Best Time to Visit Botswana

While Botswana doesn’t experience as much rain as countries that are further east, the wet/rainy season is generally considered to be between December and March, which is summer here in the Southern Hemisphere. It tends to bring a mix of bright sunny days, some with afternoon thunderstorms, and other days that see grey skies. Average low temperatures range from the upper 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit while highs are typically around 90 degrees, occasionally inching toward 100. If you do not mind some afternoon rainstorms, this is a great time to visit and is known as the ‘Green Season’. The prices come right down and its far less busy, there are some great deals on at this time of year. This is the time of year when many of the antelope give birth; watching the babies play while you are out on a game drive is a very special experience. The green season is when the annual zebra migration starts from the Chobe River down to the Nxai Pan area, Central Kalahari and Makgadikgadi Pans. These areas are normally dry and arid, but the rains turn them into lush grass land.

It’s winter here in the Southern Hemisphere, with temperatures in drier areas overnight sometimes close to freezing. It will warm up quickly, however, with clear blue skies and average high temperatures in the upper 70s and low 80s.  The vegetation is sparse in the reserves, making it easier to spot the wildlife. Water is in short supply, so the animals congregate around the waterholes and rivers. The water levels in the Delta are high, perfect for the water activities Botswana is famous for. The game viewing at this time of year is spectacular. This is peak season in Botswana where the prices are highest.