Botswana Weather, When to Go and Climate Information

(Botswana, BW, Southern Africa)



View of the famous Kalahari DesertThe climate in Botswana varies from semi-arid to sub-tropical depending on the region. In general, however, it is safe to say that there is little rainy weather during the year and that average summer and winter daytime temperatures in Botswana are fairly similar.

During the summer climate, it may feel extremely hot at times. For this reason, most visitors to Botswana's capital city, Gaborone, prefer to visit when the weather is more agreeable during the cooler spring and autumn months. However, those on safari may well choose to brave the summer heat in order to experience the best in game viewing.


Further picture of the Kalahari Desert

Seasonal Climate Variations / When to Go

The summer period runs from October through to March. Temperatures during the summer can rise to a high of 41°C / 105°F. Even during the night time, temperatures may not fall much below 22°C / 71°F.

Botswana's rainy season occurs during the summer. From October to April, showers tend to spring up quickly and just as quickly die away again, making the climate feel rather hot and humid. For visitors on safari in one of the many national parks or game reserves in Botswana, this is undoubtedly the best time to visit for game viewing, as wildlife can easily be spotted around newly flooded water holes. The amount of rainfall does vary, depending on where you are. The highest rainfall tends to falls in the north and east of Botswana.

Winters in Botswana are inclined to be cooler and drier, with clear sunny weather. Between May and September, daytime temperatures can reach around 25°C / 77°F. However, night times mostly feel quite chilly or even frosty, so it is well worth packing some suitable warmer clothing.

Botswana Weather and Climate Chart (Averages)


Maximum
Minimum

January

32°C / 90°F
20°C / 68°F

February

31°C / 88°F
19°C / 66°F

March

30°C / 86°F
18°C / 64°F

April

28°C / 82°F
13°C / 55°F

May

23°C / 73°F
9°C / 48°F

June

22°C / 72°F
4°C / 39°F

July

22°C / 72°F
5°C / 41°F

August

26°C / 79°F
8°C / 46°F

September

31°C / 88°F
13°C / 55°F

October

33°C / 91°F
16°C / 61°F

November

32°C / 90°F
18°C / 64°F

December

32°C / 90°F
18°C / 64°F