Walvis Bay gives you a mild coastal climate, so it’s pretty comfortable to visit any time of year. Still, some months just feel better than others. If you’re after the best weather, try visiting between September and March, when things warm up, skies stay mostly clear, and it’s perfect for being outdoors. You’ll get the most out of the lagoon, sand dunes, and all that marine life during these months, without the winter chill biting at you.
Most of the year, daytime temperatures hang out in the low 20s Celsius, and there’s barely any rain. June, July, and August cool things down, and the air gets drier, so it can feel brisk right by the coast. When late spring and early autumn roll around, the warmer air makes it way more inviting to get out on the water or explore the desert landscapes.
It helps to know how the weather shifts each season, so you can plan for the experiences you really want. Maybe you’re into kayaking with seals, or you want to birdwatch along the lagoon, or maybe you’re itching to head into the dunes. The climate here shapes every trip.
Overview of Walvis Bay’s Climate
Walvis Bay sits along Namibia’s Atlantic coast, and the desert setting gives it a pretty steady climate. You get mild weather, hardly any rain, cool ocean breezes, and a lot of sunshine. That’s good news for outdoor travel and local activities.
Desert Coastal Climate Characteristics
Walvis Bay is tucked into the Namib Desert, which is famously dry. But don’t expect the extreme heat you’d find in other deserts. The coastal location keeps things comfortable.
The Köppen system calls this climate arid desert. Rainfall barely hits 40 mm a year, so it’s one of the driest coastal cities in southern Africa.
Surprisingly, humidity stays pretty high compared to inland deserts. The Atlantic brings in moist air, and that means you’ll see morning fog a lot. This fog is more than just a mood setter—it actually gives the desert some much-needed moisture.
With this mix of dryness, fog, and mild air, Walvis Bay stands out compared to both inland Namibia and other coastal spots.
Temperature and Rainfall Patterns
Temperatures stay mild all year. Daytime highs usually hit around 19°C in winter (July–August) and up to 23°C in summer (January–March). At night, lows fall between 12°C and 17°C, with the coolest nights in the middle of the year.
Rain is rare and pretty unpredictable. February gets the most, but that’s still less than 10 mm. June? Almost nothing. Heavy downpours just don’t happen here.
Here’s a quick look at the climate:
| Season | Avg. High (°C) | Avg. Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Nov–Mar) | 21–23 | 15–17 | 5–8 |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | 19–20 | 12–13 | 0–2 |
You won’t run into wild heat or big storms when you visit.
Influence of the Benguela Current
The Benguela Current, which flows cold and northward along the coast, really shapes Walvis Bay’s weather. It keeps sea temperatures cool, usually between 14°C and 17°C, and that helps keep the air on land from getting too hot.
This current also brings in the morning fog. When warm air from inland meets the chilly ocean, you get those thick fog banks rolling in, especially early in the day. Visibility can drop, but the fog usually burns off by midday.
Rainfall stays low because the cool air stops big clouds from forming, so the dry desert conditions stick around. On the bright side, the current also means Walvis Bay dodges the crazy heat you’d expect in a desert, making it a stable, comfy place to visit.
Seasonal Weather Patterns in Walvis Bay
Walvis Bay’s mild coastal climate comes from the cold Benguela Current and the Namib Desert. Temperatures don’t swing much, but changes in wind, clouds, and humidity give each season its own vibe.
Summer Conditions
Summer runs from December to February. Nights usually drop to about 60°F (16°C), and days climb to 70–71°F (21–22°C). The cold Atlantic keeps away any real heat waves.
Humidity bumps up a little, and you might notice more clouds in January. Rain is rare, and when it does fall, it’s short and light. Rainfall averages below 0.2 inches each month.
Winds come steady from the south, but they’re not as wild as they get later in the year. Summer is great for kayaking or checking out the lagoon. Plus, you get over 13 hours of daylight in December, so there’s plenty of time to get outside.
Autumn Overview
Autumn goes from March to May. These months are some of the clearest and driest all year. By April and May, skies stay clear about 90% of the time, so you get loads of sun.
Highs hover near 70°F (21°C), and lows sit around 55–60°F (13–16°C). Rain barely shows up, maybe a single light shower in a month.
Winds start to pick up in late May, kicking off the windier stretch of the year. If you’re planning water activities, expect things to get a bit choppier toward the end of autumn. Still, it’s a great time to visit if you like dry air and sunshine.
Winter Weather
Winter covers June to August. Daytime highs drop a bit, landing at 64–68°F (18–20°C), and nights can get down to 50°F (10°C). It’s the coolest time, but honestly, it’s still way milder than inland Namibia.
Winds really pick up in winter. July often sees average speeds around 9–10 mph, and gusts feel stronger right by the water. The breeze comes mainly from the south, which can make evenings feel colder than the numbers suggest.
Rain? Pretty much nonexistent. Skies stay mostly clear. If whale watching is on your list, winter is the best time—just bring a jacket for those boat rides, because the wind and cool air together can get chilly.
Spring Climate
Spring runs from September to November. Temperatures start to climb again, with highs going from 64°F (18°C) in September up to 67–69°F (19–21°C) by November. Nights stay cool, usually 51–55°F (11–13°C).
The strong winter winds settle down by late November, so things get calmer. Spring is a great time for outdoor tours, whether you’re heading into the desert or cruising the lagoon.
Clouds show up a little more in November, but skies are still usually clear. Rain stays rare, just 0.1–0.2 inches in a month. By late spring, daylight stretches past 13 hours, and the weather is great for both land and water adventures.
Month-by-Month Weather Guide
Walvis Bay’s mild desert climate, shaped by the cold Benguela Current, means moderate temperatures all year. Humidity, daylight, and rain shift a bit with the seasons, so you can pick the most comfortable time for you.
January to March
This is the warmest stretch of the year. Daytime highs reach about 20°C (68°F), and nights stay mild at 14–15°C (57–59°F).
Humidity peaks around 79–81%, especially in January and March. The air can feel a bit damp, but actual rainfall is tiny. March brings the most, and that’s only 4 mm—so showers are quick and rare.
Sea temperatures are warmer, about 18–19°C (64–66°F), making the ocean more appealing for water activities.
If you like dry air, this might not be your favorite time. But the warm weather and long days are great for exploring and boat tours.
April to June
Things start to cool down as autumn and early winter set in. Highs drop from 19°C (66°F) in April to about 16–18°C (61–64°F) by June. Nights dip to 10–12°C (50–54°F).
Rain nearly disappears after April, leaving you with clear, dry weather. Humidity falls to 65–71%, so the air feels fresher than in summer.
The sea cools off to about 14–15°C (57–59°F) by June. Swimming might be a bit bracing, but the cooler air is perfect for kayaking or hitting the dunes.
This is one of the driest times, so rain won’t mess with your plans.
July to September
These are the coolest months. Daytime highs stay between 15–17°C (59–62°F), and nights can drop to 10°C (50°F).
Humidity rises again, from 69% in July up to 77–79% in September. Still, rain is almost zero, so skies are mostly clear.
The ocean hits its coldest, around 13–14°C (55–57°F). Swimming isn’t too tempting, but the crisp air is nice for lagoon walks or birdwatching.
Daylight hours start to stretch out in September, and temperatures tick up a bit, so late September feels more comfortable for getting outside.
October to December
Spring turns into early summer here. Highs go from 16–17°C (61–63°F) in October to about 19–20°C (66–68°F) in December. Nights stay mild, usually 12–14°C (54–57°F).
Humidity sits between 67–79%, but rain is basically a no-show. December often gets 0 mm of rain, so you can count on dry, reliable weather.
Daylight peaks, with 13–13.5 hours in November and December. That gives you tons of time for desert tours or dolphin cruises.
The sea warms up again to about 18–19°C (64–66°F) by December, so water activities get more inviting. This time of year gives you mild warmth and dry air, which a lot of travelers love about Walvis Bay.
Optimal Months for Visiting Walvis Bay
Walvis Bay’s stable coastal climate brings mild temperatures, little rain, and steady breezes. The best months depend on whether you want comfortable daytime weather or you’re after dolphin cruises, kayaking, or dune adventures.
Best Periods for Mild Temperatures
The most comfortable weather happens between September and March, with daytime highs usually between 70°F and 80°F (21°C to 27°C). Nights stay cool, usually in the mid-50s to low-60s °F (10°C to 16°C), so sleeping is easy.
Humidity is moderate, with January being the most humid. July is the driest, but it’s also cooler, with highs around 74°F (23°C). If you want mild warmth without any strong heat, October and November are a sweet spot.
Here’s a look at typical average highs:
| Month | Avg. High °F | Avg. High °C |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 76 | 24 |
| Mar | 80 | 27 |
| Jul | 75 | 24 |
| Sep | 70 | 21 |
These steady temperatures make Walvis Bay a good pick any time, but late spring and early summer often feel the most pleasant.
Ideal Months for Outdoor Activities
You’ll find that outdoor activities in Walvis Bay are at their best when the winds calm down and the skies stay clear. From November to May, warm, dry days like these make boat tours, birdwatching at the lagoon, or sandboarding in the dunes pretty irresistible.
Rain almost never shows up, with most months getting 0 inches of measurable precipitation. So, you can plan your excursions without constantly checking the weather forecast.
July brings the strongest winds, with average speeds climbing to about 7.5 knots (14 km/h). That’s not great for kayaking or lagoon trips, honestly.
But then you get February and March, when the air warms up and the sea settles down. Those months are fantastic for water-based activities.
If you want comfort and adventure, December through March usually hit the sweet spot for warmth, little rain, and manageable winds. You’ll have your best shot at spotting flamingos, seals, and dolphins along the coast during this time.
Weather Impacts on Activities and Events
Weather in Walvis Bay really shapes how you spend your time, whether you’re out on the water, watching wildlife, or joining local celebrations. Fog, wind, and the seasons all affect what’s actually enjoyable.
Marine and Water Sports
Walvis Bay’s cool Atlantic waters and steady winds draw in windsurfers, kitesurfers, and sailors. The strongest winds show up in winter, especially from June to August, so wind-based sports enthusiasts love this stretch, even though it’s not ideal for lounging on the beach.
If you’re after calmer conditions, spring and autumn offer gentler breezes and clearer skies. These seasons suit kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in the lagoon.
The water stays cool all year, so you’ll probably want a wetsuit for any long sessions.
You can join dolphin cruises and boat tours in most seasons, but thick winter fog sometimes delays departures. By midday, though, the skies usually clear up, giving you a good chance to spot seals, dolphins, and sometimes even whales.
Wildlife and Birdwatching
The lagoon and salt pans attract huge flocks of birds—flamingos, pelicans, and plenty of migratory species. March to May and September to November stand out, since the weather stays stable and bird activity peaks during migration.
Summer brings warm days with less fog, so you’ll have good conditions for photography. The midday sun, though, can create glare on the water. Early mornings or late afternoons work better for spotting detail.
Winter cools things down and brings heavy fog, which can limit visibility. Still, if you’re patient, you might catch large flocks gathering in the mist, which feels pretty magical for birdwatching.
Annual Festivals and Local Events
Weather patterns help determine when Walvis Bay holds its festivals. The Walvis Bay Sand Festival in October gets the benefit of spring’s mild temperatures and lighter winds, making beach events more comfortable.
In May, the Bird Festival lines up with seasonal migrations and moderate weather, so guided tours and outdoor workshops go off without a hitch.
December’s Walvis Bay Swim takes place in summer, when it’s warmer and the sea calms down. Fog sometimes rolls in during the morning, but it usually lifts by midday, letting the event run as planned.
Other community events, like fishing tournaments, usually happen in autumn and spring, when the seas calm down and offshore trips are safest.
Tips for Planning Your Visit Based on Weather
Walvis Bay’s coastal desert climate can surprise you with sudden changes between cool foggy mornings and warm sunny afternoons. Conditions shift fast, so it pays to plan ahead if you want to stay comfortable and make the most of your time outdoors.
Packing and Clothing Recommendations
Pack with layers in mind. Light shirts and shorts will keep you comfortable during the day, but you’ll definitely want a warm jacket or fleece for cool mornings and evenings.
A windbreaker comes in handy, especially in winter when the coastal winds pick up.
Good footwear matters. Comfortable walking shoes handle both sandy desert and wet lagoon edges. If you’re planning water activities, bring quick-dry clothes and sandals that can get wet.
Don’t forget sun protection. Pack sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), UV sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Even when it’s foggy, the UV rays sneak through.
A small backpack makes it easy to carry extra layers, snacks, and water while you explore.
For winter, toss in light gloves and scarves. Temperatures sometimes dip into the low teens Celsius, and these small items can make a big difference when the wind and fog hit.
How Weather Affects Travel Experience
The climate really shapes what you end up doing in Walvis Bay. Summer days feel warm, so you’ll probably want to try kayaking, dolphin cruises, and beach walks.
The Benguela Current keeps the water chilly, which means swimming is only for folks who like it brisk.
Autumn rolls in with calmer seas and clearer skies. That makes birdwatching and desert tours way better.
You’ll probably notice there aren’t as many foggy mornings, so planning early trips gets easier.
Winter brings those thick morning fogs and some pretty strong winds. If you’re into windsurfing or kitesurfing, this is your season.
But honestly, long beach days might not feel as comfortable. Try heading out later in the day when the fog finally lifts.
Spring feels mild, and the wind dies down a bit. It’s a great time for cycling, fishing, and day trips into the Namib Desert.
You’ll catch desert plants blooming, which adds a splash of color and makes photography a lot more fun.