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Written by: Colin on 5 November 2024

Namibia in July – prices, weather, activities & more

A cheetah lies on the red-coloured sandy ground. Namibia in July is a great time for game watching.

July is a great time to visit Namibia. It’s the third month of the dry season, offering excellent wildlife viewing, pleasant temperatures and dry weather. This makes Namibia in July perfect for trekking, game drives in parks like Etosha National Park, and exploring the Namib and Kalahari Deserts.

However, nights can be chilly, especially at high altitude or in the desert, so packing warm clothes is essential. You can explore Namibia on a guided group tour, a private tour or take a self-driving adventure to experience warm hospitality at fantastic accommodations. Since July is the high season in Namibia, booking in advance is recommended. Find out more below.

The Erongo Wilderness Lodge in the Erongo Mountains at sunset.

Overview: Seasons in Namibia

Namibia is the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa, receiving an average rainfall of 350mm. Its distinct dry and wet seasons offer unique experiences for every type of traveller.

The dry season lasts from May to October and is characterised by low rainfall and daytime temperatures ranging from 21°C (70°F) to 29°C (84°F). May to August are the coldest months in Namibia. In certain areas, nighttime temperatures regularly drop below zero. From August to October, temperatures gradually rise, eliminating chilly mornings. This makes the dry season including the month of July an excellent time for wildlife viewing, trekking, and desert exploration.

The landscape of Spitzkoppe. A man stands on a large rock. Mountains and blue sky in the background.

The wet season runs from November to April, with temperatures ranging from 26°C (79°F) to 31°C (88°F) and higher in the deserts. The highest temperatures occur from November to December and then decrease from the end of January to April. Rainfall varies by month and region. January to March are the wettest months, with the northeast receiving 600mm and the coast receiving only 2mm. During the wet season, early morning excursions avoid the afternoon heat, and wildlife viewing can still be good despite the animals dispersing into the plains.

Weather in Namibia in July – why it is an excellent time to visit

Namibia’s diverse regions have various climates: desert, arid, semi-arid, and subtropical. These differences lead to higher rainfall in the north and drier conditions in the south. Still, Namibia’s weather is characterised by a six-month wet and dry season.

In general, July in Namibia offers warm, pleasant, and dry weather. The cooler temperatures make trekking, exploring Namibia’s desert, and wildlife spotting a delight. However, temperatures drop significantly at night.

Our most popular safaris in Namibia in July:

July is one of the best months to experience game drives in Namibia’s wildlife parks. It is almost halfway through the dry season, which began in May. As the landscapes dry out, the vegetation becomes less dense, making it easier to spot animals and birds that never stray far from permanent water sources. Game drives take place in the early morning and late afternoon when wildlife is most active, so it’s wise to dress warmly to stay comfortable.

Coastal regions like Swakopmund can feel cooler, but they are still worth visiting for their unique blend of culture, architecture, and oceanic views.

A jetty on the Swakopmund coastline.

Average temperature in Namibia in July

June and July are the coldest months in Namibia. Depending on the location, average daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C (68 to 77°F). Nighttime temperatures drop rapidly, with average nighttime temperatures of 6°C to 7°C (42 to 44°F), and frost is common at high altitudes and in the desert.

Which are the best places to visit in Namibia in July?

The Namib Desert

The Namib Desert is one of the best places to visit in Namibia in July. It offers cooler temperatures for comfortable exploration and trekking at places like Deadvlei and the tall dunes at Sossusvlei in the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

Stretching from Angola to South Africa, this 80-million-year-old desert is home to a variety of flora and fauna that have adapted to the arid conditions.

The parched landscape of Deadvlei. Dead trees and dunes in the background. July is one of the best times to visit the Namib Desert.

As the desert only receives 2mm of rainfall, the resident wildlife relies on moisture-laden fog that rolls in from the Atlantic Ocean for survival. National parks protect almost the entire length of the Namib, offering numerous destinations to explore, including the coastal town of Luderitz.

Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park in northern Namibia is a fantastic destination all year round. However, July is ideal for wildlife viewing as it is the dry season. After three rainless months, the ecosystem starts to dry out, including the vast Etosha Pan, visible from space. During this time, the spring-fed waterholes support one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in southern Africa.

As the wildlife remains within walking distance of the waterholes, it’s a prime time for sightings, including interactions between predators and prey.

A group of giraffes walks through the Etosha National Park. Namibia in July is the best time for a safari.

Swakopmund

Swakopmund is a coastal town founded by the Germans colonialists, where the desert meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city enjoys cool temperatures throughout the year, making it a great destination at any time of the year.

However, July is an ideal time to visit Swakopmund because it is the gateway to the Namib Desert. You can explore the town’s architecture, enjoy delicious seafood, and then venture into the desert for activities such as quad biking, and sandboarding.

During desert tours, you will discover fascinating desert-adapted plants and animals, including the ‘Little Five’. Alternatively, take a boat trip to the Walvis Bay lagoon to spot seals, dolphins, turtles, and whales.

Damaraland

Damaraland offers breathtaking landscapes in north-eastern Namibia, San-made rock art, and diverse wildlife, including desert-dwelling elephants and black rhinos.

The desert elephants in Damaraland walk through a dry riverbed.

Damaraland can be visited year-round, but the dry season, especially in July, is one of the best times to spot wildlife. Like neighbouring Etosha National Park, wildlife stays close to water sources during the dry season. Therefore, visiting the waterholes and dry riverbeds gives you the best chance of seeing the wildlife.

Additionally, when the temperatures are mild, visiting the ancient rock sites in the Brandberg Mountains, Twyfelfontein, Spitzkoppe, and Erongo Mountains is more enjoyable.

Activities

Is July a good time to go on safari?

July is an excellent month for a safari in Namibia, especially if you combine the northern parks, like Etosha, Damaraland, and the Caprivi Strip.

Namibia is ideal for a first African safari thanks to good roads, friendly locals, and great places to stay. The only downside is the long distances between parks, but experienced guides can handle the driving for you on a private or group tour. You will also enjoy a richer experience as our excellent guides share their knowledge of the history, people, and wildlife with you.

Zebras in Etosha in Namibia in July. In the background, you can see an Acacia tree and the Etosha Pan.

Alternatively, those with off-road experience can consider a self-drive tour for a more independent experience.

We at Namibia-Experience have a superb reputation for organising and delivering excellent safaris. We suggest reading our reviews and arranging a no-obligation conversation with one of our country experts to take the next step towards organising a dream Namibia safari in July – one of the best times for wildlife viewing.

A white rental car with roof-top tent stands on a dirt road. Mountains in the background. Namibia in July is a great time for a self-drive safari.

Is July a good time to go on Desert Tours?

July is an excellent time for a desert tour. The cooler temperatures make exploring the desert much more comfortable, and at this time of year, hiking is one of the best ways to experience the desert. Here are our favourite hikes:

  • The 3-day Tok Tokkie Trail in the Namib Desert allows you to camp at two different desert locations and sleep under the open sky in prepared open-air camps, which many guests consider the highlight of the trip.
  • The 14-day Footprints in Namibia is a round trip that visits some of Namibia’s most famous destinations, including Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Etosha, the Waterberg Plateau, Spitzkoppe, and Windhoek.
  • Hiking Sossusvlei’s dunes, such as Elim Dune, Dune 45, Dune 7, Big Mama, and Big Daddy, is a highlight for many.
A man runs on the dunes of the Namib Desert.

We at Namibia-Experience offer carefully designed desert tours, including unforgettable experiences such as stargazing or a balloon safari over Sossusvlei’s dunes. Contact us to find out more.

Cost of visiting Namibia in July

The dry season is the most popular time to visit Namibia, which means it is the high season with higher prices.

Namibia offers various accommodation options, including lodges, camping facilities, luxury tours, guesthouses, and farm stays. However, during the high season, there is a high demand for accommodation, which can exceed the supply, so booking early is essential.

Try not to let the high season prices discourage you. July is a fantastic time to visit Namibia, perfect for wildlife viewing, trekking, and exploring the deserts. While a trip during the dry season may be slightly more expensive than a usual holiday, the memories created will be priceless. Additionally, our country experts can plan experiences to fit almost any budget. Come and escape the busy world and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience with us.

A zebra stands on a grassy hill. The sun is setting in the background.

You would like to travel to Namibia in July?

Get in touch to start planning your trip!

Other things to consider

When booking accommodation in Etosha, there is one crucial difference to be aware of. Most accommodation inside Etosha National Park, is state-owned and operated. On the other hand, places to stay outside parks are privately owned and operated.

Accommodation inside the parks is a highlight for many people because they are typically located near floodlit waterholes, allowing guests to observe wildlife at night. However, the standard of accommodation is not very high and may seem basic to some visitors.

Three oryx in the arid Namibian landscape. Mountains in the background.

On the other hand, accommodation outside the parks offers a higher standard and a wider range of options, from budget to luxury, and can feel more charming. If you would like to learn more, feel free to speak to our country experts.

What to wear in Namibia in July

Packing for Namibia in July can be tricky due to the wide temperature variations. When you book with us, we will email you a packing list and other guides to help you prepare for your safari. In the meantime, you can read our packing list advice for Namibia, which revolves around one essential tip: Keep it light, soft, and simple.

Conclusion: Is July a good time to visit Namibia?

July is an excellent time to visit Namibia, especially for first-time visitors to Africa who want to explore the deserts and see as much wildlife as possible.

It is the third month of the dry season and features mild temperatures that are ideal for desert exploration and wildlife spotting. However, it is the high season, so booking your trip as early as possible is recommended.

You can contact us for a no-obligation conversation to start planning your Namibia safari in July. We will be there to assist you every step of the way.