Namibia · Month comparison

December vs July

July ranks #1 overall vs December at #10. The absolute best month — Etosha game viewing at peak intensity, perfect clear conditions throughout

Namibia green wet season landscape with dramatic sky

December

#10 of 12 months

Worth considering

Wet season in full effect — green and dramatic but difficult conditions for classic game viewing

  • ↑Lush green Namibia is visually unusual and beautiful for those who expect the classic dry landscape
  • ↑Young wildlife (foals, fawns, cubs) creates excellent photographic opportunities
Namibia Etosha waterhole at sunset with elephant silhouettes

July

#1 of 12 months

Best match

The absolute best month — Etosha game viewing at peak intensity, perfect clear conditions throughout

  • ↑Etosha waterholes at maximum wildlife concentration — lion pride sightings daily at top camps
  • ↑Perfectly clear skies and dry air; Milky Way photography from the desert is extraordinary
FactorDecemberJuly
Weather score
4
9
Value score
7
4
Crowd score
4
7
Events score
3
4
Atmosphere
5
9
Avg high temp32°C20°C
Monthly rain78mm0mm
Daily sunshine8.5hrs11.5hrs

December trade-offs

  • ↓Daily rainfall in northern Namibia; Etosha self-drive can be muddy and uncomfortable
  • ↓Sossusvlei photography significantly compromised by overcast skies and humidity

July trade-offs

  • ↓Peak season pricing in full effect; expect to pay 2–3x wet season rates at premier camps
  • ↓Popular Etosha camps (Okaukuejo, Halali) completely booked unless reserved months ahead
See all 12 months for Namibia →December in detail →July in detail →
Scores compare months within Namibia. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →