Namibia is largely semi-arid or arid and has expanses of sand and gravel desert with wide variations between day and night time temperatures, little rainfall and low humidity.

The seasons are opposite to the northern hemisphere, so summer in Namibia runs broadly from November until April, with winter from May to October.

Between April and September or October, in the dry winter, temperatures are often pleasantly in the mid-20's during the day, with much colder nights.

December to March sees the bulk of Namibia's annual rainfall, much of it in the Caprivi Strip and the north of Namibia.

Temperatures rise into midsummer and can reach very uncomfortable highs in the mid-40's in desert regions. Tropical afternoon or early evening storms are typical during the summer.