Namibia in April is a month of transition, when the country begins to dry out after the rainy summer and moves toward the cooler, crisper winter season. The land still glows green, rivers trickle with fresh water, and wildflowers brighten parts of the desert. Wildlife is slowly moving back toward waterholes, skies are sharp and photogenic, and lodges are quieter than in the peak safari season. For many travellers, Namibia in April is a hidden gem: comfortable, colourful, and affordable.
April sits at the tail end of the wet season, which runs from November through March. The heavy storms of January and February have mostly passed, though late rains can still sweep across the north and northeast. For most of the country, days are warm without being scorching, nights are cool enough for a jacket, and rain showers are short-lived. The atmosphere is fresher and the air clearer, making this one of the best months for photographers. Wildlife spotting can still be more challenging compared to the dry season, but that also means you will share the bush with fewer tourists. Namibia in April is not the peak safari month that July or August might be, but it is ideal if you love dramatic landscapes, cultural encounters, and a more personal kind of travel.
Average daytime temperature: 25–27°C (77–81°F)Average nighttime temperature: 11–14°C (52–57°F)Average rainfall: 25–40 mm (around 3 rainy days)Average daylight hours: 11
April in Namibia is generally warm during the day and comfortably cool at night. In central regions such as Windhoek, expect highs around 25–27°C with nights dropping to 12°C. In Etosha and the Zambezi (Caprivi) Strip, temperatures can climb to 30°C, while coastal areas such as Swakopmund and Lüderitz stay mild at 18–22°C. Rain is still possible, especially in the northeast, but it tends to come in short bursts. The Skeleton Coast remains dry, while the Namib and Kalahari Deserts see little to no rainfall. Mornings are usually clear, afternoons may bring brief showers, and evenings are perfect for sitting outdoors under sharp skies filled with stars.
Etosha in April is still green from the rains. Tall grasses ripple across the plains, making it more difficult to spot lions or cheetahs than in the dry months. But life is everywhere: springbok lambs trotting alongside mothers, wildebeest calves exploring the savannah, and bird flocks swooping over shallow pans. Predators are harder to spot, but patient travellers are often rewarded with dramatic encounters. Flamingos and pelicans may still linger on Etosha’s salt pan if summer rains have left enough water. For photographers, the combination of green landscapes and dramatic skies is irresistible.
April is an outstanding month for birding in Namibia. Migratory species from Europe and Asia are still present, and the Caprivi Strip hosts over 450 species. Carmine bee-eaters, fish eagles, herons, and colourful rollers fill the skies. At Walvis Bay lagoon, thousands of flamingos glow pink against the shallow waters.
In the Caprivi and Kavango regions, rivers like the Okavango and Zambezi are full, creating lush wetlands that attract elephants, buffalo, and hippos. Boat safaris in April are magical, with reflections of wildlife mirrored in the still waters. In the south, the Fish River Canyon becomes cooler and easier to hike. In Damaraland, desert elephants wander through riverbeds transformed into temporary streams. The Kalahari shines red and green, its dunes sprinkled with grass after the rains.
Even after the rains, the Namib Desert remains largely dry, but occasional storms create pockets of green and wildflowers. Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are stunning in April, with softer light and cooler mornings making dune climbs more manageable. Sunrise over Dune 45 or a hot-air balloon ride reveals a desert in rare seasonal colour.
April is one of the best months for visiting the Skeleton Coast. The fog that usually clings to the coastline clears more often, unveiling haunting beaches scattered with shipwrecks. Seal colonies remain active, and birdlife is prolific. The crisp air and dramatic light make this region a dream for landscape photographers.
The central coast enjoys mild, dry weather in April. Swakopmund is perfect for adventure sports such as quad biking, sandboarding, and skydiving, while Walvis Bay lagoon is a birdwatcher’s paradise. A catamaran cruise offers the chance to see dolphins, seals, and seabirds against a backdrop of endless ocean.
The central highlands around Windhoek are comfortable in April. Daytime temperatures hover around 25°C, while evenings cool off nicely. This is a great time to combine city exploration with nearby hikes in the Khomas Highlands or the Auas Mountains.
The Caprivi Strip is at its lushest, with full rivers and wetlands alive with birdlife. Safari activities here focus on boat trips and cultural encounters with local communities. Though road travel can be slower due to wet conditions, the rewards of exploring at this time are immense.
April is part of Namibia’s shoulder season. Lodge and tour rates are still considered low season, making April one of the most affordable months for travel. Accommodation is easier to secure, even at short notice, and tourist numbers are lower. The exception is Easter. If Easter falls in April, local families head to the coast or popular towns such as Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. In these areas, accommodation can fill quickly, so advance booking is wise.
Landscapes still lush and green from summer rainsCrisp, clear skies perfect for photographyExcellent birdwatching across NamibiaLower lodge rates and better availabilityFewer mosquitos compared to earlier monthsWildflowers in parts of the desert
Wildlife spotting in Etosha still harder than in dry seasonSome gravel roads may remain rough after rainsOccasional late storms can cause delays in remote areasCooler nights may surprise unprepared travellers
While the major national holiday of Independence Day falls in March, April still hosts vibrant cultural and community events. Easter, if it falls in April, brings closures and local holiday travel. Coastal towns such as Swakopmund and Henties Bay get busier with families enjoying the long weekend. Windhoek Karneval, usually in late March or early April, is a German-inspired festival with parades, costumes, and music. Oshituthi Shomagongo, the Marula Fruit Festival, is celebrated by Aawambo communities in northern Namibia between late March and early April. This UNESCO-recognized event revolves around brewing omagongo, a marula fruit drink, alongside storytelling, dance, and craft-making. These festivals add cultural depth to an April journey, offering glimpses into Namibia’s diverse heritage.
Photographic safaris to capture storm-lit skies, green savannahs, and colourful birdsHot-air balloon flights over the Namib Desert at sunriseBoat safaris in Caprivi among hippos, crocodiles, and elephantsSandboarding and adventure sports in SwakopmundCultural visits with the Himba or San communitiesWalking trails in Fish River Canyon or the Namib Naukluft ParkWildflower walks in desert regions after the rains
Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm daysA jacket or sweater for cool evenings and morningsA light raincoat or poncho in case of late showersSturdy walking shoes or hiking boots for desert and canyon treksWide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for UV protectionInsect repellent for wetter regionsWaterproof shoes for muddy tracksReusable water bottle or hydration packBinoculars and a good camera for birding and landscapes
For many travellers, Namibia in April is one of the best-kept secrets. The heavy rains are over, but the land is still green and vibrant. Wildlife may be harder to spot than in July, but birding and photography are exceptional. Lodges are affordable, crowds are minimal, and the skies are crystal clear. If your dream is to see Namibia alive with colour, fresh air, and dramatic light without paying peak-season prices, April is a wonderful month to go. You will return with photos that feel different from the usual dusty safari shots and memories of a quieter, more personal Namibia.
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