When to Visit Windhoek
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Browse tours, activities, and experiences in Windhoek. Book with free cancellation on most options.
Explore Tours & ActivitiesWhat to Pack
Year-Round Essentials
Summer (Dec-Feb)
Autumn (Mar-May)
Winter (Jun-Aug)
Spring (Sep-Nov)
Skip These Items
Month-by-Month Guide
January
Peak summer in Windhoek brings warm days and the year's heaviest rainfall, though 3 inches spread across the month means you're more likely dealing with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms than all-day rain. The temperatures are pleasant rather than oppressive thanks to the elevation, and everything is at its greenest. It's actually a lovely time if you don't mind the occasional downpour.
February
Similar to January with warm temperatures and regular afternoon thunderstorms, though things start to dry out slightly as the month progresses. The landscape is still lush from the summer rains, and the slightly cooler highs compared to January make it quite comfortable for exploring. Mornings tend to be clear and beautiful.
March
The tail end of the rainy season brings slightly cooler temperatures and fewer storms, though you'll still see occasional afternoon showers. It's one of those transitional months that can be quite pleasant—warm enough during the day but with noticeably cooler evenings. The landscape is still green but starting to dry out.
April
Autumn arrives with beautiful weather—rainfall drops off significantly, temperatures are comfortable, and the harsh summer sun starts to mellow. The temperature range between day and night becomes more noticeable, so you'll want a light jacket for evenings. It's honestly one of the best months to visit if you want reliable weather.
May
Winter is clearly approaching with cooler temperatures and virtually no rain. Days are still pleasant and sunny, but mornings and evenings get genuinely chilly—you'll see locals in proper jackets. The air is crisp and clear, making it excellent for photography and outdoor activities during the warmer midday hours.
June
Peak winter brings the coldest nights of the year and completely dry conditions. Daytime temperatures are mild and sunny, but you'll definitely need warm layers for mornings and evenings when it can feel quite cold. The crystal-clear skies and low humidity make it popular with tourists, especially those heading out to Etosha and other parks.
July
The coldest month with overnight temperatures occasionally dipping near freezing in outlying areas, though the city itself stays slightly warmer. Days are sunny and pleasant once the sun gets high, but that morning chill lingers. It's bone-dry and clear—the kind of weather that's perfect for wildlife viewing if you're venturing beyond the city.
August
Still firmly winter but you can feel things starting to warm up slightly, especially during the day. Mornings remain cold and you'll still see frost occasionally, but the afternoon sun has real warmth to it. Zero rainfall and clear skies continue, making it another popular month for visitors doing safari circuits.
September
Spring arrives with noticeably warmer days while nights remain cool—you'll appreciate the temperature contrast. Still virtually no rain, and the landscape is at its driest before the summer storms arrive. It's a lovely time with comfortable weather for all activities, though the vegetation is pretty sparse and dusty by now.
October
Things are heating up as summer approaches, with temperatures climbing back into the mid-80s°F. Still mostly dry, though you might catch the very first pre-season showers late in the month. The heat starts to build and the landscape looks parched, but it's not uncomfortable yet—just warm and sunny.
November
The build-up to the rainy season brings hot days and increasing humidity as moisture starts moving in. You might see some early thunderstorms, especially later in the month, and there's a palpable sense of anticipation for the rains. The heat is noticeable but still manageable thanks to the elevation.
December
Summer arrives in full with the warmest temperatures of the year and increasing rainfall as the wet season kicks in. Afternoon thunderstorms become more frequent, bringing dramatic skies and that wonderful petrichor smell. It's warm but rarely oppressive, and the first rains transform the landscape from brown to green remarkably quickly.