Sossusvlei in May

April through October gives you the best weather – clear skies, mild temperatures, and minimal rainfall. May and September are particularly good, with comfortable daytime temperatures around 25°C. Avoid December through February unless you enjoy extreme heat. Temperatures regularly hit 45°C, and occasional rains can make roads impassable. The upside? Fewer crowds and dramatic storm clouds if weather permits. For photography, arrive at sunrise. The light transforms the dunes from dark red to brilliant orange in about 30 minutes. Most tour groups arrive around 8 AM, so early morning offers better solitude. Winter months (June to August) can be surprisingly cold at dawn – I've seen frost on car windshields. But by afternoon, you'll want shorts and a tank top.