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October is a good month to visit Namibia, especially if you are looking for warm, sunny weather, incredible wildlife experiences, and a variety of outdoor, and cultural activities. October marks the end of the dry Namibian winter and temperatures range from mild mornings to hot afternoons, especially in desert areas such as the Namib Desert and Etosha National Park.
The mostly sunny, and dry weather is perfect for outdoor activities without the inconvenience of rain, and the sparse vegetation in Etosha National Park offers some of the best game viewing opportunities of the year. Namibia in October is also the perfect time to explore iconic landscapes like Sossusvlei or enjoying adventures in Swakopmund.
As it’s still high season, prices for accommodation and tours may be higher, and in demand. We recommend booking up to one year in advance.
Weather in Namibia in October
October in Namibia is characterised by warm to hot temperatures and clear, sunny skies, marking the transition from winter to summer. While the temperatures and conditions at the beginning of the month may be quite spring-like (dry, clear and warm), rain clouds and humidity will build up in the second half of the month and temperatures will rise. There’s quite a lot of regional variation in temperature across Namibia. The coast tends to be cooler than the interior throughout the year.
October is the hottest month of the year in the Caprivi Strip and Etosha National Park, both in northern Namibia, with average highs of around 37°C (99°F).
Other parts of the country tend to be much cooler; expect average daytime temperatures of around 30°C (86°F) in many places but about 22°C (71°F) on the Skeleton Coast. Nights are generally cooler, especially in the desert and highland areas, providing comfortable sleeping conditions.
October remains part of the dry season, with virtually no rainfall, ensuring excellent conditions for outdoor activities like wildlife safaris, hiking, and stargazing. It’s a great month for travelers who enjoy sunny weather and minimal humidity.
Average temperatures in Namibia in October
In October, Namibia transitions to higher temperatures as the warmer season begins. The country experiences average high temperatures between 25°C and 35°C (77°F to 95°F), while average night-time lows range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).
In the northern regions, including Etosha National Park, temperatures are warmer, with daytime highs often reaching up to 35°C (95°F). Nights can still be relatively cool, making early morning and evening wildlife viewing pleasant.
In the central part of Namibia, which includes the capital city Windhoek, temperatures are slightly milder. Average highs are around 30°C (86°F), with cooler mornings and evenings where temperatures can drop to around 15°C (59°F). This makes for comfortable days and crisp nights.
The southern regions, including the Namib Desert, experience extreme temperature swings. Daytime temperatures can soar above 35°C (95°F), especially in areas like the Fish River Canyon. However, nights in the desert can be cooler, with temperatures dropping to as low as 10°C (50°F).
If you visit Namibia in October, you should be prepared for hot days typical of desert climates, while enjoying cooler and more comfortable temperatures during the night and early morning hours.
Wildlife viewing: Is October a good time to go on safari in Etosha National Park?
The best time to visit Etosha National Park for a safari is during the dry season, which is from May to October. This is when temperatures are at their lowest, and wildlife viewing conditions are at their best, making it possible to spot four of the Big Five (excluding buffalo), and many other wildlife species.
Due to the dry weather, water sources are scarce, and Etosha’s animals congregate near the park’s 40+ waterholes. Predators are also more active, making for thrilling safari experiences. At dawn, and dusk, the waterholes are a paradise for birdwatchers like the Bateleur eagle, Kori bustard or Glossy starling.
In the Zambezi Region, October is hot, but its riverine environment contrasts with Etosha’s arid landscape and offers a variety of wildlife including hippo, crocodile and abundant birdlife. This combination makes October a rewarding time to explore both regions for varied and unforgettable safari experiences.
As the dry season from May to October is the best time to visit Etosha for a safari, the most popular accommodations fill up quickly. We recommend booking one year in advance.
Is October a good time to visit the Namib Desert?
You can visit the Namib Desert all year round, but the best time visit is between May and October, when the weather is cool and dry, allowing you to explore the desert without experiencing extreme heat. The weather in October creates ideal conditions for outdoor activities like exploring the iconic sand dunes of Sossusvlei, stargazing in the clear desert skies, and spotting unique desert-adapted wildlife such as oryx and springbok.
While temperatures can start to rise, they are still manageable, and the stunning landscapes of the Namib are at their most vibrant, with occasional blooms of desert flora adding a touch of color.
You would like to travel to Namibia in October?
Get in touch to start planning your trip!
Which are the best places to visit and things to do in Namibia in October?
October is an excellent time to explore Namibia’s diverse landscapes and attractions, like Etosha National Park or the Namib Desert, but there are additional things to do and see.
If you want to escape the summer heat, you can head to the Skeleton Coast. This remote stretch of desolate beach on the north-western coast is noticeably cooler than inland parts of Namibia.
Namibia in October is also an excellent time for birdwatching, especially in the Caprivi Strip, which is one of the best places in the country to see birds. Close to the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the Caprivi Strip is home to some Okavango species that can’t be found anywhere else in Namibia.
For more moderate temperatures, plan to spot birds near the coastal city of Swakopmund. In the summer, thousands of flamingos migrate to the Walvis Bay Wetlands (a protected Ramsar site) just south of Swakopmund, on the edge of the Namib Desert. As well as flamingos, you can see pelicans and many other birds.
If you make Swakopmund part of your itinerary, you can also attend the Science Film Festival in October, which promotes youth engagement in knowledge and discovery.
Cost of visiting Namibia in October
Visiting Namibia in October offers a balance between the excitement of the high season and moderate costs. As the dry season nears its end, it remains a popular time for wildlife viewing, so prices for accommodation and activities in high-demand areas like Etosha National Park and Sossusvlei may still be on the higher side.
However, compared to the busiest months of July and August, you may find slightly more availability and occasional discounts. Self-drive safaris, a popular choice, can help keep costs manageable, and traveling to less frequented regions like the Zambezi or Damaraland may offer better deals while still delivering incredible experiences. Make sure to book early.
Our most popular safaris in Namibia in October:
Fascinating Namibia
Places Windhoek, Kalahari, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Erongo Mountains, Damaraland, Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau
from 67,500 NAD person sharing a double room
Namibia Highlights
Places Windhoek, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Spitzkoppe, Erongo Mountains, Damaraland, Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau
from 31,200 NAD person sharing a double room
What to wear in Namibia in October
We at Namibia-Experience are happy to provide you with a detailed packing list if you decide to explore Namibia with us. In the meantime, here are some key items you should consider bringing with you on your October visit:
- Bring comfortable clothes, which are made of soft, natural, and breathable fabrics, as they are ideal for long road trips. For game drives, we recommend toned down colors like beige,khaki or white and other light colours.
- In addition to flip-flops, bring decent shoes like trainers that can also be used as hiking shoes on short walks and hiking up and running down dunes. If hiking is the focus of your trip, and you have planned multiple day-hikes, we recommend bringing proper hiking boots as it will be easier and safer to navigate the uneven terrain.
- In October, it can get very chilly in the mornings, and evenings, so make sure to bring warm clothes. You might also want a warm jersey or cozy scarf when on an early morning game drive in Etosha National Park. At the same time, don’t forget to bring your swimming costume, as many lodges and camps have swimming or at least plunge pools to take a refreshing dip after a long dusty day on the road.
- Bring light long-sleeved clothes. While much of Namibia is considered malaria-free or at least very low-risk, you should always try to prevent mosquito bites; one of the most efficient preventions being wearing long-sleeved tops and pants at dusk and dawn.
- Bring a hat, good quality sunglasses and high factor sunscreen, no matter your skin type. Remember to pack sunglasses also for your kids.
Is October a good time to visit Namibia?
October is an excellent time to visit Namibia, offering a blend of incredible wildlife experiences, pleasant weather, and breathtaking landscapes. However, it’s a popular month for travelers, especially as the dry season highlights peak game viewing opportunities in places like Etosha and the Namib Desert. To make the most of your trip, early planning and booking are essential, particularly for accommodation and guided tours.
We at Namibia-Experience are more than happy to help you plan your trip, and with some preparation, October will provide the perfect conditions for you to explore Namibia’s vast beauty and unique attractions.
Get in touch to start planning your trip!
