A new year in Botswana starts slowly as frequent thunderstorms, heavy rains and low animal spotting during this time mean that visitors usually give this time a pass. If you’re willing to embrace the wilder weather, you might see newborn herbivores and their stalking predators among the lush vegetation. Keep an eye on the sky for migratory birds as well.
As February records the heaviest rainfall, Botswana will be very muddy and humid this month. Typically, the temperatures average 22 to 26°C between November and April, but these are perfect conditions for the newly blooming flowers. If you’re lucky, you might also catch the migration of zebras and birds.
Temperatures in March sit around 18-30°C, with rains finally ebbing as the region approaches the dry season. The national parks are alive with wildlife, especially the Chobe and Moremi parks, as both the region’s local herbivores and carnivores turn up at the scene, so keep your binoculars on hand. There’s also a large amount of blooming fauna and an unfortunately high number of pesky mosquitos due to all the excess water from the wet season. We’d recommend keeping the bug spray close.
It’s shoulder season, so prepare for any weather. There may still be afternoon showers, but the days are usually warm, with mornings and evenings the coolest. One noteworthy point about April is that it’s the mating season for the antelope, so you may encounter some male regalia as they lock horns for the entertainment of the females.
May is typically the start of the busiest season for Botswana and its safaris. As the wet weather passes and the high grass and lush vegetation die down, animals will move toward permanent water sources. This is excellent news for safari tours as the animals are easy to find. Another must-see around May is the spectacular Victoria Falls, as at this time, it’s at its fullest after the heavy rains of the wet season. With the start of the winter/dry season, the temperatures will sit around 13-17°C, dropping low in the nights and with the days becoming hot and dusty.
Campsites are complete, and cameras are out; June is a busy time for campers and safari goers. This time of year typically has the best overall weather, full of fragrant days and chilly nights. This time is also when new litters of African wild dogs are born, so you might get a glimpse of this rare animal if you keep your eyes peeled. If you want to see some famous black and white striped animals, the zebra herds can be found at the Chobe River flood plains between June and November as they wait out the dry months.
July and August are cooler but busier with summer holiday crowds from the Northern Hemisphere. Temperatures can drop below freezing at night, but they will be hot and dry on days. Since it’s the dry season, many animals can be found closer to the water sources, making them easier to spot.
This month, with the school holiday season in full swing, you’ll likely be sharing the wonders of Botswana with many families and children. The weather will get hotter, and animal visibility will be easier, thanks to the sparse vegetation at this time of year.
Winter is passing, and the return of the African summer months begins. Although temps aren’t as hot as in October, they will sit around 22-25°C with dry and dusty conditions. It’s still a great time for animal sightings, and at this time of year, all areas are typically available for tour exploration as they’re not flooded. This might mean you see more than at other times of the year.
October is pretty hot, but the payoff is easy animal spotting. No matter if you’re an early bird or a night owl, you’re very likely to catch sight of some of Africa’s native flora. Key an eye out for the big five: lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino and buffalo, and classic favourites giraffes, zebras, hippos and crocodiles.
November is generally a shoulder season as the region moves from the dry winter into its green, wet summer season. It’s still pretty warm with the added shower or two, usually in the afternoons. Bird watching is especially popular at this time as species from Asia and Europe will arrive alongside new mammal cubs and offspring.
It might be muddy in December with a thunderstorm or two. But if you brave the wetter weather, you’ll likely see the zebra migration, which is usually hard to miss. Lower crowds, harder-to-spot wildlife and sometimes muddy tracks that make certain roadways impassable give this time of year its off-season label.
