Weather
June is the start of winter in Namibia. Although there is regional variation in climate and conditions, the winter is generally dry, with no rain. In most parts of the country, average temperatures are pleasant in the 70s (Fahrenheit). Higher-altitude locales, such as the capital of Windhoek, get a bit cooler, and desert temperatures drop overnight to as low as 32°F (0°C). The Namibian coast is always cooler than inland, and winters are particularly foggy along the Skeleton Coast. Bring warm clothes if you're planning to go on safari, as early mornings can be freezing.
Crowds & Costs
June is the start of the peak season for travel to Namibia. The country is a popular safari destination, and national park areas get busy throughout the winter. June to August are the best times for game viewing, with vegetation sparser and animals gathering around the remaining water holes. Make accommodation bookings well in advance. However, Namibia isn't as busy as some other east African safari destinations, and the only places that get really busy are Etosha National Park, Swakopmund, and Sossusvlei.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Where to Go
Etosha National Park in northern Namibia is one of the most popular game areas in the country and possibly the best place in Africa to see black rhinos. Centered on the large, salty Etosha Pan, the park is also home to flamingoes, elephants, giraffes, leopards, and ostriches. Winter is the best time to go on wildlife-spotting safaris as the animals are more visible now that the vegetation is less dense. You can find a range of great accommodations around Etosha, including tented safari camps.
To get away from the crowds, check out the lesser-visited Damaraland in northwestern Namibia. Home to the nomadic Himba people, the otherwise sparsely inhabited region is full of interesting rocky outcrops that are an excellent backdrop for 4WD adventures. Here you can also find the petroglyphs of Twyfelfontein, an arid valley in the Kunene Region. This ancient rock art site is one of Africa's largest concentrations of rock petroglyphs. The petroglyphs are up to 6,000 years old and depict animals and daily life. The closest town to the rock art sites is Khorixas.
What to Do
To enjoy a different kind of wildlife-viewing activity in Namibia in June, head to coastal Swakopmund, specifically Walvis Bay, south of the city. Between June and November, southern right whales and humpback whales migrate along this stretch of the Atlantic coast. Grab a pair of binoculars—or solely rely on the naked eye—and scan the horizon from Walvis Bay. The Walvis Bay Wetlands are also worth visiting, as they're a protected Ramsar site home to pelicans and flamingoes (the latter mainly in the summer).
Whether you have five days or five weeks, taking a self-drive road trip around Namibia (or even hiring a car and driver) is a smart way to get to know Namibia, especially in winter. There are many route options. A good two-week itinerary would be to start in Windhoek, then drive through two deserts, the Kalahari and the Namib, known for their epic dunes, rivers, canyons, and gorges. Continue west to the coast, then head north to see where nomadic tribes live and learn about their culture. Finish in the Etosha National Park to see some impressive wildlife.
Traveling to Namibia in June? Check out these great itineraries
Pride of Namibia: Etosha, Swakopmund & Namib Desert - 7 Days. With one week in Namibia, take a safari through Etosha National Park, visit coastal Swakopmund, and marvel at otherworldly Namib Naukluft Park—part of the oldest desert in the world.
Namibia Self-Drive Adventure - 14 Days. This two-week road trip explores Namibia's wild, beautiful, and safe environs, perfect for first-timers to Africa. Start in Windhoek, drive through the Kalahari and Namib deserts, and spend time spitting animals in Etosha.
More Helpful Information
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Best Time of Year to Visit Namibia
How Many Days to Spend in Namibia