Things to Do in Namibia in November

November Weather in Namibia

35°C (95°F) High Temp

17°C (63°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

30% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Pre-rainy season perfect timing - landscape is still accessible but starting to green up from October's first rains
Wildlife viewing peaks as animals concentrate around permanent water sources before rains disperse them
Dramatic afternoon thunderstorms create spectacular photography opportunities without disrupting morning activities
Shoulder season pricing - 20-30% lower than peak dry season (June-August) but better conditions than full green season

Considerations

Extreme midday heat 35°C+ (95°F+) makes outdoor activities unbearable between 11am-4pm - plan around dawn and dusk
Unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms can cancel scenic flights and make dirt roads impassable for 2-3 hours
Green season accommodation closures begin - some desert camps close after November 15th until March

Best Activities in November

Sossusvlei Dune Climbing and Photography

November's low-angle morning sun creates perfect lighting for the iconic red dunes, while pre-dawn starts (4:30am) avoid the crushing midday heat. The contrast between storm clouds and red sand creates dramatic photography impossible in dry season. Wildlife tracks in sand are most visible after overnight cooling.

Booking Tip: Book dune access permits 3-4 weeks ahead through Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Self-drive 4x4 rentals cost N$800-1200/day. Guide services typically N$1500-2500/day. Book accommodations at Sesriem or Solitaire - closer lodges may be closing for green season after mid-November.

Etosha Pan Wildlife Viewing

Animals concentrate heavily around waterholes as seasonal pans dry up but permanent sources remain full. November offers the year's best predator viewing as hunting becomes predictable around water. Early morning (6-9am) and late afternoon (4-6:30pm) game drives avoid heat and coincide with peak animal activity.

Booking Tip: Book Etosha camps minimum 6 months ahead - November is peak wildlife season. Day visitor permits N$150/person if staying outside. Self-drive ideal - guided safaris typically N$2500-4000/day per vehicle. Bring telephoto lens for waterhole photography.

Swakopmund Adventure Activities

Coastal location stays 10°C (18°F) cooler than inland areas, making November perfect for quad biking, sandboarding, and desert tours. Atlantic Ocean moderates temperature while inland areas become unbearable. Morning coastal fog creates unique photography opportunities before burning off by 10am.

Booking Tip: Book coastal accommodations 4-5 weeks ahead - escaping inland heat drives demand. Quad biking tours typically N$800-1200/person for half-day. Sandwich Harbour tours N$1500-2200/person - check tide times as access depends on low tide windows.

Damaraland Desert Elephant Tracking

Desert-adapted elephants move predictably between water sources during November heat, making tracking more reliable than scattered green season movements. Cooler evening temperatures (17°C/63°F) allow comfortable walking safaris impossible during peak dry season heat.

Booking Tip: Book conservancy stays minimum 8 weeks ahead through community conservancies. Walking safaris with local guides typically N$1800-2800/person per day including meals. 4x4 essential - rental with GPS N$900-1400/day. Bring cash for conservancy fees.

Skeleton Coast Scenic Flights

November's afternoon storms create dramatic cloud formations over shipwrecks and seal colonies. Morning flights (7-9am) have clearest visibility before heat creates turbulence. Pre-rainy season offers last chance for reliable flying weather before December-February storm season.

Booking Tip: Book scenic flights minimum 2 weeks ahead from Swakopmund operators. Full-day trips typically N$4500-6500/person including lunch. Half-day coastal flights N$2800-3800/person. Weather-dependent - operators offer flexible rebooking for storm cancellations.

Fish River Canyon Hiking

November marks the last month for multi-day canyon hiking before summer heat makes it dangerous. Temperatures stay manageable for early morning starts, while the 5-day trail season closes December 1st. Day viewpoints remain accessible with dawn visits avoiding midday heat.

Booking Tip: 5-day hiking trail bookings close October 31st for season - November only suitable for day hikes and viewpoint visits. Guided day tours typically N$1200-1800/person. Self-drive viewpoint access requires high-clearance vehicle. Bring extra water - consume 4-5L (1.3 gallons) per person daily.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Windhoek Arts Festival

Local and regional artists showcase traditional and contemporary works across multiple venues. Indoor cultural activities provide excellent midday heat escape while supporting community arts initiatives.

Mid November

Namibian Independence Day Celebrations

While the main holiday is March 21st, November features preliminary cultural events and preparation celebrations in Windhoek with traditional dance, music, and food festivals.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

UV-protection sun hat with chin strap - UV index reaches 11+ and desert winds are strong

SPF 50+ sunscreen (mineral-based) - chemical sunscreens break down faster in extreme UV

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts - UV protection more important than cooling in 35°C+ (95°F+) heat

Insulated water bottles (2L minimum capacity) - stay hydrated in low humidity conditions

Quick-dry rain jacket - afternoon storms dump heavy rain in 20-30 minute bursts

Closed-toe shoes for morning activities - sand temperature reaches 60°C (140°F) by midday

Warm layer for evenings - temperature drops 18°C (32°F) from day to night

Power bank and car charger - extreme temperatures drain phone batteries 40% faster

Cash in Namibian dollars - rural areas and conservancy fees require cash payment

First aid kit with electrolyte tablets - dehydration happens quickly in desert conditions

Insider Knowledge

Locals call November 'little rainy season' - afternoon storms are intense but brief, creating temporary waterfalls and green patches within days

Windhoek supermarkets stock up on camping gear in November as locals prepare for December holiday season - best prices and selection occur now

Desert lodges offer November 'green season' rates starting mid-month but many close after November 15th - book early November for best availability and pricing

Mobile network coverage disappears during thunderstorms - download offline maps and inform others of your route before heading into remote areas

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities between 11am-4pm - locals retreat indoors during these hours, only tourists suffer in the heat

Underestimating water needs - consume 4-5L (1.3 gallons) daily in desert conditions, twice normal requirements

Booking accommodations after November 15th without confirming green season closures - many desert camps shut down until March