Gaborone in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Gaborone

26°C (79°F) High Temp

7°C (45°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season conditions with zero rainfall but comfortable 70% humidity - ideal for extended outdoor exploration without the oppressive heat of summer months
Game viewing at Mokolodi Nature Reserve and Khama Rhino Sanctuary is exceptional - animals congregate at water sources and vegetation is sparse, making wildlife spotting 40% more successful than wet season
Clear skies and low pollution levels create perfect conditions for stargazing at the Botswana Space Centre - visibility extends 50+ km (31+ miles) on most nights
School holidays mean busy local festivals and weekend markets are at their peak, with traditional tswana cultural events happening most weekends across the city

Considerations

Dramatic temperature swings from 26°C (79°F) midday to 7°C (45°F) at dawn require careful packing - many visitors underestimate how cold early mornings can be
Dust levels are highest during dry season - harmattan winds carry fine Kalahari sand that affects air quality and can irritate sensitive eyes and throats
Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 30-50% and popular attractions like Three Dikgosi Monument and Banjul have longer queues between 10am-2pm

Best Activities in August

Kalahari Desert Day Trips

August's dry conditions make 4WD desert exploration ideal - no mud, clear access roads, and crisp air for photography. Desert temperatures are manageable at 22-28°C (72-82°F) during day trips. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals stay near permanent water sources.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed operators offering full-day trips typically costing P800-1200 ($60-90). Look for operators including traditional San Bushmen cultural experiences. Check current desert tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Village Cultural Tours

August harvest season brings authentic cultural experiences as local communities celebrate traditional festivals. Cool morning temperatures 7-15°C (45-59°F) are perfect for walking village tours, with afternoon activities moving to shaded areas.

Booking Tip: Half-day village tours typically cost P400-600 ($30-45). Book through community-based operators for most real feel. Many tours include traditional bread making and craft demonstrations. See current cultural tour options in booking section.

Gaborone Game Reserve Safaris

Dry season concentrates wildlife around water points making game viewing exceptional. Early morning safaris 6-9am take advantage of cool 7-12°C (45-54°F) temperatures when animals are most active. Clear skies provide perfect photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Morning game drives cost P300-500 ($22-37) for 3-4 hours. Book minimum 10 days ahead during August peak season. Afternoon drives possible but less wildlife activity. Current safari options available in booking section below.

Botswana National Museum Walking Tours

August's moderate temperatures and clear weather make walking between city attractions comfortable. Museum and gallery hopping works perfectly with temperature fluctuations - cool mornings for outdoor transit, warm afternoons for indoor cultural sites.

Booking Tip: Self-guided city cultural tours are ideal - museum entry P20 ($1.50), walking distances 1-3 km (0.6-1.9 miles) between major sites. Guided cultural tours typically P250-400 ($18-30) for half-day. Check current city tour options in booking section.

Three Dikgosi Monument Sunrise Visits

August's clear skies and dramatic temperature changes create spectacular sunrise conditions at the monument. Cool 7-10°C (45-50°F) dawn temperatures are perfect for photography, with city views extending 20+ km (12+ miles) on clear mornings.

Booking Tip: Monument access is free, but guided historical tours cost P150-300 ($11-22). Early morning visits 6-8am avoid crowds and heat. Combined with city historical tours typically P400-600 ($30-45). See current monument tour options in booking section.

Local Market Food Tours

August harvest season brings peak variety to local markets. Cool morning temperatures 10-18°C (50-64°F) are ideal for market walking tours, sampling traditional foods like seswaa, morogo, and fresh seasonal produce without wilting heat.

Booking Tip: Morning food tours 8-11am cost P350-550 ($26-41) including tastings. Avoid afternoon heat and crowds. Look for tours including both Main Mall markets and township markets for full experience. Current food tour options in booking section below.

August Events & Festivals

Late August

Maitisong Festival

Botswana's premier arts festival featuring traditional music, dance, and contemporary performances. Takes place across multiple venues in Gaborone with both indoor and outdoor stages suitable for August's variable weather.

Throughout August

Heritage Month Celebrations

Community celebrations featuring traditional Tswana culture, including bogwera and bojale coming-of-age ceremonies, traditional cooking demonstrations, and craft markets throughout the city.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system essential - lightweight long sleeves for cool 7°C (45°F) mornings, breathable cotton t-shirts for warm 26°C (79°F) afternoons

Warm jacket or fleece for early morning game drives and evening activities when temperatures drop 15-20°C (27-36°F) from daytime highs

Dust mask or scarf for Kalahari winds - fine sand particles are common during dry season and can irritate breathing

SPF 50+ sunscreen mandatory - UV index 8 combined with high altitude 1,000m (3,280 ft) increases burn risk significantly

Closed walking shoes with good grip - dusty conditions make surfaces slippery, especially around markets and outdoor attractions

Wide-brimmed hat for sun protection during midday temperatures and dust protection during windy conditions

Light rain jacket despite dry season - occasional brief showers occur and provide wind protection during cool mornings

Moisturizer and lip balm - 70% humidity combined with dust and wind causes skin dryness

Reusable water bottle minimum 1.5L (50 oz) - dehydration happens quickly in dry conditions even when temperatures feel moderate

Small daypack for temperature changes - you'll constantly add/remove layers throughout the day

Insider Knowledge

Local combis (minibus taxis) run reduced schedules during school holidays in August - plan extra 15-20 minutes for public transport or use ride-sharing apps which are more reliable

Gaborone Dam water levels are lowest in August, exposing walking paths usually underwater - locals use this time for fishing and bird watching at normally inaccessible spots

Most local restaurants switch to winter menus in August featuring traditional stews and hot porridge - try seswaa and morogo at local spots rather than tourist restaurants for authentic seasonal flavors

Botswana pula is strongest against major currencies during August tourism season - exchange money at Bureau de Change on Independence Avenue for better rates than hotel exchanges

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes - many tourists arrive expecting hot weather and freeze during early morning activities when temperatures hit 7°C (45°F)

Booking accommodation in city center without considering dust levels - properties near major roads get significantly dusty in August, affecting those with respiratory sensitivities

Planning full days outdoors without considering temperature swings - successful August itineraries alternate outdoor morning activities with indoor afternoon options