Namibia's Atlantic Coast

Overview

Namibia has over 1,500 km of coastline, though it’s far from the most welcoming. The coast is part of the Namib Desert, with scattered key towns built by German colonizers in the late 19th century, most of which have retained a distinct architectural style.

Touristically, this stretch of the country is well worth the detour, with natural sites like Cape Cross (and its seals), the Brandberg massif (for hiking), and above all the Namib-Naukluft National Park, internationally recognized for Sesriem Canyon and the orange dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei—Namibia’s top tourist attraction.

Main towns

Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, and the "old" Lüderitz are the main (small) coastal settlements.

Tourist attractions

Towns and their heritage

Beaches and coastline

The desert-like nature of the coast (part of the Namib Desert) and the relatively cold water have done little to encourage the development of beach resorts. The country still has two or three, like Henties Bay or Swakopmund, where surfing and deep-sea fishing are popular.

Nature and activities

Climate and weather

Generally, temperatures along the coastal strip remain fairly consistent year-round, averaging between 15 and 20°C. Winter, from May to early October, is the dry season in the country, with slightly cooler temperatures. This is when the effects of the Benguela Current (a cold current specific to the region) are most noticeable along the coast. The cold waters create a high-pressure system that channels cool air but makes temperatures unstable, often causing coastal fog, especially in the south.

Best time to visit Namibia’s coast

Regardless of the season, temperatures and climate remain relatively stable.

★★★: very favorable | ★★: favorable | ★: moderately favorable | ⊘: unfavorable.

Sea temperatures throughout the year

The ocean along Namibia’s coast is never particularly warm, with temperatures ranging between 15 and 20°C year-round. Even during the southern summer, the cold Benguela Current prevents the water from warming up.

Climate in Swakopmund