Introduction to Namibian Winters
Whether you are planning to travel to Namibia in the winter or are planning a winter photoshoot, you may just find this article helpful.
Namibian winters are mild. Not to Namibians, but to the northern hemisphere countries, we have amazing winter weather. And it is true. Namibia’s maximum temperatures during the winter are often the maximum temperatures of the northern hemisphere summers. Comparing it from that angle, we really have it nice. BUT – there is a huge but (there always is, isn’t there?).
Considering that Namibia’s winters are but one-third of the year and the rest is summer, Namibians are not accustomed to the cold. In fact, as soon as the sun sets, many Namibians will reach for a jacket. Due to the majority of very hot summer days, Namibian houses are built for the summer and not for the winter which leaves us in quite a cold spot during the winter. You will often find Namibians gathered in the sun on a cool winter’s morning because the inside of the houses and workspaces are actually colder than the outside.
And if you travel across Namibia, you will spend most of your day in a car – which can get pretty hot. Even during the winter. But tonight – you may need that warm Columbia jacket after all because Namibian night temperature can easily drop to sub-zero. Never forget that.
What to Wear
LAYERS
Layer, layer, layer. I cannot say this enough. The morning temperatures start dropping at sunrise – often the time you will be enjoying breakfast at your lodge. I have seen the temperatures fall from a chilly 10’C to an icy -1’C within half an hour. This is where you get sick, and that is the last thing you want to be when on holiday. So take that jacket and scarf to the breakfast area – you may just need them. And, you can always remove a layer or two when the temperatures start climbing again. Scarfs are not only beautiful, but they are also superb at keeping the cold Namibian winter wind away from your neck.
This also goes for photoshoots.
If you have decided on early morning photoshoots, we’ll start out with nice warm jackets, scarves and steaming hot coffee mugs. As the sun rises, we’ll take off the jackets and the scarves – exchange the mugs with umbrellas and we have a whole new look for the second part of the shoot. This works visa versa for a late afternoon shoot that will often start with the sun still high and the temperatures still nice and warm. But as soon as the sun starts dropping, you’ll want to be able to grab a jacket, scarf and glass of gluhwein that fits your colour scheme. So it really does pay to plan ahead.
Pack wisely and remember – around lunch the temperatures can climb to around 30’C; depending on where you find yourself in Namibia. Then you’ll wish you didn’t wear that winter long sleeve shirt as your first layer.
COLOURS
The natural Namibian colours during the winter months are beautiful browns, deep reds, golden grasses, clear blue skies and a rare white flower. Wear colours that match your whole family and please stay away from prints – the focus must be on you and not Superman on your shirt. Also, don’t go and buy exactly the same shirt for your whole family – choose a colour and wear something more or less from that colour range – something that fits and suits your body.
And remember, be you. Whatever you choose to wear – it must reflect who you are. No use in buying a dress if you never wear dresses. Not only will you feel uncomfortable during your photoshoot – you will look uncomfortable.
COLOUR COMBINATIONS THAT WORK
There are certain colours that just work together and some well, that don’t. I’ll stick to those that I think work.
olive greens + mustard + browns
brown + blue + white
wine red + dark blues
Rule of thumb:
In the winter wear dark, bold colours. (Not the same as bright).
In the summer, aim for florals and pastels and if your family is loud and creative – go for the brighter colours that will fit your personality.
There are of course a myriad of different colour palettes and these are just a few suggestions. You can also have a look at the Pinterest Board I created for this purpose.
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