Best time to visit Chobe at a glance
For most visitors the best time to visit Botswana's Chobe is the dry winter, roughly May to October. Rain is almost absent and elephants and buffalo gather along the river, which suits both a Chobe game drive and a boat trip. October is the hottest month, with an average daily high of 34.5 °C.
The rainy season runs from November to March. Heavy rain, flash floods and damaged roads are possible, and April is not guaranteed to be dry. There is no single best month for every animal or for the whole country, so this page is about the Chobe region around Kasane.
Our pick: boat and drive in one day
The classic Chobe day, whichever season you travel in.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Chobe tours for every season
Game drives, river cruises and day trips to Chobe, with live prices and availability for your dates.
Chobe weather by month
Long-term monthly averages for Kasane (reference period 1971 to 2000). A guide, not a forecast.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30.8 °C | 19.6 °C | 133.9 mm |
| February | 30.6 °C | 19.2 °C | 134.1 mm |
| March | 31.1 °C | 18.8 °C | 70.1 mm |
| April | 30.5 °C | 16.2 °C | 22.8 mm |
| May | 28.6 °C | 12.5 °C | 2.2 mm |
| June | 26.2 °C | 9.9 °C | 0.5 mm |
| July | 26.2 °C | 9.5 °C | 0.0 mm |
| August | 29.4 °C | 12.2 °C | 0.0 mm |
| September | 33.0 °C | 16.1 °C | 1.5 mm |
| October | 34.5 °C | 19.3 °C | 20.2 mm |
| November | 33.1 °C | 20.3 °C | 62.7 mm |
| December | 31.4 °C | 19.7 °C | 127.3 mm |
An average of 0.0 mm does not rule out a shower. For most visitors, June to September gives a good mix: no rain to speak of, cool mornings and warm days. October suits you if you accept the heat.
The seasons at Chobe
What changes on the river and on the roads.
Dry winter, May to August
Days are mild, nights are cool, and June and July have lows of about 9.5 to 9.9 °C. Dress in layers for the early start of a game drive, and expect to take them off by midday. Elephants and buffalo gather along the river in these dry months, which is why the Riverfront is so popular.
Hot build-up, September and October
It gets hot, with a daily high of 33.0 °C in September and 34.5 °C in October. The dry season is at its end, the river stays the draw for wildlife, and October already brings some rain (20.2 mm on average). Plan your drives for the early morning and late afternoon.
Rainy season, November to March
The rainy season brings heavy rain, possible flash floods and affected roads. Lows stay near 19 to 20 °C and the monthly rain is around 130 mm in the peak months. Dirt tracks can become difficult, so a self-drive trip needs more caution.
April and May, the change
April still averages 22.8 mm of rain, and a dry April is not guaranteed. By May the rain has almost stopped (2.2 mm on average) and the nights start to cool.
Botswana weather and the roads
Weather matters most on the tracks. The sandy approach to Savute needs careful planning, and conditions change with the rain. The Savute channel dries out and flows again over the years, so water there cannot be promised for any month. Check the current state with your operator or the park office before a self-drive trip.
Large herds at the river are the main reason to come in the dry months. In the rainy months expect wet tracks and plans that depend on the weather. Whatever the month, an animal sighting is never guaranteed.
Health and packing by season
Short notes that depend on the month.
Malaria
The north of the Chobe region has a high malaria risk all year, and the south varies by season. Do not assume the winter months are free of malaria. Talk to a doctor before you travel.
Sun and heat
Bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water for the hot months. On a boat there is little shade, so a light long-sleeved shirt helps.
Cool mornings
Open vehicles and boats are cool in the early morning in June and July. A fleece or a light jacket is worth packing.
Fees
Budget for the entry rates on top of any tour price. See the Chobe park fees for the rates as of 2026.
Plan the rest of your trip
Related guides.
Best time to visit Chobe: frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Chobe National Park?
For most visitors the dry winter, roughly May to October. Rain is rare, and elephants and buffalo gather along the river. October is hot, so June to September is the most comfortable part of the dry season.
What is the weather like in Chobe?
The dry season has warm days and cool nights. October averages 34.5 °C. In the rainy season, from November to March, heavy rain, flash floods and damaged roads are possible.
Is the Botswana rainy season a bad time to go?
It is possible to travel then, but roads can be difficult and rain can disturb plans. The river herds are less concentrated, and there is no guarantee for any sighting.
Is Chobe free of malaria in winter?
No. The north of the Chobe region has a high risk all year. Ask a doctor about protection before you go.
Which month is the hottest?
October, with an average daily high of 34.5 °C. That is an average, not a record.
What should I pack for Chobe?
A hat, sunscreen and plenty of water for the hot months, and a fleece or light jacket for the cool early mornings in June and July. A light long-sleeved shirt helps on a boat, where there is little shade.