Windhoek in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Windhoek

29°C (85°F) High Temp

15°C (60°F) Low Temp

28 mm (1.1 inches) Rainfall

30% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Prime dry season begins - November marks the end of the rainy season with dramatically reduced rainfall from October's 78mm (3.1 inches) to just 28mm (1.1 inches)
Jacaranda bloom season transforms Windhoek into a purple great destination - the city's 70,000+ jacaranda trees are in full bloom from late October through November, creating Instagram-worthy streets
Perfect wildlife viewing conditions - animals congregate around water sources as vegetation dries out, making game drives 40% more successful than wet season months
Ideal hiking weather - morning temperatures of 15°C (60°F) warm to comfortable 25°C (77°F) by midday, perfect for Daan Viljoen Game Reserve and Khomas Hochland hiking trails

Considerations

Intense UV exposure - with minimal cloud cover and 1,650m (5,413 ft) altitude, UV index reaches dangerous levels of 11+ requiring constant sun protection
Dramatic temperature swings - 14°C (25°F) difference between morning and afternoon means layering is essential and many tourists pack incorrectly
Peak tourist season pricing begins - accommodation rates increase 30-50% from October as European winter visitors arrive, and advance booking becomes critical

Best Activities in November

Etosha National Park Safari Expeditions

November is arguably the best month for Etosha - animals are forced to waterholes as vegetation dries out, creating exceptional viewing opportunities. The rains haven't started yet, so roads remain accessible and dust levels are manageable. Early morning game drives at 6am capitalize on cool temperatures and active wildlife before midday heat sets in.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead as November is peak safari season. Multi-day packages typically range N$2,800-4,500 per person. Look for operators with open-air vehicles for better photography and certified guides. See current safari options in the booking section below.

Khomas Hochland Mountain Biking

The highland Dakar surrounding Windhoek offers world-class mountain biking in November's perfect conditions. Trails are dry and hard-packed, morning temperatures of 15°C (60°F) are ideal for climbs, and visibility extends 50+ km (31 miles) across the Dakar. The Gamsberg Pass and Spreetshoogte Pass routes are particularly spectacular.

Booking Tip: Guided rides typically cost N$850-1,200 including bike rental and transfers. Book through certified mountain bike operators who know seasonal trail conditions. Most tours start at 6:30am to avoid afternoon heat and wind.

Sossusvlei Desert Photography Tours

November offers exceptional dune photography conditions - clear skies provide perfect lighting, while cool mornings allow for comfortable sunrise shoots at Big Daddy Dune. The contrast between red sand and blue sky is most dramatic in November's low humidity. Dead Vlei's ancient trees create striking compositions in the crisp, dust-free air.

Booking Tip: Photography-focused tours range N$3,200-5,500 for 2-3 days including accommodation. Professional guides who understand optimal lighting conditions are essential. Book 4-5 weeks ahead as serious photographers target November specifically.

Windhoek Cultural Township Walking Tours

November's pleasant morning temperatures make township walking tours comfortable and engaging. Katutura township is most active in early mornings when temperatures are cool, local markets are bustling, and residents are going about daily routines. The dry season means unpaved roads are dusty but walkable.

Booking Tip: Half-day cultural tours typically cost N$450-650 per person including traditional lunch. Choose community-based operators who employ local guides and give back to township communities. Morning tours starting at 8am are most comfortable in November heat.

Namib Desert Scenic Flight Adventures

November's crystal-clear skies and stable weather conditions create perfect flying conditions for scenic flights over the Namibia. Visibility extends over 100 km (62 miles), allowing spectacular aerial views of Namibia, Dead Vlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Minimal turbulence in dry season air makes flights comfortable for photography.

Booking Tip: Scenic flights range N$2,800-4,200 per person depending on route and duration. Weather delays are rare in November, making it reliable for tight itineraries. Book morning flights to avoid afternoon thermal activity.

Waterberg Plateau Hiking Expeditions

The Waterberg Dakar's unique ecosystem is at its most accessible in November - trails are dry and safe, wildlife is active in cooler morning hours, and the Dakar's 200m (656 ft) vertical cliffs offer spectacular views across the Kalahari. Endemic plant species are preparing for summer rains, creating unique photographic opportunities.

Booking Tip: Guided Dakar hikes cost N$680-950 per person including park fees and lunch. The Dakar requires guided access only - independent hiking isn't permitted. Morning departures at 7am avoid midday heat and afternoon winds.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Windhoek Jacaranda Festival

Unofficial celebration of the city's famous jacaranda bloom with photography walks, outdoor markets in Zoo Park, and increased street performances. The purple canopy along Independence Avenue and around the Christuskirche creates a magical atmosphere that locals and tourists celebrate together.

Throughout November

Namibia Annual Music Awards Preparations

Pre-event concerts and showcases featuring local Namibian artists perform at venues like the Warehouse Theatre and National Theatre of Namibia. This month-long buildup to the December awards creates an energetic music scene throughout the city.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and zinc stick for nose/lips - UV index hits 11+ at 1,650m (5,413 ft) altitude with no cloud protection

Layering system: tank top, long-sleeve shirt, and light fleece for 14°C (25°F) temperature swings between morning and afternoon

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - Windhoek's afternoon winds can reach 25 km/h (15 mph) and will blow caps away

Closed-toe hiking boots rated for rocky terrain - most attractions require walking on sharp shale and quartz surfaces

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - afternoon thunderstorms in November dump 10-20mm (0.4-0.8 inches) in 20 minutes

Quality sunglasses with UV protection - desert glare and high altitude create intense light conditions even locals struggle with

Lip balm with SPF 30+ - dry desert air at altitude causes severe chapping within hours

Dust masks or bandanas - even in dry season, unpaved roads and desert winds create significant dust exposure

Moisturizer for face and hands - humidity drops to 15% during dry afternoon hours causing rapid skin dehydration

Electrolyte supplements - high altitude and heat combination causes faster dehydration than most visitors expect

Insider Knowledge

Visit Klein Windhoek's residential streets between 6-8am for the best jacaranda photography - streets like Heinitzburg and Klein Windhoek Road have tunnel-like purple canopies with perfect morning light

Fuel up before leaving Windhoek for any destination - November's perfect weather brings more tourists, and rural fuel stations run dry more frequently than other months

Shop at Wernhil Park Mall during midday heat (11am-2pm) when outdoor activities become uncomfortable - locals use shopping centers as climate-controlled refuges during peak heat hours

Book restaurant reservations for outdoor seating after 6pm - November evenings are perfect for al fresco dining, but popular spots like Joe's Beerhouse terraces fill up quickly with tourists and locals

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating afternoon heat intensity - many tourists plan full-day outdoor activities not realizing that by 1pm, temperatures combined with altitude make hiking dangerous without proper preparation

Packing only summer clothes - morning temperatures of 15°C (60°F) catch visitors off guard, especially those coming from European autumn expecting consistent warmth

Not booking accommodations early enough - European winter visitors flood Windhoek in November, and quality guesthouses fill up 3-4 weeks in advance, forcing late bookers into overpriced options