"Namibia’s capital city, located almost in the very centre of the country, has its own beguiling Europe-meets-Africa charm. Many buildings in the city centre show off a German influence – remnants of the country’s early colonial history – in their architectural style, while the vibe of the city carries all that sass and liveliness that is so wonderfully African. Windhoek is the international gateway to the country, and a very pleasant place to spend a day or two at the beginning or end of a journey.”
- Narina Exelby
Let's get started...
PLAN MY JOURNEYWindhoek & Surrounds
The eclectic city of Windhoek is home to the majority of Namibia’s population – but don’t expect high-rise buildings and big-city bustle. The country’s pleasant capital, located in a basin in the Khomas Highland plateau, tackles life at its own easy pace. Good amenities, wide roads, neat verges and a prevailing sense of space characterise this well-groomed city.
A good way to get to know about Windhoek is to do a guided walk around the city, and those wanting to learn more about Namibia’s history and unique cultures and traditions should make time to visit both the National Museum of Namibia and the Owela Museum. Soak up the atmosphere in one of the street-side cafes, or catch up on souvenir shopping at the Namibia Craft Centre, where you’ll find a wide variety of locally made crafts.
Windhoek is surrounded by many small private nature reserves, safari lodges and pleasant guest farms, which give travellers the opportunity to experience “Africa” from the very beginning (or at the very end) of their trip. Wildlife varies from property to property, but generally speaking there is more game in the area north of Windhoek; east of Windhoek tends to be dominated by farmlands while the west offers wonderful mountain scenery.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON
The wettest period of the year, although rainfall usually comes in the form of short-lived afternoon thunderstorms; the rest of the time it is largely sunny.
Midday temperatures are hot, with an average high 30°C/86°F midday, temperatures can occasionally rise well above this. Mornings average a pleasant 17°C/63°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, Windhoek and the surrounding areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.
WET SEASON
The wettest period of the year, although rainfall usually comes in the form of short-lived afternoon thunderstorms; the rest of the time it is largely sunny.
Midday temperatures are hot, with an average high 30°C/86°F midday, temperatures can occasionally rise well above this. Mornings average a pleasant 17°C/63°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, Windhoek and the surrounding areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.
WET SEASON
The wettest period of the year, although rainfall usually comes in the form of short-lived afternoon thunderstorms; the rest of the time it is largely sunny.
Midday temperatures are hot, with an average high 30°C/86°F midday, temperatures can occasionally rise well above this. Mornings average a pleasant 17°C/63°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, Windhoek and the surrounding areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.
WET SEASON
The rains begin to fade, with the likelihood of thunderstorms diminishing over the month.
Average midday temperatures are a pleasant 26°C/80°F. Mornings average a chilly 13°C/55°F
Like the rest of Namibia, Windhoek and the surrounding areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions dominate.
Midday temperatures are surprisingly cool, averaging around 22°C/72°F, while night temperatures average a low of 6°C/43°F making warm clothes essential for those early morning activities!
Like the rest of Namibia, Windhoek and the surrounding areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions dominate.
Midday temperatures are surprisingly cool, averaging around 22°C/72°F, while night temperatures average a low of 6°C/43°F making warm clothes essential for those early morning activities!
Like the rest of Namibia, Windhoek and the surrounding areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions dominate.
Midday temperatures are surprisingly cool, averaging around 22°C/72°F, while night temperatures average a low of 6°C/43°F making warm clothes essential for those early morning activities!
Like the rest of Namibia, Windhoek and the surrounding areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions dominate.
Midday temperatures are surprisingly cool, averaging around 22°C/72°F, while night temperatures average a low of 6°C/43°F making warm clothes essential for those early morning activities!
Like the rest of Namibia, Windhoek and the surrounding areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.
DRY SEASON
As the land continues to dry animals are drawn to the few remaining sources of water; in locations such as Etosha this can equate to some incredible game viewing. Temperatures however are quite cool, and cold in the mornings, so do pack some warm clothes! .
Namibia has an arid climate with very distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. Although the country can be visited throughout the year, it is generally at it's best during the peak of the dry season when day time temperatures are a little more pleasant. The dry season also improves the likelihood of good game view sightings, as wildlife concentrates itself around the few remaining water sources. There is also a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery and fantastic birding make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions continue to dominate.
Midday temperatures are beginning to rise in advance of the rains, averaging around 29°C /84°F by October. Night temperatures are also higher, with an average low of 16°C/60°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, Windhoek and the surrounding areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
The start of the wet season, with the occasional short sharp thunderstorm.
Like the rest of Namibia, Windhoek and the surrounding areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
The start of the wet season, with the occasional short sharp thunderstorm.
Like the rest of Namibia, Windhoek and the surrounding areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.