Okavango Delta
Best Time to Visit

Okavango Delta

Your month-by-month wildlife calendar

When to Visit Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta transforms between May and August when seasonal floodwaters from Angola fill the Kalahari channels, creating a lush inland paradise. The dry season from June to October concentrates wildlife on shrinking islands and along waterways. Summer rains from November to March bring intense heat and muddy roads but also migratory birds and green-season photography.

Peak Season June - October
Avoid January - March (heavy rain, extreme heat)

Month-by-Month Calendar

Click on any month to see detailed wildlife and weather information

January

Fair
🌤 Hot & wet, 28-35°C
🦁 Green season, migratory birds arrive, baby animals, lush vegetation obscures game
👥 Low 💰 Low

February

Fair
🌤 Hot & wet, 27-34°C
🦁 Peak rains, roads challenging, excellent birdwatching with 400+ species, zebra foals
👥 Low 💰 Low

March

Fair
🌤 Hot, rains easing, 26-33°C
🦁 Rains tapering, floodwaters advancing from Angola, wild dog pups in dens
👥 Low 💰 Low

April

Good
🌤 Cooling, 22-31°C
🦁 Floodwaters arriving in upper Delta, vegetation thinning, game drives improving
👥 Medium 💰 Medium

May

Great
🌤 Mild & dry, 18-28°C
🦁 Dry season begins, animals concentrating near water, mokoro trips start
👥 Medium 💰 High

June

Peak
🌤 Cool & dry, 14-25°C
🦁 Floodwaters peak, incredible game on islands, wild dogs hunting, elephants swimming between islands
👥 High 💰 Peak

July

Peak
🌤 Cool & dry, 12-24°C
🦁 Peak season, dense concentrations of buffalo, zebra, and predators on shrinking islands
👥 Peak 💰 Peak

August

Peak
🌤 Warming, 14-27°C
🦁 Superb game viewing, lions hunting buffalo, leopards active, crystal-clear water channels
👥 Peak 💰 Peak

September

Peak
🌤 Hot & dry, 18-32°C
🦁 Floodwaters receding, animals packed around remaining water, dramatic predator encounters
👥 High 💰 High

October

Great
🌤 Hot & dry, 22-36°C
🦁 Very hot but excellent game viewing, first rains approaching, elephants at waterholes
👥 High 💰 High

November

Good
🌤 Hot, rains starting, 24-35°C
🦁 First summer rains, migratory birds returning, green shoots attract grazers
👥 Medium 💰 Medium

December

Fair
🌤 Hot & wet, 26-35°C
🦁 Green season, afternoon storms, baby animals appearing, lush photography conditions
👥 Low 💰 Low

🎯 Our Recommendation

July to September is ideal. Floodwaters are at their peak, wildlife gathers on islands, and the dry conditions make predator-prey encounters frequent. Mokoro excursions through crystal-clear channels are unforgettable.

Best Time to Visit Okavango Delta FAQ

The best time to visit the Okavango Delta is May to October during the dry season. Peak flood from June to August transforms the landscape and creates the best mokoro safari conditions.

Dry season days are warm at 25 to 32 degrees Celsius with cold mornings near 5 degrees. The wet season is hot and humid at 30 to 38 degrees.

November to March (green season) offers lower rates 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 the Okavango Delta is July to September when conditions are driest and wildlife is most concentrated. Book accommodation and tours well in advance for peak dates, as popular lodges and camps sell out months ahead.