Best Time to Visit Chobe National Park

Climate and Weather in Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park experiences a warm and hot climate that’s characterized by dry and wet seasons. The dry season in the park from May to August has the coolest temperatures and most of the precipitation occurs in the months of December and March. Below are the average temperatures according to each month of the year in the park:

Seasonal Synopsis of Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park Safaris offer a complete package of adventures. A warm African breeze coupled with some amazing sunsets, broad skies and changing colours. All of this plus the topping of lily-padded waterways and some amazing wildlife viewing make this the perfect safari destination. All of this is possible in both seasons of Chobe.

This is exactly why there isn’t a concrete answer as to what’s the Best Time to Visit Chobe National Park. Chobe National Park Safari Packages offer a full range of experiences regardless of the time of year.

Alongside this, the park changes dramatically with the seasons – making Chobe a year-round Botswana Safari destination.

Botswana experiences both the dry and wet seasons. When deciding on the Best Time To Visit Chobe, consider the following seasonal aspects:

• A huge variety of bird species can be found in the park in the wet season.
• The migration of elephants and other animals happens during the dry season.
• The pans of the Savuti region offer unbelievable game viewing. Even though wildlife viewing is perfect here throughout the year, April, May and November stand out.

In general terms, the Best Time to Visit Chobe National Park is considered to be during the dry season. This is because the ever-increasing water-dependent animals concentrate around the Chobe River. And, if you can stand the heat and sunny conditions, there’s some sensational game viewing on offer for you!

On the contrary, if you prefer to indulge yourself in birdwatching, then the wet season is worth it. To offer you complete background on the Best Time to visit Chobe, here is a detailed comparison of both seasons:

Falcon’s Savvy Tip – The weather conditions of Chobe National Park are difficult to predict but as long as you look at your safari as an all-encompassing adventure, you’ll certainly have a great time.

Monthly Rundown of Visiting Chobe National Park

Now that you the seasonal aspects of Chobe, it’s time to go in-depth about the Best Time to Visit Chobe National Park, and we’ll do this with the help of a monthly rundown. So, let’s make our way through it:

From January to March – Boundless birdwatching possibilities set against lush backdrops!

January falls in the period of the green season and you’ll get to gaze at the lush and vibrant surroundings while on a Chobe Safari. January also doesn’t fall in the high season of the park meaning that you’ll get to take advantage of reduced costs on accommodations.

• In February, thunderstorms arrive and they last for a short while paving way for clear skies in the daytime.
• Birdwatching Botswana Safari Tours are excellent in the park during this month as all the migratory birds have already made their way inside the premises.

March marks the start of autumn and is the last month of the summer rains. This is the Best Time to visit Chobe if you are on the lookout for photographic safaris.

In April and May – Boat safaris and incredible game viewing!

The autumn season is at full throttle in the month of April and boat safaris on the Chobe River are the perfect way to spot huge herds of elephants and cape buffaloes.

The riverfront area of the park is very frequented in the dry months, especially in the month of May.

May is considered the Best Time to Visit Chobe National Park and temperatures are cooler early in the morning. The Chobe River starts to get pretty busy as the peak season approaches.

From June to August – The definitive time for safaris!

These months are considered the best time for Botswana Safari Tours in Chobe. Wildlife viewing is the best it has ever been and elephant herds gather in masses on the banks of the Chobe River.

Sensible Suggestion – It tends to get very chilly at night and temperatures can even drop below zero, so it’s advised to pack warmer clothing items.

In September and October – spring arrives and so do the colourful birds!

If you want the best birdwatching Botswana Safari Tours then there’s no better time and place to be than these months in Chobe National Park. Besides birds, big game sightings are also reliable in September and October, especially in the Linyanti concession.

In November and December – The period of green transformation!

In the month of November, Chobe National Park sees the beginning of the green season. The first showers settle on the arid surroundings and sausage and acacia trees begin to bloom, triggering the calving season.

The start of the Zebra Migration is in the month of December. This is when hundreds of these animals make their way to the south through migratory routes from the Chobe to the Kalahari region.

Best Time to Visit Chobe Based On Safari Activities

The Best Time to visit Chobe National Park also depends on the type of safari activity you’re interested to participate in. The following is a detailed overview of the best time to visit Chobe according to the safari activities.

Suggestions for the Best Time of the Year to Visit Chobe

Based on the information we’ve provided in the above sections, you must have figured out what your tastes and inclinations are when considering the Best Time to visit Chobe. So, half your work is done! Now we’ll offer some useful suggestions and advice from our end on both the dry and wet seasons.

Dry Season (May to October)

• Best time for game viewing, as animals tend to gather around the water sources.
• Temperatures can be cool in the morning and evening, so bring warm layers of clothing.
• Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat as the sun can be intense during the day.
• Expect high concentrations of wildlife near the Chobe River.
• Consider a boat safari or a walking safari in addition to game drives.

Green Season (November to April)

• Best time for bird watching, as migratory birds arrive in the park.
• Temperatures can be hot and humid, so bring light and breathable clothing.
• Expect lush greenery and beautiful landscapes after the rainfall.
• Some lodges and camps may close during this season, so plan accordingly.
• Mosquitoes and other insects are prevalent in some regions, so bring insect repellent.
• Expect lower rates for lodges and camps due to lower demand.

Chobe National Park offers a distinctive safari experience throughout the course of the year. By taking into wary consideration the different seasons and planning accordingly, you can make the most of your visit and enjoy all that this stunning park has to offer.

Year-round rewarding safari experiences in Chobe!

All said and done, you’ve probably gathered that an exceptional safari experience is warranted no matter what time you decide to visit Chobe National Park. Still, there are some months that stand above the rest in terms of wildlife viewing and safari activities. So, first, decide what experience you’d like to undergo and then settle on the Best Time to visit Chobe National Park.

What better way is there to experience all that Chobe offers than by selecting one of our Chobe National Park Safari Packages?