Windhoek in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Windhoek

26°C (79°F) High Temp

12°C (53°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Jacaranda bloom season - the city transforms into a purple wonderland with thousands of jacaranda trees in full flower, creating spectacular photo opportunities especially along Independence Avenue and in Klein Windhoek
Perfect hiking weather - daytime temperatures of 26°C (79°F) are ideal for exploring the surrounding hills and Daan Viljoen Game Reserve without the scorching summer heat
Wildlife viewing peak - September marks the end of dry season when animals congregate around water sources, making day trips to Daan Viljoen and nearby conservancies exceptionally rewarding
Cultural calendar highlight - September coincides with Heritage Week celebrations and the buildup to Independence preparations, offering authentic cultural experiences

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon winds - September brings strong easterly winds (15-25 km/h or 9-16 mph) that can disrupt outdoor dining and make dust storms common in late afternoons
Temperature swings require layered clothing - the 14°C (25°F) difference between day and night means you'll need both summer and winter clothes in the Easttimor day
Pre-rainy season allergies - increased pollen from blooming plants can affect sensitive travelers, and dust levels peak before the rains arrive

Best Activities in September

Daan Viljoen Game Reserve Wildlife Drives

September offers exceptional wildlife viewing as animals gather around remaining water sources before the rains. Morning temperatures of 12-18°C (53-64°F) mean active animals and comfortable game drives. The 24 km (15 mile) drive from Windhoek takes you through pristine bushveld where kudu, zebra, and springbok are easily spotted.

Booking Tip: Self-drive entry costs N$80-120 per vehicle. Book guided drives through your accommodation 2-3 days ahead. Early morning drives (6:30-9:30am) offer best wildlife activity and comfortable temperatures before the day heats up.

Windhoek City Heritage Walking Tours

September's moderate temperatures make walking tours comfortable, especially during Heritage Week celebrations. The colonial German architecture tour covers 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 miles) through Windhoek's historic center, including Christuskirche and Alte Feste, with minimal crowd pressure.

Booking Tip: Group walking tours typically cost N$200-350 per person for 2-3 hours. Book through registered tour operators at least 1 week ahead during Heritage Week. Afternoon tours (2-5pm) avoid morning rush hour traffic.

Auas Mountains Hiking Trails

Perfect hiking conditions with daytime highs of 26°C (79°F) and clear visibility before summer rains. The Auas peaks offer 360-degree views of Windhoek and surrounding valleys. Popular trails range from 5-15 km (3.1-9.3 miles) with elevation gains of 300-600 m (984-1,968 ft).

Booking Tip: Guided hikes cost N$400-600 per person including transport. Book with experienced local guides who know current trail conditions. Start early (6-7am) to avoid afternoon winds and return before temperatures peak.

Township Cultural Tours

September coincides with Heritage Week activities in Katutura and other townships, offering authentic cultural experiences. Tours include traditional homestead visits, local food tastings, and craft demonstrations during comfortable walking temperatures.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost N$350-500 per person including traditional lunch. Book through community-based operators for real feels. Afternoon tours (1-5pm) align with community activities and school visits.

Local Market and Craft Center Tours

September marks the transition season when local artisans prepare new collections for the tourist season. Post Street Mall, Namibia Craft Centre, and weekend markets showcase traditional crafts, with comfortable temperatures for extended browsing sessions.

Booking Tip: Market visits are self-guided and free, but cultural shopping tours cost N$250-400 per person. Visit Thursday-Saturday when selection is best. Morning visits (9am-12pm) offer coolest temperatures and fullest vendor participation.

Windhoek Surrounding Hills Scenic Drives

Crystal-clear September air provides exceptional visibility for scenic drives through the Khomas Highland. The circular routes covering 50-80 km (31-50 miles) showcase typical Namibian landscape transitioning from winter browns to early spring greens.

Booking Tip: Self-drive is most flexible - rental cars cost N$800-1,200 per day including insurance. Guided scenic tours cost N$600-900 per person for half-day trips. Afternoon drives (2-6pm) offer best lighting for photography but avoid peak wind hours.

September Events & Festivals

Third week of September

Heritage Week

A national celebration of Namibian cultural diversity featuring traditional music, dance performances, craft exhibitions, and food festivals across Windhoek's townships and cultural centers. Local schools and community groups showcase traditional customs.

Mid to late September

Jacaranda Festival

Unofficial but widely celebrated local festivities centered around the blooming jacaranda trees. Neighborhoods organize street parties, photography walks, and outdoor concerts taking advantage of the purple-canopied streets.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - morning temperatures of 12°C (53°F) require warm layers that you'll shed as temperatures reach 26°C (79°F) by afternoon

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 at 1,650 m (5,413 ft) elevation creates intense sun exposure, especially dangerous for fair-skinned visitors

Lightweight scarf or bandana - afternoon winds carry dust and sand, particularly problematic for contact lens wearers

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - uneven sidewalks and gravel paths in townships and nature areas require sturdy footwear

Light rain jacket or windbreaker - not for rain but for wind protection during afternoon gusts of 25+ km/h (16+ mph)

Antihistamines - jacaranda and other blooming plants trigger allergies, compounded by increased dust levels

Reusable water bottle - low humidity and wind increase dehydration risk, aim for 3+ liters (0.8+ gallons) daily

Cash in small denominations - many township tours, craft vendors, and local guides operate cash-only with limited change availability

Portable phone charger - temperature fluctuations and increased photo opportunities drain batteries faster than expected

Lip balm with SPF - combination of sun, wind, and low humidity causes rapid chapping at this elevation

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by early August - September coincides with regional conference season and South African spring break, driving up prices and occupancy despite not being peak tourist season

Shop for Namibian crafts in September when artisans complete new pieces before October's tourist influx - better selection and more time for custom orders

Locals eat lunch between 12:30-1:30pm to avoid peak afternoon winds that make outdoor dining unpleasant - adjust your schedule accordingly

Fill up your rental car tank before 2pm - afternoon winds sometimes cause fuel delivery delays to remote stations, and weekend township tours can't afford running low

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes - the 14°C (25°F) temperature swing catches visitors off-guard, especially those coming from consistently warm climates

Scheduling outdoor activities after 2pm - September's afternoon winds make hiking, market visits, and outdoor dining uncomfortable

Assuming September is 'spring' weather - this is still technically winter transitioning to summer in Southern Hemisphere, not the mild spring Northern Hemisphere visitors expect