At a Glance:
- Best time: June-September
- Best weather: April-May
- Worst weather: October & November (hot temperatures) and January & February (peak rainy season)
- High season: July-October
- Low Season: November-April
If you’re planning a safari in the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park, the warm to hot year round temperatures make Botswana an inviting destination for travelers at any time of the year, but if you’re hoping to avoid rain showers that could last for days and enjoy more comfortable temperatures, then the dry winter from May to October is the best time to visit.
During the
winter dry season (May-October), animals are easier to spot through less vegetation as they crowd around water holes. Plus, clear skies, infrequent rain, and fewer mosquitoes make this an ideal time for a safari vacation. And don’t worry about feeling crowded in the national parks, other than the more highly trafficked Chobe riverfront area. Just make sure to pack warm clothes if you’re traveling from June-August for the chillier mornings and nights.
Traveling during the
wet summer months, from November through April, isn’t a bad option either, as long as you understand that at the beginning of the season in October and November, it can be very hot, and further into the rainy season, it might not stop raining for several days. Since this is a less popular time to visit, some lodges do temporarily close during this time. If you don’t mind the higher chance of rain and hotter temperatures, then you will see verdant foliage, newborn animals and migratory birds, and lower prices. Most of the time, rain showers last just a few hours in the afternoon, which shouldn’t affect your overall experience.
Best Months to Visit Chobe National Park: May-September
Best Months to Visit Okavango Delta: July-October
