Month by Month
Top Events
Windhoeker Karneval (WIKA), April
Maitisong Festival, March
Zebra migration, March-April
Late dry season wildlife, October
Oktoberfest, October
January
After a peak around Christmas and New Year (with peak rates), January is a generally quiet month, except in the Kalahari and for birdwatchers. Expect high temperatures, generally high humidity and a good chance of intermittent heavy rains.
February
February is similar to January: warm days, mild nights, and heavy if sporadic rains. Rains should ease by month’s end. Birding is good in the north. High season in the Kalahari. Elsewhere expect low-season rates.
March
A big month for festivals. The rains are still around but temperatures begin to fall (it’s all relative…). Most accommodation is quiet with plenty available. The zebra migration is in full swing on Botswana's salt pans.
zIndependence Day
On 21 March, this national day is celebrated in grand style, with a parade and sports events in Windhoek. Many can still recall the day that Namibia wrestled control of its own affairs off South Africa in 1990.
zMaitisong Festival
Held in Gaborone over one week in March and/or April, this festival is the highlight of the Botswana calendar for lovers of local and regional music, dance and drama. The festival features an outdoor program that takes place on several stages throughout the capital.
zEnjando Street Festival (Mbapira)
Windhoek’s biggest street party occurs in March every year. It’s also a good excuse for people to dress in extravagant ethnic clothes that bring the streets to life. Expect cultural events, musical performances and much merriment.
April
Still low season (rains ending, temperatures becoming more pleasant but tourist numbers still down) except for Botswana's Kalahari and a late peak for Namibian school holidays. The zebra migration in Makgadikgadi begins the return journey west.
zMaun Festival
A two-day celebration with plenty of music, parades, poetry, theatre, craftwork, dance and food; visual arts also feature. The festival, held in Maun, raises funds for local schools while commemorating northwestern Botswana’s rich cultural roots.
zWindhoek Karneval (WIKA)
Established in 1953 by a small group of German immigrants, Windhoek Karneval is now one of the highlights of Namibia’s cultural calendar, culminating in the Royal Ball.
May
May is a lovely month to travel, with fine conditions and generally low-season rates (and availability) in the Okavango Delta, Etosha and elsewhere. Count on mild daytime temperatures, cooler nights and generally clear skies.
June
An excellent month to visit. June has favourable climatic conditions and is nestled nicely between local school holidays in May and the July start of high season (although high season begins now in some Okavango Delta lodges).
July
High season gets underway with limited availability, high prices and the waters of the Okavango near their peak. Expect warm, clear days and ideal conditions (apart from coastal Namibia, where sandstorms can be a problem).
August
The region's busiest month for foreign visitors, August is the high-season peak: prices are at their highest, availability is at a premium and advance bookings are essential. Lovely weather, though…
3Kuru Dance Festival
A worthwhile cultural festival, held near D’kar in the Kalahari Desert, with all aspects of traditional Bushman culture on display. Traditional dancing and local music feature throughout the three days of the festival.
zMaherero Day
This is one of Namibia’s largest festivals, falling on the weekend nearest 26 August. Dressed in traditional garb, the Red Flag Herero people gather in Okahandja for a memorial service to commemorate their chiefs killed in the Khoikhoi and German wars.
September
Temperatures are rising but it’s a popular time to visit and tourist numbers remain high. Availability can be a little higher but prices remain high. Waterholes are starting to dry out so wildlife watching is generally good.
3/AE//Gams Arts Festival
Windhoek’s main arts festival is held in September, and includes troupes of dancers, musicians, poets and performers all competing for various prizes. The best of Namibian food is also on show.
zArtists Trail
Since 2007, Omaruru has played host to this dynamic festival of music and dance events over three days in September. There's also food, wine, jewellery, photography, painting and other good things in life.
October
In the build-up to the rains, October can be very hot, especially in the north around Caprivi and the Okavango Delta. Wildlife is often concentrated around the few remaining waterholes, and delta lodges are booked out months in advance.
6Oktoberfest
The end of high season, with the rains around the corner, but Windhoek is a magnet for beer drinkers and it's a popular time, especially for German tourists. Hot days and dry waterholes ensure that wildlife gravitates to water.
November
Hot and dry, November is when locals begin scanning the skies for rain. High season is over and wildlife watching is good, but the build-up to the rains can be unpleasant. Migratory birds fill the skies.
December
The rains should be in full swing. It's low season in the delta and high season in Botswana’s Kalahari but there's a special peak period over Christmas and New Year, with a short, sharp influx of visitors arriving from Europe and elsewhere.