Windhoek sits at 1,700 metres above sea level, granting it a semi-arid climate with crisp, sunny days and surprisingly cool nights year-round.

Rainfall is concentrated between November and April, with the rest of the year remaining bone-dry and dusty.

Summer days hover around 30°C but winter mornings can drop to freezing, creating a temperature swing that catches many visitors off guard.

The high altitude means intense UV radiation and low humidity, so sun protection matters more than perspiration management.

Layering is essential in Windhoek—you'll peel off jumpers by midday and pile them back on by sunset, even in summer.