Gaborone in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Gaborone
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect sunny weather with zero rainfall - July is peak dry season with crystal-clear skies ideal for wildlife viewing and photography
- Optimal game drive conditions with animals congregating around permanent water sources, making Big Five sightings significantly more likely
- Comfortable daytime temperatures of 23°C (73°F) perfect for outdoor activities, while cool mornings at 4°C (39°F) create magical misty landscapes
- Low humidity at 25% means comfortable walking and hiking conditions without the oppressive heat of other seasons
Considerations
- Peak tourist season means higher accommodation prices (30-50% premium) and popular lodges book out 3-4 months ahead
- Dust levels are at their highest due to dry conditions - bring quality dust masks for game drives and expect frequent vehicle cleaning stops
- Early morning temperatures can drop to 4°C (39°F) requiring warm layers that you'll shed by 10am when temperatures rise rapidly
Best Activities in July
Chobe National Park Game Drives
July offers exceptional wildlife viewing as the dry season forces animals to gather around the Chobe River and permanent waterholes. Elephant herds of 100+ are common, and predator sightings increase dramatically. The lack of vegetation makes spotting easier, and dust clouds from animal movement create dramatic photography opportunities.
Okavango Delta Mokoro Expeditions
July's low water levels create unique delta channels perfect for traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) navigation. The dry season concentrates wildlife along waterways, offering intimate encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Clear skies provide excellent stargazing opportunities during overnight island camping.
Central Kalahari Desert Expeditions
July's cool mornings and warm days create ideal conditions for desert exploration without extreme heat. The dry season offers the best chance to see rare desert-adapted animals like brown hyenas and caracals. Crystal-clear night skies provide world-class stargazing with minimal light pollution.
Cultural Village Tours in Eastern Botswana
July coincides with traditional craft-making season when artisans create pottery and basketry for the upcoming festive season. Cool mornings are perfect for village walks, and many communities hold cultural demonstrations. The dry weather ensures reliable access to remote villages via dirt roads.
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Expeditions
July's dry conditions make the vast salt pans completely accessible, creating an otherworldly landscape perfect for photography and quad biking. The clear, dry air offers unobstructed views to the horizon, and cool evenings are ideal for camping under some of Africa's darkest skies.
Gaborone City Cultural Walking Tours
July's comfortable temperatures make extended city exploration enjoyable. Visit local markets during peak season when traditional crafts and seasonal foods are abundant. The National Museum features special July exhibitions, and outdoor venues host regular cultural performances.
July Events & Festivals
President's Day Celebrations
National holiday on July 15-16 featuring traditional dance competitions, craft exhibitions, and cultural displays across Gaborone. The main celebrations at Accra include performances by different tribal groups and traditional food vendors selling local specialties.
Winter Craft Festival
Annual celebration of traditional Botswana crafts held in various venues across the city. Local artisans demonstrate basket weaving, pottery making, and traditional jewelry creation. Perfect timing for purchasing authentic souvenirs directly from creators.