weather

Botswana is a year-round safari destination, with each season offering its own unique highlights. Once you understand the differences between the dry and green seasons, it’s easier to choose the right safari for you.

The best time to visit depends on the kind of safari experience you’re after. For classic big-game viewing—including elephants, lions, leopards and large herds gathered at water sources—the dry season (May to October) is ideal. Sparse vegetation and concentrated wildlife make this the easiest time to spot animals and capture dramatic photos.

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.

June

Because there is typically no cloud cover, winter nights in Botswana can be exceptionally cold. June tends to be the coldest month, with nighttime and early morning temperatures dipping into the 30s F at times. Frost is common, and you will want the same cold-weather clothing you would wear on a mild winter day in cooler parts of the U.S. A windproof jacket layered over a fleece and a heavy shirt or sweater along with hat, gloves and scarf will be necessary on early-morning wildlife drives. Temperatures warm up during the day, however, and can be surprisingly warm, reaching the 70s and low 80s F. Shorts may not be necessary, although zip-off pants are a good choice. You will want a lightweight short-sleeved shirt to wear during the warmest part of the day.