Best Time to Visit Botswana
Botswana is at its sunniest and driest in April–September.
The best time to visit Botswana for sunny, dry weather is April–May and August–September — 4 months of the year match our sunny profiles at a country-wide average. The drier half of the year covers April–October, while the wetter half runs through November–March. Country-wide monthly temperatures range from 13.5°C / 56.3°F in June to 26.5°C / 79.7°F in January, and monthly rainfall from 2 mm / 0.1 in (July) to 95 mm / 3.7 in (January). Botswana's climate is broadly seasonal. These are national area-weighted averages from long-term climate normals — regional variation within Botswana can be substantial, especially for large or geographically diverse countries. Below, every month is classified against our five weather profiles so you can match your travel window to your preferred weather.
Recommended months
| Month | Temp | Rain | Feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 21°C69.8°F | 30 mm1.2″ | Sunny & Warm, Sunny & Mild |
| May | 17°C62.6°F | 10 mm0.4″ | Sunny & Mild |
| August | 17°C62.6°F | 5 mm0.2″ | Sunny & Mild |
| September | 21.5°C70.7°F | 15 mm0.6″ | Sunny & Warm, Sunny & Mild |
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Botswana?
The best time to visit Botswana for sunny, dry weather is April, May, August, September. The warmest month is January (26.5°C / 79.7°F country-wide average) and the driest is July (about 2 mm / 0.1 in). These months combine warmth with low rainfall based on long-term climate normals.
When is the rainy season in Botswana?
The rainy season in Botswana runs through November–March, when monthly rainfall exceeds the national annual median of about 45 mm / 1.8 in. The wettest single month is January, averaging 95 mm / 3.7 in.
What is the dry season in Botswana?
The drier half of the year in Botswana covers April–October, when monthly rainfall stays at or below the annual median of about 45 mm / 1.8 in. The driest single month is July with about 2 mm / 0.1 in.
What months should I avoid visiting Botswana?
The least comfortable months for travel in Botswana — based on our climate data — are January, February, May, June, July, August, December. These are Botswana's wettest or coolest months. Rainfall peaks at 95 mm / 3.7 in in January, and temperatures bottom out at 13.5°C / 56.3°F in June.
Is there a shoulder season in Botswana?
Shoulder-season months in Botswana — moderate weather, lower rainfall than the wet season — include October. These are typically the quietest and cheapest months for travel, and often deliver decent weather without the peak-season crowd.