Weather in Botswana

Climate:
Botswana is a landlocked country and its climate can be described as arid to semi arid, with a wide range of temperatures and rainfall. The best tourist season is in winter when it does not rain (May to September). The coldest months are June and July but even then the days are very moderate. October is also a good month, but it becomes extremely hot during he day. Animal activity around permanent water is rife during the hot, dry months.

Rainfall:
The rainy season is from November to April, with a peak in January and February. The rainfall is the lowest in the south-west of the country (Kgalagadi Transfrontier PArk) where it can be as low as 150mm to 250mm per year. The highest rainfall is in the north-east (the Chobe River Front) where it can be as high as 650mm per year. The dry period is from May to October, but in very dry years can be extend until January.

Temperature:
Temperatures can be extreme in Botswana, especially in arid areas. In October to December, temperatures are usually between 35 degrees and 40 degrees but other times it ranges between 28 degrees and 33 degrees. In the northern wetlands winter temperatures are mild, ranging between 24 degrees and 26 degrees. There are usually one or tow cold spells when temperatures fall sharply. In the Kalahari, night temperatures during winter can drop to below freezing point, bear that in mind if you plan to camp in the Kalahari.