Southern Africa · Month-by-month weather, seasons and what to do — from Noura's Destination Finder.
🟢 Peak season · 🟠 Shoulder · ⚪ Off-peak
Average temperatures, sunshine and the feel of each month. Getting the timing right is half of a great trip.
| Month | Avg °F | Sun | Rain | Season | What it's like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 63–90°F | 9h | Moderate (80mm) | Off-Peak | Hot desert days, dramatic storms and a rare chance of a flooded Sossusvlei. |
| February | 63–88°F | 9h | Moderate (80mm) | Off-Peak | Warm and green-tinged with summer showers over the dunes and Etosha. |
| March | 61–86°F | 9h | Moderate (80mm) | Shoulder | Softer heat and green bush as the rains taper across the desert. |
| April | 56–82°F | 9h | Low (40mm) | Shoulder | Mild, clear and golden, dunes glowing as dry season approaches. |
| May | 51–78°F | 10h | Minimal (7mm) | Peak | Cool, crisp and dry; game gathering and perfect dune-climbing weather. |
| June | 46–74°F | 10h | Minimal (1mm) | Peak | Frosty nights, warm bright days and superb desert-and-Etosha viewing. |
| July | 45–73°F | 11h | Minimal (1mm) | Peak | Cold dawns and clear skies, peak dry-season game at the waterholes. |
| August | 49–78°F | 11h | Minimal (1mm) | Peak | Dry, sunny and wildlife-rich with brilliant star-filled desert nights. |
| September | 56–85°F | 11h | Minimal (3mm) | Peak | Warming days and outstanding Etosha game as animals crowd the water. |
| October | 60–89°F | 11h | Minimal (12mm) | Peak | Scorching and spectacular, the desert's most intense game viewing. |
| November | 61–90°F | 10h | Low (25mm) | Shoulder | Building heat and first storms greening the plains before the rains. |
| December | 63–91°F | 9h | Low (40mm) | Off-Peak | Hot, big-sky summer with dramatic storms and lush Etosha game drives. |
Data cross-referenced from climate and flight sources; conditions vary year to year.
Hand-picked ideas for every month of the year — from Noura's Destination Finder.
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