibia? Let us know by sharing your story in the comment section below.
Author – Jana Kucharczyk
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