Namibia: Climate and Weather

Climate Overview

Namibia's climate can be characterised by two seasons and "nuances" depending on the location (coast, interior, altitude, etc.), with significant day/night temperature variations inland.

From late October to early April, during the southern summer, the country experiences its rainy season. This is marked by scorching heat (and cool nights) inland, while temperatures are more pleasant on the coast, where it hardly rains at all, and in the highland areas. The further south you go, the less pronounced the rainy season becomes.

Winter, from May to early October, is the dry season. Temperatures are cooler, and nights are cold, especially on the high plateaus. 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 of this current create a high-pressure system that channels cold air but makes temperatures unstable, in addition to causing coastal fog, particularly in the south. However, temperatures along the coastal strip remain fairly consistent year-round, averaging between 15 and 20°C.

Best Time to Visit Namibia

The best time to visit Namibia climatically is between April and September-October. This is when you can fully enjoy the interior and national parks, some of which (including Etosha) are closed at the start and end of the year. As for the coast, its temperatures and climate remain relatively constant regardless of the season.

★★★: very favourable | ★★: favourable | ★: moderately favourable | ⊘: unfavourable.

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 temperature from rising.

Climate by Region

The Coast (Swakopmund)

The Interior (Windhoek)

Additional Information