Sossusvlei in August

In August, Sossusvlei averages 26°C (80°F) during the day and 10°C (51°F) at night, with only about 0 rainy days.

High season

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Skies are generally dry and clear.

August is a great month to visit Sossusvlei: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

26°C
Avg high
10°C
Avg low
0
Rain days
0 mm
Rainfall

How August compares to the rest of the year in Sossusvlei

10th
warmest month of the 12
9th
wettest month of the 12
0%
of yearly rainfall falls in August
11 h 14 min
daylight on the 15th

August is one of the coolest months in Sossusvlei (10th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C below the annual average (30°C). August runs 1°C warmer than July (26°C) and warms a further 3°C into September (29°C).

August sunrise & sunset in Sossusvlei

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:26 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:40 PM
Day length
11 h 14 min

Times shown for Sossusvlei local time (Africa/Windhoek), calculated for the 15th of August. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Sossusvlei — August

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of August, in Sossusvlei's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:26 AM – 7:06 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
7:06 AM – 8:06 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:00 PM – 7:40 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Good
Galactic core is up but lower on the horizon; head well outside city limits for a clean view.

📅 When to book — Sossusvlei in August

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on August's tier (High season) and Sossusvlei's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — August in Sossusvlei

High season

This is a busy month in Sossusvlei — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — August in Sossusvlei

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
9.5
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●○
High
Peak mosquito activity. DEET 30%+, long sleeves at dawn/dusk, sleep under nets if rural. Check current dengue/malaria advisories for the destination.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Sossusvlei in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 31°C / 88°F 17°C / 62°F 4 mm 1
February 32°C / 89°F 17°C / 62°F 3 mm 1
March 32°C / 89°F 17°C / 63°F 2 mm 1
April 32°C / 89°F 17°C / 63°F 2 mm 1
May 30°C / 86°F 15°C / 59°F 1 mm 0
June 26°C / 79°F 12°C / 53°F 1 mm 0
July 26°C / 79°F 11°C / 52°F 1 mm 0
August 26°C / 80°F 10°C / 51°F 0 mm 0
September 29°C / 85°F 12°C / 54°F 0 mm 0
October 31°C / 88°F 14°C / 58°F 1 mm 0
November 31°C / 89°F 15°C / 59°F 2 mm 1
December 31°C / 88°F 15°C / 60°F 1 mm 0

Other cities with similar August weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Sossusvlei in August →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Sossusvlei in August?

In August, Sossusvlei averages a high of 26°C (80°F) and a low of 10°C (51°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Sossusvlei in August?

August is generally dry in Sossusvlei, with about 0 rainy days on average.

Is August a good time to visit Sossusvlei?

August is warm and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Sossusvlei in August?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full August packing list for Sossusvlei for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Sossusvlei on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.