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January - February
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March - April
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May
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June - July
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August
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September
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October
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November
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December
Visiting Botswana in January & February
January is the heart of the rainy season, so expect spectacular afternoon thunderstorms and warm temperatures – around 30C during the day and 20C at night. This is peak breeding time for many migratory birds. The young of grazing animals, though fast-developing, are still the favourite prey of big cats and wild dog.
The rains continue throughout February. Expect a mixture of bright sun and more dramatic afternoon storms – another month of photogenic wonder. Daytime temperatures can reach up to 40C, while the evenings remain around 20C. Various species gather around ripening fruit trees, but the resident big game tends to spread out in search of easy access to water. Waterlilies are flowering while frogs, birds and butterflies are constantly busy.
Visiting Botswana in March & April
The temperature remains warm as the rains start to peter out. Hundreds of wildebeest and zebra begin their migration through the Savute Marsh while, in Moremi, bull elephant can be seen eating their favourite fruit from the marula trees.
During April, the days remain sunny though temperatures start to cool, mostly at night, when the averages fall below 20C. This is the start of the breeding period for antelope and impala, a great time to witness the clashes between rival males.
Visiting Botswana in May
The dry season is now here, with cooler nights averaging 15C. Daytime temperatures are still high but won’t exceed 35C. Game drives yield sightings of buffalo and herds of elephant gathering around waterholes, and the predators are also more active as they are able to blend seamlessly into the drying landscape.
Visiting Botswana in June & July
This is the coolest part of the year, with night temperatures dropping as low as 5C. However, the thermometer will still reach 25C in daylight hours. The trees start to lose their leaves and mammals concentrate around waterholes and pools, making it easier to spot the local wildlife.
The cool night temperatures continue into July, and most animals still depend on access to waterholes for survival. However, the floods arrive in the Okavango Delta in the north of the country, making canoe safaris and boat trips the best ways to explore the wetlands.
Visiting Botswana in August
Days and nights are warming, with daytime temperatures rising up to 30C and nights to around 10C. Animal herds are getting larger and the elephant are breeding, leading to tensions around the waterholes. You can also spot many bird species such as heron and stork nest-building at this time of year.
Visiting Botswana in September
Temperatures continue to rise while the humidity steadily increases. The declining water levels leads to high concentrations of elephant and buffalo around waterholes, making this an ideal time to view lion on the hunt. There are also more species of birds visible across the landscape as they return from their winter grounds.
Visiting Botswana in October
Humidity and temperatures increase, and so do the opportunities for game-viewing. Expect daytime highs of over 40C, with night temperatures creeping up into the high teens. The dry weather leads to arid landscapes, making it easy to spot animals that prefer to hide in the lush vegetation of the wet season. Activities tend to be focused in the early mornings and later afternoon to avoid the heat of the day.
Visiting Botswana in November
The visibility is still fantastic, and the rains don’t tend to begin until mid-November. The temperature and humidity both peak at this time of year, though once the rains begin most animals disperse among the seasonal pans. This is also the antelope birthing season, so the predators remain active.
Visiting Botswana in December
Rainfall increases as the thunderstorms become more frequent, and the resulting growth of foliage and vegetation transforms the landscape. With more ground cover to hide behind, the predators take advantage of the newly arrived wildebeest calves and young antelope. This is also the time to see the biggest range of birdlife in Botswana.
