weather
Winter/Dry Season
The climate in Botswana is semi-arid. During the dry winter months of April through early September, the days are warm, but the nights and early mornings can be very cold (sometimes even near or below freezing)! We will provide cozy comforters to keep you warm during your stay.
Many travelers assume that because they are traveling to Africa, it must always be warm. This is not the case during Botswana’s winter, however—particularly in June, July, and August. You can expect days to be absolutely beautiful, temperate, and sunny, but nights and early mornings will be chilly, possibly near freezing, so we recommend you bring warm layers you can peel off as it warms up through the day. A lightweight down jacket or fleece pullover is ideal. Gloves, a hat, a scarf, and warm long pants are also essential at this time of year for early-morning wildlife drives.
August
August brings an end to winter in Botswana. Temperatures warm up slightly and can reach the low 80°F range during the day. They can still dip below freezing at night and in the early mornings, however, so we recommend a windproof jacket, fleece, and long pants, along with a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf. Short-sleeved shirts and shorts or zip-off pants are recommended for the warmer mid-day temperatures that can reach into the mid-80°F range.