Climate

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Rainfall

Rainfall is sparse and falls mostly between the summer months of January and March. Average rainfall within 40 kilometres of the coast is less than 20 millimetres per year and most of this falls on only a few rainy days. Towards the eastern edge of the landscape the average annual rainfall increases to around 160 millimetres.

Rainfall is monitored across the landscape by landscape members. Have a look at the month-by month rainfall records here.

Fog

At the coast fog occurs on between 120 and 140 days a year but as one moves east this is reduced to only a few days per year.  Fog produces five times as much moisture as rain in the western part of the Namib sand sea.

Temperature

Temperatures in the fog belt are mild with average daily temperatures ranging between 14° C and 19° C. Out of the fog belt average temperatures rise rapidly. In the east average maximum temperatures exceed 35° C during the summer months. In the winter months berg winds can result in uncomfortably hot conditions pushing temperatures above 40° C for short periods.


Relevant literature

  • Namibia Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment

    Ministry of Environment and Tourism. 2008. Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment Namibia. Final Report

    Vulnerability and Adaptation assessment to climate change carried out in preparation of the Second National Communication in meeting Government’s obligations to the UNFCCC. The report addresses the vulnerability of the water and agricultural sectors to climate change, and suggest adaptation measures to cope with the expected impacts. Vulnerability is placed in the socio-economic contexts of rural areas, in particular the Karas and Caprivi regions.
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