Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Erongo, Namibia, is characterized by its arid classification under the Köppen-Geiger system, predominantly falling within the BWh (hot semi-arid) and BWk (cold semi-arid) categories. Temperatures exhibit a significant range, showcasing a minimum of 1°C (34°F) in August and soaring to a maximum of 42°C (108°F) in October. The average temperature throughout the year hovers around 20°C (69°F), highlighting the stark contrasts that define this remarkable region's climate.
In Erongo, Namibia, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal trends, with warm to hot conditions prevailing year-round. The year begins with January and February showcasing average highs around 22°C (72°F) to 23°C (73°F), while temperatures peak in March, with maximums reaching 42°C (107°F). As autumn approaches in April and May, temperatures gradually cool, with averages dipping to 21°C (71°F) in April and minimums falling to about 3°C (38°F) in May. The winter months of June and July bring the coolest temperatures, marked by minimums around 2°C (37°F) and average highs of 18°C (65°F). August continues this trend with the lowest monthly minimum recorded at 1°C (34°F), before gradually warming up again in September. The transition to spring in October sees averages increasing back to 20°C (69°F), culminating in late spring with November’s average highs close to 21°C (71°F). Throughout the year, while maximum temperatures can spike to a blistering 42°C (108°F), the fluctuations from mild winter lows to extreme summer highs emphasize the region’s characteristic climate variability.
Henties Bay experiences a minimum temperature of 9°C (48°F) in September and reaches a maximum of 35°C (94°F) in April, while Swakopmund sees even cooler temperatures with a minimum of 7°C (44°F) in August and peaks at 39°C (102°F) in April. Walvis Bay also has a mild climate, with a minimum of 8°C (47°F) in August and maximum temperatures of 36°C (96°F) in April. For more detailed information, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Henties Bay, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay through the respective links: monthly temperatures in Henties Bay, monthly temperatures in Swakopmund, and monthly temperatures in Walvis Bay.
Precipitation in Erongo, Namibia, exhibits a highly seasonal pattern, predominantly occurring during the summer months. January leads the precipitation figures with about 24 mm (0.9 in) of rainfall over approximately 3 days, followed closely by February with 21 mm (0.8 in) across the same number of days. March experiences a peak in rainfall at 31 mm (1.2 in), contributing to the wettest period of the year. As the region transitions into autumn and winter, a significant reduction in rainfall becomes apparent, with April recording only 12 mm (0.5 in) and May nearly dry at 1 mm (0.0 in).
The dry season extends from June through August, where Erongo sees no recorded precipitation, highlighting the arid conditions that define its climate. Minimal rainfall reappears in September with just 1 mm (0.0 in), followed by 4 mm (0.1 in) in October and 3 mm (0.1 in) in November, as the region slowly transitions back into a wetter climate. December concludes the year with 13 mm (0.5 in) over 2 days, setting the stage for the upcoming rainy season. Overall, annual precipitation remains low, illustrating the desert-like conditions that dominate this captivating region of Namibia.
Erongo, Namibia, experiences a remarkable abundance of sunshine throughout the year, with a clear increase in hours as it transitions from the cooler winter months to the warmer summer season. January starts strong with 309 hours of sunshine, but from February onward, a steady rise is observed, peaking in December with a remarkable 393 hours. March stands out as a particularly sunny month, with 353 hours recorded, while October also garners exceptional sunshine at 369 hours, laying the groundwork for the sunny months that follow.
As the seasons progress, the trend showcases consistently high sunshine duration during spring and summer, making these months ideal for outdoor activities and tourism. The months of November and December emerge as the sunniest periods, with 375 hours and 393 hours, respectively, providing a warm and bright conclusion to the year. In contrast, the winter months, particularly June (with 313 hours) and July (with 325 hours), still offer ample sunlight, albeit fewer hours compared to the vibrant periods toward the year's end. This seasonal variation not only enhances the vibrant landscape of Erongo but also establishes it as a favorable destination for sun-seekers year-round.
The Ultraviolet (UV) Index in Erongo, Namibia, reflects a predominantly high to extreme level of solar radiation, particularly during the summer months. January and February record UV Index values of 16 and 17, respectively, categorizing exposure as extreme with a swift burn time of just 10 minutes. March holds a slightly lower UV Index of 14, maintaining the extreme category, followed closely by April at 12. As the region transitions into late autumn and early winter, the UV Index begins to taper off, with May dropping to 9—still classified as very high—and burn times extending to 15 minutes.
The trend towards lower UV values continues through June and July, where the index stabilizes at 7, categorized as high, increasing burn times to 25 minutes. As the seasons shift back to summer, August sees a rise to 10, indicating very high exposure potential, and September jumps back to 13, classifying it once again as extreme. The UV Index peaks again in October and November at 14 and 15, respectively, before returning to 16 in December. This cyclical pattern highlights the necessity for sun protection throughout the year, especially during the extreme months, ensuring the safety and health of residents and visitors in this sun-drenched region.
UV Risk Categories
In Erongo, Namibia, daylight duration exhibits a predictable seasonal pattern that reflects the region's position relative to the equator. January and December stand out as the sunniest months, each offering approximately 13 hours of daylight, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration. February and November also offer 12 hours of daylight, maintaining a generous amount of sunlight as the region transitions into and out of summer. The equatorial sun results in relatively consistent daylight hours year-round, which is a distinctive feature of Erongo's climate.
As the year progresses, daylight begins to decrease, particularly from April through July, where it dips to around 10 hours during the mid-winter months. This decrease is brief, as daylight duration quickly rebounds in August and September, returning to 11 hours. The gradual changes in daylight highlight the pleasant climate throughout the seasons, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy a variety of recreational activities under the consistently bright skies that define this captivating region of Namibia.
Henties Bay, Namibia, experiences a temperate coastal climate characterized by mild temperatures and low precipitation. Over the year, average temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) in winter months to a maximum of 35°C (94°F) in late summer. The city sees minimal rainfall, with January being the wettest month at just 9 mm (0.4 in), while the winter months are almost dry. Sunlight is abundant, peaking in December with 391 hours, contributing to a pleasant environment. For more detailed climate information, visit Henties Bay climate.
Swakopmund, Namibia, enjoys a semi-arid climate characterized by mild temperatures and low rainfall throughout the year. January sees maximum temperatures reaching up to 34°C (93°F), while the cooler months of June and July average around 18°C (65°F). Precipitation is minimal, with most months recording less than 10 mm, particularly from June to September when it often falls to zero. The region benefits from abundant sunshine, peaking in December with 392 hours. For detailed weather patterns, visit Swakopmund climate.
Walvis Bay, Namibia experiences a mild coastal climate characterized by warm summers and cool winters. January sees temperatures ranging from 14°C to 28°C, while July experiences cooler temperatures from 10°C to 31°C. Precipitation is minimal throughout the year, with January receiving the most at 7 mm, but generally averaging less than 3 mm per month in winter. The region boasts abundant sunshine, peaking in December with 392 hours. For more detailed information, visit Walvis Bay climate.
In conclusion, Erongo, Namibia, presents a captivating climate characterized by its extreme temperatures, abundant sunshine, and notable UV radiation levels throughout the year. The seasonal variations in precipitation, daylight duration, and UV Index highlight the region's unique environmental conditions, making it imperative for residents and visitors to practice sun safety and adapt to the climatic changes. With its warm, sun-drenched landscapes and a distinct wet season, Erongo offers a diverse range of opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and discovery. Understanding these climatic patterns not only enhances the appreciation of this remarkable region but also informs sustainable practices that protect both its natural beauty and the health of those who inhabit it.