Summer in Windhoek, Namibia means warm days, cooler nights, and a blend of sunshine with seasonal rain. The city’s high elevation keeps the heat from getting too overwhelming, but trust me, you’ll still feel that sun during the day.
Daytime highs usually hover near 30 °C (86 °F), while nights drop to the mid-teens. That’s a pretty noticeable shift between day and night.
Rainfall shapes the summer weather here. Showers tend to show up in quick bursts between December and March, cooling things off and keeping the air from turning muggy.
This rain also paints the landscape green, making the area more appealing for exploring during these months.
Even during the rainiest weeks, you’ll get plenty of sunshine hours. Long, bright days balance out the heat and rain, so you get hot afternoons, cool evenings, and skies that can flip from clear to stormy before you know it.
Overview of Summer Weather in Windhoek
In Windhoek, summer means hot daytime temperatures and cooler nights. Most of the year’s rain falls now.
Sunshine sticks around even when showers are frequent, and humidity goes up compared to the rest of the year.
Summer Season Duration
Summer in Windhoek usually runs from October through March. The rainiest stretch hits between December and February.
During these months, you’ll feel the year’s warmest temperatures. Average daytime highs range from 29°C to 33°C (84°F to 91°F).
Nights cool down, averaging 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F). The big difference between day and night is thanks to the city’s elevation—about 1,700 meters (5,600 feet) above sea level.
Most of the rain falls in these months. January, February, and March each get about 80 mm of rain, often from afternoon thunderstorms.
Storms hit hard but don’t last long, bringing heavy rain and sometimes lightning.
Daylight stretches 12 to 13 hours, so you’ve got long days to enjoy. Sunshine stays strong, with about 9 to 10 hours of sun per day even in the rainiest months.
Typical Climate Characteristics
You could call Windhoek’s summer climate semi-arid with seasonal rains. Afternoons get hot, but humidity levels stay moderate compared to coastal places.
During the wettest months, average humidity lands between 40% and 50%.
Rain falls in bursts, and skies clear up pretty fast afterward. So, you’ll often get both bright sunshine and sudden showers in the same day.
Wind usually stays light, around 7–9 kph, but can pick up during thunderstorms. Outside rain events, the air feels dry, which helps make the heat more bearable.
Sometimes, temperatures swing to the extreme. The hottest days have reached above 38°C (100°F), while cooler nights can dip close to 10°C (50°F).
You’ll notice these swings even more in the suburbs and valleys outside the city.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Windhoek’s summer is hotter, wetter, and more humid than winter. In the coldest months, June and July, average highs only reach 22°C to 23°C (72°F to 73°F), and nights can get close to freezing.
Rain barely shows up in winter, with less than 2 mm per month.
Spring and autumn bridge the gap. September and October bring rising temps and the first scattered rains. April and May are drier and milder, with highs around 25°C (77°F).
If you visit in summer, you’ll see more greenery and some cloud cover, unlike the clear, dry skies of winter.
Most of the city’s annual 365 mm of rainfall comes in summer, fueling a burst of vegetation before the long dry months return.
Windhoek’s summer stands out for its mix of heat, rain, and sunshine—a combo you just don’t get the rest of the year.
Average Summer Temperatures
In Windhoek, summer brings warm days and mild nights. Temperatures feel comfortable compared to other parts of Namibia, but you’ll still notice changes as summer rolls on and the rain picks up.
Daytime Highs and Lows
During summer, expect daytime highs between 84°F and 87°F (29°C–31°C). Most days feel warm but not stifling, and it rarely goes above 94°F (34°C).
Nighttime lows usually settle around 63°F to 65°F (17°C–18°C). Cool nights give you a break from the daytime heat, which makes evenings outdoors way more enjoyable.
Windhoek’s inland spot and elevation—over 5,400 feet—keep things more moderate. The altitude keeps the city from hitting the brutal highs you’d find in Namibia’s lower deserts.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Summer stretches from December through February, and temperatures shift a bit as the months go by. December is usually the hottest, with highs near 89°F (32°C) around the solstice.
By January and February, highs drop to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (about 29°C). More clouds and rain cool things down a little.
Nights stay pretty steady, averaging 64°F to 65°F (18°C).
So, early summer feels hotter and sunnier, while late summer brings more clouds, higher humidity, and cooler afternoons. If you’re planning outdoor adventures, December is best for sunshine, while February can be wetter and a bit unpredictable.
Notable Temperature Extremes
On the hottest summer days, Windhoek rarely tops 94°F (34°C)—pretty mild for southern Africa. The city’s elevation keeps extreme heat waves at bay, though the sun can still feel intense at midday.
Summer nights almost never drop below 57°F (14°C). You won’t run into cold weather, even when it’s rainy.
Usually, the hottest day of the year lands in late December, with highs around 89°F (32°C). The coldest day comes in July, well outside summer, with highs closer to 70°F (21°C).
These steady summer temperatures make Windhoek a great pick for travelers who like it warm but not scorching.
Rainfall Patterns During Summer
Rain mostly falls in Windhoek’s warmer months, mainly between December and March. Expect short, intense downpours—usually with thunderstorms—while the rest of the year stays pretty dry.
Monthly Precipitation Averages
Rainfall peaks from January to March. January brings about 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, February sees about 133 mm (5.2 in), and March gets around 94 mm (3.7 in).
These months have the most rainy days, with 9 to 11 days getting measurable rain.
Rain usually comes in the late afternoon or evening. Daytime heating fuels convection and storms build up as the day goes on, so mornings often stay clear.
Once April arrives, rainfall drops fast, averaging only about 31 mm (1.2 in). From May through August, it’s basically dry—hardly any measurable rain at all.
Thunderstorms and Rain Events
Convective thunderstorms bring most of Windhoek’s summer rain. These storms form quickly, dump heavy rain in a short burst, and then clear out.
You might notice strong wind gusts and lightning before the rain starts.
Storms rarely last more than an hour, but they can drop a lot of rain fast. Sometimes, this causes local flooding in low spots, even though the overall climate is dry.
Thunderstorms pop up most often in February, when both rainfall and storm intensity hit their peak. The mix of heat, moisture, and unstable air makes February the most active month for storms in central Namibia.
Wettest and Driest Summer Months
February is the wettest month, with over 130 mm (5.2 in) of rain and about 11 rainy days. January also brings lots of rain, with totals above 120 mm (4.8 in).
March still gets decent rainfall, but the totals start dropping. By April, the rainy season winds down and showers become rare.
December marks the start of the wet season, with about 66 mm (2.6 in) on average. That’s less than mid-summer, but it’s the first sign the dry winter is ending.
Humidity Levels in Summer
Windhoek’s summer air feels low to moderately humid compared to many places. You’ll notice the difference as the months go by—February is the wettest, and things dry out again toward the end of the season.
These shifts shape how comfortable the city’s warmth feels.
Average Humidity by Month
Humidity in Windhoek changes throughout summer but stays pretty reasonable. December usually averages 30–35%, so the air stays dry even with high temperatures.
January bumps up a bit, often hitting 40–45%, as rains add more moisture.
February is the muggiest, with humidity peaking at about 56%—that lines up with the rainiest stretch. By March, humidity drops back to around 35–40%, signaling the rainy season’s end.
Just to lay it out:
| Month | Avg. Humidity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~30–35% | Hot, dry air |
| January | ~40–45% | More rain, mild rise |
| February | ~56% | Peak humidity and rainfall |
| March | ~35–40% | Humidity decreases again |
So, you won’t often face sticky, oppressive air, but mid-summer does bring more moisture.
Impact of Humidity on Comfort
Humidity really changes how hot it feels. In December, the dry air makes high temps easier to handle, since sweat evaporates fast.
Warm days feel less oppressive than in places with swampy air.
By February, extra moisture slows down evaporation, so heat feels heavier. Even if the thermometer doesn’t climb much, the air can feel thick and less refreshing, especially after a rainstorm.
March’s drier air brings comfort back. You can hang outside longer without feeling bogged down by humidity.
If you’re planning to be outdoors, February might feel a bit sticky, while December and March offer a drier, more comfortable vibe.
Other Summer Weather Factors
Windhoek’s summer isn’t just about heat and rain. You’ll get steady breezes, long days of sunlight, and strong UV rays—so outdoor comfort and safety are still things to keep in mind.
Typical Wind Speeds
Winds in Windhoek stay light to moderate during summer. Average speeds range from 1 to 2 meters per second, or about 2 to 4 miles per hour.
These breezes offer a little relief from the heat, but they won’t mess with outdoor activities.
Winds tend to calm down a bit from December through March compared to the drier months later. This makes summer days feel warmer, especially when humidity rises after an afternoon shower.
Because winds don’t pick up much, dust levels stay lower than in the dry winter. Air quality and visibility are better, which is handy if you’re driving outside the city.
Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover
Windhoek gets plenty of sunshine, even in the summer months. On average, you’ll see 8 to 10 hours of sunlight each day, and August usually brings even more later in the year.
In February, cloud cover picks up, but you’ll still have over 8 hours of daylight for outdoor plans.
Clouds start to build up during the peak rainy weeks. The sky sometimes shifts quickly from clear to overcast, especially in the afternoons when thunderstorms roll in.
Most mornings stay bright and sunny, though.
Here’s a quick look at summer sunlight:
| Month | Avg. Daily Sunshine | Cloud Cover Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Dec | ~10 hrs | Mostly clear |
| Jan | ~9 hrs | Partly cloudy |
| Feb | ~8.5 hrs | Cloudier, wetter |
You’ll want to prepare for both sunny mornings and cloudy, rainy afternoons.
UV Index and Sun Safety
Windhoek’s UV index shoots up in summer. Around midday, it often hits 10 or above, which is extreme.
Even a short time outside during peak hours can leave you sunburned if you’re not careful.
Make sure you use broad-spectrum sunscreen, put on a wide-brimmed hat, and stick to light clothing that covers your skin.
Don’t forget sunglasses with UV protection—the sunlight feels harsh at Windhoek’s elevation of about 1,700 meters (5,600 feet).
Try to plan outdoor activities in the early morning or later in the afternoon when UV levels drop a bit.
Shade is rare in open spaces, so carrying an umbrella or finding covered spots helps.
Tips for Visiting Windhoek in Summer
Summer in Windhoek means hot days, higher humidity, and the city’s rainiest months. You’ll need to plan for midday heat and those afternoon showers, but evenings can cool off quite a bit.
Best Outdoor Activities
Morning is the best time for outdoor adventures. You might wander Independence Avenue, check out the Christuskirche, or stroll through Zoo Park before it gets too hot.
Early hikes in the Auas Mountains or Daan Viljoen Game Reserve feel cooler and give you a better shot at spotting wildlife.
Rain usually arrives late in the day, so it’s smart to save museums or cafes for afternoons.
If you like markets, the Post Street Mall gets busy in summer, but there’s not much shade, so go early if you can.
For a quick day trip, the Khomas Highlands offer beautiful drives. Roads can get slippery after rain, so give yourself extra time and skip unpaved routes when storms are likely.
Dining outdoors in the evening feels great once the heat fades, especially at restaurants with open terraces.
What to Pack for the Weather
Pack light, breathable clothing for daytime—think comfy cotton shirts and shorts. You’ll really want a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen since the UV index gets high, even when it looks cloudy.
Toss in a light rain jacket or a compact umbrella, because showers tend to show up between November and February. For footwear, grab some comfortable walking shoes if you’re wandering around the city, and maybe sturdy sandals or hiking shoes for the outdoors.
Evenings can dip to around 17°C (63°F), so it’s smart to have a light sweater or jacket handy. Bring a refillable water bottle—trust me, you’ll want to keep hydrated in that heat.
If you’re heading outside Windhoek, toss a small first aid kit and some insect repellent in your bag.