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Are you looking for a different kind of Christmas, where your presents are more likely to be found under a camel thorn than under a pine tree? Then consider going to Namibia in December, where you can swap snowmen with sand dunes.
December isn’t usually considered high season in Namibia, but the festive season brings an increase of visitors, many of whom choose to spend their Christmas or New Year holidays here.
December falls within Namibia’s hot season, which spans from November to March. This period also marks the beginning of the rainy season, with early showers bringing a touch of green to the arid landscape. While the vast deserts remain dominant, the scattered greenery provides a refreshing contrast. If you want to experience Namibia’s changing landscape, December is the ideal time to visit.
The festive season brings a special charm to the country, as Namibians celebrate Christmas with various traditions. Towns and homes light up with Christmas decorations, creating a warm, festive atmosphere throughout the country.
If you’re in Namibia in December, we at Namibia-Experience will make sure you get the most out of the hot festive season. Whether you’re exploring the dramatic dunes of Sossusvlei, the mysterious, mist-covered Skeleton Coast, or birdwatching in the green Caprivi Strip, we’ve got you covered. We’re here to help you plan the perfect trip.
You would like to travel to Namibia in December?
Get in touch to start planning your trip!
Weather in Namibia in December
In December, temperatures across Namibia rise, with regional variations. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, bringing cooler nights. Namibia has both a dry and a rainy season, and December is at the beginning of the rainy season. Though the rain showers don’t last long, they provide a refreshing break from the heat. The warmer temperatures and occasional rain may impact outdoor activities, making mornings and late evenings ideal for wildlife viewing, hiking, and exploring Namibia’s breathtaking landscapes.
December is also the start of the festive season, which brings more local visitors to national parks and lodges. After the rains, the landscape becomes greener, offering beautiful scenery that’s perfect for photography and nature enthusiasts.
Average temperatures in Namibia in December
Temperatures can vary considerably throughout Namibia in December, so be sure to take this into account when planning your trip. In the central regions, including the capital Windhoek, average maximum temperatures can reach 30°C (86°F), dropping to 15°C (59°F) at night. Moving north, regions such as Etosha National Park have slightly higher temperatures, with daytime highs often exceeding 31°C (88°F) and night-time lows never falling below 17°C (63°F). Northern areas are hotter and more humid, especially as you approach the Angolan border.
Temperatures are also high in the south, including areas such as the Fish River Canyon, with average daytime temperatures around 29°C (84°F), but can be slightly cooler due to the arid desert conditions. Meanwhile, night-time temperatures in the south can drop to 14°C (57°F), providing a welcome respite from the heat of the day.
Is December a good time to go on safari in Etosha National Park?
While game viewing is at its best during the months of July to October, a safari in Namibia in December offers a very different and unique game viewing experience.
A December safari in Namibia offers a unique wildlife experience, as the start of the rainy season brings a refreshing touch of green to Etosha’s usually dry landscape, creating a striking contrast against its rugged terrain. While the animals are more dispersed, birdwatchers will enjoy spotting migratory species, including flamingos if water levels rise in the pan.
Although wildlife may be harder to spot at waterholes in December, patient safari-goers can still see elephants, lions, and rhinos in Etosha National Park, especially during early morning or late afternoon game drives.
For an even more diverse wildlife experience, you can also explore the Zambezi Region, located in the north-eastern part of Namibia. This area, with its lush wetlands, river systems and floodplains, remains rich in game throughout December. Hippos, crocodiles and a variety of antelope species can be seen, as well as an abundance of birdlife. Combining Etosha and the Zambezi Region on a December safari offers an exciting mix of Namibia’s ecosystems at their most vibrant.
Is December a good time to visit the Namib Desert?
December can be a good time to visit the Namib Desert, but there are a few things you should take into consideration. Temperatures in the Namib Desert can often exceed 40°C (104°F) during the day, especially in areas like Sossusvlei. However, December offers clear skies, and breathtaking landscapes, especially when the low-lying areas between the dunes – the vleis – occasionally fill with water. Additionally, there are fewer tourists compared to the peak travel months.
One way to go about the heat, is to visit the Namib Desert in the mornings, and evenings when weather is cooler, allowing for activities like climbing the famous sand dunes, exploring Deadvlei, or witnessing the vibrant desert sunsets. You will also get the chance to see unique desert wildlife, like the oryx, springbok, and ostriches who are thriving in this harsh environment.
Make sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection. December in the Namib Desert is a true adventure with unforgettable scenery, serene solitude, and a unique experience.
Which are the best places to visit and things to do in Namibia in December?
You may not be used to a hot, sunny Christmas, but if you are in Namibia in December, you are in for a truly unique experience. Whether it’s admiring the festive lights that decorate Namibia’s cities, especially around churches such as Christ Church in Windhoek and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Swakopmund, joining a braai (barbecue) or looking for Namibian Christmas trees made from thorn bushes, December in Namibia is a time you will never forget. Here are a few other local highlights:
- Swakopmund: If you want to escape the heat, the coastal town of Swakopmund is the right place for you. Known for its German colonial architecture, cultural heritage and exciting outdoor adventures such as dolphin cruises and skydiving, spending December on the coast is a great idea.
- Skeleton Coast: December’s cooler coastal temperatures make it a great time to experience one of Namibia’s most mysterious and remote regions, with shipwrecks, salt pans and seal colonies.
- Damaraland: Known for its ancient rock art and desert-adapted wildlife such as elephant and rhino, Damaraland is especially exciting to explore in December with its green landscape.
- Fish River Canyon: One of the largest canyons in the world, the Fish River Canyon is a must-see attraction. If you plan to visit in December, make sure you come early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat.
- Windhoek: A visit to Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, in December is a truly unique experience, as the festive season brings a variety of Christmas markets, events and a vibrant atmosphere to the already rich cultural offering that blends modern African and German colonial influences.
- Walvis Bay: If you are a keen birdwatcher, Walvis Bay is a highlight on your itinerary. In December, flamingos and pelicans crowd the lagoon, and the ocean offers dolphin-watching and kayaking opportunities.
Cost of visiting Namibia in December
December typically not considered the high season in Namibia, but it still holds its own charm. It’s the festive season and the atmosphere is buzzing with both international visitors and locals travelling to enjoy Namibia’s unique take on Christmas and New Year celebrations. Because of that, prices for accommodation, tours and flights can be higher than at other times of the year, and we recommend booking your trip on time.
Our most popular safaris in Namibia in December:
Namibian Explorer
Places Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast, Damaraland, Etosha National Park
from 30,800 NAD (based on 6 persons)
The Best of Namibia
Places Windhoek, Kalahari, Fish River Canyon, Luderitz, Tiras Mountains, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Ugab Valley, Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau
from 52,500 NAD person sharing a double room
If you want to cut costs, there are several options: You can opt for a self-drive adventure, for example, choose budget guesthouses and campsites over luxury lodges, or join one of our small group tours. Whatever option you decide for: we at Namibia-Experience are happy to help you create the itinerary that matches your budget and preferences.
What to wear in Namibia in December
In December, Namibia experiences warm to hot temperatures, especially in the Namib Desert and other lowland areas, as well as the start of the rainy season in some regions. Packing the right clothing is essential for comfort and protection from the sun, heat and occasional showers. Here’s a guide to what to bring:
- Choose clothing with long sleeves and long pants to protect you from the sun and insect bites.
- Avoid clothing in bright colors, as well as camouflage, dark blue and black.
- Pack warm layers to wear during the morning game drives.
- Bring a hat and sunglasses for extra protection from the sun.
- Pack closed shoes for game drives and sitting around the campfire in the evenings.
- Bring a swimsuit if your accommodation has a swimming pool.
- Pack something smart to enjoy a classic safari dinner.
Is December a good time to visit Namibia
December can be a rewarding time to visit Namibia. The weather is warm but still manageable, offering comfortable conditions for exploring the country’s diverse landscapes.
Even if December is not the best time for game viewing in Etosha National Park, it is still a wonderful time to visit. The recent rains mean the animals have dispersed more widely across the park, and spotting them can be slightly more challenging compared to the dry season, but you’re still likely to see a fair variety of wildlife.
What makes December particularly special is the transformation of the landscape. The earlier rains bring a flush of green to the normally arid terrain, creating striking contrasts with Namibia’s famous red sand dunes and rocky expanses. This makes it a fantastic time for photographers, as the combination of bright greenery and dramatic skies adds depth to landscape shots that you wouldn’t get during other times of the year.
Are you curious to experience a festive season like no other? Get in touch and let’s start planning your trip!
