Botswana Weather by Month

Botswana is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa, bordered by Namibia to the west and north, Zimbabwe to the northeast, Zambia to the north, and South Africa to the south and southeast. Covering an area of approximately 581,730 square kilometers, Botswana’s landscape is largely dominated by the Kalahari Desert, which spans about 70% of the country. This semi-arid region, along with the vast Makgadikgadi salt pans, defines the country’s central and southern geography. In contrast, the northern part of Botswana is home to the Okavango Delta, one of the world’s largest inland river deltas, which supports an abundance of wildlife and lush vegetation.

Botswana has a subtropical desert climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The country experiences hot temperatures throughout the year, with significant seasonal variation in rainfall. The wet season typically occurs between November and April, while the dry season dominates from May to October. These variations in climate and geography create diverse ecosystems, from desert landscapes in the south to wetlands and savannas in the north, each offering unique weather patterns and conditions throughout the year.

Botswana Weather by Month

January

General Overview

• Average temperature: 19°C to 31°C (66°F to 88°F)
• Rainfall: Heavy rainfall, particularly in the northern regions

January is part of Botswana’s wet season, with regular rain showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the northern regions where the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park are located. The rains bring relief from the heat, lowering daytime temperatures slightly, but the humidity levels rise, especially in the north. The southern regions, including the Kalahari Desert, also receive some rain, though less than the north.

Regional Differences

• Northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Maun): Warm with heavy rainfall, temperatures between 20°C to 31°C (68°F to 88°F)
• Central Botswana (Ghanzi, Kalahari): Hot and drier, with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 32°C (66°F to 90°F)
• Southern Botswana (Gaborone, Lobatse): Warm with occasional rain, temperatures between 19°C to 30°C (66°F to 86°F)

January is a good time for wildlife viewing in the Okavango Delta, as the rains create lush green landscapes and attract migratory birds, though travel can be challenging due to muddy conditions and high water levels in some areas.

February

General Overview

• Average temperature: 19°C to 31°C (66°F to 88°F)
• Rainfall: Continued rainfall, with high humidity

February remains part of the wet season in Botswana, with frequent rain showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the north. The Okavango Delta is particularly vibrant during this time, with plenty of water feeding the region’s ecosystems. The central and southern regions continue to receive less rainfall, but occasional showers still occur. Humidity remains high across the country, especially in the north.

Regional Differences

• Northern Botswana: Warm and rainy, with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 31°C (66°F to 88°F)
• Central Botswana: Hot with less rainfall, temperatures between 20°C to 32°C (68°F to 90°F)
• Southern Botswana: Warm with occasional showers, temperatures between 19°C to 30°C (66°F to 86°F)

February is an excellent month for birdwatching and for witnessing the lush landscapes in the Okavango Delta, though the rains can make travel more difficult, particularly in remote areas.

March

General Overview

• Average temperature: 18°C to 31°C (64°F to 88°F)
• Rainfall: Rain begins to decrease, particularly toward the end of the month

March marks the transition from the wet season to the dry season in Botswana. While rain still occurs, particularly in the northern regions, the frequency of showers begins to decline. Temperatures remain warm, and the humidity begins to drop, making conditions more comfortable. The Okavango Delta and other northern regions remain lush and green, while central and southern Botswana start to dry out.

Regional Differences

• Northern Botswana: Warm with decreasing rain, temperatures between 19°C to 31°C (66°F to 88°F)
• Central Botswana: Hot and drier, with temperatures around 18°C to 32°C (64°F to 90°F)
• Southern Botswana: Warm with occasional showers, temperatures between 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F)

March is a great time to visit Botswana, especially for those who want to experience the lush landscapes before the dry season sets in, but without the heavy rains of January and February.

April

General Overview

• Average temperature: 16°C to 30°C (61°F to 86°F)
• Rainfall: End of the rainy season, with only occasional showers

April is the end of the rainy season in Botswana, with rainfall becoming infrequent and the weather transitioning to drier conditions. Temperatures begin to drop, especially at night, and humidity decreases significantly, making the weather more pleasant. The northern regions remain green from the previous months of rain, while the central and southern parts of the country dry out.

Regional Differences

• Northern Botswana: Warm with occasional rain, temperatures between 17°C to 30°C (63°F to 86°F)
• Central Botswana: Warm and dry, with temperatures around 16°C to 31°C (61°F to 88°F)
• Southern Botswana: Warm and dry, with temperatures between 16°C to 29°C (61°F to 84°F)

April is an ideal time for wildlife viewing, as the end of the rainy season means animals are still concentrated around water sources, and the landscapes remain green but with fewer travel disruptions due to rain.

May

General Overview

• Average temperature: 12°C to 27°C (54°F to 81°F)
• Rainfall: Start of the dry season, with almost no rainfall

May marks the beginning of Botswana’s dry season, characterized by clear skies and cooler temperatures. Nighttime temperatures begin to drop, especially in the central and southern regions, but daytime temperatures remain warm and comfortable. The humidity is low, making May one of the most pleasant months for travel.

Regional Differences

• Northern Botswana: Warm and dry, with temperatures between 14°C to 28°C (57°F to 82°F)
• Central Botswana: Cooler and dry, with temperatures around 12°C to 28°C (54°F to 82°F)
• Southern Botswana: Cool and dry, with temperatures between 12°C to 26°C (54°F to 79°F)

May is an excellent time for safaris and wildlife viewing, as the animals begin to gather around permanent water sources, and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities.

June

General Overview

• Average temperature: 7°C to 25°C (45°F to 77°F)
• Rainfall: Completely dry, with cool nights

June is part of Botswana’s winter season, with cooler temperatures, especially at night. The northern regions, including the Okavango Delta, experience milder conditions, while central and southern Botswana can become quite cold after sunset. The skies remain clear, and there is no rainfall, making June a popular month for safaris and other outdoor activities.

Regional Differences

• Northern Botswana: Mild and dry, with temperatures between 9°C to 25°C (48°F to 77°F)
• Central Botswana: Cool and dry, with temperatures around 7°C to 26°C (45°F to 79°F)
• Southern Botswana: Cold at night, with temperatures between 7°C to 24°C (45°F to 75°F)

June is an ideal month for wildlife viewing, as the cool, dry weather forces animals to gather around water sources, and the lack of rain ensures easy access to national parks and reserves.

July

General Overview

• Average temperature: 6°C to 25°C (43°F to 77°F)
• Rainfall: Dry and cool, especially at night

July is the coldest month of the year in Botswana, particularly during the night and early morning hours. The days are sunny and warm, but nighttime temperatures can drop close to freezing in some areas, especially in the desert regions. Despite the cold nights, July is a prime time for wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around water sources, and the dry conditions make it easy to travel.

Regional Differences

• Northern Botswana: Mild with cool nights, temperatures between 8°C to 25°C (46°F to 77°F)
• Central Botswana: Cold at night, with temperatures ranging from 6°C to 26°C (43°F to 79°F)
• Southern Botswana: Cold and dry, with temperatures between 6°C to 24°C (43°F to 75°F)

July is one of the best months for safaris in Botswana, as the dry weather and lack of vegetation make it easier to spot wildlife. However, visitors should be prepared for cold nights, especially if camping.

August

General Overview

• Average temperature: 9°C to 29°C (48°F to 84°F)
• Rainfall: Dry, with temperatures starting to warm up

August marks the end of winter in Botswana, with temperatures starting to rise, especially during the day. Nights are still cool, but the daytime warmth makes outdoor activities more comfortable. The dry season continues, with no rainfall, and wildlife remains concentrated around water sources, making August another excellent month for safaris.

Regional Differences

• Northern Botswana: Warm during the day, cool at night, with temperatures between 10°C to 29°C (50°F to 84°F)
• Central Botswana: Warm with cool nights, temperatures around 9°C to 30°C (48°F to 86°F)
• Southern Botswana: Warm and dry, with temperatures between 9°C to 28°C (48°F to 82°F)

August is a perfect month for those looking to enjoy safaris, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities, as the weather is dry and comfortable.

September

General Overview

• Average temperature: 12°C to 32°C (54°F to 90°F)
• Rainfall: Hot and dry, with increasing temperatures

September is the beginning of the hot season in Botswana, with daytime temperatures rising significantly, especially in the central and southern regions. Nights remain cool but start to warm up as well. The dry season continues, and the wildlife is concentrated around water sources, making it easy to spot animals in national parks and reserves.

Regional Differences

• Northern Botswana: Warm and dry, with temperatures between 15°C to 32°C (59°F to 90°F)
• Central Botswana: Hot with cool nights, temperatures around 12°C to 33°C (54°F to 91°F)
• Southern Botswana: Hot and dry, with temperatures between 12°C to 31°C (54°F to 88°F)

September is one of the best months for safaris, as the dry conditions make it easy to spot wildlife, and the warm weather is perfect for outdoor activities.

October

General Overview

• Average temperature: 18°C to 35°C (64°F to 95°F)
• Rainfall: Very hot and dry, with little to no rain

October is the hottest month of the year in Botswana, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F), especially in the central and southern regions. The heat can be intense, particularly in the desert areas, though the northern regions remain slightly cooler due to the proximity to the Okavango Delta. The dry season is still in full swing, with no rainfall.

Regional Differences

• Northern Botswana: Very hot, with temperatures between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F)
• Central Botswana: Extremely hot, with temperatures around 18°C to 36°C (64°F to 97°F)
• Southern Botswana: Very hot and dry, with temperatures between 18°C to 34°C (64°F to 93°F)

October is a challenging month for travel due to the extreme heat, but it remains a prime time for wildlife viewing, as animals are still concentrated around permanent water sources.

November

General Overview

• Average temperature: 20°C to 34°C (68°F to 93°F)
• Rainfall: Start of the rainy season, with occasional thunderstorms

November marks the beginning of Botswana’s wet season, with the first rains typically arriving toward the middle or end of the month. Temperatures remain high, but the rains bring some relief from the intense heat. Thunderstorms are common, particularly in the afternoons, and the northern regions receive the most rainfall.

Regional Differences

• Northern Botswana: Warm with increasing rain, temperatures between 22°C to 34°C (72°F to 93°F)
• Central Botswana: Hot with occasional thunderstorms, temperatures around 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F)
• Southern Botswana: Warm with occasional showers, temperatures between 20°C to 33°C (68°F to 91°F)

November is a transitional month, with the return of rain bringing life back to the dry landscapes. It’s an exciting time for wildlife viewing, as animals begin to disperse from water sources and the landscape starts to turn green.

December

General Overview

• Average temperature: 19°C to 32°C (66°F to 90°F)
• Rainfall: Wet season in full swing, with regular rain and thunderstorms

December is part of Botswana’s wet season, with regular rain showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoons. The rains bring lush greenery to the landscape, especially in the northern regions, while the central and southern areas remain drier, though they still receive occasional showers. Temperatures remain warm, and the humidity increases, especially in the north.

Regional Differences

• Northern Botswana: Warm and rainy, with temperatures between 21°C to 32°C (70°F to 90°F)
• Central Botswana: Warm with occasional rain, temperatures around 19°C to 33°C (66°F to 91°F)
• Southern Botswana: Warm with sporadic showers, temperatures between 19°C to 32°C (66°F to 90°F)

December is a beautiful time to experience Botswana’s landscapes in full bloom, though travel can be more challenging due to the rains, particularly in remote areas.

Summary of Botswana’s Climate by Region

Northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park)

• Best months: May to October (dry season and ideal for wildlife viewing)
• Wettest months: December to March (heavy rain and lush landscapes)

Central Botswana (Kalahari Desert, Ghanzi)

• Best months: May to September (cooler weather and dry conditions)
• Hottest months: October to November (extreme heat)

Southern Botswana (Gaborone, Lobatse)

• Best months: May to September (dry and cool)
• Wettest months: December to February (occasional showers)

Botswana’s climate is defined by its distinct wet and dry seasons, with hot summers and cooler winters. The best time to visit for wildlife viewing is during the dry season (May to October), when animals congregate around water sources. The wet season (November to April) brings lush landscapes and abundant birdlife but can make travel more challenging due to rain and flooding in certain areas. Each season offers a unique experience for travelers, from dry savannahs and deserts to the lush, water-filled Okavango Delta.