Botswana (Chobe)
Botswana · Africa
The best time to visit Botswana (Chobe) is April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. In summer, daytime highs average 36°C (97°F), with peaks around 39°C (102°F); in winter, nights average 10°C (50°F), dropping to around 4°C (39°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 9 hours per day — ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Botswana (Chobe) – What you should know
Chobe National Park in north-eastern Botswana borders the Chobe River and the Namibian frontier, near Victoria Falls. Unlike the Okavango Delta, which lives off the flood from Angola, the river here is the permanent water source in the dry months, so large herds of elephants gather on its banks from May to October, along with buffalo, hippos and crocodiles. The main attractions are afternoon boat trips and game drives along the riverfront road.
From May to September the dry season brings practically no rain, and daytime highs average between 26°C (79°F) and 33°C (91°F). In July and August the nights, averaging around 9°C (48°F) with the coldest nights at 4°C (39°F), are cool enough for sweaters and jackets on the boat. In October daytime highs average 35°C (95°F), around 39°C (102°F) on the hottest days; the air is dry, visibility clear, and the animals come even closer to the water.
From November to March is the rainy season, and at Chobe it is very wet: January brings around 225 mm (8.9 in) on 19 rain days, December 170 mm (6.7 in). The landscape is green and young are born, but tracks become hard to drive, the air is muggy, and elephant density along the river falls as the animals spread into the hinterland. April, with only around 25 mm (1.0 in) on three rain days, is a good start to the season, with green scenery and still low visitor numbers.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 30° (86°)24– (75–)34 (93) | 31° (88°)25– (77–)34 (93) | 31° (88°)25– (77–)33 (91) | 30° (86°)25– (77–)33 (91) | 29° (84°)25– (77–)32 (90) | 27° (81°)22– (72–)30 (86) | 26° (79°)21– (70–)29 (84) | 30° (86°)24– (75–)34 (93) | 34° (93°)29– (84–)37 (99) | 36° (97°)28– (82–)39 (102) | 33° (91°)24– (75–)38 (100) | 31° (88°)25– (77–)36 (97) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 20° (68°)17– (63–)22 (72) | 20° (68°)17– (63–)22 (72) | 19° (66°)15– (59–)21 (70) | 16° (61°)11– (52–)20 (68) | 12° (54°)7– (45–)17 (63) | 10° (50°)4– (39–)16 (61) | 10° (50°)4– (39–)14 (57) | 12° (54°)6– (43–)18 (64) | 17° (63°)10– (50–)23 (73) | 21° (70°)13– (55–)25 (77) | 21° (70°)17– (63–)24 (75) | 21° (70°)18– (64–)23 (73) |
☀️Sunshine | 7h UV 8 | 8h UV 9 | 8h UV 9 | 9h UV 8 | 10h UV 8 | 10h UV 8 | 10h UV 8 | 11h UV 9 | 11h UV 10 | 11h UV 10 | 10h UV 9 | 8h UV 9 |
🌧Rain Days | 19d225mm (8.9") | 14d154mm (6.0") | 10d92mm (3.6") | 3d26mm (1.0") | 0d1mm (<0.1") | 0d0mm (<0.1") | 0d0mm (<0.1") | 0d0mm (<0.1") | 0d0mm (<0.1") | 1d6mm (0.2") | 8d67mm (2.7") | 16d168mm (6.6") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
In October, temperatures can exceed 34°C (93°F) — during physical activity or with children, it's best to stick to morning and evening hours.
From January to December, UV levels in Botswana (Chobe) reach 10 — very high on the WHO scale. High-SPF sunscreen and shade around midday are essential.
March offers great weather in Botswana (Chobe) with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Botswana (Chobe)
December – March
Rainy season on the river: the landscape is lush green, thunderstorms bring cooling and plenty of water, and the elephant herds spread into the hinterland. Advantages are young animals, great birdlife and low prices. Tracks can be soft and some excursions are cancelled.
April – June
The land dries out, the air turns clear and the river moves into the focus. Dust and heat are still modest and the mornings turn cool. Visitor numbers are low, but game viewing improves week by week as herds return from the bush to the Chobe.
July – September
The classic safari time: hundreds of elephants come down to drink, buffalo, hippos and crocodiles line the banks, and the afternoon boat trip becomes the highlight of the day. Mornings are cool, days dry and sunny, and by September the heat climbs noticeably. Camps are well booked.
October – November
At the end of the dry season it is hot, dusty and still, and animals and people alike seek shade and water. The light is harsh, but the density of encounters along the river stays high. In November the first thunderstorms bring relief and the landscape transforms after a few days of rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Botswana (Chobe)?
- The best time to visit Botswana (Chobe) is April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Botswana (Chobe)?
- In summer, daytime highs in Botswana (Chobe) average 36°C (97°F), with peaks around 39°C (102°F); in winter, nights average 10°C (50°F), dropping to around 4°C (39°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Botswana (Chobe) get?
- Botswana (Chobe) has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 6 rain days per month. The driest months are June, July, and August.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
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City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
MayJunAug
