Gaborone, Botswana: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Gaborone, Botswana? If you're planning to go to Gaborone, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Gaborone
- Important essentials for Gaborone
- Activities for Gaborone
- Gaborone in January: weather and what to pack
- Gaborone in February: weather and what to pack
- Gaborone in March: weather and what to pack
- Gaborone in April: weather and what to pack
- Gaborone in May: weather and what to pack
- Gaborone in June: weather and what to pack
- Gaborone in July: weather and what to pack
- Gaborone in August: weather and what to pack
- Gaborone in September: weather and what to pack
- Gaborone in October: weather and what to pack
- Gaborone in November: weather and what to pack
- Gaborone in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Gaborone, Botswana
Based on the climate and weather in Gaborone, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for Gaborone, Botswana
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Gaborone, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly option.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can wear out. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great option.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. This one is sufficent for most places, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gaborone may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
-
Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
-
For families with young children
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Gaborone, Botswana by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you go to Gaborone in January, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
If you go to National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
February
February in Gaborone is constantly hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
If you go to National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
March
If you visit Gaborone during March, you will probably find that it is extremely warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also filters contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
If you go to National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
April
If you visit Gaborone during April, you may notice that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
If you go to National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
May
May for Gaborone is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
If you go to National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
June
June in Gaborone is mild and very dry. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 30% to 40% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
If you go to National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
July
If you vacation in Gaborone during July, you might see that it is balmy and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally around 30 during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain almost every day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
If you go to National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
August
Traveling to Gaborone in August, you will notice that it is warm and very dry. Expect it to rain almost every day. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
If you go to National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
September
In September, Gaborone is extremely warm and very dry. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (high 20s C) and once in a while jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Gaborone, with most of the days of the month having rain. In September, humidity reaches as high as 30%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
If you go to National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
October
If you vacation in Gaborone during October, you are likely to see that it is hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 30 and 40% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
If you go to National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
November
If you are traveling to Gaborone in November, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
If you go to National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
December
In December, Gaborone is constantly hot. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (low 30s C) and 5-10 days this month jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Gaborone, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In December, humidity reaches as high as 40%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
If you go to National Botanical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
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