When Is the Best Time to Visit Botswana
The best time to visit Botswana depends on the wildlife and landscapes you want to experience. For classic safari conditions, May to October is the main season. During these dry winter months, temperatures are cooler, skies are generally clear and wildlife becomes increasingly concentrated around permanent water sources. By July, August and September, animals gather around permanent rivers and waterholes, making this an excellent period for game viewing in Chobe, Moremi and the northern reserves.
Botswana has an unusual seasonal pattern because the Okavango Delta’s annual flood is during the dry season. Water originating in the Angolan highlands gradually reaches the Delta, spreading across its channels and floodplains. Water levels generally build between April and June and reach their highest levels in many areas between June and August. This is an excellent period for mokoro excursions and other water-based activities, although conditions vary between different parts of the Delta.
During the green season, from November to March, summer rains transform the landscape. Vegetation becomes greener, migratory birds arrive and many antelope species give birth. The Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan areas are particularly interesting during this period, when seasonal rains attract large herds of zebra and other grazing animals.
April and May mark the transition into the dry season, with rainfall decreasing, vegetation still green and temperatures becoming cooler. September and October are excellent for wildlife viewing as conditions become progressively drier, although daytime temperatures can be very hot.
The best month for your Botswana safari will depend on where you plan to travel, as wildlife movements, water levels and safari activities vary considerably between regions and seasons.
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What to Do When in Botswana
The time of year you visit Botswana influences both the wildlife you see and the activities available. During the dry season, game drives concentrate around rivers and permanent water sources, with particularly strong wildlife viewing in Chobe, Moremi and the northern reserves. As floodwaters spread across the Okavango Delta, mokoro excursions and boat safaris explore channels inaccessible by road.
The summer rains change conditions across the Kalahari and Makgadikgadi, attracting migrating zebra and large numbers of grazing animals. Birdwatching is also excellent during the green season, when migratory species join Botswana's resident birds. Choosing the right region for the season is therefore an important part of planning your safari.
Best Time to Visit the Okavango Delta
June to August is an excellent time to visit the Okavango Delta, when floodwaters from Angola spread through its channels and floodplains during Botswana’s dry season. Water-based activities are at their best in flooded areas, and wildlife gathers around permanent water. September and October offer excellent game viewing too, with hotter, increasingly dry conditions.
Best Time to Visit Chobe National Park
Visit Chobe from May to October for the strongest concentrations of wildlife along the Chobe River. As the dry season progresses, elephants gather in particularly large numbers around the permanent water, alongside buffalo, hippos and other species. September and October are exceptionally productive for wildlife viewing, although daytime temperatures can be very hot.
Best Time to Visit the Central Kalahari
The green season from December to March is one of the best times to visit the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Summer rains transform the dry grasslands and attract large herds of springbok, oryx and other grazing animals, followed by predators including lion and cheetah. February and March are particularly good for wildlife, with excellent birdlife after the rains.
Best Time to Visit Makgadikgadi Pans
The green season from December to March is particularly pleasant in Makgadikgadi. Summer rains fill seasonal pans and trigger the movement of thousands of zebra into the region, accompanied by other herbivores and predators. Flamingos can gather at flooded pans when conditions are suitable. During the dry season, the vast salt pans create a completely different landscape.
What Is the Weather Like in Botswana?
Botswana has a semi-arid climate, with a distinct dry winter and warmer, wetter summer. Seasons are opposite to those in North America and Europe, so June and July fall in the middle of winter, with January and February among the hottest and wettest months.
From May to August, days are generally dry and sunny, with daytime temperatures commonly reaching the mid-70s°F (mid-20s°C). Temperatures drop quickly after sunset, and early mornings can be surprisingly cold. In parts of the Kalahari, overnight temperatures can approach freezing during June and July, making warm clothing essential for early game drives.
Temperatures begin to rise in September and October, before the summer rains arrive. October is typically one of the hottest months, with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F (35°C) in northern safari areas.
The rainy season runs approximately from November to March. Temperatures remain high, with rainfall commonly arriving as afternoon thunderstorms rather than continuous rain. January and February are among the wettest months. The rains turn dry grasslands green, fill seasonal pans and create very different conditions across the Kalahari.
Rainfall varies considerably across Botswana. The north, including Chobe and the Okavango region, receives more rain than the arid south and southwest.
Which Is the Best Region to Visit in Botswana
As with many destinations, the best region to visit in Botswana depends on the type of safari you want. The Okavango Delta combines exceptional wildlife with a landscape of channels, lagoons and floodplains, with game drives complemented by mokoro excursions and boat safaris in suitable areas. Chobe National Park is famous for its large elephant population and wildlife viewing along the Chobe River.
For a more remote safari, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve covers vast grasslands, salt pans and desert terrain. Wildlife responds dramatically to the summer rains, when grazing animals and predators concentrate around areas of fresh vegetation. The Makgadikgadi Pans also change considerably with the seasons, with dry salt flats for much of the year and zebra migration and birdlife following the summer rains.
You can include several of these regions in one luxury Botswana safari. Combining the Okavango and Chobe with the Kalahari or Makgadikgadi gives you contrasting landscapes, wildlife and safari activities within the same journey.
Top Experiences by Season in Botswana
Botswana’s safari experiences change considerably through the year. During the dry season, wildlife gathers around permanent rivers, channels and waterholes, making this the strongest period for traditional game viewing. At the same time, floodwaters spread through the Okavango Delta, opening channels for mokoro and boat excursions. Summer rains transform the Kalahari and Makgadikgadi, attracting migrating herds, newborn animals and migratory birds. Some experiences, including game drives and Chobe River safaris, operate throughout the year, but seasonal conditions influence what you are likely to see. The table below highlights the best periods for Botswana’s principal wildlife and safari experiences.
Experience
Best Time to Go
Why
Okavango Delta wildlife safari
June–October
Dry-season wildlife concentrations coincide with high flood levels in much of the Delta.
Mokoro excursion
June–August
Higher water levels open more of the Delta's shallow channels and floodplains.
Chobe River boat safari
May–October
Wildlife gathers along the river as surrounding areas become increasingly dry.
Chobe elephant viewing
August–October
Large numbers of elephants congregate around the Chobe River late in the dry season.
Moremi game drives
July–October
Dry conditions and concentrated wildlife provide excellent game viewing.
Central Kalahari safari
December–March
Summer rains produce fresh grazing and attract antelope and predators.
Makgadikgadi zebra migration
December–March
Seasonal rains draw thousands of zebra into the Makgadikgadi region.
Makgadikgadi flamingos
January–April
Flamingos gather when sufficient rainfall fills the pans and creates suitable feeding conditions.
Birdwatching
November–March
Migratory species join Botswana's resident bird populations during the green season.
Predator viewing in the Kalahari
January–March
Grazing herds and young animals attract lion, cheetah and other predators.
Green-season photography
December–March
Green landscapes, summer skies and young wildlife create very different photographic conditions.
Walking safaris
May–October
Cooler, drier conditions are particularly suitable for exploring on foot.
The Best Cultural Festivals in Botswana?
Botswana’s cultural calendar celebrates the traditions of the country’s different communities through dance, music, food, storytelling, crafts and ceremony. Several festivals have strong regional identities: Kuru celebrates San culture near D’Kar, Dithubaruba focuses on Bakwena heritage at the historic Ntsweng site, and Domboshaba celebrates Kalanga culture in northeastern Botswana.
The National Arts Festival brings traditional dance and song groups together alongside contemporary performing and visual arts, with national finals held in July. Gaborone also hosts performing arts and music events, while Independence Day on September 30 is celebrated throughout the country.
January
New Year Cultural Celebrations
Community celebrations commonly include traditional music, dance, food and outdoor gatherings around New Year.
February
Son of the Soil
(Gaborone) Major celebration of Setswana heritage with traditional dress, food, games, storytelling, poetry, music and dance.
World Wetlands Day
Held annually on February 2, with conservation and educational events celebrating Botswana's wetlands and their importance to wildlife and local communities.
Ditshwanelo Human Rights Film Festival
An annual event hosted in Gaborone featuring local and international films focused on human rights and social justice.
March
Maitisong Festival
(Gaborone) Performing arts festival with theatre, dance, music, poetry and work by Botswana and international artists; usually begins in late March or early April.
Maun Festival
(Maun) Celebrates the cultures and creative arts of northwestern Botswana through traditional poetry, music, dance and visual arts. Annually in March or April.
April
Letlhafula Cultural Festival
(Gaborone) Celebrates Botswana's harvest traditions and traditional cuisine, with dishes prepared using indigenous ingredients and cooking methods. Celebrated in April or May.
Madikwe Cultural Festival
(Sikwane, Kgatleng District) Community festival celebrating Bakgatla ba Kgafela culture, including traditional choral performance, music, dance and local heritage. Botswana Tourism lists the event among its cultural festivals.
May
Boteti Cultural Festival
Community festival celebrating local culture, traditional performance and heritage.
Tjilenje Cultural Festival (Ngwao Boswa)
(Nlapkhwane) Celebrates regional traditions through ancestral games, music, dance, food, traditional dress and other cultural practices.
Kwa Isong Cultural Festival
(Mmopane) Celebrates Setswana culture through traditional music, cuisine, dress, folklore and dance, with a strong focus on passing cultural knowledge to younger generations
June
Khawa Dune Challenge and Cultural Festival
(Khawa, Kgalagadi District) Combines motorcycle and quad-bike competition with a cultural night, music, camel rides, camping and community activities in the Kalahari.
Botswana Kalahari 1000 Desert Race
(Kalahari region) Major off-road motorsport event promoted by Botswana Tourism, with associated leisure and cultural activities depending on the year.
July
National Arts Festival
National competition and showcase covering traditional song and dance, theatre, poetry, music, visual arts, crafts, fashion and other creative disciplines - celebrated in June or July.
President’s Day Celebrations
Public holiday celebrations include traditional music, dance, poetry, crafts and cultural competitions. The National Arts Festival developed from the former President’s Day competitions
Diloro Cultural Festival
(Sefhophe) Celebrates Setalaote culture through song and dance, traditional games, food, dress, arts and crafts
August
Kuru Traditional Dance and Music Festival
(D’Kar, near Ghanzi) San communities gather for traditional dance, music and cultural performances. Botswana Tourism identifies the annual August festival as an important celebration of San culture
September
Gaborone International Music and Culture Week (GIMC)
Multi-disciplinary arts program including jazz, theatre, poetry, comedy, workshops, family events and music performances around Gaborone.
Dithubaruba Cultural Festival
(Ntsweng Heritage Site, Molepolole) Celebrates Bakwena heritage through traditional dance, music, poetry, food, dress and the history of the historic Ntsweng site. Botswana Tourism lists it as a cultural event.
Xere Cultural Festival
(Xere Village, Boteti) Local cultural festival held in Xere, celebrating community heritage and traditions. Botswana Tourism recorded the event in September.
Maun Cultural Festival / Carnival
Regional celebration incorporating music, performance, community activities and local culture.
Botswana Independence Day
National celebrations mark independence in 1966 with ceremonies, traditional dress, cultural performances and community events on September 30
October
Domboshaba Cultural Festival
Domboshaba, northeast Botswana Major celebration of Kalanga heritage at the historic Domboshaba site, with traditional music, dance, games, poetry, dress and food in September / October
Annual Nama Cultural Festival
(Botswana Nama communities) Annual cultural celebration preserving Nama traditions, music, dance, dress and community heritage. Botswana Tourism lists the festival in its events program.
November
Maun International Arts Festival
Annual arts festival featuring comedy, poetry, live music, dance, hip-hop, visual arts and other creative disciplines. October or November
Dqae Qare San Dance and Cultural Festival
(Ghanzi District) San cultural gathering with traditional dance, music, crafts and demonstrations of knowledge associated with life in the Kalahari. October or November
Mmakgodumo Cultural Festival
(Kanye) Annual cultural festival celebrating Bangwaketse heritage and community traditions. Botswana Tourism lists it as a recurring cultural event.
December
Makgadikgadi Epic
(Makgadikgadi region) Large Botswana Tourism event combining adventure, entertainment and destination-based cultural activities around the Makgadikgadi landscape. November or December
Christmas and Festive Season Celebrations
Church services, choir concerts, carol singing, family gatherings and community celebrations take place across Botswana during the festive period.
Dikopelo Performances
(Kgatleng District and other communities) Traditional communal choral singing and patterned dancing, especially associated with Bakgatla ba Kgafela culture. UNESCO inscribed Dikopelo on the Urgent Safeguarding List in 2017.
Maun Summer Festival
Year-end music and entertainment festival held in Maun, typically around New Year’s Eve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Botswana for a safari?
July through October is particularly good for wildlife viewing, as dry conditions concentrate animals around permanent water sources. July and August are cooler, while September and October become progressively hotter. The best month also depends on which regions you plan to visit.
When is the best time to visit the Okavango Delta?
June through August usually combines Botswana’s dry season with high flood levels in much of the Okavango Delta. This is an excellent period for mokoro excursions and boat activities as well as wildlife viewing. Flood timing and water levels vary between different areas of the Delta each year.
When is the best time to see elephants in Botswana?
The dry season, particularly August through October, is excellent for elephant viewing in Chobe National Park. Large numbers gather around the Chobe River as other water sources become scarce. Boat safaris give you particularly good views of elephants drinking, bathing and feeding close to the riverbanks.
Is Botswana worth visiting during the green season?
Yes. From November through March, summer rains turn the landscape green and attract migratory birds. Many antelope species give birth during this period, and the Central Kalahari and Makgadikgadi are particularly rewarding as grazing animals and predators gather in areas that have received rain.
When can I see the zebra migration in Botswana?
The Makgadikgadi zebra migration is associated with the summer rains, generally between December and March. Thousands of zebra travel into the Makgadikgadi region in search of fresh grazing, with predators following the herds. The precise timing and location vary according to rainfall patterns.
Our local expert in Botswana
Planning Your Perfect Botswana Vacation with Finest Journeys
Finest Journeys will plan your Botswana vacation around the seasons, wildlife and regions you most want to experience. We select safari camps and activities according to the time of year, coordinating light-aircraft flights and transfers between remote areas. Your itinerary can combine the Okavango Delta, Chobe, the Kalahari and Makgadikgadi according to your interests and travel dates.