last edited Dec 11, 2019
Botswana: Climate and Weather
Climate Overview
Botswana has a semi-arid climate with high daytime temperatures but cold nights, especially at "altitude" during the southern winter (June–August), and relatively little rainfall. Like the rest of the region, there is a dry season (May to October) and a rainy season (November to April).
The dry season is the best time to visit the country and go on safaris in the northern reserves. The weather is pleasant (though cold at night) with manageable temperatures at least until early September, when the mercury rises and easily exceeds 30°C. This is characteristic of the southern summer and the rainy season. The heat is then intense and stifling, particularly in the west in Kalahari Desert, with rains—especially in the north and east—that can make some roads impassable.
Best Climate Period for Botswana
Climatically, the period from May to the end of September is the best time to visit, despite the rather cold nights, which can be uncomfortable when camping.
| Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Climate | / | / |
: very favorable | : favorable | : moderately favorable | : unfavorable.