Chobe National Park
Best Time to Visit

Chobe National Park

Your month-by-month wildlife calendar

When to Visit Chobe National Park

Chobe is famous for having Africa's largest elephant population, with herds of hundreds gathering along the Chobe River during the dry season. The dry months from May to October offer spectacular riverside game viewing, while the green season brings migratory birds and fewer tourists. Boat safaris along the Chobe River are exceptional year-round.

Peak Season May - October
Avoid January - March (heavy rain, poor roads)

Month-by-Month Calendar

Click on any month to see detailed wildlife and weather information

January

Fair
🌤 Hot & wet, 28-34°C
🦁 Green season, birdwatching excellent, animals dispersed, lush vegetation
👥 Low 💰 Low

February

Fair
🌤 Hot & wet, 27-33°C
🦁 Rains continue, migrant raptors present, baby animals, stunning storm skies
👥 Low 💰 Low

March

Fair
🌤 Hot, rains easing, 26-33°C
🦁 Rains tapering, animals still dispersed, excellent green-season photography
👥 Low 💰 Low

April

Good
🌤 Cooling, 22-31°C
🦁 Transition month, animals beginning to move toward river, vegetation thinning
👥 Medium 💰 Medium

May

Great
🌤 Mild & dry, 18-28°C
🦁 Dry season starts, elephants arriving at riverfront, excellent boat safaris
👥 Medium 💰 High

June

Peak
🌤 Cool & dry, 14-25°C
🦁 Large elephant herds at river, lions and leopards active, sable antelope visible
👥 High 💰 High

July

Peak
🌤 Cool & dry, 12-24°C
🦁 Peak season, hundreds of elephants at river, buffalo herds, hippos in pools
👥 Peak 💰 Peak

August

Peak
🌤 Warming, 14-28°C
🦁 Spectacular elephant river crossings, predators hunting along floodplain, wild dogs
👥 Peak 💰 Peak

September

Peak
🌤 Hot & dry, 20-33°C
🦁 Massive elephant concentrations, desperate animals at water, dramatic encounters
👥 High 💰 High

October

Great
🌤 Very hot, 24-37°C
🦁 Intense heat but superb game, first rains approaching, elephants still at river
👥 High 💰 High

November

Good
🌤 Hot, rains starting, 25-35°C
🦁 First rains, animals dispersing, migratory birds arriving, green season begins
👥 Medium 💰 Medium

December

Fair
🌤 Hot & wet, 27-34°C
🦁 Green season, afternoon storms, excellent birdwatching, fewer tourists
👥 Low 💰 Low

🎯 Our Recommendation

August to October delivers the most dramatic wildlife spectacles. Massive elephant herds wade across the river, buffalo congregate in the thousands, and predators are highly active. Sunset boat cruises along the Chobe River are unmissable.

Best Time to Visit Chobe National Park FAQ

The best time to visit Chobe National Park is May to October during the dry season. September and October offer the most dramatic elephant herds along the Chobe River.

Dry season temperatures are 25 to 33 degrees Celsius by day, dropping to 5 to 10 degrees at night. The wet season is hot and humid at 30 to 38 degrees.

November to March (green season) has lower rates, fewer tourists, and excellent birding. Travelling during shoulder or low seasons can save you 20 to 40% on accommodation and tours while still providing excellent wildlife viewing.

Peak season at Chobe National Park is July to September when elephant concentrations are at their highest. Book accommodation and tours well in advance for peak dates, as popular lodges and camps sell out months ahead.