Things to Do in Namibia in December

December Weather in Namibia

35°C (95°F) High Temp

17°C (63°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Green Season Peak - Desert blooms with yellow devil's thorn flowers and the landscape transforms into unexpected grasslands after December rains
Prime Wildlife Viewing - Animals concentrate around permanent water sources, making game drives 3x more productive than dry months. Newborn animals everywhere from December births
Dramatic Sky Photography - Daily afternoon thunderstorms create spectacular cloud formations and lightning shows, perfect for landscape photographers
Lower Accommodation Rates - Green season pricing means 30-40% savings on lodges and camps compared to peak dry season (May-October)

Considerations

Afternoon Thunderstorms - Daily storms from 2pm-5pm can disrupt outdoor activities and make some 4WD tracks temporarily impassable
High Humidity - 70% humidity makes midday temperatures feel oppressive, limiting outdoor activities to early morning (5am-10am) and evening (5pm-7pm)
Mosquito Peak Season - Highest malaria risk period requires prophylaxis and constant repellent use, especially around Etosha's waterholes

Best Activities in December

Etosha National Park Game Drives

December is exceptional for wildlife viewing as animals gather at permanent waterholes while temporary pans fill with rainwater. The contrast between green vegetation and wildlife creates stunning photography opportunities. Early morning drives (6am-10am) offer the best animal activity before afternoon heat sets in. Elephants, lions, and rare black rhinos are most active during these cooler hours.

Booking Tip: Book self-drive or guided game drive packages 4-6 weeks ahead for December. Rates range N$800-1,200 per person per day including park fees. Choose operators with early morning departure times (5:30am pickup) to maximize wildlife viewing. See current tour options in booking section below.

Sossusvlei Dune Climbing and Photography

December's dramatic cloud formations create perfect lighting conditions for dune photography, especially the contrast between red sand and dark storm clouds. Early morning climbs (5am start) avoid the intense midday sun and capture the best light on Big Daddy and Dune 45. The cooler morning temperatures (17°C/63°F) make the 1.2km (0.75 mile) hike to Hidden Vlei more manageable.

Booking Tip: Book sunrise tours departing 4:30am from Sesriem for optimal conditions. Tours typically cost N$1,500-2,200 per person including park fees and breakfast. Essential to book operators with 4WD vehicles as sand roads can be challenging after December rains. See current options in booking section below.

Skeleton Coast Scenic Flights

December's clear morning air and dramatic afternoon cloud buildup create perfect flying conditions for aerial tours. The contrast between the green inland areas (from December rains) and the stark coastline is most pronounced during this season. Flights offer the only practical way to see seal colonies at Cape Cross and shipwrecks along the coast during green season when road access is limited.

Booking Tip: Book morning flights (7am-10am) before afternoon storms develop. Scenic flights range N$3,500-5,500 per person for 2-3 hour tours from Swakopmund. Weather-dependent - operators typically offer full refunds for storm cancellations. See current flight options in booking section below.

Swakopmund Adventure Activities

December's cooler coastal temperatures (22°C/72°F average) make this the ideal time for sandboarding, quad biking, and desert tours. Morning fog often lifts by 10am, revealing perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. The contrast between the cool Atlantic Ocean and warm desert creates unique weather patterns that are fascinating to experience.

Booking Tip: Book morning activity slots (8am-12pm) to avoid afternoon heat and potential inland storms. Adventure packages typically cost N$800-1,800 per person for half-day activities. Choose operators offering hotel pickup from Swakopmund central area. See current adventure tour options in booking section below.

Himba Cultural Village Visits

December is culturally significant as it coincides with traditional rain ceremonies and the season when Himba communities celebrate successful harvests. Villages are more accessible during early December before heavy rains affect remote Kaokoland roads. This is the only time to witness traditional rain-making ceremonies and seasonal cultural practices.

Booking Tip: Book cultural tours through community-based operators for authentic experiences. Full-day tours cost N$1,200-1,800 per person including traditional lunch. Essential to book with operators who support local communities directly. Road access can be limited after mid-December rains. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

Fish River Canyon Hiking

December offers the best hiking conditions with cooler morning temperatures and the canyon's seasonal waterfalls flowing after recent rains. The 1.6km (1 mile) rim walk provides spectacular views of the green canyon floor - a sight only visible during the rainy season. Early morning hikes (6am start) avoid the intense UV exposure (index 12) and afternoon heat.

Booking Tip: Book guided rim walks or multi-day hiking permits 2-3 weeks ahead. Day hikes cost N$600-900 per person including guide and transport. Multi-day canyon hikes require permits from Namibian Wildlife Resorts and excellent fitness levels. See current hiking tour options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Windhoek Summer Festival

Annual arts and music festival featuring local Namibian artists, traditional Herero and Damara performances, and contemporary music. Features outdoor concerts, craft markets, and traditional food stalls. Perfect introduction to Namibian culture during the festive season.

Early to Mid December

Oshana Festival

Traditional celebration in northern Namibia marking the filling of seasonal pans (oshanas) after first rains. Features traditional dancing, local cuisine, and cultural exhibitions. Offers authentic insight into indigenous celebrations of the rainy season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm - UV index reaches dangerous level 12, requiring reapplication every 90 minutes

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - afternoon thunderstorms are intense but brief (20-30 minutes typical duration)

Moisture-wicking clothing in neutral colors - avoid dark colors that attract heat and bright colors that disturb wildlife

Closed hiking boots - essential for 4WD excursions and protection against thorns during green season growth

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - strong desert winds during storms can easily blow hats away

High-DEET mosquito repellent (25%+ concentration) - malaria risk peaks in December around water sources

Portable phone charger/power bank - afternoon storms can cause power outages at remote lodges

Quick-dry pants and shorts - humidity makes cotton uncomfortable and slow to dry after rain

Polarized sunglasses - essential for glare reduction on wet surfaces and bright sand reflections

Waterproof camera protection - sudden downpours can damage electronics during outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations on Namibia's eastern side (Windhoek, Kalahari) first - these fill up with South African holiday travelers during December school holidays

Fuel up every opportunity - December rains can make some fuel stations temporarily inaccessible, and desert distances require full tanks

Carry N$50 notes for local craft purchases - December is peak season for roadside vendors selling seasonal items like !nara melons and traditional crafts

Start game drives at 5:30am - wildlife activity peaks before 9am, and afternoon storms often begin precisely at 2pm regardless of morning weather

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning afternoon outdoor activities - daily thunderstorms from 2pm-5pm consistently disrupt outdoor plans. Schedule all major activities before noon

Underestimating mosquito protection - tourists often pack insufficient repellent for the malaria risk season, particularly around Etosha waterholes

Not booking flexible accommodations - December weather can make some lodges temporarily inaccessible, requiring itinerary changes