The climate of Swakopmund
The climate conditions of
Swakopmund receive a BWk classification according to the Köppen climate system, marking it as a mid-latitude desert. This coastal city in
Namibia experiences a dry and comfortable environment throughout the year. Distinctly moderate temperatures become prominent, with yearly values wavering between the high end of 23.5°C (74.3°F) and a low-end limit of 14°C (57.2°F).
A closer examination reveals an interesting pattern in rainfall, which remains quite low throughout the year. Rainfall between 5mm (0.2") and 10mm (0.39") is mostly spotted in the early part of the year, but from
May to
September, no significant rainfall registers on the scale. Pressure ranges from 1011.2 mb to 1018.2 mb, while humidity varies between 54% and 78%. The UV index is constant throughout the year at a level of 5, which makes sun exposure manageable but caution is still necessary.
An essential weather feature in Swakopmund is the desolate months regarding rainfall. The period stretching from May to September experiences pretty much no rainfall. During these months, the sun shines brightly with 9.7 hours to 9.9 hours of sunshine daily. The sea temperature also remains quite comfortable throughout the year, ranging from 13.6°C (56.5°F) to 19.1°C (66.4°F) which may provide an agreeable environment for beach activities and marine explorations.
The best time to visit Swakopmund
Considering the city's firm grip on temperate climate conditions, the best time to visit
Swakopmund largely relies on a visitor's tolerance to heat and preference for rainfall. However, it's safe to argue that the months from
May to
September are the most desirable. During this period, rainfall is practically non-existent. Despite a drop in sea temperature to around 14°C (57.2°F), these months offer the longest sunshine hours, ranging from 9.7 hours to 9.9 hours per day. Such conditions promise milder heat and extended daylight hours, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor adventures.
The worst time to visit Swakopmund
Labeling any time as the worst to visit
Swakopmund might truly be debatable as this location does not have severe climate conditions. However, for travelers who prefer less humidity and minimal rainfall,
January and
February may not be the most suitable months. During these months, relative humidity stands on the higher side around 77% to 78%, coupled with a visibility of around 10 km. There can also be rainfall of around 5mm (0.2") to 10mm (0.39").
Spring weather in Swakopmund
Spring gets a warm welcome in
Swakopmund right from
September. Spring sees warming temperatures ranging from lows of around 14°C (57.2°F) in the early months, to highs of 23.3°C (73.9°F) closer to summer. Rainfall is close to non-existent during this season, with values close to 1mm (0.04") and 2mm (0.08") per month. Nature lovers can enjoy eight to nine hours of sunshine daily, with daylight hours increasing from 12 hours to 13.2 hours as the season progresses.
Summer weather in Swakopmund
Summers in
Swakopmund span
December through to
February. The temperatures during these months are warm yet temperate, ranging from 21.7°C (71.1°F) to 23.5°C (74.3°F). Along with this moderate warmth, rainfall makes a subtle headway, with precipitation figures lying between 5mm (0.2") and 10mm (0.39") every month. Despite the increased humidity, the average daylight and sunshine hours remain quite high, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy the outdoor majesty that Swakopmund offers.
Autumn weather in Swakopmund
Autumn in
Swakopmund happens from
March through to
May. During this season, temperatures remain quite stable, with highs nearing 23.5°C (74.3°F) at the start of the season and eventually going down closer to 21.8°C (71.2°F) towards the end. Rainfall is variable, concentrating more towards the beginning of the season with about 10mm (0.39") in March, and eventually tapering off to virtually no rainfall by May. Sunshine and daylight hours begin to shorten, moving from 12.6 hours and 9.8 hours in March to 11 hours and 9.8 hours by May respectively.
Winter weather in Swakopmund
Winters in
Swakopmund span between
June and
August. These months experience the coldest temperatures of the year, but considering Swakopmund’s overall temperate climate, these values only range from 14°C (57.2°F) to 21.8°C (71.2°F). Rainfall during this period is virtually at zero, supporting the city’s mid-latitude desert title. Despite shorter daylight hours, sun seekers will still find approximately 10 hours of radiant sunshine spread over 29 to 30 days during these winter months. The combination of sunny and dry conditions makes Swakopmund's winter amiable for travellers.
Weather in January
Swakopmund,
Namibia, welcomes the year with the highest humidity level, reaching 78%. The weather in
January is characterized by sunny, quite warm, but muggy conditions. Though there's a dip in daylight hours compared to
December, the city experiences a fair share of sunshine on most days.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
Swakopmund,
February weather slightly increases in warmth compared to
January. However, this rise in temperature is offset by a slight decrease in humidity. Rainfall, although infrequent, can be expected during this month. February also continues to offer visitors a decent number of sunshine hours, very similar to January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Weather in
March brings a mild change, with further increment in warmth, but also a considerable drop in humidity, which falls to 71%. The rise in temperatures is complemented by a slight decrease in sea temperatures, providing a nice contrast for any water-based activities.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Moving into
April,
Swakopmund presents the hottest temperatures ranging from 19.1°C (66.4°F) up to 23.5°C (74.3°F). The heat is mitigated by falling humidity levels and a notable drop in sea temperatures. Combined with relatively fewer daylight hours, it offers respite from the warmer daytime values.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May brings the beginning of cooling weather patterns in
Swakopmund. As this month marks the onset of winter in
Namibia, it's characterized by a notable decline in both day and nighttime temperatures. However, May enjoys the highest amount of sunshine, 9.8 hours a day, thus offering a crisp, sunny climate.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June, in
Swakopmund, is a winter month with the lowest relative humidity level, dropping to 57%. Despite the decrease in temperature, the city sees a high prevalence of sunny days, making for a cool yet sun-drenched climate. As is typical of winter, the sea temperature dips further adding to the crispness of the weather.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings the coldest weather to
Swakopmund, with the lowest temperatures of the year, from 15.7°C (60.3°F) to 21.8°C (71.2°F). Despite the cooler weather, the city hosts bright sunny days with almost no cloud cover. Due to this, it can feel warmer in the daytime than actual temperatures suggest.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August, associated primarily with winter in
Swakopmund, undergoes a slight warming compared to
July. This month is accompanied by a rise in relative humidity and a subtle increase in sea temperatures. August marks a transition from winter towards the approach of spring.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September is considered a spring month in
Swakopmund. The weather slowly begins warming up and it sees the highest wind speeds in the year, peaking at 16.9km/h (10.5mph). Sea temperatures slightly rise making it pleasant for water activities.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October weather in
Swakopmund witnesses an increase in temperature as summer approaches. The sea temperature continues its upward trend, while wind speeds begin to calm down after the windiness of
September. Getting closer to the equator's summer, October receives more daylight hours compared to the previous months.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Swakopmund, sees a considerable rise in temperature and relative humidity blends the temperature rise. Sea temperature continues to rise, making it very pleasant for various water activities. Days are longer and sunnier, providing a vibrant and warm atmosphere during the day.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings the highest temperatures of the year to
Swakopmund, reaching up to 21.2°C (70.2°F), marking the onset of summer. However, the rise in temperature is accompanied by an increase in humidity. This month also experiences the longest daylight hours amongst all the months.
Weather in December »