When to go
The best time to visit Botswana is the austral winter,
from May to August: the sky is clear, the air is dry, it's warm during the day, and the animals of the savanna are easy to spot because they are concentrated in the few water puddles left. Certainly, you must take into account a bit of cold at night, especially in the center-south, even with possible slight frosts. Given the remarkable daily temperature range, it is necessary to dress in layers.
If you want to go in the
austral summer, for example at Christmas, you will have to reckon with rains and thunderstorms, especially in the north and in the south-east, and with the heat during the day, especially in the south and in the Kalahari. In September and October, before the arrival of the rains, the heat is intense especially in the north, but sometimes also in the rest of the country: those who are sensitive to cold and do not suffer from the heat can choose this period.
What to pack
In
winter (June to August): dress in layers and bring spring/autumn clothes, light for the day, as well as a sweater, a warm jacket and a hat for the evening.
In
summer (December to February): bring light clothes for the day, a sun hat, a sweatshirt and a spring jacket for the evening, and a light raincoat or umbrella.
Back to the climate of
Botswana