Namibia in May

May is the beginning of the dry season in Namibia. As there is little to no rain, watering holes start drying up. During a Namibia safari at this time of the year, the possibility of seeing wildlife is highly likely (especially in Etosha National Park) as animals stick around limited permanent water sources. Thanks to the rain during the previous months, some landscapes still retain some of their greenery in May. This is the start of peak safari season in Namibia, especially for big game viewing and desert safaris.

Weather in May

Sossusvlei, Namibia — Namibia typically experiences dry weather during this period | Photo: Getty

May typically has dry weather, with temperatures reaching an average 23 °C/73 °F. The environment is usually warm and dry, but early morning and evening game drives can be chilly.

Average Weather in May

Temperature	Celsius	Fahrenheit	Rainfall
Min	9℃	48℉	0 inches
Max	23℃	73℉	0.14 inches

Scroll >

National Parks to Visit in Namibia During May

Etosha National Park

Wildlife viewing is excellent in Etosha National Park during May. Home to four of the Big Five, a safari in Etosha can include sightings of elephants and lions, while leopards and rhinos are rare. Other animals that call the park home include giraffes, zebras, springboks, oryxes, hyenas, bat-eared foxes, and warthogs.

Okonjima Private Nature Reserve

Okonjima Private Nature Reserve – rehabilitated farmland that includes stunning walking trails and the AfriCat Carnivore Care Centre – is best visited in the dry winter months from May to October. This is one of the best places to see not only leopards and hyenas but also the endangered pangolin.

Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon is an exciting place to visit in the dry season. Bush walks and hikes are best during this time due to the clear skies, sunny days, and temperate conditions. Part of the ǀAi-ǀAis/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, species you could spot here include Hartmann’s mountain zebra, klipspringers, steenboks, kudus, baboons, and common duikers.

Activities to Do in Namibia in May

Game drives
Walking safaris
Desert safaris
Hot air balloon safaris

"We are based in Sydney and had our initial conversation with Cayleigh Brown by video. She came back to us with a proposed itinerary and was very accommodating of one of our guests who uses a wheelchair. The iitinerary was fantastic and built so that each..."

Liz, Australia•22 Aug 2026•

"An outstanding safari through Discover Africa- from the organisation and attentiveness, Thanks Vihann, to the sublime wildlife viewing and stunning sunsets this was Africa as you imagine it. Okavango is stunning and pristine form the air and the camps fabul..."

Paul, United Kingdom•22 Jul 2026•

"We worked with Discover Africa to arrange our first ever Safari. Chrizaan from Discover Africa did a tremendous job in first understanding our requirements and wishes and then translating them into the perfect trip for us! Everything was organized to the..."

Elke Bregler, United States•21 Apr 2026•

"This was the most thrilling vacation I have ever taken. Justin at Discover Africa planned everything down to the finest detail so it was effortless, magical and perfect from start to finish. A trip of a lifetime and then some!"

Heili Lehr, United States•06 Apr 2026•

"I was recommended Discover Africa by a friend who raved about them for their African Safari adventure and they didn't disappoint. From the start the communication was timely, despite the time zone difference, and the advice was thorough and precise. It seem..."

Stephen Suster, Australia•18 Jan 2026•

"Chrizaan Troch of Discover Africa helped us organize a recent safari in Chobe National Park. She was great to deal with - listened to what we wanted, and also offered other suggestions. She was very efficient, and always replied promptly to our questions. ..."

Celia Schroeder, Canada•03 Dec 2025•