The Okavango Delta is a wondrous kaleidoscope of seasonal changes. During the dry winter months from May to September, countless wild animals are drawn to this oasis. The channels start to shrink towards the end of October before the cycle starts again with the summer rains. The rainy season usually ends in March.

Rainfall: The northern areas receive up to 700mm while the Kalahari Desert area averages as low as 225mm. The average annual inflow of water into the Delta has been estimated at some 11 000 million m³, and this is augmented by some 5 000 million m³ of local rainfall. The rain falls from about October to March.

In August, the Okavango is at its most impressive, as the floodwaters from the summer rains in the highlands of Angola have seeped through the channels and the champagne-coloured water is at its deepest. The rainwater from the Angolan Highlands seeps through the vast network of narrow waterways, lagoons and broad expanses of the Delta. Over 90% of this water evaporates, but not before it has brought life and sustenance to the wildlife and people of the Okavango.

Temperature: The Okavango is semi-arid with hot, humid summers. Summers, from October to April, are very hot, humid and wet. Temperatures can rise to over 40ºC/104ºF and usually drop to 25ºC/77ºF at night. Winters, from May to September, are dry and cool - the nights can be chilly.

All year round. An ideal time to visit Botswana would be from April to October when the days are sunny and cool to warm. The peak times to view game are August, September and October. The best time to view flooded areas are June to September/October. The optimal time for water lilies is August/September.