March in Namibia is a month of contrasts and change. It marks the shift from the wet season toward the drier winter, a time when rain showers become less frequent but the country is still at its greenest. For many travellers, this is an overlooked period, yet those who venture here in March discover Namibia at its most alive. Rivers flow with new energy, savannahs stretch in fresh shades of green, birdlife fills the skies, and newborn wildlife adds wonder to game drives. While spotting animals may take more effort compared to the dry season, the reward is a quieter, more intimate experience of Namibia’s wild spaces.
Namibia in March sits firmly at the tail end of the wet season, which runs from November to April. By this time, the heavy storms of January and February have started to ease, but short afternoon showers remain common, especially in the northern and central parts of the country. These rains rarely last long enough to ruin a day. Instead, they refresh the air, cool the land, and paint dramatic skies filled with rolling clouds.
This is not the classic safari season where animals gather at waterholes, but it is a time of rebirth. Plains are dotted with wildflowers, rivers fill their channels, and the landscape looks softer and more welcoming. Animals are widely dispersed, taking advantage of the abundant water and vegetation, which means game viewing becomes more of an adventure, a real search that makes every sighting feel special. For travellers who prefer quiet over crowds, March is one of Namibia’s hidden treasures.
The weather in March is dynamic and varies across the country’s regions. Days are warm to hot, while nights offer comfortable relief. On average, daytime temperatures range from 26 to 32°C, with the desert areas sometimes climbing above 38°C. Nights cool to between 15 and 20°C, particularly in higher altitudes such as the central highlands. Rainfall averages 50 to 100 mm, heavier in the northeast around the Caprivi Strip, while coastal regions such as Swakopmund and Walvis Bay remain mostly dry and mild. Daylight lasts around twelve hours, giving ample time to explore.
Expect mornings to be hot and sunny, ideal for activities such as dune climbing or early game drives. Afternoons often bring scattered thunderstorms that pass quickly, leaving behind colourful sunsets and skies that glow with pinks, oranges, and purples. Evenings stay warm, with the desert cooling faster than other regions. The combination of sunshine, showers, and moderate nights makes March one of the most visually rewarding months for photography and exploration.
Etosha in March offers a different kind of safari compared to the dry season. Water is plentiful, so wildlife is not confined to permanent waterholes. Instead, herds spread across the park, grazing in the tall grasses that stretch as far as the eye can see. This makes sightings less predictable but often more thrilling. Wildebeest, zebra, and springbok calves born earlier in the year can be seen exploring the savannah under the watchful eyes of their mothers. Predators are present, but you need patience and sharp eyes to spot them among the greenery.
Birdlife in Etosha is exceptional in March. The great salt pan often holds shallow water after summer rains, attracting flamingos and pelicans in large numbers. For photographers, this is a dream. The combination of dramatic skies, colourful landscapes, and active wildlife creates opportunities for images that simply do not exist in the dry season.
Namibia in March is one of the best months for birdwatching. Migratory species from Europe and Asia are still present, and the wetlands of the Zambezi and Caprivi Strip are buzzing with life. African fish eagles soar above swollen rivers, while carmine bee-eaters streak the skies with flashes of red and blue. Walvis Bay lagoon and Sandwich Harbour fill with thousands of flamingos feeding in the shallows. For bird lovers, this is the peak of abundance, with every habitat alive with movement and colour.
The Caprivi Strip is transformed in March. Rivers such as the Zambezi and Okavango spill into channels, creating lush floodplains where elephants wade through water and buffalo gather in large herds. Boat safaris here are particularly rewarding this month, offering close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and countless birds.
In the Kalahari Desert, March brings a different beauty. The red dunes, darkened by passing storms, contrast strikingly with green grasses. Walking with San Bushmen through this refreshed landscape is unforgettable, as they share ancient knowledge of how to survive in the desert.
Further south, the Fish River Canyon glows in the evening light. After occasional storms, riverbeds may flow briefly, and the air is cooler at night, making this one of the best times for peaceful hiking.
Even during the wet season, the Namib Desert remains mostly dry. Its iconic dunes at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are spectacular year-round, but in March the backdrop of storm-lit skies adds drama to the scene. Climbing Dune 45 at sunrise is slightly easier in the cooler morning air, and hot-air balloon rides over the dunes reveal patterns and colours that change with every passing cloud. Sesriem Canyon offers shade and respite from the midday sun, making it a perfect stop during this month.
The Skeleton Coast is at its most mystical in March. The seasonal rains often clear the fog that usually clings to this coastline, revealing long stretches of empty beaches dotted with shipwrecks. Brown hyenas and jackals patrol the shoreline, while huge seal colonies remain active. Migratory birds flock to the coast, making it a rewarding destination for nature enthusiasts. The stark beauty of the Skeleton Coast feels even more dramatic under stormy skies.
For travellers who prefer cooler conditions, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are ideal in March. Swakopmund offers German colonial architecture, bustling markets, and adventure sports such as quad biking, sandboarding, and skydiving. Walvis Bay lagoon hosts thousands of flamingos and pelicans, a breathtaking sight in the shimmering light of late afternoon. Catamaran cruises provide encounters with seals and dolphins while offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The central highlands, including the capital city of Windhoek, enjoy warm days and lively thunderstorms in March. This region provides a mix of culture and nature. Spend mornings exploring the city’s craft markets or art galleries, then head into the surrounding mountains for hikes among wildflowers. Lodges in this area are quieter in March, offering a relaxed and authentic atmosphere.
The Caprivi Strip is at its lushest during March. Rivers rise and spread across floodplains, creating rich habitats for elephants, buffalo, hippos, and countless bird species. Although rains can make some roads tricky, the rewards of exploring this region at its greenest are immense. It feels like another side of Namibia—tropical, abundant, and alive.
March falls in Namibia’s shoulder season, which brings several advantages. Accommodation rates are lower than in the busy dry months of July to October, making it easier to enjoy luxury lodges at more affordable prices. Tourist numbers are also lower, so popular destinations such as Sossusvlei or Etosha feel quieter and more personal. Last-minute bookings are often possible, and guides and lodges have more time to tailor experiences to your interests.
The trade-off is that wildlife spotting is not as easy as in the dry season, and some gravel roads may flood after heavy rain. Yet for travellers who value tranquillity and authenticity, March offers the perfect balance of comfort and adventure.
Landscapes are at their greenest, refreshed by recent rainsBirdwatching is at its peak, with thousands of migratory and local speciesBaby animals abound across the savannah, adding charm to game drivesAccommodation prices are lower, and lodges are quieterPhotography conditions are superb with dramatic skies and vibrant colours
Wildlife can be harder to spot in Etosha as animals disperseHeat can still be intense, particularly inland and in desert regionsMosquitos and insects are more common in wetter areasGravel roads may flood, slowing travel and requiring caution
The most important celebration in March is Independence Day on March 21. This holiday commemorates Namibia’s liberation from South African rule in 1990 and is celebrated across the country with parades, concerts, and cultural performances. Windhoek is the centre of the festivities, where traditional dances, modern music, and Namibian cuisine bring people together in a vibrant display of national pride. Travellers visiting during this time gain unique insight into the spirit of Namibia and its people.
Though March itself does not host many other major festivals, it is followed closely by April’s Windhoek Karneval, a colourful event with strong German influence, and May’s Africa Day celebrations. Arriving in late March often allows visitors to witness the early preparations for these lively events.
Game drives in Etosha to see newborn wildlife and dramatic skiesBirdwatching tours in the Zambezi, Caprivi, and Walvis BayHot-air balloon flights over the Namib Desert at sunriseSandboarding or quad biking on the dunes near SwakopmundCultural visits with the Himba in Kunene or San Bushmen in the KalahariWalking trails in Fish River Canyon or the Namib Naukluft ParkMarine cruises from Walvis Bay to encounter seals, dolphins, and flamingos
Packing for March means being prepared for variety. Bring lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colours for warm days. A lightweight raincoat is essential for sudden storms, and a warmer layer will be needed for cooler desert nights. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-quality sunscreen will protect against the strong sun. Insect repellent is crucial, especially in wetter regions. Waterproof shoes or sturdy boots are useful on muddy roads and hiking trails. A reusable water bottle or hydration pack will help you stay hydrated, and binoculars and a camera are musts to capture the incredible landscapes and wildlife.
Whether March is the right month for you depends on what you seek. If you want easy wildlife sightings at crowded waterholes and bone-dry landscapes, the dry season may be a better choice. But if you are drawn to quietness, colour, renewal, and dramatic skies, then Namibia in March is a perfect fit. It is a time when the country feels alive, when birdlife flourishes, when young animals play across green plains, and when every afternoon storm becomes part of the adventure.
Travelling in March means fewer tourists, lower costs, and a chance to experience Namibia’s softer side. It is the country at its most vibrant and intimate, offering travellers not just a safari, but a deeper connection with the land itself.
FEBRUARY APRIL
