The Windhoek Guide - Your Guide to Namibia's Capital

There are no strict laws in Namibia and thus in Windhoek setting opening hours for shops, public administration or offices. As a rule of thumb, generally most businesses, and especially the public administration is not working a lot between 15 December and 15 January. This is a time of absolute still stand in Windhoek and the whole of Namibia (except for the coast). Also, Windhoek is on Sundays pretty closed!

Keep in mind that if a public holiday falls on a Sunday the following Monday is considered as a public holiday.

Shops: Depending on the size and location of shops they are opening between anything from 6 hours to 24 hours a day. The so-called "Portuguese Stores" are generally open long hours. The malls are also open on Sundays, as well as the large supermarkets. These are open daily from at least 8.00-17.00h. Normal shops (e.g. on Independence Avenue) are generally open Monday to Friday from 9.00h until 17.00h and Saturday from 9.00-13.00h. Smaller shops tend to close during lunch time for an hour or so.

Offices: Large corporates like insurance companies are working from around 7.30h/8.00h until 16.00h. Smaller companies do not have any reliable working hours and seem to work any time between 8.00h and 18.00h. Lunch breaks are common.

Banks: In Windhoek the branches are open between 7.30h/8.00h and 13.00h and 14.00h-16.30h. Some open from 8.00h-13.00 on Saturdays.

Public Administration: For the general public e.g. ministries are open Monday to Friday from 10.00-16.00 with a common one hour lunch break.