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Written by: Colin on 30 July 2024

When is the best time to visit the Namib Desert? Our Comprehensive Guide

namib-desert

The Namib Desert’s extreme characteristics have been attracting visitors for decades. At 55 to 80 million years old, it is considered the oldest desert in the world. Moreover, it spans a distance of 2000km along the Atlantic Ocean, starting in Angola and running through Namibia before ending in South Africa. It is known for its towering red dunes, endemic species, desert-dwelling wildlife, and intriguing phenomena, such as a weather pattern that brings life to a dry desert and fairy circles that continue to baffle scientists. Above all, its immense and stunning landscapes allure visitors from all over the world.

Timing your visit to a country with such extreme characteristics is vital. The following section explains when is the best time to visit the Namib Desert and suggests activities to enhance your experience.

The Namib Desert’s location and geography

Namibia is located on the west coast of Africa and shares its southern border with South Africa. It is the world’s second-least populated country and the driest sub-Saharan country, receiving an average of 350mm of rainfall annually. The Orange River marks the southern border, while the Kunene River defines the northern border. Windhoek, the capital, is located in the heart of the country.

The Namib Desert extends along the entire length of Namibia’s west coast, reaching up to 120km inland in some areas. Almost the entire length of the desert is protected in a series of national parks. Going further, UNESCO designated over three million hectares, including Namib-Naukluft National Park, as a World Heritage Site, naming it the Sand Sea. Coastal towns in the Namib Desert include Swakopmund and Walvis Bay on the central coast and Luderitz in the south.

The Namib Desert

The Namib Desert climate and weather patterns

Namibia has a semi-tropical climate with almost no rainfall along the coast, while the northeast region receives 600mm of rainfall. The temperature variations between night and day differ significantly. They are influenced by various factors, such as the impact of the Benguela Current from the Atlantic Ocean, which substantially cools the coastline. Because of this, temperatures can fluctuate between 5 °C (41°F) and 40+ °C (104+°F) depending on the location and time of year.

The Namib Desert has a hyper-arid climate with minimal precipitation (2mm) and significant temperature fluctuations based on the time of day and month. The coolest temperatures occur from May to October, with average high temperatures reaching 27°C (81°F), while morning temperatures range from freezing to 7°C (45°F). It is also described as the dry season in Namibia. In comparison, November to March experience high temperatures, with average daytime temperatures reaching 30+°C (86+°F). This period is known as the rainy season throughout the rest of Namibia.

Stunning Landscape in the Namib Desert

Despite harsh temperatures and a dry climate, life can still exist in the desert thanks to a remarkable weather phenomenon. Its profound impact has resulted in evolutionary adaptations in desert plants and wildlife. Moreover, forty-eight species have been observed consuming water from this weather system. What is this phenomenon? 

It is a dense fog formed on the Atlantic Ocean caused by coastal currents. The fog is pushed as far as 100km inland by sea breezes and provides much-needed moisture in the form of condensation for plants, insects, reptiles, and mammals. The Darkling Beetle exemplifies desert adaptation by climbing the highest dunes, assuming a semi-headstand position to collect condensation on its hard shell and directing the water flow into its mouth. The fog can be so dense that navigation on land or at sea becomes nearly impossible without modern technology. If you’re fortunate enough to witness the fog rolling in, it adds to the already dramatic landscape and makes for stunning photographs.

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Best Time to Visit the Namib Desert

You can visit the Namib Desert year-round, especially if you plan excursions early in the morning. But the best time to visit the Namib Desert is considered to be from May to October when cool, dry conditions allow you to explore the desert without experiencing extreme heat. Keep in mind that this is the high season, and the demand for accommodation can outweigh the supply. Therefore, it’s recommended to book at least six months in advance if you want to visit Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, Sesriem Canyon, and the Skeleton Coast. Additional benefits of visiting during these months include the best wildlife viewing conditions and beautiful clear skies perfect for landscape photography.

When is the Best Time to visit the Namib Desert?

Weather in the Namib Desert: month by month

June to October in the Namib Desert

June to August experiences the coldest temperatures, especially at night when frost can occur. These cooler temperatures are ideal for desert activities, especially hiking and exploring without the heat. However, temperatures plummet at night, so packing warm clothes is recommended.

Temperatures increase in September, but early morning activities are still comfortable. Desert flowers emerge this time of year, making it a beautiful time to visit the Namib Desert.

November to March in the Namib Desert: The low season

In the Namib Desert, temperatures are high from November to March, and extreme heat occurs during the middle of the day. The chance of rain is slightly higher during these months. Consequently, flash floods are a risk, so it’s advisable to avoid camping near riverbeds at this time of year. It is the low season, so if you do not mind the heat, you can take advantage of deals and enjoy Namibia’s landscapes with fewer visitors. Nonetheless, planning your activities early in the morning is still a good idea.

April to May in the Namib Desert: The shoulder season

From the end of March temperatures gradually decrease. During April and the beginning of May, fewer people are around, allowing for a more peaceful experience at a slightly lower cost.

Dune Climbing in the Namib Desert

Key activities by month

Dune Climbing

The Namib-Naukluft National Park, located south of Walvis Bay, is the largest national park in Namibia. It is renowned for the Sossusvlei red dunes, which are iconic features of the Namib Desert’s landscapes and attract visitors from around the world. People come to marvel at these towering dunes, with the highest reaching 388 meters, and to challenge themselves by trekking to the top. Despite most of the dunes being protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors can climb several dunes at Sossusvlei, including Elim Dune, Dune 45, Dune Big Mama, and Dune Big Daddy.

The best time to climb the dunes in the Namib Desert is from May to October. The cooler temperatures during these months make the experience much more enjoyable. However, climbing the dunes occurs in the morning when temperatures are cold, so dressing warmly is advisable. It is also the high season, with more people on the dunes. Another good time to visit is in April and May, when the temperatures are moderate and fewer visitors are in the park.

Wildlife Viewing

The driest months occur from May to October, creating optimal viewing conditions as the dry landscapes force the wildlife to remain close to any permanent water source. Some of the best wildlife viewing in the Namib Desert can be seen in Damaraland, famous for its desert elephants and rhinos; Namib-Naukluft National Park, especially around Swakopmund, home to desert-adapted wildlife; and Luderitz, which is known for the Atlantic Ocean’s aquatic wildlife.

Oryx in the Namib Desert

Photography

The Namib Desert offers fantastic photography safaris year-round thanks to its stunning landscapes. You can capture the fog rolling over ochre-coloured dunes in the Namib-Naukluft National Park almost year-round. Magical photography conditions occur from September to November when the desert flowers bloom. If you’re interested in wildlife photography, the best time to visit the Namib Desert is May to October.

Cultural Experiences

The Namib Desert offers diverse cultural experiences best explored from May to October with a local guide and a 4×4 vehicle. Visitors can meet indigenous communities, including the Himba and San People, some of southern Africa’s oldest inhabitants. Some of their ancestor’s rock art can be seen at Twyfelfontein and Brandberg Mountain. You can also learn how people historically sought refuge in enormous baobab trees by visiting the Ombalantu Baobab Tree Heritage Centre. For a real cultural experience, sample local cuisine such as biltong, kapana and mopane worms. Finally, the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Luderitz offer German Art Nouveau architecture, restaurants, sandy beaches and even the Swakopmund Museum.

Planning your visit to the Namib Desert

It’s essential to be prepared when visiting the Namib Desert. Our Getting to Namibia and Packing List guides can make planning more manageable, but we also have some general tips to share.

The desert can be cold during the cooler months of May to October, so it’s essential to pack multiple warm layers to take off as the mornings get warmer. From November to April, temperatures are hot, so pack light clothes that keep you cool and protect you from the sun, such as long-sleeved collared shirts and long trousers. Other essential gear to bring includes hats, sunglasses, and a camelbak so you can carry plenty of water and stay hydrated during activities.

In Namibia you can do either a self-drive tour or a guided tour. However, being 2.3 times larger than Germany, guided tours are ideal for those who want to avoid the responsibility of driving long distances while learning from experienced guides about the country, its wildlife, and its people. 

You can book our guided tours as either group tours or private tours. 

Accommodation options in the Namib Desert include luxury lodges, farm stays, guest houses, and permanent tented camps, all of which provide the comforts of home. Additionally, a network of campsites is ideal for self-driving and guided camping toursIf you plan to visit during the peak season from May to October, booking your preferred accommodations as early as possible is essential due to high demand. Book with us, and a country expert will help you select the perfect accommodation.

Our favourite tours visiting the Namib Desert:

Unique Experiences in the Namib Desert

The Namib Desert offers unique experiences best enjoyed from May to October.

Balloon Safaris offer the most magical experience in the Namib Desert. Drift silently over the Sossusvlei dunes at sunrise, lasting approximately one hour. Afterwards, enjoy a champagne breakfast with your companions to relive the adventure.

Fairy circles are 1.5-meter diameter circles in the desert. The rim is lined with grasses, while the centre is entirely bare. Despite decades of research, the reason behind their existence still does not have a definitive answer. You can observe this phenomenon throughout the Namib Desert. 

Stargazing is outstanding in the Namib Desert, as the lack of human settlements means light pollution is non-existent, and the dark sky appears to reveal the whole universe.

Ballon Safari in the Namib Desert

Is visiting the Namib Desert worth it?

The Namib Desert offers stunning landscapes, rich cultural history, adventure activities, excellent photography, and a sense of serenity, making it definitely worth a visit. The best time to visit the Namib Desert is from May to October, when temperatures are cool and dry. Remember to bring warm clothes and try to book well in advance as it is the high season.

Dune Climbing in the Namib Desert

Our expert advice

Our Namibia-Experience operations office is based in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital. We have our own vehicles and guides. With years of experience planning and delivering excellent experiences, we can help you turn your dream safari to the Namib Desert into a reality. You can speak with one of our country experts for a no-obligation conversation. In a short time, you’ll have all the information you need to plan the perfect safari to the Namib Desert.

If you book with us, a country expert will suggest the best places to stay and recommend activities to enhance your experience. Their assistance won’t end there – they’ll be there for you from your enquiry until you board the plane to return home. Get in touch!