Male Leopard, Botswana

The best time to visit Botswana

The best time to visit Botswana is from May to October. This is the dry season for the country, with warm temperatures throughout, and also when water levels are at their highest in the famous Okavango Delta.

Explore the best time to visit

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Visiting Botswana in January

A hot time of year, with thunderstorms periodically clearing the air. The peak of the wet season brings lush grass and the chance to spot newborn animals and birds.

Visiting Botswana in February

It remains hot and wet throughout the country, with the Central Kalahari turning into lush grasslands. Fruit sweetens and many different species scour the trees for a tasty meal.

Visiting Botswana in March

The high temperatures continue but the rains start to abate as the rainy season draws to a close.

Makgadikgadi zebra migration

Visiting Botswana in April

Temperatures start to drop, and days become drier. Antelope are breeding at this time, and are visible trying to flaunt themselves to their respective females.

Visiting Botswana in May

The start of the dry season. A good time of year to travel with pleasant temperatures, before the peak season.

Visiting Botswana in June

The winter brings warm days but chillier nights, so it is worth bringing a jacket. There is very little rainfall now, so wildlife is easier to spot around watering holes.

Visiting Botswana in July

The driest and coolest month across the country, with almost no rainfall at all. The waters of the Okavango rise as the rains finally filter down from the mountains of Angola. The aridity means that there are fewer mosquitoes at this time of year.

Visiting Botswana in August

Temperatures rise again, meaning less chilly nights and hot days, still with very little rainfall. A great time to spot wildlife in the Okavango delta as the waters reach peak levels.

Heronries in the Okavango Delta

Visiting Botswana in September

Continued rising temperatures and clear blue skies make for hot days and pleasantly warm evenings. Much of the country becomes dry and dusty as it has now been many months since any significant rains. Wildlife can be spotted easily around receding watering holes.

Visiting Botswana in October

The hottest month with some temperatures close to 40C, and the first signs of rain approaching. Water levels fall in the Okavango delta, causing catfish to migrate upstream, feeding on smaller fish along the way.

Carmine bee-eaters in Southern Africa

Visiting Botswana in November

The heat continues, as the rainy season begins. Greenery starts to return to the plains, and it is possible to spot some newborns.

Visiting Botswana in December

The rains return in full swing, with regular thunderstorms providing some relief from the heat. Grass carpets many of the landscapes, providing plenty of food for the young.

Botswana climate guide

Drag the slider to see monthly temperature and rainfall.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Maximum Temperature (°C) Monthly Rainfall (mm)
Central Kalahari
Chobe National Park
Gaborone
Makgadikgadi Pans, Kalahari
Maun
The Okavango Delta

Explore Botswana

  • Central Kalahari
  • Chobe National Park
  • Gaborone
  • Makgadikgadi Pans
  • Kalahari Desert
  • Maun
  • Okavango Delta

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