Winter in Windhoek, Namibia brings a cooler, drier season that feels totally different from the hot, stuffy summer months. You’ll notice mild daytime temperatures, cooler nights, and clear skies, making the season comfortable for everyday life and travel.
The air stays dry. Rainfall barely shows up, so the climate feels crisp and predictable.
Mornings and evenings often feel chilly, but midday warms up fast under that bright Namibian sun.
The days are a bit shorter, but you still get plenty of light. Clear skies mean long stretches of sunshine with hardly any interruptions.
You’ll find the atmosphere calm and the weather steady, which makes planning outdoor activities or getting around a lot easier.
If you know how the temperature changes, what to expect with rainfall, and how the wind behaves, you’ll have no trouble enjoying Windhoek’s winter.
Overview of Winter Weather in Windhoek
Winter in Windhoek brings mild warmth in the day, cooler nights, and almost no rain.
Skies usually stay clear. Sunlight hours quietly increase as the season moves along.
Typical Winter Temperatures
Daytime highs usually land between 23°C and 26°C (73°F to 79°F).
At night, it cools down more, with lows averaging 9°C to 12°C (48°F to 54°F).
Sometimes, the coldest mornings dip close to 4°C (39°F). Frost doesn’t show up often, though.
Early July tends to be the coldest stretch, with highs near 21°C (70°F) and lows around 8°C (46°F).
Even with chilly nights, dry air and steady sunshine keep afternoons feeling comfortable.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Time of Day | Average Temperature |
|---|---|
| Daytime | 23–26°C (73–79°F) |
| Nighttime | 9–12°C (48–54°F) |
Packing isn’t complicated. A light jacket for evenings and mornings usually does the trick, while you can keep your daytime clothes light and breathable.
Seasonal Climate Characteristics
Winter in Windhoek means dry air, clear skies, and stable weather.
Rainfall stays minimal, averaging about 1 mm per month. Sometimes, weeks go by without a drop.
Humidity drops low, so you almost never feel sticky.
Winds pick up a bit, averaging 14–15 km/h, often coming in from the north.
The breeze isn’t strong enough to ruin your plans, but it can make early mornings feel colder.
Daylight hours slowly get longer from June to August.
The shortest day gives you 10 hours, 45 minutes of sunlight. By late August, you’ll see nearly 11 hours, 40 minutes.
You get more time for outdoor fun as winter rolls forward.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Winter in Windhoek is extremely dry, unlike summer’s wild thunderstorms and heavy rain.
The wettest months like January and February bring over 100 mm of rainfall, but in winter, it’s almost nothing.
Temperatures also shift a lot. Summer highs hit 30–31°C (86–88°F), and nights stay warm at about 18°C (64°F).
Winter nights get much cooler, though daytime highs stay pleasant.
Spring and autumn bring smoother transitions. Spring warms up quickly after August, and autumn cools down gently before winter settles in.
Winter stands out as the most predictable season, with hardly any surprises in the weather.
Temperature Patterns During Winter
Winter in Windhoek feels mild compared to many places.
Nights get cool, but afternoons are comfortable, with little rain and lots of blue sky.
The steady patterns make it easy to plan your days or head outside.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
During winter, daytime highs usually reach 73°F to 79°F (23°C to 26°C).
These temps feel pleasant and rarely go above 85°F (29°C).
You can wear light clothing in the afternoons, and the dry air stops it from feeling too hot.
At night, the temperature drops quickly. Lows average 49°F to 54°F (9°C to 12°C), and sometimes, it gets close to 39°F (4°C).
A jacket or sweater will come in handy for evenings and early mornings.
This big swing between day and night is typical for high-altitude cities like Windhoek, which sits at about 5,433 feet (1,655 meters) above sea level.
The thinner, dry air lets heat escape fast after sunset.
Monthly Temperature Trends
June, July, and August make up Windhoek’s winter.
June starts with highs near 73°F (23°C) and lows around 49°F (9°C).
The days are shorter and mornings feel crisp.
July is the coldest month. Highs average about 70°F (21°C), and lows hit 46°F (8°C).
You’ll really notice the difference between day and night then.
By August, things start warming up. Highs climb toward 79°F (26°C), and lows rise closer to 54°F (12°C).
Daylight hours go up, so afternoons feel brighter and a bit warmer.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| June | 73°F | 49°F |
| July | 70°F | 46°F |
| August | 79°F | 54°F |
Record Highs and Lows
Winter is usually mild, but Windhoek has seen some extremes.
Sometimes, daytime highs reach the mid-80s°F (around 29°C). These warmer days don’t happen often, but you might catch one during a sunny stretch.
Nights can get much colder. Lows sometimes fall below 40°F (4°C), especially in early July.
Frost is pretty rare, but you might spot it in the countryside where the ground cools faster.
The coldest day of the year usually lands in early July, with daily ranges about 46°F to 70°F (8°C to 21°C).
The hottest day of the year comes in December, with averages between 65°F and 89°F (18°C to 32°C).
So, winter in Windhoek is cool but not harsh, giving you stable conditions for travel or outdoor plans.
Precipitation and Rainfall in Winter
In Windhoek’s winter months, rain hardly ever shows up and things stay very dry.
You’ll see clear skies, low humidity, and maybe the occasional light shower, but that’s about it.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Winter runs from June through August in Windhoek.
During this time, the city gets almost no measurable rain.
June averages less than 1 mm of precipitation, and July and August are just as dry.
Windhoek’s subtropical steppe climate keeps winter firmly in the dry season.
The city’s yearly average of about 540 mm of rain falls almost entirely between November and April.
With so little winter rain, you don’t need to worry about wet conditions.
Outdoor activities, road trips, and sightseeing rarely get interrupted by the weather.
Rainy Days and Dry Spells
Rainy days in Windhoek during winter are almost nonexistent.
In June, you might get one rainy day, and July or August often have none at all.
Even if it rains, it’s usually light and over quickly.
This setup creates long dry spells that go on for weeks.
Skies stay clear, sunshine is everywhere, and humidity drops.
Travelers can count on dry roads, uninterrupted tours, and comfortable outdoor time.
Winter’s lack of rain is one of the city’s signature climate features.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Winter in Windhoek brings clear skies and long, bright days, even though the air is cooler.
You’ll find very dry conditions, steady sunshine, and only small changes in daylight length during the season.
Average Daily Sunshine
During winter, Windhoek gets 10 to 11 hours of sunshine per day on average.
June and July are the driest months, with almost no clouds, so you get some of the clearest skies all year.
With over 300 hours of sunshine per month, Windhoek stands out as one of southern Africa’s brighter winter spots.
July, for example, often sees as little as 3% cloud cover, which is perfect for hiking or city tours.
Since rain is basically absent in June, July, and August, your plans rarely get interrupted.
The dry air also cuts down on haze, so you get great views of the hills and savanna.
Day Length Variation
Day length in Windhoek shifts just a bit during winter.
In June, the shortest day lasts about 10 hours and 36 minutes.
By August, daylight stretches to nearly 11 hours and 15 minutes.
This gradual change gives you plenty of time for travel, sightseeing, or photography.
Unlike places farther north or south, you won’t see dramatic changes in sunrise or sunset.
Here’s the gist:
- June: ~10h 36m of daylight
- July: ~10h 50m of daylight
- August: ~11h 15m of daylight
Stable daylight and clear skies make winter a solid choice for planning full days out without worrying about early darkness.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
In Windhoek’s winter, the air feels much drier, and the wind really shapes the season.
You’ll notice clear skies, low moisture, and steady breezes that affect comfort and outdoor plans.
Typical Humidity Levels
Humidity drops pretty low in winter, especially compared to the rest of the year.
Average relative humidity hovers around 23–35%, with August often being the driest.
The air feels crisp and dry, which a lot of visitors actually like.
With such low humidity, you won’t get sticky or heavy air.
Instead, it feels lighter, so walking tours and day trips are more pleasant.
The dryness can also lead to dry skin or mild dehydration, so drinking water is a good idea.
Rain doesn’t show up in June, July, or August, keeping things consistently dry.
This lack of moisture also means less cloud cover, so sunshine is everywhere.
Carrying a small water bottle and some moisturizer can make outdoor time easier.
If you’re sensitive to dry air, evenings might feel especially dry as temperatures drop.
Wind Speed and Patterns
Wind really matters in Windhoek’s winter.
Average speeds run from 10 to 15 km/h (6–9 mph), with some gusts feeling stronger in open areas.
The winds are steady, not harsh, but they can make mornings and evenings feel cooler than you’d expect.
Most winter winds blow in from the east and southeast.
These dry winds help keep rain away and skies clear.
You might spot dust blowing in rural areas, but the city stays manageable.
The breeze feels nice during warm afternoons, especially under the sun.
At night, though, the wind can add a chill. A light jacket is a smart idea.
If you’re planning to hike or sightsee, mornings are usually calmer, while afternoons get breezier.
Starting early makes sense if you want to avoid the wind.
Practical Tips for Winter in Windhoek
Winter in Windhoek brings mild days and cool nights, hardly any rain, and loads of sunshine.
You’ll want to prepare for temperature swings, plan for outdoor time in dry conditions, and adjust your travel habits to fit the clear skies and steady winds.
What to Pack and Wear
Daytime temperatures usually land in the mid-70s °F (around 24 °C). You’ll probably feel fine in light clothing—think t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and some breathable trousers.
But once the sun dips, nights can get chilly, dropping into the mid-40s °F (about 7–9 °C). You’ll want to bring a warm jacket, maybe a sweater or two, and definitely closed shoes.
Layering just makes sense here. A simple base layer gets you through the day, then you can toss on a fleece or medium-weight coat when it cools off.
If you’re the type who feels the cold, a scarf or light gloves might come in handy for those brisk mornings.
With mostly clear skies, you’ll need sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen for UV protection. The air’s pretty dry too, so don’t forget moisturizer and lip balm—your skin will thank you.
Planning to get out of the city? Grab some sturdy walking shoes. Windhoek’s surrounded by grasslands and rocky terrain, so durable footwear makes any short hike or day trip a lot more comfortable.
Travel and Outdoor Activities
Winter in Windhoek? It’s actually one of the best times to get around, since rain hardly ever shows up and the roads stay dry. The sun doesn’t come up until after 7:00 AM, and it hangs around until about 6:30 PM, so you get over 10 hours of daylight for exploring.
People really get into outdoor activities during this season. You might find yourself wandering through the city on foot, heading out for a day trip to the Khomas Highlands, or spotting wildlife in the nearby reserves.
The skies stay clear, which means fantastic opportunities for photography and stargazing.
Winds pick up a bit in July, usually around 9 to 10 mph. You’ll probably notice a breeze in the afternoons.
It’s not a big deal, but a light jacket comes in handy, especially if you’re out in the open.
Humidity sits close to zero, so it’s smart to carry water if you’re planning a longer outing.
Even if the air feels cool, the dryness can sneak up on you and leave you dehydrated faster than you’d think.