Things to Do in Namibia in September

September Weather in Namibia

34°C (93°F) High Temp

10°C (50°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

20% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect wildlife viewing - September marks peak season for desert elephants at water sources and oryx herds gathering at permanent springs. Animals concentrate around remaining water points, making sightings almost guaranteed at places like Etosha's waterholes between 6-9am and 4-7pm daily.
Ideal photography conditions - Dry air creates crystal-clear visibility extending 50+ km (31+ miles), while low humidity eliminates haze. The contrast between blue skies and red dunes reaches its peak, with golden hour light lasting 90 minutes instead of summer's brief 30 minutes.
Comfortable daytime temperatures for activities - Midday temperatures of 28-32°C (82-90°F) make hiking and exploring pleasant, unlike the scorching 40°C+ (104°F+) of summer months. Early mornings start at perfect 15-18°C (59-64°F) for sunrise balloon rides and game drives.
Prime time for Sossusvlei access - Lower temperatures mean the 1.2 km (0.7 mile) walk from the 2WD parking to Big Daddy dune is manageable by 7am, and you can climb the 325 m (1,066 ft) dune without the dangerous heat that makes this impossible in summer.

Considerations

Brutal temperature swings require constant clothing adjustments - Night temperatures drop to 5-10°C (41-50°F) while days reach 34°C (93°F). You'll need winter gear for 6am game drives and summer clothes by 10am, with no gradual transition.
Dust and wind create harsh conditions - September brings Namibia's strongest seasonal winds at 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) daily, creating dust storms that can reduce visibility to 100 m (328 ft) and make camping uncomfortable. Camera equipment needs constant cleaning.
Water scarcity affects some remote areas - Many seasonal springs dry up completely by September, limiting access to certain northern Damaraland camps and requiring careful route planning with extra water supplies for self-drive trips.

Best Activities in September

Etosha National Park Game Drives

September is the absolute peak month for Etosha wildlife viewing. Animals congregate at the few remaining waterholes, creating unprecedented viewing opportunities. The famous Okaukuejo waterhole sees continuous animal activity from 4pm-9pm daily, with elephant herds of 20-30 individuals arriving precisely at sunset. Early morning drives (6-9am) guarantee big cat sightings as predators hunt around water sources. The dry conditions mean animals must visit water daily, making their behavior predictable.

Booking Tip: Reserve accommodations inside the park 6-8 months ahead - September is peak season with camps filling completely. Day passes cost around N$80-120 per person. Self-drive is ideal, but guided night drives (N$400-600 per person) offer exclusive access to nocturnal species. Book current guided options through the booking widget below.

Sossusvlei Dune Climbing and Photography

September offers the only comfortable window for climbing Namibia's highest accessible sand dune, Big Daddy (325m/1,066ft). Morning temperatures of 15-18°C (59-64°F) allow the strenuous 45-minute climb, while summer heat makes this dangerous. The dry air creates perfect conditions for capturing the iconic red dunes against deep blue skies. Wind patterns are predictable - calm mornings until 10am, then increasing winds that actually help cool you down during the descent.

Booking Tip: Enter Sossusvlei by 6am to avoid heat and crowds - gate opens at sunrise. 4WD transfers from 2WD parking cost N$150-200 return. Photography workshops typically run N$2,800-3,500 for full-day sessions. Book current desert tours through the booking section below for guided access and local expertise.

Skeleton Coast Scenic Flights

September's clear, dry air provides exceptional visibility for scenic flights over the Skeleton Coast. With humidity at just 20%, you'll see up to 80 km (50 miles) clearly - from the dunes of Sossusvlei to the Atlantic coastline in one spectacular view. Thermal conditions are perfect for small aircraft, with minimal turbulence in morning flights. This is the only reliable month to see both desert elephants from above and whale migrations offshore in the same flight.

Booking Tip: Book flights 2-3 weeks ahead as September is peak season for aerial tours. Half-day flights typically cost N$3,800-5,200 per person from Windhoek or Swakopmund. Morning flights (7-11am) offer best visibility and calmest conditions. Weather delays are rare in September unlike summer months. Check current flight tours in the booking widget below.

Damaraland Desert Elephant Tracking

September concentrates Namibia's desert-adapted elephants around the few permanent water sources in Damaraland. These unique elephants have smaller bodies and larger feet for desert survival, and September is when they're most predictable. The Huab and Ugab riverbeds become highways for elephant families moving between water points. Tracking on foot is comfortable in September's moderate temperatures, unlike the extreme heat of summer months that makes walking safaris unbearable.

Booking Tip: Specialist desert elephant camps charge N$4,500-8,000 per person per night all-inclusive. Book 3-4 months ahead as September is prime elephant season. Day tracking excursions from Twyfelfontein cost N$1,200-1,800 per person. Local Himba guides provide authentic cultural experiences alongside elephant tracking. See current tracking tours in the booking section below.

Fish River Canyon Hiking

September marks the opening of Fish River Canyon's famous 5-day hiking trail (85km/53 miles), closed during summer for safety due to extreme heat. September's cool mornings and warm days provide ideal conditions for this challenging trek through the world's second-largest canyon. Day hikes along the rim are spectacular in September's clear air, offering views extending 160 km (100 miles) across the canyon's 550m (1,804ft) depth.

Booking Tip: The 5-day trail requires permits booked 6 months ahead through Namibia Wildlife Resorts (N$200-300 per person). Medical certificates mandatory. Day rim walks are free with no permits required. Guided day hikes cost N$800-1,200 per person including transport from nearby lodges. Book current canyon tours through the booking widget below for day trip options.

Swakopmund Adventure Sports

September's strong coastal winds (25-35 km/h daily) create perfect conditions for sandboarding and quad biking in the Namib dunes surrounding Swakopmund. The cooling Atlantic breeze makes afternoon activities comfortable at 22-26°C (72-79°F), while mornings offer calm conditions for skydiving with visibility extending to the Skeleton Coast. This is the only month where you can comfortably do adventure sports in both the desert and ocean on the same day.

Booking Tip: Adventure sports packages typically cost N$600-1,200 per activity. September is peak season so book 1-2 weeks ahead. Combination desert/ocean packages offer better value at N$2,800-3,800 per day. Morning skydiving flights have perfect visibility conditions. Afternoon sandboarding benefits from cooling sea breezes. Check current adventure tours in the booking section below.

September Events & Festivals

Mid September

Windhoek Arts Festival

Namibia's premier cultural event showcasing local artists, traditional Himba and Herero performances, and contemporary African art. The festival transforms downtown Windhoek with street performances, craft markets featuring authentic Namibian jewelry and textiles, and evening concerts at the National Theatre. This is your best opportunity to experience authentic Namibian culture beyond tourism.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system essential - Pack thermal base layers for 5°C (41°F) mornings and breathable cotton for 34°C (93°F) afternoons. Merino wool works best as it regulates temperature and doesn't retain dust odors

SPF 50+ sunscreen mandatory - UV index reaches 10+ daily with no cloud cover and reflective sand surfaces doubling exposure. Reapply every 90 minutes during outdoor activities

Dust protection gear - Bring bandana or buff for dust storms, lens cleaning cloths for cameras, and ziplock bags for electronics. September winds create daily dust clouds reducing visibility to 100m (328ft)

Insulated water bottles (1.5L minimum) - You'll need 4-5 liters daily in dry conditions. Metal bottles keep water cool for 8+ hours in desert heat and prevent plastic taste from sun exposure

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support - For rocky terrain and loose sand climbing. Gaiters prevent sand entering boots during dune walks and protect from thorny desert vegetation

Warm sleeping gear rated to 0°C (32°F) - Even heated accommodations can't combat desert night cold. Lightweight down sleeping bags compress well for camping trips

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - September winds at 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) will blow off regular hats. UV protection essential for 10+ hour outdoor days

Moisturizer and lip balm with SPF - Humidity drops to 20% causing severe skin and lip cracking within 48 hours. Apply 3-4 times daily minimum

Headlamp with red filter - For early morning game drives starting at 5:30am and stargazing in world-class dark skies. Red light preserves night vision

Cash in Namibian Dollars - Remote areas don't accept cards. Budget N$200-400 daily for entrance fees, tips, and small purchases. ATMs scarce outside main towns

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid outdoor activities 11am-3pm in September, using this time for indoor lunch breaks and equipment maintenance. Follow their lead - use midday for accommodation check-ins, meal planning, and photo editing in air-conditioned spaces.

September is when Namibian schools have holidays, so domestic tourism peaks on weekends. Book Friday-Sunday accommodations 2 months ahead, but Monday-Thursday often has last-minute availability at 30-40% discounts in less popular areas.

Desert-adapted plants bloom briefly after September's scattered rains, creating rare photography opportunities. The welwitschia plants in Namib-Naukluft show their most vibrant colors this month, and desert flowers appear within 48 hours of any rainfall.

Fuel stations outside main towns close by 6pm and may not have credit card facilities. Fill up in Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay, and carry jerry cans for remote areas. Fuel costs 20-30% more in remote locations like Sossusvlei and Damaraland.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the temperature difference between day and night - tourists pack only summer clothes and freeze during early morning game drives at 5°C (41°F), or only bring warm clothes and overheat by 10am when temperatures hit 30°C+ (86°F+)

Thinking September is low season because it's spring - this is actually peak tourist season in Namibia, so failing to book accommodations 2-3 months ahead results in staying 100+ km from attractions or paying premium last-minute rates

Attempting midday activities in the desert - many tourists ignore the harsh UV index of 10+ and attempt dune climbing or long walks between 11am-3pm, leading to dangerous dehydration and sunburn requiring medical attention