Best time to go to Botswana
The high season is from July to October. The shoulder season from May to June is dry with very cold mornings and evenings. November to April is a less popular time to visit due to the rains that cause animals to disperse over wider areas and many roads become inaccessible due to the mud. Photography is excellent year-round, scenery is most spectacular from September to February during the first rains. For wildlife the winter months from May to September are best as the vegetation is less dense and game viewing is generally more prolific. Birding season is from October to March. Flood season starts in April.
SUMMER:
November - April, days are hot and generally sunny in the morning with possible afternoon thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures can rise to 38ºC (100.4 Fahrenheit) and night temperatures drop to around 20ºC (68 Fahrenheit) - 25ºC (77 Fahrenheit). The afternoons can be very humid. The rainy season begins late in October/November and ends in March. The northern areas receive up to 700mm while the Kalahari Desert area averages as low as 225mm.
WINTER:
May - October, days are dry, sunny and cool to warm while evening temperatures drop sharply. Daytime temperatures generally reach 20ºC (68 Fahrenheit) and can drop to as low as 5ºC (41 Fahrenheit) at night. Please note that exceptionally cold spells can occur (although this is the exception rather than the rule) so it is recommended to bring appropriate clothing, just in case!
In summer, during the morning, humidity ranges from 60 to 80% and drops to between 30 and 40% in the afternoon. In winter humidity is considerably less and can vary between 40 and 70% during the morning and fall to between 20 and 30% in the afternoon.
Best birding months are Nov - March when the Delta is brimming with migratory birds. Best botanical months are December - May when the vegetation is lush and green, and also when most plants are in flower.
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