Botswana is a year-round destination, with each season offering unique wildlife opportunities. The dry season (June–October) is popular when the Okavango Delta floods, enabling mokoro excursions, though lodges with permanent water sources offer water safaris all year.
Seasons in Botswana
- Green Season (Nov–Mar): Summer rains bring thunderstorms, lush vegetation, and superb birding; wildlife may hide in thick growth, but water safaris persist at low-season rates.
- Shoulder Season (Apr–May): End of rains, fewer visitors, lower rates, good game viewing as floodwaters fill and wildlife congregates.
- Dry Season (Jun–Oct): Cool, dry days and cold nights thin vegetation and concentrate wildlife around scarce water; minimal mosquitoes.
Monthly Highlights
March: Transition from green to mid season—improving game sightings and last-minute specials.
September–October: Peak for Big 5 safaris—hot, dry, with massive elephant herds in Chobe and prime viewing in Linyanti and Selinda.
November: Unpredictable start of rains, still hot, good watering-hole sightings, green-season specials begin.
December: Rain returns in full, baby wildlife abounds, excellent birdwatching, lowest rates and fewer crowds.