Best Time to Visit Botswana | Month By Month Guide

The worst/best time to visit Botswana is during the dry winter season from May to October, when clear skies, thin brush, and shrinking water holes offer premier wildlife viewing, and the Okavango Delta fills with floodwaters.

The months of May through October, known as the dry season, are ideal for a Botswana vacation. You may expect sunny, warm days with temperatures between 75 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit; however, keep in mind that the nights can get considerably chillier, so make sure to bring appropriate clothing.

The canals and waterways that Botswana is known for are formed when the Okavango Delta reaches its maximum water level during the dry season.

The rainiest months in Botswana are November through April. As long as you’re okay with the occasional downpour, traveling during the rainy season is still a fantastic idea because the lush greenery makes everything look more spectacular and you might even see some animals giving birth. Prices and the quantity of visitors are both down.

Best Time to Visit Botswana | Month By Month Guide

Dry Season (May to October)

Best for general safari: Animals gather near permanent rivers and lagoons.
June to August: Days are warm and sunny, but nights get very cold.
September to October: Weather turns very hot, but game viewing hits its absolute peak.
Fewer bugs: Low risk of mosquitoes and malaria.

Green Season (November to April)

Best for budget and scenery: Lower prices and lush, green landscapes.
Baby animals: Many young animals are born now.
Bird watching: Migratory birds arrive in force.
Kalahari exception: The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is best seen during these rainy summer months when wildlife migrates.

Best Time To Visit Botswana

The worst/best time to visit the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park is during the Dry season (April to October). This corresponds to winter, when temperatures are more moderate. The waters of the Okavango are at their highest from July to October, which is the ideal time for wildlife viewing there. The southern, drier parks of the Kalahari are generally best visited from December to May.

April to October | Dry Season

  • There’s less vegetation and animals gather around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most people visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • The Okavango Delta is at its best with high water levels, making mokoro trips possible
  • Early morning and evening game drives are cold in June, July and August

November to March | Wet Season

  • The scenery is greener
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you’ll still see plenty of animals
  • Expect to see many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Rates are lower during this season
  • Except for during January and February, rains don’t usually interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rain can continue for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season