When to go · Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei in December
Avoid month. Listed as a month to avoid: Dec–Feb (extreme heat, 40°C (104°F)+ days).Avoid month. Listed as a month to avoid: Dec–Feb (extreme heat, 104°F (40°C)+ days).
Key facts
- Verdict
- Avoid
- Temperature
- 36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C) / 17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 2
- Crowds
- High
- Namibia overall
- Prices
- High
- Namibia overall
Verdict
Listed as a month to avoid: Dec–Feb (extreme heat, 40°C (104°F)+ days).Listed as a month to avoid: Dec–Feb (extreme heat, 104°F (40°C)+ days).
Is another month better than December?
December is rated avoid. These months rate higher:
- AprilGreatInside Sossusvlei's best window: Apr–Oct (dry, clear, cooler nights).
- MayGreatInside Sossusvlei's best window: Apr–Oct (dry, clear, cooler nights).
- JuneGreatInside Sossusvlei's best window: Apr–Oct (dry, clear, cooler nights).
- JulyGreatInside Sossusvlei's best window: Apr–Oct (dry, clear, cooler nights).
Weather in December
- SossusvleiHighs around 36 °C (97 °F), lows around 17 °C (63 °F), rain on about 2 daysHighs around 97 °F (36 °C), lows around 63 °F (17 °C), rain on about 2 days
- Namib Desert, Namibia · Sossusvlei, Sesriem, NamibRandhot
Summer days above 40 °C (104 °F) in the dunes; winter days warm, nights cold. Rain is rare.Summer days above 104 °F (40 °C) in the dunes; winter days warm, nights cold. Rain is rare.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Christmas and Family Day big impact
25–26 Dec · Namibia
Coast packed; many businesses closed.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Namibia overall
- High
- Prices · Namibia overall
- High
Namibia overall: Hot; regional holidays fill campsites and coast.
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Sossusvlei, side by side.
Verdict
Dec: Avoid
Apr: Great (better)
Daytime high
Dec: 36 °C (97 °F)97 °F (36 °C)
Apr: 30 °C (86 °F)86 °F (30 °C)
Night low
Dec: 17 °C (63 °F)63 °F (17 °C)
Apr: 13 °C (55 °F)55 °F (13 °C)
Rain days
Dec: 2
Apr: 2
Crowds
Dec: High
Apr: Low
Prices
Dec: High
Apr: Medium
Festivals listed
Dec: 1
Apr: 1
December: Listed as a month to avoid: Dec–Feb (extreme heat, 40°C+ days).
April: Inside Sossusvlei's best window: Apr–Oct (dry, clear, cooler nights).
Sossusvlei: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen