Weather
February is midsummer in Namibia, a country in the Southern Hemisphere. Namibia tends to be hotter and drier in the south and wetter in the north, with a temperate climate in and around the high-altitude, inland capital, Windhoek (5,600 ft/1,700 m). In February, expect hot temperatures of around 90°F (32°C) in Windhoek, but with cooler nights. Desert temperatures are even hotter, with the Kalahari reaching 105°F (40°C). The coast is much cooler, with the Skeleton Coast and Sossusvlei averaging highs in the mid-70s (Fahrenheit) in the summer.
Summer is also the wettest time of year in Namibia. Days can be hot and humid, with sharp showers in the late afternoons. Some parts of the country can be challenging to access in the summer because of heavy rains. However, in most places, it doesn't rain all day, every day, and the mornings are pretty clear.
Crowds & Costs
February is the low season for travel to Namibia. Many travelers to this country come for wildlife-viewing safaris—although it's still reasonably off-the-beaten-path as far as African safari destinations go—and summer isn't the ideal season for game viewing. There are other attractions and activities to enjoy this month, so travelers who make it to Namibia can enjoy these without big crowds or high prices.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Where to Go
Coastal Swakopmund, west of Windhoek, is an ideal place to visit in February. Not only are there great bird-watching opportunities (see more below), but the city is an attraction in its own right. Sometimes called the most beautiful city in Namibia, Swakopmund is full of late-19th century German colonial architecture and a red-and-white striped lighthouse. The German influence also extends to the beer scene—ideal for cooling off in the summer. Swakopmund is also a hub of outdoor adventure sports, especially sandboarding.
Along the northwestern coast of Namibia, the Skeleton Coast National Park is also worth visiting in February, with lower temperatures. The long stretch of remote beach is dotted with the "skeletons" of shipwrecks: a photographer's delight. The southern parts of the park are more accessible and can be reached on 4WD tours. You must fly into the northern regions as there's no road access.
What to Do
Although the conditions for game viewing aren't ideal in February, bird-watching is another story altogether. The bird-watching in and around Swakopmund is excellent as you can see thousands of flamingoes near the city, at the Walvis Bay Wetlands, which are on the edge of the Namib Desert. Just 30 minutes' drive from Swakopmund, visitors can go independently or join a guided tour. As well as flamingoes, you can see pelicans and many other birds.
If you've ever looked at a map of Namibia, you will have noticed a thin finger of land in the northeast of the country, reaching toward Zambia and Zimbabwe; that is the Caprivi Strip. While it can get sweltering in February, keen bird-watchers might want to brave the hot conditions for the fantastic array of birds seen here in summer. Being close to the Okavango Delta, the Caprivi Strip is home to some Okavango species that can't be found elsewhere in Namibia.
Traveling to Namibia in February? Check out this great itinerary
Namibia Self-Drive Adventure - 8 Days. This eight-day road trip is an excellent introduction to Namibia's otherworldly landscapes, activities, and culture. Start in Windhoek before delving into the Namib Desert for massive dunes, rivers, canyons, and gorges. From here, continue west toward the Atlantic coast for two nights of seaside splendor.
More Helpful Information
Namibia in January
Namibia in March
Best Time of Year to Visit Namibia
How Many Days to Spend in Namibia