Fall in Swakopmund brings steady, mild weather that makes the coast comfortable and easy to enjoy. You can expect daytime highs around the low 70s°F and cooler nights in the mid-50s°F, with very little chance of rain.
Skies usually clear up as the season moves along, giving you more bright days to explore the town and coastline.
What really stands out about this season is the balance between warmth and cool ocean breezes. The Atlantic waters get chillier through the months, but the dry desert climate keeps things steady on land.
You’ll notice the days getting shorter as fall progresses, but there’s still plenty of daylight for outdoor activities.
If you’re curious about how fall compares to other times of year, or how shifting daylight, sea temperatures, and calm winds shape your experience, this guide paints a pretty clear picture. With both climate data and local tips, you’ll know what to expect before planning your trip.
Overview of Fall Weather in Swakopmund
During fall in Swakopmund, you get mild temperatures, very little rainfall, and steady winds from the south.
The coastal location along Namibia’s Atlantic shoreline keeps things stable, with cooler sea breezes balancing daytime warmth.
Humidity drops slowly through the season, making the climate more comfortable as the months go on.
Typical Autumn Temperatures
Temperatures in Swakopmund during fall stay moderate compared to inland Namibia. Daily highs average around 70–73°F (21–23°C), while lows fall from about 60°F (16°C) in early autumn to 54°F (12°C) by late May.
The ocean really helps keep the climate steady. You won’t see extreme heat or cold, and frost just doesn’t happen in this coastal city.
For reference:
- Warmest day in fall: Early April, about 73°F (23°C)
- Coolest nights in fall: Late May, near 54°F (12°C)**
This narrow temperature range makes fall one of the most comfortable times to be outdoors in the Erongo Region.
Precipitation Patterns During Fall
Rainfall in Swakopmund stays scarce all year, and fall is no different. The chance of measurable rain drops from about 3% in March to almost 0% by late May.
Average monthly totals sit around 0.1 inches (2–3 mm), which is barely worth mentioning.
Unlike inland Namibia, where summer thunderstorms can pop up, Swakopmund’s desert coastal climate means you’ll have dry conditions nearly every day.
Cloud cover drops as the season goes on. Early autumn skies might be partly cloudy about 20% of the time, but by mid-May, clear skies take over.
This makes fall a reliable season for outdoor activities, with minimal weather interruptions.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Humidity levels in Swakopmund drop steadily during fall. Early in the season, you might notice a few muggy days, but by late May, the chance of humid conditions falls to 0%.
Dew points stay low, so the air feels dry and pleasant.
Winds really define this coastal city. Average speeds rise a bit from 7.3 mph in March to about 8.2 mph in May.
The prevailing wind comes from the south, usually making up more than half of all wind flow.
These steady breezes help regulate temperatures and keep the air fresh. You should expect occasional gusts along the shoreline.
For visitors, this means cooler evenings and the need for light layers even after warm afternoons.
Monthly Breakdown of Fall Weather
Fall in Swakopmund brings steady temperatures, very little rainfall, and gradual changes in daylight and wind.
You’ll notice cooler nights as the season moves on, along with clearer skies and stronger breezes from the south.
September Weather Highlights
September marks the shift from winter into spring-like conditions along the coast. Daily highs average around 67–70°F (19–21°C), while lows stay near 52–55°F (11–13°C).
Nights feel cool, but daytime conditions are comfortable for outdoor activity.
Rainfall is almost nonexistent, with only about 0.1 inches (3 mm) on average. Humidity stays low, and skies are often clear or just partly cloudy.
This makes visibility excellent, which is great for sightseeing or snapping photos.
The ocean stays chilly at about 58–60°F (14–16°C). Most people find the water too cold for long swims, but beach walks are really pleasant.
Winds average 7–8 mph, mostly from the south, and can bring a crisp breeze in the evenings.
Daylight lasts about 12 hours, with sunrise near 6:45 AM and sunset around 6:45 PM.
The days slowly get shorter as the month goes on.
October Weather Highlights
October warms up a bit compared to September, with highs around 70–72°F (21–22°C) and lows near 54°F (12°C).
The temperature range stays small, so you won’t get sudden shifts between day and night.
Precipitation remains minimal. The chance of a wet day hovers close to 0%, so you’ll get dry conditions nearly every day.
Skies become clearer, with cloud cover dropping to about 10% on average.
Ocean temperatures sit around 60–62°F (15–17°C). Winds pick up compared to September, averaging 8–9 mph.
You might notice more frequent gusts, especially in the afternoons.
Daylight shortens, with sunsets moving earlier to about 6:30 PM by the end of the month.
This shift makes mornings brighter, but evenings cooler and windier.
November Weather Highlights
November is the warmest fall month in Swakopmund. Highs reach 72–73°F (22–23°C), while lows dip to around 54–56°F (12–13°C).
The air feels mild during the day and cool at night, without any extremes.
Rainfall is still rare, averaging 0.1 inches (3 mm) or less. Humidity levels stay comfortable, and skies are mostly clear.
This makes November one of the sunniest months, with hardly any overcast days.
The Atlantic water cools a bit to about 58–60°F (14–16°C). Winds keep strengthening, averaging 8–9 mph, and usually come from the south.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, expect breezy afternoons.
Daylight drops to about 13 hours at the start of the month and 12 hours by the end.
Sunsets come earlier, around 6:20 PM, so evenings turn cooler pretty quickly.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Trends
During fall in Swakopmund, you can expect long stretches of sunshine and hardly any rain. Daylight hours gradually shrink from early March into late May, but you’ll still have plenty of time each day for outdoor activities.
Average Daily Sunshine in Fall
In fall, Swakopmund gets about 8 to 10 hours of sunshine per day. March usually brings close to 9.8 hours, April stays about the same, and May also averages around 9.8 hours.
This consistency means you can plan outdoor trips without worrying much about clouds or rain.
The dry desert climate keeps skies clear, so sunshine is a pretty safe bet.
Rainfall becomes very rare after March, with April and May often recording little to no measurable precipitation.
The stable weather brings bright days that feel comfortable rather than hot.
Compared to summer, fall sunshine levels are almost the same, but with less humidity. The light feels crisp and the air is lighter.
For travelers, this mix of warmth and dryness makes for some of the best weather of the year.
Variation in Daylight Hours
Daylight in Swakopmund shifts gradually during fall. In March, you get about 12.6 hours of daylight, but by May, it drops to around 11 hours.
This gradual change follows the seasonal move toward winter in the Southern Hemisphere.
The difference of more than an hour between early and late fall is noticeable if you’re planning activities that rely on natural light.
Morning and evening schedules might need a little tweaking as days get shorter.
Even with fewer daylight hours, the city still offers nearly full days of usable light.
Combined with all that sunshine, you can count on good conditions for sightseeing, coastal walks, or desert excursions.
Sea Temperatures and Coastal Conditions
Swakopmund’s coastline in autumn stays cool and steady, shaped by the cold Benguela Current.
The sea remains chilly for swimming but is great for coastal walks, fishing, and marine tours.
Winds and fog also play a big role in how you experience the shoreline.
Average Sea Temperatures in Autumn
During autumn (March to May), the sea in Swakopmund ranges from about 14°C (57°F) to 19°C (66°F).
This cool water is typical for the Namibian coast, where the Benguela Current keeps things cold year-round.
If you want to swim, you’ll probably need a wetsuit. Most visitors find the water too cold for long swims without thermal protection.
However, the cooler sea supports marine life, with rich fishing grounds and healthy seal and dolphin populations.
By May, water temperatures drop to the lower end, closer to 14–15°C (57–59°F).
Late autumn isn’t ideal for casual swimming, but it’s still good for surfing, kayaking, or boat tours.
| Month | Avg. Sea Temp °C | Avg. Sea Temp °F |
|---|---|---|
| March | 18–19 | 64–66 |
| April | 16–18 | 61–64 |
| May | 14–15 | 57–59 |
Coastal Winds and Fog
Autumn in Swakopmund brings steady winds, often strongest in March and April.
Average speeds range from 12 to 16 km/h (7–10 mph), with occasional higher gusts along open beaches.
These winds can make afternoons feel cooler than the actual air temperature.
Morning fog is another common feature. When the cold ocean meets warmer inland air, fog often rolls in from the sea and sticks around until late morning.
This adds moisture to the desert but can limit visibility for driving or early outdoor plans.
By May, winds ease a bit, and fog thins out. Still, you should expect some level of coastal haze on many days, which is part of Swakopmund’s unique desert-meets-ocean climate.
Comparing Fall to Other Seasons
Fall in Swakopmund brings cooler air, clearer skies, and less humidity compared to the warmer, more humid summer months.
Rainfall stays scarce year-round, but subtle seasonal shifts in temperature and moisture affect how comfortable the climate feels.
Temperature Differences
During fall, daily highs usually land in the mid-60s to low 70s °F (about 18–23 °C). Nights cool down into the low to mid-50s °F (10–13 °C).
This is a noticeable drop from late summer, when daytime highs often reach the upper 70s °F (25–26 °C).
Historical weather data shows April tends to be the warmest part of fall, while May is cooler and marks the move into winter.
In contrast, winter brings lower temperatures, with daytime highs closer to the mid-60s °F and nights often dipping below 50 °F (10 °C).
Compared to spring, fall feels a bit warmer and more stable. Spring temperatures climb gradually but can swing more with strong winds.
Summer is the warmest season, with longer daylight hours and a bit more humidity.
| Season | Avg. High °F | Avg. Low °F | Comfort Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | 73–77 | 58–62 | Warm, humid |
| Fall | 66–73 | 52–60 | Mild, dry |
| Winter | 63–67 | 48–52 | Cool, crisp |
| Spring | 65–72 | 50–58 | Mild, breezy |
Rainfall and Humidity Changes
Swakopmund sits in the desert, so rainfall barely happens no matter the season. In fall, this dry spell just keeps going, with average monthly rainfall hovering around 0.1 inches, or about 2 to 3 mm. By late fall, you probably won’t see any measurable rain at all.
Humidity changes too as the months pass. Sometimes in summer, you might catch a muggy day, but honestly, they’re rare. Dew points can climb enough to feel humid now and then. By the time fall rolls around, the moisture just drops off steadily. May brings drier, more comfortable air.
Winter stays dry, but it feels crisper because of the cooler air and those stronger winds. When spring arrives, humidity creeps up again, but it’s still nothing compared to most coastal places around the world.
In fall, you can look forward to some of the clearest skies of the year. Cloud cover drops a lot compared to summer. That makes it a great time for outdoor activities, and you won’t have to deal with the sticky humidity that sometimes sneaks in at the end of summer.
Travel Tips for Visiting Swakopmund in Fall
Autumn in Swakopmund means mild temps, barely any rain, and steady breezes off the coast. Mornings start off cool, afternoons feel comfortable, and the wind picks up a bit more than in summer. If you plan ahead, you’ll get more out of both the town and the surrounding Erongo Region.
What to Pack for Autumn Weather
During fall, daytime highs usually land between 66°F and 72°F (19°C–22°C). Nights drop closer to 50°F (10°C). Pack some light layers that you can add or peel off as needed. A light jacket or fleece really comes in handy for those chilly coastal evenings.
Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes if you want to explore the streets or wander out to the dunes. The dry air can be rough on your skin, so throw in some moisturizer and lip balm. Sunglasses and broad-spectrum sunscreen are a must—the sun here doesn’t take a break just because the air’s cool.
If you’re thinking about spending time by the Atlantic, pack a windbreaker. The Benguela Current keeps the ocean cold all year, so if you’re brave enough to swim or surf, a wetsuit is the way to go. For casual outings, neutral clothes work well, but a scarf or hat will help with the wind and sun.
Best Outdoor Activities in Fall
Fall brings steady weather, making it a fantastic time for outdoor exploration in Swakopmund. You can stroll along the Swakopmund Jetty or relax on the beach without fighting the usual summer crowds.
The cooler air feels just right for cycling around town or heading up the coast. You might find yourself lingering longer outdoors when the breeze is this comfortable.
In the nearby Erongo Region, fall really shines for dune activities like sandboarding, quad biking, or taking a guided desert tour. Mild temperatures let you soak up the desert without worrying about the heat.
If you’re after something a bit more relaxed, hop on a boat cruise from Walvis Bay, just south of Swakopmund. You might spot dolphins or seals if you’re lucky.
Hiking in the inland desert or up in the Erongo Mountains also feels great in autumn. The skies stay clear, and daylight lasts just long enough to squeeze in a good trek.