Namibia in May is a month of change and calm. The last heavy rains of summer have passed, the skies turn blue and crisp, and the air feels lighter. Green still lingers across the savannahs and deserts, but the land is slowly drying out, preparing for the famous winter safari season. For travellers, May is an almost perfect blend: comfortable weather, fewer tourists than in the peak months, and landscapes at their most photogenic. It is the start of the dry season and a time when the best of both worlds—green backdrops and emerging safari opportunities—come together.
The weather in Namibia in May marks the shift from wet to dry, with more sunshine, clearer skies, and pleasant temperatures across the country.
Average daytime temperature: 23–27°C (73–81°F)Average nighttime temperature: 7–11°C (45–52°F)Average rainfall: 5–10 mm (almost none in most regions)Average daylight hours: 11
In the north, including Etosha National Park, daytime highs reach 25–30°C, while nights cool to around 10°C. Central Namibia, with Windhoek and the Namib Desert, stays slightly milder at 22–28°C, though desert nights can drop to 5°C. The southern regions, including the Fish River Canyon, share similar patterns but with colder evenings. On the Skeleton Coast, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay average around 20–22°C with chilly mornings and evening fog.
The weather in Namibia in May makes outdoor exploration easy and comfortable. Mornings are crisp, afternoons warm but not hot, and evenings cool enough for a sweater. The rains have all but disappeared, so roads are easier to travel and dust begins to replace mud. For photography, the combination of blue skies, soft light, and green landscapes creates ideal conditions.
The beauty of Namibia in May lies in its range of climates. In Etosha, animals are active in cooler mornings when temperatures hover around 15°C, then rest during afternoons that rise to 28–30°C. In the Namib Desert, early mornings can be chilly at 6–8°C, but by midday the sun warms the dunes to 27°C. Along the coast, cool Atlantic breezes keep temperatures steady, while the Caprivi in the northeast remains humid and slightly warmer at 30°C. Pack both lightweight clothing for daytime and a warm jacket for evenings, as temperatures shift dramatically from day to night.
Etosha begins to transform in May. The grasses from the rainy season are still green, but water sources start to shrink. Wildlife slowly gathers again near permanent rivers and waterholes, making animals easier to find compared to March or April. You might spot herds of elephants making their way across open plains or lions waiting near the edges of waterholes. Calves and cubs born earlier in the year add charm to game drives, while birdlife remains strong, with many migratory species still lingering.
For photographers, Namibia in May is a treat. The golden light of late afternoons highlights the green landscape, while clear skies bring sharp contrast to wildlife shots. Flamingos may still feed in shallow pans, and raptors circle high above the savannah. Safari drives in the morning and late afternoon are comfortable in the cooler air, making this one of the most enjoyable months to visit Etosha.
Birdwatchers will find Namibia in May an excellent month. Although some migratory species begin to depart, wetlands in the Caprivi Strip still host hundreds of colourful species. Carmine bee-eaters, herons, kingfishers, and eagles fill the skies, while Walvis Bay lagoon continues to host flocks of flamingos and pelicans. The cooler temperatures make birding walks more comfortable, and the light is perfect for photography.
In the Caprivi and Kavango regions, rivers remain full, providing boat safaris rich with sightings of hippos, buffalo, elephants, and crocodiles. In Damaraland, desert elephants roam dry riverbeds as the land begins to lose its green coat. The Kalahari Desert glows red in the soft May light, with oryx and springbok moving gracefully across the dunes. The Fish River Canyon becomes a hiker’s paradise, as the temperatures drop to more manageable levels for long treks.
The Namib Desert is a must-see in May. The dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei stand tall against clear skies, and the cooler mornings make climbing Dune 45 or Big Daddy more manageable. Sunrise and sunset provide spectacular colours, and hot-air balloon rides over the desert are at their best this month. Occasional patches of wildflowers still bloom, adding delicate bursts of colour to the desert sands.
In May, the Skeleton Coast is dramatic yet inviting. The skies are clear, the fog thinner than in summer, and shipwrecks stand stark against a backdrop of endless sand. Seal colonies thrive, and desert-adapted wildlife like jackals and brown hyenas roam the shorelines. For adventurous travellers, this is one of the most atmospheric places in Namibia.
Swakopmund in May offers mild weather, perfect for both relaxation and adventure. The cool mornings are ideal for city walks through colonial streets, while afternoons open the door for quad biking, sandboarding, or even skydiving. Walvis Bay lagoon is alive with flamingos and pelicans, while catamaran cruises bring close encounters with dolphins and seals.
The central highlands around Windhoek are comfortable in May, with warm days and cool nights. The weather allows for a mix of city exploration and outdoor hiking in nearby mountain ranges. Lodges in this region are quieter than in peak season, making it a good base for a cultural and natural mix of experiences.
The Caprivi Strip remains green in May, though the intensity of summer rains has passed. Rivers are still flowing strongly, making boat trips and riverbank safaris rewarding. This lush corner of Namibia offers a tropical contrast to the arid deserts elsewhere, with abundant wildlife and colourful birdlife at its peak.
May is part of Namibia’s shoulder season, a sweet spot between the rainy summer and the busy safari months of July to October. This brings clear advantages:
Accommodation prices are still lower than high season ratesTourist numbers are modest, so attractions feel calmer and more personalGuides and lodges often have more flexibility for tailored experiencesFlights and car rentals are easier to secure than in peak season
The only caveat is that May is the start of the busier period, so popular lodges in Etosha or Sossusvlei may begin to fill up. Booking in advance is wise, especially for luxury or unique lodges.
Comfortable weather with mild days and cool nightsLandscapes still green but drying into golden huesGood wildlife viewing as animals return to waterholesFewer bugs compared to earlier monthsLower prices and fewer tourists than in peak seasonPerfect conditions for hot-air balloon rides and hiking
Wildlife not yet as concentrated as in peak dry monthsNights can be cold, especially in deserts and highlandsPopular lodges start filling, so planning ahead is needed
Cassinga Day is a solemn national holiday commemorating the attack on Namibian refugees in 1978. Ceremonies are held across the country to honour those who lost their lives. While not a festive occasion, it provides insight into Namibia’s history and resilience.
Africa Day celebrates unity across the continent. In Namibia, cultural exhibitions, music, and food festivals bring communities together. Visitors can experience vibrant performances and traditional foods, making this a meaningful cultural highlight for travellers in May.
Popular activities in May include game drives in Etosha, hot-air balloon flights over Sossusvlei, birdwatching in Caprivi, and hiking in the Fish River Canyon. Adventure sports in Swakopmund and cultural visits with the Himba or San add depth to the journey.
Packing for Namibia in May means preparing for variety. Lightweight clothing works for daytime, but a warm jacket or fleece is essential for chilly mornings and evenings. Hiking boots are useful for treks, and binoculars and a camera will make the most of your safari. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are vital under Namibia’s clear skies.
Namibia in May is one of the best months for travellers who want balance. It offers the comfort of cooler days and nights, the beauty of lingering greenery, and the beginnings of excellent safari conditions. Costs are lower than in peak season, crowds are smaller, and the skies are perfect for photography.
For those who value space, atmosphere, and a quieter kind of adventure, May is an ideal time. Wildlife may not yet be as concentrated as in July or August, but the reward is intimacy, affordability, and landscapes alive with fresh colour. Namibia in May is a time of calm and promise, setting the stage for the great safaris of winter.
APRIL JUNE
