There are many reasons to visit Botswana throughout the year. Whether it is the annual flood of the Okavango Delta in the dry season or the zebra migrations in the Makgadikgadi Pans during the wet season. A subtropical desert climate characterizes Botswana, which has large daily temperature variations coupled with low humidity. A majority of the year goes by without any rain, and the wettest months are December through March, highlighting the countries beauty. It is a bird watcher’s paradise all year round. However, the “green season” is among the best time to visit for the bird numbers and diversities.
Dry Season – May to October
May to August:
- Kalahari – up to 26°C
- Gaborone – up to 26°C
- Okavango Delta – up to 29°C
- Kasane – up to 29°C
September to October:
- Kalahari – up to 33°C
- Gaborone – up to 32°C
- Okavango Delta – up to 36°C
- Kasane – up to 36°C
Green Season – November to April
November:
- Kalahari – up to 34°C
- Gaborone – up to 32°C
- Okavango Delta – up to 35°C
- Kasane – up to 34°C
December to February:
- Kalahari – up to 35°C
- Gaborone – up to 32°C
- Okavango Delta – up to 34°C
- Kasane – up to 31°C
March/ April:
- Kalahari – up to 32°C
- Gaborone – up to 31°C
- Okavango Delta – up to 32°C
- Kasane – up to 31°C
Wildlife viewing
Botswana is home to an array of wildlife in some of the world’s most extreme ecosystems, ranging from the desert salt pans of the south to the tropical Okavango Delta, Moremi Reserve, and the lush floodplains of the Chobe River. The country homes many big cats, which are the highlight of any wildlife safari. Lions, leopards, and cheetah can be found in various parks and reserves, offering exceptional safari experiences. There are not many African countries that provide a good sense of safari adventure like Botswana. In addition to offering a variety of wildlife not found anywhere else, the country’s vast game parks and reserves remain largely untouched. It is important to note that water levels during the green season are generally very low which may prevent boating activities from taking place.
Best time for viewing Wildlife
- Excellent – June to October
- Good – April to May, November
- Possible – December to March
Summary
The best time to visit Botswana is during the dry season between May and October when you can expect warm, sunny days with lower temperatures at night. This is when the water levels in the Okavango Delta are at their highest, creating the waterways and channels Botswana is famed for. The Okavango Delta, the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park are Botswana’s most popular parks and the best time to visit them is from May to September during the dry winter season, resulting in more moderate temperatures. The “green” season, from November to March, is more pleasant, though game disperses and water levels drop in the Delta.
