Southern Africa When To Go

When To Go

While Southern Africa is increasingly becoming a year-round destination, some months are better than other depending on your interests and needs.

Most travelers seeking “maximum” big game will want to visit during the height of the dry season, generally July-October.

Travelers seeking a unique safari experience may want to consider “the green season” which is generally December-March.

Travelers seeking the experience of “elite” camps yet desiring lower rates on our custom fly in safaris will want to contact us for special low season rates, generally the shoulder season and green season months.

February, March, and April may be the most challenging months to see the most big game except in certain specific regions, such as the Kalahari on our Green Desert expedition, which is the site of an impressive regional migration.

Victoria Falls is better from the Zimbabwe side October-December.

Whale season in South Africa is June-November, but September-October are the best.

General Climate

The weather in southern Africa is generally pleasant throughout the year – warm to hot days, and cool to warm nights.

During the winter months however (May to September), it can get really cold at night and in the early morning, particularly when on safari, so we would like to suggest that you pack accordingly – very warm clothing including an anorak/winter jacket, a beanie, scarf and gloves are recommended. Please also refer to our packing suggestions list.

Summer is from November to the end of March and usually brings very high temperatures. It is also the rainy season and cloud coverage and rain can cool things down, although only usually for a short period of time.

The winter season begins in May and ends in August. This is also the dry season when virtually no rainfall occurs. Winter days are invariably sunny and cool to warm; however, evening and night temperatures can drop below freezing point in some areas.

The in-between periods – April/early May and September/October – still tend to be dry, but the days are cooler than in summer and the nights are warmer than in winter.

Temperature (ºC) for Maun, Botswana – these are average lows and highs:

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June
	19/32	19/31	18/31	14/31	9/28	6/25
	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
	6/25	9/28	13/33	18/35	19/34	19/32

Average Rainfall (mm) for Maun, Botswana – this varies yearly and by location:

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June
	110	80	70	25	7	3
	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
	0	0	0	30	50	95

Current Conditions

Johannesburg	Cape Town
Kasane, Botswana	Maun, Botswana
Windhoek, Namibia