Okavango Delta in December: Weather, wildlife & travel tips!

The Okavango Delta in northern Botswana is one of Africa’s most captivating natural wonders, and December sees the Delta fully immersed in the lush green season. The rains have now settled in, transforming the floodplains and woodlands into a vibrant paradise alive with sound, colour, and movement. This is when the Okavango’s rhythm slows and softens - dramatic skies mirror in shimmering lagoons, young animals explore their new world, and the air hums with life renewed by the summer rains.

Weather & landscape
December in the Okavango Delta is firmly in the green season. Daytime temperatures usually climb into the low to mid-30 °C range, while early mornings and evenings remain comfortably cool. Rainfall becomes more frequent - afternoon showers and sometimes thunderstorms are quite common.
The landscape at this time is compelling: the lead-up of the rains has given way to active growth, floodplains are beginning to swell, grasses are verdant, and the air carries the fresh scent of wet earth. Although the full floodwaters from the upstream river systems might not yet have reached their peak, the Okavango Delta is unmistakably shifting from the dry phase into one of renewal.
For safari travellers this means fewer dust-choked vistas, richer green tones, fewer tourists and a softer, more tropical feeling to the bush. At the same time, the rising humidity and chance of rain mean you should be ready for shifting conditions.

Fauna
The wildlife of the Okavango Delta responds strongly to the transition into December. Many of the large herbivores (elephants, buffalos, lechwe) are venturing into the newly green floodplains, taking advantage of fresh growth. Predators (lions, leopards, hyenas) remain active, adapting their hunting strategies to the changing terrain.
Birdlife in particular is vibrant at this time. With the greening vegetation and increasing water, migratory species arrive and resident birds become more active and visible. For bird-enthusiasts December is a rewarding time: you’ll see more water-birds, song-birds, and nesting activity.
One note: because water and grazing are becoming more abundant across the landscape, animals may begin to disperse into wider areas rather than concentrate solely in the few waterholes of the dry season.

Animal behavior & sightings
In December you’ll observe wildlife behaviour that reflects a shift from survival mode into opportunity mode. With the arrival of rains and new green shoots:

• Herbivores spread out into fresh terrain, browsing freely across floodplains rather than gathering only around shrinking water.
• Predators adjust: leopards may use thicker cover more, lions may change patrol routes as prey moves.
• Young animals are increasingly visible: calves and fawns from recent births may be on the move, adding excitement to sightings.
• The lush vegetation and brighter skies can make game-viewing slightly more challenging than in the open dry season - you’ll benefit from a good tracker, early drives, and a patient mindset.

Best sighting times remain early morning and late afternoon. These cooler parts of the day bring most activity, good light for photography and a chance to catch the golden-hour glow on the green plains. Mid-day heat and showers may call for a pause in activity.

Travel tips
Where to stay & bookings:
December is part of the green/shoulder season in Botswana. As such, you may find slightly lower rates and fewer crowds compared to peak dry-season months. Choose a lodge or camp located near permanent water systems (rivers, lagoons) to maximise wildlife access even if surface water from recent rains is still building.

What to pack:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime heat; also layers for cooler mornings and evenings.
• Sun hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses - the UV is strong.
• A good waterproof jacket or poncho: afternoon storms are possible.
• Insect repellent and malaria prophylaxis where advised — with growing vegetation and water, mosquitoes may increase.
• Binoculars and camera with telephoto: thicker vegetation may require more “spotting effort”.
• Waterproof cover for camera/bags if you’re doing mokoro or boat trips.

Activity suggestions:

• Early morning and late afternoon game drives are key.
• Bird-watching walks are very productive in December.
• Consider combining activities: game drives + boat/mokoro outings if water levels permit.
• Be flexible: weather or flooding may cause changes in schedule — a lodge with options is advantageous.

Health & safety:

• The Okavango Delta remains a malaria zone: follow medical advice, use nets/repellent.
• With rain, tracks and air-strips can be affected: travel plans may need buffer time.
• Respect safari guidelines: staying quiet, not interfering with wildlife, and following lodge instructions remains essential.

Why December works for you:
If you wish to experience the Okavango Delta in a greener, quieter, less-crowded way - December is a strong choice. The landscape is lush, the wildlife still excellent (though somewhat more dispersed), and you may enjoy a more relaxed, intimate wilderness experience.

Final thought
Travelling the Okavango Delta in December means embracing a landscape in transition - from heat and dryness into a vibrant season of growth, rain-clouds, rich greens and life renewing itself. While you may not always have the near-guaranteed wildlife concentrations of the peak dry season, you gain atmosphere: lush colours, evocative skies, fewer visitors and a sense of nature unfolding around you. With the right planning and expectations, December can deliver a memorable safari in the heart of Botswana.

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