Average Summer Weather in Walvis Bay, Namibia: Key Facts & Insights

Summer in Walvis Bay, Namibia brings a pretty unusual blend of mild desert conditions and a cool coastal vibe. You don’t get the kind of extreme heat that bakes most inland deserts.

Average daytime temperatures hover between 19°C and 21°C (66°F to 70°F), and nights stay comfortably cool—about 14°C to 15°C (57°F to 59°F). That balance makes summer weather here feel steady and pleasant, without any wild swings.

You’ll see lots of sunshine, but coastal fog and cloud cover, thanks to the Benguela Current, often take the edge off the brightness. Humidity climbs higher in summer, especially in January and March, but rain barely shows up—just a few millimeters if that. Sometimes the air feels damp, but you almost never get heavy storms.

These conditions set up a calm, stable atmosphere, perfect for outdoor fun. Whether you want to roam the dunes, hang out by the lagoon, or just enjoy the ocean breeze, summer in Walvis Bay gives you weather that’s surprisingly reliable for both adventure and chilling out.

Overview of Walvis Bay’s Summer Climate

Walvis Bay sits on Namibia’s coast, and its location plus the Benguela Current shape its summer. You’ll get mild air, plenty of cloud cover, and barely any rain compared to what happens inland.

Geographical Influences on Weather

Walvis Bay lies right on the Atlantic, and the cold Benguela Current really shapes the local climate. The current keeps sea surface temperatures low, which cools the air along the coast.

This cooling stops the city from getting the crazy summer heat you find further inland. Instead, you get stable conditions and only a small difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures.

Fog also pops up a lot. When warm inland air hits the cold ocean, you get misty mornings, especially in summer. Rainfall stays scarce, but fog adds essential moisture to the desert.

Because the city sits low and open by the coast, winds can easily sweep inland. These breezes keep daytime highs cooler and stop the air from getting too stagnant.

Summer Weather Patterns

In summer, daily highs in Walvis Bay usually stick around 19–20°C (66–68°F). Nights are mild, often between 14–15°C (57–59°F). This narrow range makes the climate steady and easy to plan around.

Humidity runs higher than most places in Namibia, often hitting 75–81% in January. That moisture comes from the ocean, not rain. Actual precipitation barely registers, with March being the “wettest” month, but it’s still just a few millimeters.

Cloud cover ticks up a bit in summer, with about 15–20% of days mostly cloudy. Sunshine is still common, and daylight stretches past 13 hours in December, so days feel long.

The sea gets coldest in late summer, averaging 14–16°C (57–61°F). Swimming can feel brisk even if the air is warm.

Comparison to Other Namibian Coastal Cities

If you compare Walvis Bay to Swakopmund—just up the coast—they share plenty: cool, foggy mornings, mild afternoons, and almost no rain.

Walvis Bay usually feels a touch warmer than Swakopmund, partly because of its sheltered bay and slightly different wind patterns. That makes evenings outdoors by the water more comfortable.

Compared to Lüderitz farther south, Walvis Bay gets less wind and a bit more humidity. Lüderitz often feels chillier and more exposed, while Walvis Bay enjoys calmer weather that’s great for kayaking or birdwatching.

Head inland from Walvis Bay, and you’ll notice a big change. Temperatures jump up, humidity drops, and the desert heat takes over. That contrast really shows how unique the coastal climate is in this part of Namibia.

Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures

Summer temperatures in Walvis Bay stay mild, especially compared to most of Namibia. You’ll get steady warmth during the day and cooler nights because of the coastal desert and the cold Benguela Current.

Typical Summer Highs and Lows

Daytime highs in summer usually land in the upper 60s to low 70s °F (about 20–23°C). Highs almost never go above 77°F (25°C), so it’s way more comfortable than Namibia’s inland spots.

At night, things cool off fast. Lows hover around 59°F (15°C), and the coolest nights can dip to about 54°F (12°C). The difference between day and night isn’t huge, but you’ll feel it.

This stable coastal climate means you won’t see big temperature swings. Instead, you just get consistently mild weather, perfect for being outside all day and into the evening.

Summary of Typical Summer Temperatures:

Monthly Temperature Variations

From December through February, daytime highs stay steady, usually between 68°F and 71°F (20–22°C). Walvis Bay doesn’t really get sharp monthly changes in summer.

January tends to be the warmest, with slightly higher afternoon temperatures. February nights are usually the mildest, averaging around 61°F (16°C). By late summer, you might notice a tiny cooling as autumn approaches.

You can plan trips pretty much whenever—differences in daily averages are just a few degrees from early December to late February.

That kind of stability is rare for a desert, but the Atlantic’s coastal influence makes it happen.

Influence of the Benguela Current

The cold Benguela Current flows north along Namibia’s coast and really shapes Walvis Bay’s summer. It keeps air temperatures lower than you’d expect for a desert this far south.

Because of the current, daytime highs stay mild, and ocean surface temps sit around 60–63°F (15–17°C) in summer. That cool water stops heat from building up on land and keeps out the scorching highs you find inland.

At night, the current helps hold steady humidity and stops the air from warming up too fast. You’ll often see fog or low clouds in the morning, which show up when moist ocean air hits cooler land.

If the Benguela Current didn’t exist, Walvis Bay would probably have much hotter summers, more like the rest of Namibia’s interior. Instead, you get a more comfortable, almost temperate coastal climate.

Sunshine and Cloud Cover

Walvis Bay gets long, clear days, but the coast also deals with plenty of fog that shapes the climate. Sunshine hours, cloud patterns, and seasonal changes all affect how much light you get in summer.

Average Daily Sunshine Hours

In summer, expect 6 to 8 hours of sunshine per day. December and January usually have the longest daylight, while February drops off a bit because of more humidity and fog.

On average, Walvis Bay racks up over 4,000 hours of sunshine a year, which is honestly one of the highest totals anywhere. That makes it easy to get outside for birdwatching, dune tours, or just walking by the lagoon almost any day.

Here’s a quick look at daily sunshine:

Even in February, with the least sunshine, you still get plenty of daylight for exploring.

Cloud Types and Fog Events

Cloud cover in Walvis Bay is usually light, but the city is famous for its coastal fogs. These fogs pop up when the cold Benguela Current meets warm inland air, often showing up in the morning and clearing by midday.

Fog brings essential moisture to this dry place. You’ll see stratus clouds during foggy spells, making a gray blanket near the ground. Higher clouds don’t show up much, and cumulus clouds are rare since the atmosphere stays pretty stable.

If you’re traveling, fog can cut visibility along the coast and slow down early boat trips. Most days, though, it clears up fast, and you get bright skies for the rest of the day.

Seasonal Changes in Sunshine

Summer sunshine in Walvis Bay stays pretty steady, but there are some small seasonal shifts. December is usually the clearest, while February brings more fog and slightly shorter sunny stretches.

Unlike inland Namibia, you won’t see big jumps in sunlight from month to month. The coast keeps daylight hours balanced. Depending on the time of year, you’ll get 10 to 13 hours of daylight.

Seasonal changes mostly affect when the fog burns off. Early in summer, fog lifts quickly, but later on, it might hang around into the morning. That pattern decides when you’ll get the brightest skies during your trip.

Humidity Levels and Relative Humidity

Humidity stays high in Walvis Bay through summer, mainly because of the cold Benguela Current. You’ll notice the relative humidity rarely drops, even with mild temperatures compared to inland Namibia.

Typical Summer Humidity Ranges

During summer, you can expect very high relative humidity, often between 81% and 89%. Even when the temperature feels cool, the air’s moisture makes the climate feel damp.

Unlike many coastal cities where humidity swings a lot from day to night, Walvis Bay’s levels stay steady. The cold ocean current locks the atmosphere in and prevents big changes in air moisture.

High humidity almost never brings rain here. Walvis Bay is called hyper-arid, and it gets only a few millimeters of rain a year. Instead, that moisture just hangs in the air and shows up as fog along the coast.

If you’re visiting, be ready for humid, foggy mornings and clearer afternoons. The air can feel heavy, especially in March when both temperature and humidity hit their peak.

Monthly Humidity Fluctuations

Humidity in Walvis Bay shifts a little as summer goes on. In January and February, relative humidity averages around 85–88%. By March, it tops out at about 89%.

From April to June, humidity dips a bit but still stays high, usually around 81–83%. Even at its lowest, the air has more moisture than almost anywhere inland in Namibia.

You’ll almost never get dry air in summer. The changes are small, and the difference between the most and least humid months is less than 10%.

Here’s a quick look at average humidity by month:

These numbers show how steady the moisture stays, even when temperatures shift a bit.

Rainfall and Rainy Days

Rain barely makes an appearance in Walvis Bay, even in summer. Most of the time, you can count on dry conditions, with only the occasional light shower.

Average Summer Precipitation

Walvis Bay sits in a desert climate, so rain barely shows up all year. During summer, from December to March, the average monthly precipitation usually falls between 3–6 mm (0.1–0.2 inches).

January and February tend to bring the most rain, but honestly, those numbers are still tiny compared to most coastal cities. For some perspective, many months just record a trace or absolutely nothing.

The gap between the wettest and driest summer months is small, often less than 5 mm. You probably won’t spot a big difference in rainfall from one summer month to the next.

Humidity, on the other hand, feels much higher than the rainfall stats suggest. Moist air drifts in from the Atlantic, creating frequent fog and mist, especially in the mornings. This adds dampness, but it doesn’t really bump up the measurable precipitation.

So, you’re looking at mostly dry skies with maybe a brief, light shower once in a while during summer.

Frequency of Rainy Days

Rainy days hardly ever happen in Walvis Bay. On average, summer months see about 0–1 rainy days each.

January and February might bring a quick shower, but even then, it usually wraps up in less than an hour.

Most of the summer, you could go weeks without any real rain. May through August often pass without a single rainy day, and even in the wetter months, showers stay isolated.

Fog, not rain, is what really shapes the daily weather. You’ll probably wake up to heavy mist in the morning, but it usually clears by midday, leaving things dry for the rest of the day.

If you’re planning outdoor activities, don’t stress about rain ruining your plans. The chance of a rainy day is extremely low, even in the heart of summer.

Winds and Wind Speed Patterns

Walvis Bay’s summer weather brings steady winds that shape the feel of the coast. You’ll notice both the direction and speed of the wind play a big role in how comfortable or breezy it feels.

Prevailing Wind Directions

In summer, winds usually come from the south and southwest. They blow inland from the Atlantic and often bring in cooler air, which helps keep daytime temperatures in check.

Since the coastline is open and pretty flat, the wind flow stays consistent. Expect the strongest breezes later in the day, while mornings often feel much calmer. If you’re thinking about walking along the lagoon or hanging out on the beach, this pattern matters.

The steady southerly winds make great conditions for water sports. Kitesurfers and windsurfers flock to Walvis Bay in summer because the wind direction is so predictable. Even if you’re not into those sports, you’ll notice the wind makes the air cooler near the water and a bit warmer as you head inland.

Monthly Average Wind Speeds

Wind speeds in Walvis Bay change with the season, but summer usually brings moderate to strong breezes. Most days, you’ll get average speeds from 8 to 12 miles per hour (13–19 km/h), though gusts can pick up in the afternoons.

The windiest stretch of the year runs from late May through November, but summer still brings enough wind to notice. From January to March, the air feels a little more humid, and winds stay steady but aren’t as fierce as mid-year.

Here’s a quick look at average summer wind speeds:

So, you should expect a constant breeze, not calm air. If you’re packing for a trip, throw in a light jacket for the evenings, since the wind can make it feel cooler than the thermometer says.

Travel Tips and Seasonal Activities

Walvis Bay’s summer weather feels mild, with cool breezes from the ocean, barely any rain, and loads of sunshine. These conditions shape when to visit, what to do outside, and how you should prep for your trip (and even your home).

Best Times to Visit

Daytime highs in summer usually land around 68–77°F (20–25°C). Rain’s rare, and skies often stay partly cloudy, making it a nice climate for sightseeing.

December gets the most tourists, so hotel prices jump and attractions get busier. If you’d rather avoid crowds, January through March still offer warm days but with fewer visitors.

For swimming or water sports, January to April brings the warmest sea temperatures. If you’re looking to save money, June usually has the lowest hotel rates—even though that’s not summer.

Outdoor Activities and Events

The calm summer weather lets you get outside for all sorts of things. Popular picks include dolphin cruises, fishing trips, and sandboarding on the dunes nearby.

Birdwatching gets pretty exciting, since big flocks of flamingos and pelicans gather in the lagoon. If you’re into photography, the clear skies and soft coastal light are just perfect.

Sometimes, local events highlight seafood and cultural traditions, so you might get to try fresh oysters or join a small festival. For more active folks, kayaking and kitesurfing are common in summer, thanks to those steady winds.

Evening walks along the beach feel comfortable, since temperatures cool off but stay mild. Bring a light jacket for those outings—just in case.

Weather Considerations for Home and Travel

Summer in Walvis Bay isn’t too harsh, but those strong winds can really show up—sometimes hitting 50 mph (80 km/h). If you’re heading out with gear, you’ll want to pack it up tight, since these gusts might toss things around and mess with your outdoor plans.

At home, set timers for your lights and make sure you lock up the windows if you’re leaving for a while. The air usually feels pretty dry, so give your plants and pets a bit of extra attention before you go.

When you’re packing, don’t forget layers. Mornings and evenings can get chilly, but the middle of the day warms up fast.

Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat—those are musts, honestly. The sun’s intense, even if it looks cloudy.

If you’re driving, keep an eye out for that coastal fog, especially early in the morning. Give yourself extra time on the road, and don’t just trust your GPS.

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