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Traveling to Namibia in June is like discovering a hidden gem before everyone else knows about it: June marks the beginning of high season and winter in the Southern Hemisphere, patiently awaiting the influx of visitors in July and August. This allows for a more intimate and tranquil explorations of iconic destinations like Etosha National Park and the Namib Desert.
If you are planning to visit Namibia in June, be sure to book your trip early; we recommend booking up to one year in advance.
June is the beginning of the dry season, and the animals in northern Namibia start to congregate around waterholes, creating great game viewing conditions. Imagine being on your dream safari, spotting famous African animals such as rhinos, hippos, giraffes, and elephants, while being surrounded by vastness and solitude. Plus, clear skies provide the perfect opportunity for stunning photography and unparalleled stargazing.
Sounds good? We can assure you that visiting Namibia in June is a real highlight. Whether you’re a safari enthusiast, adventure seeker or desert lover, June offers the perfect balance of remarkable scenery, abundant wildlife and a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere.
Weather in Namibia in June
With dry, sunny days and cool or cold nights, June marks the beginning of the dry season. While the mornings and evenings can be a little cold, the days are usually warm, with temperatures in the 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) range, lots of sunshine and little rain. So while you may need an extra layer of clothing in the mornings and evenings, the days are usually pleasant, making it a fantastic month to explore the Namib Desert, Etosha National Park, Fish River Canyon or the coastal areas such as Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
The sunny weather, with clear blue skies, provides excellent opportunities for photography. The dry season also means that roads are in good condition, making transport and access to remote areas such as the Namib Desert and Etosha National Park smoother and more predictable.
Average temperatures in Namibia in June
There are some regional variations in climate and conditions, but the whole of Namibia is generally dry and rain-free throughout June. Locations at higher altitudes, such as the capital Windhoek, are slightly cooler, with daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and nighttime temperatures around 10°C (50°F). This climate is ideal for exploring the city’s cultural attractions and open-air markets while avoiding extreme heat or cold.
In the south, especially in the Namib Desert, the days are warm with temperatures around 22°C (72°F), but the nights can be considerably colder, sometimes dropping to 5°C (41°F) or below. If you enjoy stargazing, this is a unique opportunity as the clear, cold nights will show you spectacular skies.
The coast of Namibia is always cooler than the interior of the country and the winters are particularly foggy along the Skeleton Coast.
In the north of the country, including the famous Etosha National Park, daytime temperatures hover around 25°C (77°F), making it perfect for game drives. Mornings and evenings are cooler, so dress warmly for early game drives.
In all these regions, the moderate daytime temperatures and cool nights of June are ideal for hiking, photography and enjoying the vast landscapes.
Our most popular safaris in Namibia in June:
Namibian Explorer
Places Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast, Damaraland, Etosha National Park
from 30,800 NAD (based on 6 persons)
Fascinating Namibia
Places Windhoek, Kalahari, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Erongo Mountains, Damaraland, Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau
from 63,000 NAD person sharing a double room
Wildlife viewing: Is June a good time to go on safari in Etosha National Park?
June is a good time to visit the famous Etosha National Park in northern Namibia, known as one of the best places in Africa to see black rhinos in their natural habitat. The park, centered around the vast, salty Etosha Pan, teems with flamingos, elephants, giraffes, leopards and ostriches. Since June falls into Namibia’s dry season, water in the bush becomes scarce, causing animals to congregate around the park’s many waterholes. This concentration of wildlife creates some of the best game viewing opportunities of the year, making it easier to spot a wide variety of animals including elephant, lion, rhino, giraffe and large herds of antelope.
June marks the beginning of the dry season. This means that vegetation can still be somewhat dense in certain areas. However, there are usually fewer visitors in the park compared to the peak season months later in the dry season. This can be a great advantage if you are looking for a secluded experience in more than decent conditions.
The cooler temperatures, ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) during the day, are ideal for game drives, allowing you to explore the park comfortably without the intense heat of summer. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly rewarding times for sightings, as animals are most active during these cooler periods. The dry, clear weather makes it easier to spot wildlife across the vast plains, creating unique photo backdrops.
If you want to add something contrasting, yet equally beautiful, to your bucket list, then we can only recommend the Zambezi Region, with its lush landscapes, rivers, and wetlands. This region is home to several stunning national parks like Mudumu National Park, known for its lush floodplains and abundant wildlife such as elephants and buffaloes; Bwabwata National Park, offering rich biodiversity and excellent bird-watching opportunities; and Mamili (Nkasa Rupara) National Park, renowned for its wetland areas and a haven for various water birds and aquatic species. These parks offer unique experiences ranging from river safaris to bushwalks, showcasing the rich natural heritage of the Zambezi Region.
Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor, Etosha and the different national parks of Zambezi offer an unforgettable wildlife adventure in June.
Is June a good time to visit the Namib Desert?
Visiting the Namib Desert in June will be an unforgettable experience, as you can experience the best the desert has to offer while enjoying optimal weather conditions. During this month, the desert offers cool daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) with low humidity levels, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, sandboarding, and quad biking. The cooler weather makes adventure activities such as hiking to the top of Dune 45 or exploring Deadvlei even more enjoyable without the extreme heat. However, nights can be chilly, sometimes dropping below 0°C (32°F), so don’t forget to pack warm clothing.
The clear, crisp skies of June provide stunning sunrises and sunsets, particularly at iconic locations like Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, which will not only be the perfect addition for your photo album, but also memories for a lifetime. The light conditions enhance the dramatic landscapes, and the lack of light pollution offers some of the best stargazing opportunities, with the Milky Way and countless stars vividly visible. This surely will be an experience you won’t forget.
When visiting Namibia in June, it is important to prepare for cold nights by packing warm layers. Nevertheless, the desert sun remains strong during the day, so don’t forget to bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from UV exposure. Staying hydrated is essential, even in cooler weather, so ensure you carry enough water, especially during outdoor activities.
All of this makes June an ideal time to experience the Namib Desert’s extraordinary landscapes, wildlife, and culture in a comfortable and serene setting.
You would like to travel to Namibia in June?
Get in touch to start planning your trip!
Which are the best places to visit and things to do in Namibia in June?
There are many things you can experience when visiting Namibia in June that beautifully blend its rich culture, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes.
For a different kind of wildlife experience, head to Swakopmund and its nearby coastal gem, Walvis Bay. Between June and November, the Atlantic coast here becomes a migration route for southern right whales and humpback whales, offering incredible whale-watching opportunities. But there’s also something for the bird-lovers: in the protected Walvis Bay Wetlands, a Ramsar site, you can see pelicans and flamingos create a vibrant spectacle against the coastal backdrop.
Damaraland is another special experience, as it is the home of desert-adapted elephants and unique wildlife like the endangered black rhino and Hartmann’s mountain zebra. As those animals managed to survive in the harsh, and arid conditions, wildlife viewing here is truly unique. This region is also rich in cultural heritage, with the ancient rock engravings at Twyfelfontein – one of Namibia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites –offering a glimpse into the lives of the San people who lived here thousands of years ago.
Another great stop to add to your itinerary is the beautiful Skeleton Coast, which stretches along Namibia’s northern coastline. The area is famous for its treacherous waters that have caused numerous shipwrecks, leaving rusted hulls scattered along the coastline, which give you an immediate sense of tragedy and bravery. The coast is also home to colonies of Cape fur seals, particularly at Cape Cross, where thousands of these marine mammals can be seen sunbathing on the rocks. The region’s occasional coastal fog, often rolling in from the Atlantic, adds a mysterious and otherworldly atmosphere to the already stark and dramatic landscape, making the Skeleton Coast a truly unique destination in Namibia that you will surely enjoy.
Whatever you decide on adding to your itinerary: it will surely turn your trip into an unforgettable experience. At Namibia-Experience, we’re committed to helping you get the most out of your Namibia visit, so be sure to contact us for help.
Cost of visiting Namibia in June
Visiting Namibia in June can be relatively affordable, just before the peak tourist months of July and August. During this time, you may find better deals on accommodations, with many lodges, tented camps, and hotels offering discounted rates compared to the high season. Nevertheless, we highly recommend booking your trip on time, as visitor numbers increase quickly.
While June is generally more affordable than the peak months of July and August, it’s important to note that prices may still be higher compared to the rainy season (November-April).
The cost of guided tours and safaris might also be lower, providing good value for money. Self-drive road trips are a popular and cost-effective way to explore Namibia, allowing you to control your budget by choosing from a range of accommodations, from luxury lodges to more budget-friendly guesthouses and campsites.
While flights to Namibia can be a significant expense, booking in advance can help reduce costs. You can also choose to join a small group tour instead of a private tour to make your budget go further. Overall, June offers a great balance of affordability and access to Namibia’s top attractions, making it an excellent time to visit without breaking the bank.
What to wear in Namibia in June
If you decide to go on safari with us, you will receive a range of helpful advice, including a packing list to help you prepare for your safari. Here are a few general tips that can help you now:
- Choose tops 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.
- Take a swimsuit for the lodge pools.
- Pack something smart to enjoy a classic safari dinner.
Is June a good time to visit Namibia?
June is an excellent time to visit Namibia, offering a perfect blend of incredible experiences before most tourists arrive in July and August. Throughout June, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Namibia’s diverse landscapes -from the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park to the lush Zambezi Region, the stunning Namib Desert, and the mysterious Skeleton Coast – under ideal conditions. The dry, and cold weather is perfect for game viewing and outdoor activities, while fewer tourists mean more tranquil experiences. Due to its popularity, we highly recommend planning your trip as soon as possible, and up to one year in advance.
We at Namibia-Experience are experts at designing your perfect Namibia trip, so don’t hesitate to contact us for help today!
