November is the start of Namibia’s long, hot, wet summer. It’s low season for travel, but that’s great news if you don’t mind hot weather: bird-watch in the Caprivi Strip, seek out migrating whales off Walvis Bay, and spot seals (and a lot of shipwrecks) along the Skeleton Coast. Read on to learn more about where to go and what to do in Namibia in November.
## Weather in Namibia during November
November in Namibia heralds the arrival of early summer. The Namibian summers are characterized by their high temperatures and increased rainfall. While the heavy rains that mark the full season are still building in November, and not yet as frequent or intense as they will become later, visitors should nonetheless anticipate experiencing some rainfall during their travels. It is prudent to pack accordingly, with rain gear and quick-drying clothing, to ensure comfort throughout your Namibian adventure.
Furthermore, Namibia showcases a remarkable degree of regional climatic variation. The coastal regions, for instance, tend to exhibit cooler temperatures compared to the inland areas throughout the year. This is due to the influence of the cold Benguela Current that flows along the Atlantic coast. Northern Namibia and the expansive desert landscapes are typically the hottest, with temperatures reaching scorching highs. In the Caprivi Strip, a lush region in northeastern Namibia, and in the renowned Etosha National Park, also situated in northern Namibia, you can expect temperatures to climb as high as approximately 99°F (37°C). Other regions of the country offer slightly cooler conditions, but still remain quite hot. Expect average daytime temperatures to hover around 86°F (30°C) in many inland locations. However, along the dramatic Skeleton Coast, you can anticipate a more moderate average daytime temperature of around 71°F (22°C). The contrast in temperature between the coast and the interior makes it possible to experience different climates within a relatively short distance.
## Crowd Levels and Travel Costs in November
November signals the commencement of the low season for tourism in Namibia. This shift in visitor numbers is largely attributed to the fact that the conditions during this time are not optimal for the classic game-viewing safaris that draw many to Namibia. The increased vegetation cover, thanks to the rains, makes it more challenging to spot wildlife. However, this doesn’t mean that a trip to Namibia in November is without its merits. While wildlife viewing may be slightly more challenging, you can still enjoy the many other attractions and activities that Namibia has to offer. If you decide to travel to Namibia during this month, you’ll be rewarded with the benefit of encountering fewer tourists at the most popular destinations, creating a more intimate and immersive experience. Another advantage is that you are likely to find lower prices on accommodations, tours, and car rentals.
## Destinations to Explore in Namibia during November
Many travelers find themselves passing through Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia, when embarking on their Namibian journey. It’s highly recommended to dedicate some time to exploring Windhoek during your visit this month. The city offers a vibrant cultural scene, particularly during the weeklong Otjomuise Live Arts Festival, which is organized in partnership with the Goethe-Institut Namibia. This festival infuses the city with a dynamic energy through a diverse range of artistic expressions. You can expect to encounter music and dance performances, captivating art installations thoughtfully placed in public spaces, and a variety of other engaging public presentations that take place throughout the city. Having been launched relatively recently in 2021, the Otjomuise Live Arts Festival is still evolving. Visitors can look forward to witnessing its continued growth and development in the years to come, as it solidifies its position as a key cultural event in Windhoek.
For those seeking respite from the inland heat, the Skeleton Coast stands out as a significantly cooler region throughout the year. This makes it an ideal destination for escaping the higher temperatures found elsewhere in the country. The Skeleton Coast is characterized by its long and remote stretch of stark beach along the often foggy Atlantic coast. The remnants of ships that have run aground over the years dot the landscape, adding to the area’s haunting beauty and unique atmosphere. The southern sections of this area, protected as part of the Skeleton Coast National Park, are accessible by embarking on guided 4WD tours, allowing you to explore this rugged and fascinating environment. Access to the northern region is strictly by air, as there are no roads leading to this more isolated part of the coast. Furthermore, for those who enjoy angling, the coastal town of Henties Bay provides opportunities for excellent fishing experiences. You can also witness the impressive sight of fur seals congregating at the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, which is situated in the southern part of the Skeleton Coast, offering a memorable wildlife encounter.
## Activities and Experiences in Namibia during November
If you are interested in maximizing your time in southern Africa, consider combining your trip to Namibia with a visit to Botswana. Bird-watching enthusiasts, in particular, will find a combined itinerary extremely rewarding, providing you can withstand the heat of November. Namibia’s northern Caprivi Strip is recognized as one of the premier locations in the country for birdwatching. Its close proximity to Botswana’s renowned Okavango Delta means that the Caprivi Strip is home to several Okavango species that are not found in other parts of Namibia. After dedicating some time to exploring the avian wonders of the Caprivi Strip, consider crossing the border into Botswana to further enrich your southern African adventure.
Alternatively, if you decide to focus solely on Namibia, the coastal city of Swakopmund presents a range of excellent wildlife-focused activities during November, moving away from traditional game-viewing. In summer, thousands of flamingoes migrate to the Walvis Bay Wetlands, a protected Ramsar site located just south of Swakopmund and bordering the vast expanse of the Namib Desert. These wetlands provide a crucial habitat for a diverse array of bird species, including flamingoes, pelicans, and various other birds. Furthermore, the waters off the coast of Walvis Bay also attract marine life, including southern right whales and humpback whales. While November marks the end of their migration season along this stretch of coast, keep your eyes peeled, as you may still have the chance to spot these majestic creatures during your visit.
## November Events
**Otjomuise Live Arts Festival, Windhoek.** This weeklong festival, which first launched in 2021, takes place in November and showcases live music and dance performances, along with art installations and various other public presentations across the city of Windhoek.
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