Winter (June to September):  Our favourite time to visit Fish River Canyon is during winter. The nights do get cold, but day temperatures are usually around 28°C / 83°F. Rain is very rare and the Fish River is dries up completely during this time with vegetation appearing brown and dead, which adds to the canyon’s stark and otherworldly appeal. Winter is also the only option for visiting the Fish River Canyon if you’d like to do the world-famous Fish River Canyon Trail. Even if you only intend to do shorter day hikes, we recommend to go to the Fish River Canyon during winter, as the mild day will make your walks far more enjoyable. 

Spring(September-November) and Autumn ( April – May):  The in-between seasons are also very pleasant and a great time to visit the Fish River Canyon. The evenings and days are warmer compared to winter, and daytime temperatures climb to about 30°C / 85°F. Due to the beginning of isolated rains in spring, or the remnants of the summer rains in autumn, nature will come to life and the change in colours will be dramatic making the Fish River Canyon appear less stark and more inviting. 

Summer(December to March). As with the rest of Namibia, summer is the rainy season, though even a “wet summer” is positively arid compared to Northern Hemisphere standards. During summer the heat within the canyon becomes unbearable, making summer our least favourite time to visit the Fish River Canyon. All water evaporates at this time and the river dries up completely, so you cannot even refill your water bottles. That is why it the Fish River Canyon is closed for hiking during summer.  During summer you will typically get short but intense rain showers, combined with stifling heat that that can reach a scorching 45°C / 113°F or more.