Namibia’s coast has a mild, fairly rain-free climate all year (see our weather guide), so tours run year-round. Two seasonal highlights are worth timing your trip around if wildlife is a priority.
Whale season: June to November
Whale watching season runs roughly June to November, with sightings most concentrated in July and August, as humpback and southern right whales migrate along this coast.
Flamingo season: November to March
Flamingo numbers in the Walvis Bay lagoon build to their peak between November and March, as migrant birds arrive from breeding grounds further afield, alongside a wider range of migratory wader species.
Outside those windows
Seals, pelicans, and dolphins are seen consistently year-round on almost every boat tour, and the Sandwich Harbour dune safaris aren’t seasonal at all, meaning there’s no genuinely bad time to visit, only different highlights depending on when you come.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a rainy season to avoid?
Not really: this coast receives very little rainfall throughout the year, unlike much of inland Namibia.
Should I plan my trip around whale season specifically?
Only if whale sightings are a priority for you. The core wildlife experience (seals, dolphins, pelicans, and the desert scenery) is available year-round regardless.
Ready to book?
Three decades of catamaran cruises on the bay, kayaking among the seals at Pelican Point and 4x4 trips through the dunes to Sandwich Harbour, under the wide-open Namib sky, with a Walvis Bay crew who know every tide and wind on this coast.