Swakopmund’s climate is shaped by the meeting of the cold Atlantic Ocean current and the dry desert winds. The town is a year-round destination because it receives very little rain-less than 20 mm a year. However, a thick fog forms along the coast for about 200 days each year and often spreads several kilometers inland.
Summer and winter temperatures do not vary much because of the coastal winds. The average temperature in midsummer (January) is about 20°C (68°F), while in midwinter (August) it is around 16°C (61°F). On foggy winter days, warm desert winds can quickly heat the coast, but the weather often remains cool and damp. Even during summer, the Atlantic Ocean’s temperature rarely rises above 19°C (66°F).
Swakopmund has a mild, dry desert climate with average temperatures between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F) and very little rainfall. The area depends on fog from the cold Benguela Current for most of its moisture. Summer (January to March) is warmer but still dry, with frequent fog. Winter (May to October) brings clear, sunny days and cool nights.
Temperatures remain moderate throughout the year, averaging around 20°C in summer and 16°C in winter. Nights can become quite cold, especially during winter. Because the area receives almost no rain, many buildings do not have gutters or drainpipes. Most of the region’s moisture comes from thick fog rolling in from the Atlantic Ocean, which can reach far inland.
The warmest months are from January to March, but even then, rain is rare and fog often lingers along the coast. The best time to visit is during the dry winter months from May to October when there is plenty of sunshine. Warm desert winds during the day can make the coast feel comfortable even when nights are cool.
