Namibia is a land of contrasts. This is also true for the climate, more specifically, the temperatures and rainfall.

During the summer months, December to February, high temperatures prevail in the interior – 36 degrees Centigrade in the shade are nothing out of the ordinary. But this is much easier to bear than in the tropics because humidity is usually extremely low. At the coast, on the other hand, fresh ocean breezes and occasional morning fogs result in a mild climate. Winter is from May to August. In general this means cold nights and daytime highs of around 25 degrees. In the central, eastern and southern parts of the country temperatures can even drop below zero at night. The transition periods, March and April as well as September to November, are usually very pleasant with warm days and cool nights.

When travelling by plane it is wise to pack warm, as well as light clothing. You might find yourself boarding on a chilly morning at Lüderitz or Sossusvlei and disembarking a few hours later in the midday heat of Etosha National Park.

It is also a good idea to bring rainwear. The months from October to May are regarded as the rainy season. Usually the highest rainfalls are recorded during January, February and March. The annual average for the northern and north-eastern parts is about 700 mm, for the western and southern areas it is as low as 100 mm or less. Often the rain starts pouring down in the afternoon or evening in the wake of heavy thunderstorms. Come morning and the brilliant sunshine will be back. Namibia's southwest occasionally receives some rain during winter, too. If it is cold enough it may even snow.