December is midsummer in Namibia and a low season for travel. Namibian summers tend to be hot and wet, but notable exceptions exist. Keep your cool at the bone-dry dunes of Sossusvlei or the foggy Skeleton Coast, or embrace the heat and go bird-watching in the Caprivi Strip. If you are in Namibia for Christmas, make the most of a hot festive season. Read on for more tips for traveling to Namibia in December.
## Weather in Namibia in December
December heralds the arrival of early summer in Namibia, a season that generously extends from November through March. Namibian summers are characterized by their humidity and considerable heat. While the most intense rainfall is typically experienced in January, travelers should anticipate daily afternoon showers throughout the month of December.
It’s important to acknowledge the significant regional climatic variations that exist across Namibia. The coastal areas generally maintain cooler temperatures throughout the year compared to the inland regions. Northern Namibia and the desert areas tend to be the hottest, experiencing extremely high temperatures. Specifically, the Caprivi Strip and Etosha National Park can see scorching highs reaching around 99°F (37°C). The Kalahari Desert can even surpass this, with temperatures soaring up to 104°F (40°C). Even Windhoek experiences considerable heat, with temperatures around 89°F (32°C) in December. However, the Skeleton Coast and Sossusvlei provide a welcome contrast, being noticeably cooler with temperatures hovering around 71°F-77°F (22°C-25°C). Therefore, packing accordingly is crucial, and considering the regional differences will certainly make one’s travels through Namibia much more pleasant.
## Crowds and Costs in December
December falls within the low season for tourism in Namibia, a trend that persists throughout the summer months. The prevailing weather conditions during this time are not always ideal for game-viewing safaris, dissuading many potential visitors. However, this shouldn’t deter travelers completely, as Namibia offers a diverse range of other attractions and activities. Tourists who choose to visit Namibia in December can take advantage of the benefits offered by fewer crowds at popular sites, and the prospect of lower prices on accommodation and tours. This can be a fantastic opportunity for a more intimate and budget-friendly experience. The chance to enjoy Namibia’s wonders with fewer people around makes December a very appealing time of year to go.
## Where to Go in Namibia in December
If your priority is to escape the most intense heat, then Sossusvlei should be high on your list. This area tends to be noticeably cooler than other regions of Namibia during the summer months. This incredible landscape of towering red and orange dunes and expansive white salt flats, nestled within the ancient Namib Desert, is an absolute must-see for any visitor to Namibia. December presents a particularly advantageous time to explore Sossusvlei, as it avoids the heavier crowds characteristic of the peak winter season. Challenge yourself to climb the vibrantly colored dunes and be sure not to miss Deadvlei, a hauntingly beautiful location where petrified, centuries-old trees stand in stark contrast against the white clay pan.
The Skeleton Coast also provides a cooler alternative. This isolated and dramatic strip of coastline is known for the numerous shipwrecks that have met their fate along its frequently foggy Atlantic coast. The southern sections of the Skeleton Coast National Park offer easier access and can be explored via 4WD tours. The northern stretches, however, remain more remote, requiring access by air. For those interested in fishing, Henties Bay, the only real town along the coast, is a great destination. Alternatively, consider a visit to the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, where you can observe a large colony of fur seals in their natural habitat. The rugged beauty and unique atmosphere of the Skeleton Coast make it a truly unforgettable destination in Namibia.
## What to Do in Namibia in December
Travelers arriving from the Northern Hemisphere might find the experience of a hot, sunny Christmas somewhat unusual. If you are in Namibia during late December, embrace the local traditions by celebrating and wishing for a wet Christmas rather than a white one! In the weeks leading up to the festive season, cities are adorned with twinkling lights, particularly around churches and cathedrals. Pay special attention to Windhoek’s Christuskirche and Swakopmund’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, which are particularly striking at this time of year. In northern Namibia, it is customary to prepare and share meals at Christmas, often in the form of a *braai* (barbecue) that is distributed among the community. Also, be on the lookout for Namibian Christmas trees, which are typically made from thorn bushes – a unique and charming twist on the traditional Christmas tree.
Bird-watching enthusiasts will also find December to be a rewarding time to visit Namibia, provided they are willing to brave the heat in some of the country’s hottest regions. The narrow Caprivi Strip, a distinctive finger of land located in the northeast between Angola, Zambia, and Botswana, is renowned as one of the best bird-watching destinations in Namibia. The Bwabwata National Park is an extension of the Okavango Delta, located to the south in northern Botswana. This area of Namibia boasts a diverse range of habitats, including swamps, floodplains, wetlands, and woodlands, making it home to a remarkable variety of bird species. This is a perfect choice for those wishing to see birds in their natural environment.
## Events in Namibia in December
**Christmas**, celebrated **nationwide**. Namibians celebrate Christmas, with festivities commencing on December 6th when Christmas lights illuminate homes and towns. In a unique twist, a thorn tree often serves as a substitute for the traditional pine tree. Families come together for a traditional Christmas meal on Christmas Day before attending church.
## Traveling to Namibia in December?
Consider embarking on a road trip to Namibia and Botswana’s top parks and natural attractions, including the dunes of Sossuvlei, rock formations of Damaraland, and the expanse of the Okavango Delta. The adventure of exploring this area of Africa is something to behold, with memories sure to be made.
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