Best Time to Visit
Botswana
Botswana's month-by-month visit guide
Visiting in January
The green season, spanning November to April, is another great time to visit. Although it includes occasional showers, this season is marked by fewer tourists, lower prices, and a landscape lush with vibrant greenery. It’s also a special period for observing wildlife, as many animals give birth during these months.
Visiting in February
February in Botswana, amid the green season’s peak, brings varied weather — from rains and thunderstorms to humid and clear days. Wildlife thrives as herbivores give birth, enhancing predator sightings. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is ideal with warm, dry weather and possible thunderstorms. Safari property availability is high, rates are low, but note activities can be impacted by heavy rains. From November to March, summer rains foster animal births and mark the ‘green season.’ Warm temperatures prevail, interrupted by short, dramatic thundershowers. It’s optimal for birding and exploring the Kalahari, Makgadikgadi, or Savute regions. The lush, green landscapes persist, creating scenic backdrops for wildlife observation, particularly birds. Mornings are warm, and afternoon rains offer relief. However, expect muddy conditions in some areas, requiring caution while driving.
Visiting in March
March in Botswana offers a mix of weather, blending dry, sunny days with occasional isolated thunderstorms. Ideal for birding and photography, the month boasts bright light and afternoon storms. Lodges have high availability, offering lower rates than the upcoming peak season. Witness spectacular floral scenes, with marula trees fruiting, a favorite of elephants. However, the vegetation can be dense, making it the worst month for mosquitoes and bugs.From November to March, Botswana experiences the ‘green season.’ Warm temperatures (30–35 degrees Celsius) and occasional thundershowers characterize this period, fostering an abundance of vegetation and surface water. This season sees many animal births and increased predator/prey interactions. Game viewing can be challenging due to longer grasses and thicker vegetation. Birding enthusiasts will find this an ideal time, especially in regions like Kalahari, Makgadikgadi, and Savute. The ’emerald season’ persists, offering lush landscapes, vibrant waterholes, and a more affordable and less crowded travel experience.
Visiting in April
April in Botswana marks a transition from the summer heat to milder winter conditions. The weather is generally dry with sunny days and cooler evenings. Witness newborn zebra and impala, along with predators like lions and leopards. Safari properties are open, but lingering rainfall can make game walks challenging. April and May are ideal for Southern Africa visits, offering clear skies, warm days, and cool nights. This shoulder season sees wildlife dispersal, decreased rainfall, and lush green landscapes, making it budget-friendly and accessible for travel into parks.
Visiting in May
May is an ideal month to explore Botswana, characterized by pleasant temperatures during the shoulder season. Witness the breathtaking flood into the Okavango Delta, teeming with diverse wildlife and vibrant birdlife. With favorable rates and camp availability due to the off-peak period, it’s an opportune time for travel. While temperatures decrease, especially in the Central Kalahari, chilly nights and mornings offer a unique experience. May also marks a favorable period for Southern Africa, featuring clear skies, warm days, and cool nights. The landscape transitions, providing excellent game viewing and photo opportunities amid lush greenery.
Visiting in June
June marks the ideal time to explore Botswana, initiating the dry season and the onset of winter. Temperatures decline, and wildlife congregates around diminishing water sources. The north experiences a surge in demand, leading to increased prices and limited camp/lodge availability. Mornings and evenings are chilly, yet daytime humidity persists. In Savuti and Chobe, witness impressive elephant herds. The broader May to September period is Southern Africa’s peak, coinciding with Northern Hemisphere summer vacations. Sparse vegetation enhances game visibility, and despite colder temperatures (20–32°C days, 0–8°C nights), safaris remain comfortable amid abundant wildlife near waterholes.
Visiting in July
July is the optimal month to explore Botswana. With dry weather, wildlife viewing is exceptional as water sources dwindle, concentrating animals. The Okavango is fully flooded, creating spectacular scenes, ideal for photography enthusiasts. Lodges in the north are limited, leading to higher rates; consider private reserves. Mokoro excursions from wet camps are best enjoyed this month. The dry winter mornings and nights are perfect for wildlife photography, offering excellent opportunities to spot big cats, as wildlife congregates around the remaining water sources. Mosquito concerns are minimal due to low rainfall.
Visiting in August
August is the optimal time to explore Botswana. Despite peak-season rates and limited availability on safaris, early bookings are advised. This winter month promises clear skies, cool temperatures, and remarkable wildlife encounters. Elephant sightings peak in the Linganti and Chobe regions. With water sources drying up, game-viewing quality improves as animals concentrate around permanent rivers and watering holes. The month showcases vibrant southern carmine bee eaters in the grasslands. Dry, cool conditions enhance game viewing, particularly in renowned parks like Chobe and Moremi.
Visiting in September
Ideal for a Botswana visit, September offers prime conditions for spotting abundant big game near scarce water sources. Booking early is key due to limited availability and peak rates. The month presents exceptional photographic safaris, alongside rewarding walks and mokoro excursions. The northern regions boast remarkable elephant numbers, with Kwando and Selinda reserves recommended. As temperatures rise in September-October, it becomes the pinnacle for big game safaris, concentrating wildlife around permanent water sources. Spring brings warmer days, less crowded bushveld, and optimal opportunities for land and water safaris amid excellent game viewing.
Visiting in October
October in Botswana is optimal for safaris, offering exceptional wildlife viewing. Despite high temperatures, game viewing is excellent, particularly around waterholes where large herds of elephants gather in regions like Chobe and Linyanti. The transitional month, extending from September to October, is considered the prime time for big game safaris. Rising temperatures concentrate wildlife around permanent water sources, enhancing game viewing. With temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius, this period may not be suitable for all travelers, but it provides superb opportunities for photographers and birdwatchers with increased wildlife activity and enhanced visibility in the dry landscape.
Visiting in November
November marks the onset of Botswana’s green season, offering excellent value with reasonable rates at camps and lodges. Wildlife activity around permanent water sources is high, but as the rains begin, animals disperse throughout parks. While temperatures start hot, they ease with rain clouds. The period from November to March, known as the ‘green season,’ witnesses animal births due to summer rains. Daytime temperatures reach 30–35°C, dropping to 15–18°C during rain. Despite challenges like thundershowers, this season is ideal for birding and exploring regions like Kalahari, Makgadikgadi, and Savute. The dry season follows, concentrating wildlife around waterholes, offering clear sightings and budget-friendly visits.
Visiting in December
December in Botswana, amidst occasional afternoon rains, offers a unique experience for visitors. While high humidity in the mornings may make vehicle safaris less comfortable, heavy rains can disrupt activities. Despite this, the month presents excellent opportunities for photographing young animals and lush landscapes. The ‘green season’ from November to March sees numerous animal births, with warm daytime temperatures and sporadic thundershowers. Game viewing may be challenging due to longer grass and thicker vegetation, but it’s an ideal period for birding and exploring regions like Kalahari, Makgadikgadi, or Savute.
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Places to visit in Botswana
Okavango Delta & Moremi Game Reserve
Chobe National Park & Chobe Forest Reserve
Nxai Pan National Park
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Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Botswana.
Rick McIntyre
Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014.
Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
Rachel resides on the vibrant West Coast of Canada, specifically on Vancouver Island. She has a profound love for travel, having explored nearly 30 countries. However, it was a solo journey to Africa that truly ignited her passion. Upon stepping foot in Botswana for the first time, Rachel was captivated and knew she needed to explore more of the continent. Since then, she has ventured solo to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya, where she traveled with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.
It was during these experiences that Rachel realized her desire to be a part of the Gamewatchers team.Â
You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.com or WattsApp +1-250-588-9112
Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014.Â
