Namibia's Weather and Climate
Namibia – One of the Hottest and Sunniest Countries on Earth
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Namibia ranks among the hottest and driest countries in the world, with vast stretches of desert and semi-desert terrain, intense sunshine, and minimal rainfall. Its geographical location just south of the equator, combined with a predominantly arid climate, contributes to extremely high temperatures, especially in the interior and desert regions.
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Sunshine All Year Round
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Namibia enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest places on Earth. In some regions, particularly in the central highlands and desert zones, the sun shines more than 10 hours a day on average. The abundant sunshine is not only perfect for outdoor adventure and wildlife viewing but also ideal for solar power generation, which is increasingly utilized across the country.
Namibia's climate according to regions
1. The Caprivi Stripi (Evergreen)
This narrow northeastern extension of Namibia is the country’s wettest region. It experiences a subtropical climate influenced by the Zambezi and Kwando rivers. The rainy season usually begins in November and peaks between January and March. High humidity and lush vegetation set it apart from the rest of the country, and temperatures can soar in summer months, though nights are cooler.
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Climate Type: Subtropical / Savanna
Rainfall: 600–1000 mm annually (highest in Namibia)
Temperature:
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Summer (Oct–Mar): 25–35°C
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Winter (May–Aug): 6–25°C
2. Central Highlands (including Windhoek)
The central highlands, where Namibia’s capital Windhoek is located, sit at elevations around 1,700 meters (5,600 ft). This region experiences moderate rainfall, mostly from December to March. Winters are dry and crisp with cold nights, sometimes accompanied by light frost. Summers are warm with occasional thunderstorms.
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Climate Type: Semi-arid / Highland climate
Rainfall: 300–400 mm annually
Temperature:
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Summer: 20–33°C
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Winter: 5–22°C (can drop below freezing at night)
3. Namib Desert (Coastal and Inland)
Stretching along the Atlantic coast, the Namib Desert is one of the driest regions on Earth. Rainfall is rare and unreliable, and most moisture comes in the form of fog generated by the cold Benguela Current. Inland temperatures fluctuate greatly, with hot daytime conditions and cold nights, especially in the southern Namib near Sossusvlei.
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Climate Type: Hyper-arid / Desert
Rainfall: 2–85 mm annually (highly variable)
Temperature:
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Day: 12–35°C
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Night: Can drop below 10°C
4. Kalahari Desert (Eastern Namibia)
The Kalahari, which extends into Botswana and South Africa, covers much of eastern Namibia. Despite being called a desert, it supports grasses, shrubs, and sparse trees, especially after summer rains. Rainfall is seasonal and highly variable. Summers are extremely hot, while winters are dry and chilly, especially at night.
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Climate Type: Semi-arid / Savanna
Rainfall: 150–350 mm annually
Temperature:
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Summer: 25–38°C
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Winter: 5–22°C
5. Atlantic Ocean Coastline (Skeleton Coast and Coastal Towns)
The Atlantic Ocean plays a major role in moderating temperatures along the Namibian coast. The cold Benguela Current causes a stark contrast with the inland heat, keeping coastal temperatures relatively mild throughout the year. This region is notorious for its persistent fog, strong winds, and desert dryness despite the ocean’s proximity. The Skeleton Coast, in particular, is known for its treacherous weather, with sudden changes in wind and dense fog banks.
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Climate Type: Coastal Desert / Marine-influenced
Rainfall: Less than 20 mm annually
Temperature:
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Day: 15–25°C (rarely exceeds 30°C)
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Night: 10–18°C
Namibia's yearly weather cycle
Namibia has a subtropical desert climate, shaped largely by its location along the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib and Kalahari Deserts. The country experiences four distinct seasons: the rainy season (also known as the wet season), the dry season, the cool winter months, and the hot summer months. Here is a breakdown of Namibia’s yearly weather cycle by season and month:
January to March – Rainy Season (Wet Summer)
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Weather: This is the peak of the rainy season.
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Temperatures: Daytime temperatures range between 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), with high humidity in the northern and central parts.
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Rainfall: Thunderstorms are common, especially in the afternoons. Rain is mostly concentrated in the north and central highlands, while the coastal and desert regions remain relatively dry.
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Landscape: The countryside becomes lush and green, wildlife disperses, and rivers may flood, especially in northern regions like Zambezi and Kavango.
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April to May – Transition (End of Rainy Season)
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Weather: Rainfall tapers off, and humidity begins to drop.
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Temperatures: Cooler evenings begin, with daytime temperatures averaging 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
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Landscape: Still relatively green, but starting to dry out. This is a good time for travel as roads are improving and scenery remains lush.
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June to August – Dry Winter Season
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Weather: This is the dry and cooler part of the year.
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Temperatures: Days are sunny and mild, 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F), but nights can be very cold, especially in the desert and inland regions, dropping to 0°C (32°F) or lower.
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Rainfall: Virtually no rainfall.
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Landscape: Grasslands begin to turn brown; water becomes scarcer, and wildlife congregates around permanent water sources, making this a prime safari season.
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September to October – Hot Dry Season (Pre-Rain)
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Weather: These are the hottest and driest months of the year.
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Temperatures: Can soar to 35°C to 40°C (95°F to 104°F) or higher in the north and inland regions.
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Rainfall: Very little to no rain, but some regions may start to see early, isolated thunderstorms by late October.
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Landscape: Very dry and dusty, but great for wildlife viewing due to reduced vegetation and concentrated water sources.
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November to December – Onset of the Rainy Season
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Weather: The first rains of the season begin to fall, usually in the form of dramatic afternoon thunderstorms.
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Temperatures: Remain high, 30°C to 38°C (86°F to 100°F), with rising humidity.
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Rainfall: Sporadic but increasingly consistent toward December.
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Landscape: The dry, parched land begins to green up again.
Best Time To Visit Namibia
Namibia welcomes travelers all year long, but the dry season from May to October is especially popular. During these months, the days are sunny and comfortably warm, making it ideal for exploring—though evenings can be chilly, so a warm jacket is a must! While the coastal regions may experience some fog, the rest of the country enjoys clear skies and little to no rain.
This period is also the best time for unforgettable wildlife experiences. As the landscape becomes drier, animals naturally gather around permanent waterholes, creating prime conditions for game viewing and photography. Whether you're visiting the iconic Etosha National Park or staying at a private lodge or farm, you’ll have excellent chances of spotting Namibia’s diverse wildlife up close.
Star Gazing in Namibia – A Sky Full of Wonders
Namibia is one of the best places on Earth for stargazing. With its vast open landscapes, low light pollution, and clear, dry skies—especially during the winter months—visitors are treated to night skies unlike anywhere else. Whether you're lying beneath the stars in the Namib Desert or enjoying the view from a remote lodge, the celestial display above is truly breathtaking. The Milky Way stretches across the sky in dazzling detail, and on moonless nights, it feels as if the entire universe is within reach.
Southern Hemisphere constellations, shooting stars, and even the occasional glimpse of planets or satellites make every evening a magical experience. Some lodges even offer telescopes and guided stargazing sessions to enhance your journey through the stars.
For travelers seeking peace, wonder, and a deeper connection with nature, stargazing in Namibia is a moment you’ll never forget.
