Like the Namib Desert the climate at the coast is extremely arid but temperatures are moderate due to the influence of the cold Benguela current, ranging from 13 to 18°C.  Fog is being brought in almost every night by onshore winds and the humidity is normally as high as 85% while the actual rainfall is less than 15 mm per year.  Temperatures can however soar to over 40ºC and even higher when the hot, dry east wind or Bergwind is blowing.  Ironically these winds occur in winter between April and August and although sometimes very hot, it provides glorious summer days and evenings.

Due to the availability of fish such as galjoen, steenbras, kabeljou and blacktail, Henties Bay is a haven for fishermen with many accessible angling spots along the coastline.  Highly reputable and experienced angling tour guides offer daily or longer angling excursions, which can be booked in advance.  Excursions are planned according to the client's needs. 

Henties Bay is a good base from where to explore the Namib Desert on day trips.  Some areas can easily be visited by means of self-drive trips with a sedan vehicle, although other areas are only reachable with a 4x4 vehicle.  Many of these excursions should preferably be undertaken with an experienced tour guide due to the lack of proper roads and directions.  Care should always be taken when driving on gravel roads and especially on the coastal road that is made of salt-gravel.  These roads can be very slippery during foggy conditions or after rain.  Desert excursions can be booked in advance and are planned according to the client's needs.