Windhoek is Namibia's capital and the gateway to most journeys, a small, clean and relaxed city set among the Khomas Hochland highlands at 1,650 metres. Its German colonial heritage shows in the Christuskirche, the Tintenpalast and the cafes, and its African spirit in the craft markets and the lively township of Katutura.
A night or two lets you adjust, shop for local crafts, see the National Museum, and try game meat and local beer at one of the city's restaurants. The surrounding hills have the Daan Viljoen Game Reserve, which is a good place for a walk, and the city is the starting point for Sossusvlei, Etosha and the Kalahari.
Windhoek is a city, but the Daan Viljoen Game Reserve, 25 kilometres away, has springbok, kudu, mountain zebra, oryx and a rich birdlife, with walking trails.
Windhoek has a mild, dry highland climate, with warm days and cool nights. Summer days reach 30°C, and winter days are 20°C to 23°C with chilly nights. Rain falls mostly from December to March.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30 | 18 | 80 |
| Feb | 29 | 17 | 80 |
| Mar | 28 | 16 | 80 |
| Apr | 26 | 13 | 30 |
| May | 23 | 9 | 5 |
| Jun | 20 | 6 | 0 |
| Jul | 20 | 6 | 0 |
| Aug | 23 | 8 | 0 |
| Sep | 27 | 12 | 2 |
| Oct | 30 | 15 | 10 |
| Nov | 31 | 16 | 25 |
| Dec | 31 | 17 | 50 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
May to October is dry and sunny, with comfortable days and cold nights. It is the most pleasant time to be in the city.
December to March brings afternoon thunderstorms, which cool the air and green the hills. The roads remain open.
Windhoek is a year-round stop. The dry winter months are the most comfortable.
Best time to visit Jun to Oct
Hosea Kutako International Airport is about 42 kilometres east of the city, with a transfer of 40 minutes. Eros Airport, in the city, serves light aircraft flights to Sossusvlei, Etosha and Damaraland. There are flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Frankfurt and other cities.
Visitors from many countries, including the UK and US, need a Namibian visa, which can be applied for online or on arrival (about N$1,600 at the time of writing). Your passport must be valid for at least six months after arrival and have at least three blank pages. Please check the rules for your passport.
Windhoek has good private clinics and pharmacies, and no malaria. Please take advice on vaccinations before you travel.
Scenic AreaSossusvlei and the NamibThe world's tallest red dunes
National ParkEtosha National ParkWaterholes that draw everything in
RegionDamaralandDesert elephants and ancient rock art
National ParkSkeleton CoastFog, shipwrecks and roaring seal colonies
City & TownSwakopmundSeaside town between dunes and oceanSafaris from
US$1,598 per person
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