Weather in Windhoek

Planning your day in Windhoek? Check out the latest weather data, detailed forecasts, and visual charts right here in this section.

The climate in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, can be described as subtropical highland with semi-arid features. This means an abundance of sunny days year-round and distinct seasons, which is important to consider when planning your trip.

Summer in Windhoek, lasting roughly from November to March, is characterized by warm and sunny weather, with daytime temperatures often reaching 28-31°C. It is during these months (especially from December to March) that the main, though not overly abundant, rainy season occurs. Winter, spanning from May to September, brings very dry and clear weather. Days here are comfortable, around 20-25°C, however, nights can be quite cool, with temperatures dropping to 5-10°C. Precipitation is practically non-existent during the winter months.

Thus, Windhoek delights guests with predominantly dry and sunny weather throughout most of the year. The prolonged dry season, which effectively starts in April and lasts through October, stands out as creating ideal conditions for travel. When planning your trip, take into account the significant daily temperature fluctuations characteristic of the local climate.

The temperature regime in Windhoek is characterized by significant annual and daily fluctuations, which is typical for its highland semi-arid climate. The hottest months are generally November, December, and January. During this period, the average maximum daytime temperature holds steady around 29-31°C, with peak values in November reaching 31.1°C. Nights in the summer season bring some relief, with temperatures dropping on average to 16-17°C. The coldest months in Windhoek are June and July. The average temperature during these winter months is about 13°C, with nightly lows potentially dropping to 5.1°C (in July), while daytime highs rarely exceed 21°C.

The summer period in Windhoek, which conditionally lasts from November to March, brings consistently warm, and at times hot, weather. Average monthly temperatures during this time range from 21.7°C (in March) to 23.6°C (in December). The daytime heat, especially in November (average maximum 31.1°C) and December (average maximum 30.8°C), can be quite palpable, however, it is tempered by the nighttime coolness when the temperature drops to 15.5-17.0°C. Despite this being the season with the most rainfall, rains are usually short-lived, and the weather remains predominantly sunny.

Winter in Windhoek, covering the months from May to August, is distinguished by very dry weather, mild and sunny days, but cool and sometimes cold nights. In June and July, the coldest months, the average temperature holds at 13.0°C. During the day, the air usually warms up to a comfortable 20-21°C, creating excellent conditions for outdoor activities. However, with sunset, the temperature drops sharply: average nightly lows in June are 5.5°C, and in July 5.1°C. Daily temperature variations during the winter period are particularly pronounced and can reach 15°C or more (for example, in July the difference between the average maximum of 20.9°C and the average minimum of 5.1°C is 15.8°C), so having warm clothing for the evening and night is mandatory.

Windhoek experiences pronounced seasonality in precipitation, dividing the year into a distinct wet period and a prolonged dry period. The bulk of rainfall occurs during the summer months, while winter is characterized by an almost complete absence of it.

The rainy season in Windhoek falls between December and March, peaking in January and February. During these two months, an average of 4 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days is 11 and 12 respectively. In March, rainfall decreases to 2 mm with 10 rainy days, and December also sees about 2 mm of precipitation and 7 wet days. April can be considered a transitional month, with just 1 mm of rain falling over approximately 4 days. Given the climate, rains are most likely in the form of short-lived showers.

The dry season in Windhoek is extremely long and covers the period from May to November. For five consecutive months – from May to September – no precipitation is recorded at all (0 mm), and the number of rainy days is also zero. In October and November, despite the formal absence of precipitation (0 mm), a small number of days with possible precipitation is noted (2 and 4 days respectively), which may indicate very insignificant, possibly trace rains that do not contribute significantly to the total amount. Thus, from May to November, the weather in Windhoek is predominantly clear and dry.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, it is important to consider the region's characteristic climate with plenty of sunny days and significant daily temperature fluctuations. Regardless of the season, be sure to bring sunscreen with high SPF, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against the strong sun. Comfortable walking shoes will also be your indispensable companion, as the city is conducive to walking. The principle of layering in clothing is your best friend in Windhoek, allowing you to easily adapt to the changing temperatures throughout the day.

If your trip falls during the summer months (roughly from November to March), when Windhoek is warmer and precipitation is possible, opt for light and breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Although rains during this period are usually not heavy (maximum values around 2-4 mm per month), having a light waterproof jacket or a compact umbrella may come in handy, especially in January and February when the highest number of rainy days is recorded. Don't forget long-sleeved clothing for sun protection and perhaps a light sweater or cardigan for cooler evenings when the temperature drops to 15-17°C.

For travel to Windhoek in the winter period (from May to September), the key is preparing for significant temperature drops between day and night. Days are usually sunny and pleasant, with temperatures around 20-25°C, so you will need comfortable daytime clothing. However, evenings and nights can be quite cool, with temperatures dropping to 5-10°C, especially in June and July (minimums can reach 5.1°C). Therefore, be sure to pack warm items: a fleece jacket, a sweater, a light jacket, and perhaps even a thin hat and gloves if you are sensitive to the cold. In this dry season, rain is practically ruled out, so you likely won't need an umbrella, but moisturizer and lip balm will be very useful due to the dry air.