Namibia in December welcomes the beginning of summer in the Southern Hemisphere, a time of transformation when dry landscapes start to soften with the arrival of the first rains. Temperatures climb high during the day, often exceeding 30°C (86°F), while evenings are warm and comfortable at around 15–19°C (59–63°F). The weather in Namibia in December is defined by heat, refreshing afternoon showers, and lush greenery spreading across the terrain. For travelers, this means a blend of intense summer sunshine, dramatic skies, and the unique opportunity to celebrate Christmas and New Year under African skies.
The season brings both advantages and challenges. Wildlife becomes more dispersed as new water sources emerge, but December also coincides with birthing season, when zebra foals and springbok lambs appear across the savannah. Migratory birds arrive in great numbers, making Namibia in December one of the most rewarding months for birdwatching. Add in fewer international crowds compared to the high dry season and the festive atmosphere in towns and lodges, and December becomes an underrated yet fascinating time to explore.
The weather in Namibia in December is hot, with daytime highs typically ranging from 30°C to 34°C (86–93°F). In the Namib Desert and northern regions like Etosha, temperatures can rise even higher, sometimes reaching 36°C to 40°C (97–104°F). By contrast, coastal areas like Swakopmund and Walvis Bay remain much cooler thanks to the Atlantic currents, with average daytime highs closer to 22°C (71°F). Nights across the country are generally warm, falling to 15–19°C (59–63°F) in most inland regions and slightly cooler in the desert.
December marks the start of the rainy season. Afternoon thunderstorms build quickly, often with dramatic cloud formations, lightning, and sudden downpours. These storms are usually short-lived, clearing quickly to leave fresh, vibrant air and colorful sunsets. The northern regions, including the Zambezi and Kavango, are most affected by rain, while the coast remains largely dry. Humidity levels rise in central and northern Namibia, but never reach the sticky extremes of equatorial Africa.
Overall, December weather is a mixture of hot sunshine and dramatic rains, offering refreshing relief after dry months and giving landscapes their first green flush of the season.
Temperatures in Namibia in December
Temperatures vary widely by region in Namibia in December. In the north, including Etosha National Park, daytime highs often exceed 31°C (88°F) and nights remain warm at around 17°C (63°F). The central plateau, including Windhoek, is slightly milder, averaging around 30°C (86°F) by day and dropping to 15°C (59°F) at night. In the south, including the Fish River Canyon, daytime highs are around 29°C (84°F), though the desert air keeps humidity lower. Nights in the desert can fall as low as 14°C (57°F).
The hottest conditions are found in the Namib Desert, particularly around Sossusvlei and Sesriem, where daytime temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F). However, mornings and evenings remain more manageable, making these the best times for dune climbing or desert hikes. On the Skeleton Coast, the Atlantic Ocean moderates the heat, with average daytime temperatures of 22°C (71°F) and frequent morning fog.
This mix of temperatures makes packing versatile clothing essential: light breathable fabrics for daytime, layered with warmer items for cool mornings and evenings, plus rain gear for afternoon showers.
Is December a good time to visit Namibia?
Yes, December can be a very good time to visit Namibia, provided you are prepared for the heat and the start of the rains. The early summer rains transform the dry, dusty landscape into a greener, more colorful environment. While wildlife is less concentrated around waterholes than during the dry season, December offers the spectacle of newborn animals across the savannah. For birdwatchers, it is one of the best months of the year as migratory species, including flamingos, pelicans, and storks, arrive in huge flocks.
Another advantage is that December falls in the shoulder-to-low season, which means fewer international tourists than in the peak months of July through October. Accommodation availability is better, and some rates may be lower outside of the festive holiday period. The festive season itself brings a lively atmosphere, with Christmas markets in Windhoek, coastal celebrations in Swakopmund, and beach parties for New Year.
If your priority is wildlife concentration around waterholes, July to October remains the prime season. But if you prefer greener scenery, birdlife, cultural celebrations, and slightly fewer crowds, December is an excellent choice.
Crowds and Costs in Namibia in December
December sits between the high safari season of July–October and the family holiday rush of mid-December to early January. Early December tends to be quieter, with lower prices and better availability in lodges and camps. As Christmas approaches, demand increases, especially at coastal resorts and family-friendly lodges. Prices rise around the holidays, and domestic tourism adds to the bustle, particularly at Etosha and Swakopmund.
Compared to the dry season, December can offer better value for money, especially for travelers willing to explore less-visited areas such as Damaraland, the Zambezi Region, or southern Namibia. Self-drive safaris also remain affordable, though afternoon storms can make gravel roads slippery in some regions. Overall, December offers a balance between affordability and festive atmosphere, with availability still reasonable if you plan early.
Festivals and Events in Namibia in December
December in Namibia has a distinctly festive atmosphere. Towns decorate their streets, homes sparkle with Christmas lights, and communities come together for church services and communal meals. Windhoek and Swakopmund host Christmas markets where visitors can buy crafts, sample Namibian delicacies, and enjoy carol concerts.
New Year’s Eve is widely celebrated, with major festivities in Windhoek and Swakopmund. Beach parties, fireworks, and live music make for a lively way to welcome the new year. Coastal lodges and hotels host special dinners and parties, while in the capital, cultural events bring locals and visitors together for a festive send-off to the year.
While Namibia does not have large-scale December festivals beyond Christmas and New Year, the combination of cultural celebrations, family gatherings, and festive spirit makes this month feel special.
Safari in Etosha National Park in December
Etosha in December offers a different safari experience than in the dry season. Waterholes are no longer the sole lifeline for animals, as rains create new puddles and streams across the park. This disperses the wildlife, making sightings less predictable. However, December is also birthing season, so you are likely to see herds of zebra and springbok with their young, alongside predators drawn by this abundance.
Birdlife is spectacular in December, especially when the rains partially flood the Etosha Pan. Flamingos gather in vast numbers, creating an unforgettable pink spectacle. Other migratory birds such as European bee-eaters, storks, and kingfishers add flashes of color. Morning and late afternoon drives are the most rewarding, both for cooler conditions and higher wildlife activity.
Etosha in December may require more patience to find big game, but the rewards are unique: vibrant birdlife, newborn animals, and dramatic skies that frame every photograph.
The Namib Desert in December
December in the Namib Desert is both challenging and unforgettable. Daytime temperatures often exceed 40°C (104°F), making it essential to plan activities for early mornings or late afternoons. However, this heat is softened by clear skies, brilliant light for photography, and the chance to see unusual weather patterns when storm clouds sweep across the desert.
Sossusvlei’s towering dunes glow even brighter against the greenery that emerges after the rains. Deadvlei, with its skeletal trees and orange dunes, takes on an even more dramatic look when rainwater briefly pools between the clay pans. Stargazing remains superb on clear nights, though summer humidity can occasionally obscure the skies.
Despite the heat, December in the Namib offers adventurous travelers a surreal and colorful desert experience unmatched at other times of year.
Best Places to Visit in Namibia in December
Swakopmund: A coastal escape from the inland heat, with festive charm, German colonial architecture, and activities like quad biking, dolphin cruises, and skydiving.
Skeleton Coast: Cooler temperatures, haunting shipwrecks, and the chance to see massive seal colonies at Cape Cross, especially during breeding season.
Damaraland: Green landscapes, desert-adapted elephants and rhinos, and ancient rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, made even more striking after the rains.
Fish River Canyon: Best explored in early mornings or evenings to avoid the midday heat, offering sweeping views of one of Africa’s largest canyons.
Caprivi Strip: A paradise for birdwatchers and a year-round wildlife destination, with rivers and wetlands teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds.
Windhoek: The capital city comes alive with festive decorations, Christmas markets, and a vibrant holiday spirit.
Walvis Bay: A hotspot for birdwatchers, with thousands of flamingos and pelicans crowding the lagoon in December.
Cost of Visiting Namibia in December
Traveling to Namibia in December can be relatively affordable outside of the Christmas and New Year period. Lodges, camps, and tours often offer lower prices compared to the dry season. However, festive dates drive up demand, so it is wise to book well in advance.
Self-drive safaris and guesthouse stays remain cost-effective, while luxury lodges along the Skeleton Coast and in Etosha can become fully booked by mid-December. Airfares also rise closer to Christmas, so early booking ensures better deals. For travelers flexible on dates, early December offers excellent value, while holiday travelers enjoy festive celebrations at a higher cost.
What to Wear in Namibia in December
Packing correctly is essential for comfort in Namibia in December. Bring light, breathable clothing for hot days, plus long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect from sun and mosquitoes. Neutral colors like beige, khaki, and white are best for game drives.
A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are musts for protection against the strong African sun. A light raincoat or umbrella helps during afternoon storms. For cooler mornings and evenings, especially in the desert, pack a fleece or light jacket. Sturdy shoes are important for hiking dunes and exploring rocky landscapes, while a swimsuit is useful for lodges with pools. If you plan to celebrate Christmas or New Year at a lodge, pack one smart outfit for festive dinners.
December is an exciting time to visit Namibia. While the rains disperse wildlife and the heat can be intense, the month brings green landscapes, newborn animals, abundant birdlife, and fewer international crowds. Add in the festive charm of Christmas and New Year celebrations, and Namibia in December offers a vibrant, colorful, and unique experience.
For photographers, December is a dream month: dramatic skies, fresh greenery against red dunes, and wildlife set against stormy backdrops. For families, it offers an adventurous alternative to a traditional winter holiday. And for birdwatchers, it is one of the best months of the year.
With careful planning—scheduling activities for cooler parts of the day, packing appropriately, and booking festive dates in advance—you can enjoy an unforgettable Namibian summer holiday.
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