Weather
in the Kalahari Desert
Choosing the Best Season
for Your Kalahari Safari
Understanding the weather in the Kalahari Desert is key to selecting the best time for your safari, depending on the type of experience you wish to have. Despite its classification as a “desert,” the Kalahari’s semi-arid landscape presents both vibrant, green periods and drier seasons, each bringing unique wildlife encounters and scenic beauty. The shifting weather in the Kalahari Desert impacts everything from wildlife sightings to the landscape’s atmosphere, allowing you to plan your visit to match the seasonal highlights that appeal most to you. For more insights into the area, see our guide on Attractions and Highlights in the Kalahari.
Summer
(November-March)
During summer, expect hot days, mild nights, and seasonal rains, particularly from February to April. This is when the Kalahari bursts into life with blooming wildflowers, thriving meerkat colonies, and acacia trees that dot the landscape, adding vibrant touches of green.
Autumn
(April-May)
During these months, the weather in the Kalahari Desert starts to change. With cooler days and crisp nights, autumn retains some of the lushness from the wet season, making it a rewarding time for wildlife viewing as animals continue to be active in the milder weather.
Winter
(June-August)
Winter marks the dry season in the Kalahari, with mild daytime temperatures and frosty nights. This is the peak season for spotting wildlife, as animals congregate around limited water sources. For those interested in visiting the broader area, the Kalahari and Kgadikgadi Transfrontier Park offers remarkable opportunities for exploration.
Spring
(September-October)
Spring sees temperatures rising once more, and the landscape begins to rejuvenate in anticipation of the summer rains. This transitional season offers a unique prelude to the Kalahari’s transformation.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Winter is generally considered the prime season for wildlife, as the scarcity of water encourages animals to gather around reliable sources, providing excellent visibility and an unmatched wildlife experience amidst the unique Kalahari Desert weather.
Best Time for Lush Landscapes
For those wanting to witness the Kalahari Desert in bloom, summer or just after the wet season offers a spectacularly green and flourishing desert landscape.
Discover Botswana & Kalahari
Tours and Experiences
From the mesmerising landscapes of the Kalahari Desert to the expansive wilderness of Botswana, explore a variety of tours tailored to bring you closer to the region’s unique wildlife, stunning scenery, and vibrant ecosystems. Whether you’re seeking the rich wildlife sightings of the dry season or the lush scenery following the rains, our Botswana tours offer something for every traveller.
