What are you looking for?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY
Email us
(optional)

Namibia in December

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

As the year comes to an end, rain increases, which blankets certain regions in lush greenery, thickening vegetation and making animals found in Namibia harder to spot during game drives. However, if you’re an avid birdwatcher, this is the best time for a Namibia safari! Migrant species can be seen in Caprivi, Etosha, and Namib-Naukluft, creating a spectacle for safari-goers.

Namibia is generally best for photographic safaris at this time of year, as the rain usually clears the dust. Thunderstorms provide fantastic opportunities to capture mesmerising moments on camera. Namibia is home to varying landscapes and scenery, making it a photographer’s paradise!

Weather in December

Clouds bursting with rain over Namibia
December brings with it rain and thick vegetation | Photo: LUCKOHNEN via Getty

Average rainfall increases to almost two inches in December; this is accompanied by hotter temperatures, with the maximum hitting around 31 °C/88 °F. Bring along a light rain jacket in case you get caught in a downpour.

Average Weather in December

Temperature Celsius FahrenheitRainfall
Min 17℃63℉0.1 inches
Max 31℃88℉5.9 inches

National Parks to Visit in Namibia During December

A rhino in Etosha National Park.
Etosha National Park is excellent during the wet season | Photo: Unsplash

Caprivi (Zambezi Region)

Caprivi is the place to go to spot less common species in Namibia. This region is water-rich, in stark contrast to the rest of the country, so it supports animals like hippos, crocodiles, and buffaloes. Even though the best time for a wildlife safari in Namibia is during the dry winter, Caprivi in December is lush and dotted with flowers, baby animals, and migrant bird species.

Namib-Naukluft Park

The desert embraces a new look during the wet summer season. An increase in rain causes the arid landscape to shift and flowers to pop up. Rainfall clears the environment of dust, creating a better setting for photographic safaris in Namibia. The Namib-Naukluft Park includes coastal regions like Sandwich Harbour, an important habitat for flamingos. During the wet season, migrant bird species fly into the park, creating a haven for avid birders.

Etosha National Park

In the wet season, Etosha National Park is a beautiful place to go for a Namibia safari. Although rains are more common than during the winter months, it usually doesn’t rain for long, and the increase in water creates a beautiful lush green landscape to explore. While this vegetation can make finding wildlife more challenging, when you do find them, you may see them with their young. This is also the perfect time of the year for a birding safari.

Activities to Do in Namibia in December

  • Photographic safaris
  • Birdwatching safaris
  • Culture safaris

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

Free safari planning advice from destination experts

Help me plan

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us
Discover Africa organized a GREAT Botswana safari for us!

Botswana and Victoria Falls Safari Review

Joe, United States
10 Jul 2025
Our Cape Town and Safari Adventure was top-notch!

Cape Town Adventure and Kruger National Park Safari Review

John Howell, United States
25 Jun 2025
An outstanding safari trip made seamless

Safari at Jock Safari Lodge and Arathusa Safari Lodge Review

Glenda & Kenneth, Australia
25 Apr 2025
Megan, at Discover Africa, was truly attentive to creating a perfect, personalized...

Highlights of Southern Africa Safari Review

Donna, United States
01 Oct 2024
Easy to talk to, they know what they are doing, professional attention,...

4 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Review

Mara Loera, United States
12 Aug 2024
Super recommended!

6 Nights South Africa Safari Adventure Review

Fernando, Argentina
09 Aug 2024