in Botswana: when to go?
semi-aride subtropical climate
Le Botswana jouit d'un climat semi-aride subtropical caractérisé par deux saisons bien distinctes. La saison sèche s'étend d'avril à octobre avec des journées ensoleillées, des nuits fraîches et pratiquement aucune précipitation - c'est la période idéale pour observer la faune au delta de l'Okavango et dans le parc de Chobe. La saison des pluies de novembre à mars apporte des averses torrentielles l'après-midi, transformant le paysage en savane verdoyante mais rendant certaines pistes impraticables. Les températures varient considérablement entre le jour et la nuit, particulièrement en hiver austral (juin-août) où les matinées peuvent être glaciales avant de devenir très agréables en journée. Pour un safari optimal et des conditions de camping confortables, privilégiez la période de mai à septembre quand la végétation clairsemée facilite l'observation des animaux concentrés autour des points d'eau permanents.
- Best period
- April to September
- Good alternatives
- March, October to November
- Scorching summer
- December to February
Year-round overview
Select a month to plan your trip
Climate in numbers
Monthly temperatures and precipitation
Temperature (°C)
Precipitation (mm)
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Climate zones
Climate varies by region. Discover the unique characteristics of each zone.
Month by month
Find detailed climate information for each month of the year.
Temperature
21° — 32°C
Precipitation
95 mm
Average temperature
26.5°C
Rating
Moyen
By climate zone
Averses intenses l'après-midi, routes difficiles. Paysages verdoyants mais observation animalière compliquée.
Temperature
20° — 31°C
Precipitation
85 mm
Average temperature
25.5°C
Rating
Moyen
By climate zone
Encore beaucoup de pluie mais moins intense. Certaines zones du delta restent inaccessibles.
Temperature
18° — 30°C
Precipitation
65 mm
Average temperature
24°C
Rating
Correct
By climate zone
Pluies s'estompent, températures agréables. Début de la concentration de la faune près des points d'eau.
Temperature
14° — 28°C
Precipitation
25 mm
Average temperature
21°C
Rating
Bon
By climate zone
Excellentes conditions de safari, températures parfaites. Toutes les routes sont praticables.
Temperature
10° — 26°C
Precipitation
5 mm
Average temperature
18°C
Rating
Idéal
By climate zone
Conditions parfaites pour le safari et le camping. Matinées fraîches, journées douces et ensoleillées.
Temperature
6° — 24°C
Precipitation
2 mm
Average temperature
15°C
Rating
Idéal
By climate zone
Peak season safari avec visibilité maximale. Matinées très fraîches, prévoir vêtements chauds.
Temperature
6° — 24°C
Precipitation
1 mm
Average temperature
15°C
Rating
Idéal
By climate zone
Meilleures conditions d'observation animalière. Ciel parfaitement dégagé mais nuits glaciales.
Temperature
9° — 27°C
Precipitation
2 mm
Average temperature
18°C
Rating
Idéal
By climate zone
Encore excellentes conditions de safari. Températures remontent légèrement, plus confortable.
Temperature
14° — 31°C
Precipitation
5 mm
Average temperature
22.5°C
Rating
Bon
By climate zone
Dernière période optimale avant les pluies. Chaleur en hausse mais encore supportable.
Temperature
18° — 35°C
Precipitation
15 mm
Average temperature
26.5°C
Rating
Correct
By climate zone
Chaleur intense en journée, premiers orages possibles. Végétation encore clairsemée pour les safaris.
Temperature
20° — 34°C
Precipitation
45 mm
Average temperature
27°C
Rating
Moyen
By climate zone
Chaleur étouffante et premières pluies régulières. Période de reproduction pour de nombreux animaux.
Temperature
21° — 33°C
Precipitation
75 mm
Average temperature
27°C
Rating
Moyen
By climate zone
Pluies fréquentes et chaleur humide. Accès limité à certaines zones reculées du delta.
Frequently asked questions
Everything about the climate and the best time to visit in Botswana
The best months to visit in Botswana are April, May, June, July, August, September. This period offers favourable weather and ideal conditions for exploring the country at its best.
The arid climate of Botswana alternates between very hot summers (months to avoid for comfort: December, January, February) and mild to cool winters. The average annual temperature is 22.3°C. Desert nights can be surprisingly cool, even in summer.
The best time to explore the desert spans April, May, June, July, August, September. Comfortable daytime temperatures, starlit nights, and dunes accessible without extreme heat. Avoid the peak summer heat (December, January, February).
Yes, but with precautions: early morning and late afternoon activities, constant hydration, air-conditioned accommodations. Coastal cities remain pleasant. Treks and desert expeditions are best avoided.
Yes, especially in winter and for nights in the desert. The temperature difference between day and night can exceed 20°C. A warm jacket and sweater are essential outside the summer season.
If your travel dates don't match the ideal season in in Botswana, the Nomadays network brings together more than 100 local agencies worldwide. Get in touch to find out which destination would be ideal for your dates.
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