Addis Ababa Weather: The Features & Weather by Seasons

To make the most of your vacation to Ethiopia, you need to have a basic awareness of the country's difficult environment. The first law of Ethiopian weather is that it changes drastically depending on altitude. As a result, you should examine specific weather forecasts for the region where you'll be spending the most time—the Addis Ababa weather.

The features of current weather in Addis Ababa

Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, is located at a height of 7,726 feet and hence has a relatively mild climate all year. Even during the warmest months (March to May), average highs rarely reach 77°F (25 degrees Celsius).

Temperatures drop swiftly when the sun goes down throughout the year, and chilly mornings are usual. As one approaches Ethiopia's borders, heights drop and temperatures soar. Average daily temperatures in the country's far south, far west, and far east frequently reach 85 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius).

Addis Ababa's weather offers a delightfully mild environment due to its elevated plateau location, which may be a welcome break for those traveling from the country's arid parts. Annual temperatures are likewise very consistent due to the capital's closeness to the equator. The dry season is the ideal time to visit Addis (November to February). Although the days are bright and sunny, expect overnight temperatures to drop to as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius). June and September are the wettest months. At this time of year, the sky is cloudy, and you'll need an umbrella to stay dry.

Current weather in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa weather by seasons

Spring is in the air

Period: From March to May

With an average air temperature of 27 °C (81 °F) in March, the central and south-western parts of the nation have relatively moderate weather compared to the east and south-east, when temperatures can reach up to 35 °C (95 °F). There is a season of brief rains that occasionally occurs in March and the first part of April.

What are the significance of Ethiopian Spring?

Through April and May, the average temperature climbs by a few degrees. Additionally, in the final month of spring, precipitation becomes minimal. Some years do not see a short rainy season; therefore, the springtime climate remains largely constant.

Which holidays are observed these days?

• Eid Al-Fitr: 10th April
• Easter ceremonies on several days between March and April.
• Victory at Adwa Day, March 2.
• The 28th of March is the Day of Lament.
• International Workers' Day is on May 1.
• Ethiopian Patriots Victory Day is on May 5.
• Derg Downfall Day is May 28.

Summer

Period: June to September

Summertime temperature variations are rather small if average maximum temperatures aren't a little lower. However, there are seasonal variations. Ethiopia's primary rainy season begins in June. Visitation during the rainy season, when the quantity of precipitation reaches 280 mm (11") per month, is not a great option because the nation lacks sea access.

Tips for travelers to enjoy summer completely

The Wet Season (June to September)

Travelers should be prepared for 10°C (50 °F) at night while visiting south-western regions because there is still a large variation between daytime and evening average temperatures. Additionally, only bottled water may be used for drinking and cooking, and inoculation against tropical illnesses is recommended.

Which holidays in 2024 are observed on these days?

• Eid Al- Adha on the evening 16-17 June, 2024

Read more: Ethiopia rainy season

Summer in Addis Ababa

Fall

Period: From September to November

September marks a change in the precipitation pattern. While the remaining portion of the rainy season still occurs in the central and southwestern areas, the weather is virtually beautiful in the other territories.

What is the Ethiopian fall like?

Dry Period (October to May)

The entire country enjoys fantastic weather throughout October. The most fantastic time to visit the nation is in November since everything continues to run well. Excellent weather is encouraging all forms of cultural and outdoor tourism. Given Ethiopia's lengthy history and a wide array of natural beauties, there will undoubtedly be something to do.

Which holidays are observed on these days?

• Enkutatash - Ethiopia New year’s Day on Wednesday, September 11, 2024
• Finding of the True Cross (Meskel): Likely, Friday, September 27th, 2024

Winter

Period: From December to February

Ethiopia experiences summer throughout the winter season. The temperature is at its highest, and there is no precipitation. The average daily temperature in eastern and south-eastern areas peaks at 37 °C (99 °F).

The rest of the nation has more rain, but the amounts are negligible, and the average temperature is much lower. Due to the greater altitude, the average temperature throughout the winter is around 27 °C (81 °F).

What things make Ethiopian winter attract tourists?

The optimum time to visit Ethiopia is, thus, during the latter two months of fall and winter. One of the finest things to sample when visiting Ethiopia is hot cups of coffee that have been prepared right there on the table.

Which holidays are observed on these days?

• Ethiopian Christmas Day is on Sunday, January 7th, 2024
• Epiphany (Timkat) on Saturday, January 20th, 2024

Ethiopians celebrate Christmas Day

Addis Ababa weather by frequently questions travelers need to know before their trip

• What month is the hottest in Addis Ababa?

February and March are the warmest months in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with an average high temperature of 23.3°C (73.9°F).

February is the driest month in Addis Ababa. This is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 51%. Addis Ababa's driest month that has the least rainfall is December, which has 4.1 days of rain and averages 4mm (0.16") of precipitation.

• What month is the coldest in Addis Ababa?

The coldest month is August, with an average high temperature of 19.2°C (66.6°F) and a low temperature of 10.8°C (51.4°F). The wettest month is August, with an average relative humidity of 85%.

• When are Addis Ababa's longest days?

June offers the year's longest days, with an average of 12 hours and 38 minutes of daylight. On the contrary, December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 11 hours and 37 minutes of daylight.

• When does Addis Ababa have the lowest UV index?

June through December had the lowest UV index in Addis Ababa, with an average maximum UV index of 4. The month with the least sunlight of the year is August, with an average of 8.1 hours of sunshine.

The months with the highest UV index in Addis Ababa are January through May, with an average maximum UV index of 5. January and December are the months that have the most sunlight. At that time, the most sunlight is available, with an average of 9.8 hours per day.

• What month has the most rain in Addis Ababa?

In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, July has the most significant rainfall. Rain falls for 30.8 days, totaling 213 mm (8.39") of precipitation. There are 177.8 rainy days yearly, with an average of 873mm (34.37") rainfall.

Is Daylight Saving Time (DST) observed in Addis Ababa?

Daylight Saving Time is not observed in Addis Ababa (DST). The EAT timezone is utilized all year.

Weather information from Addis Ababa may be quite useful to tourists conducting research before visiting a new and distinctive Ethiopian area. You will visualize the intricacies of Addis Ababa's weather throughout the year and the features of each month, and from there you will be able to properly plan your itinerary to completely enjoy your vacation. There are certain areas that should only be visited during the rainy season and others that should only be seen during the summer. Let's figure it out!

Regardless of the weather, visitors require a visa to traverse borders between nations and territories. Ethiopia Immigration Service's e-Visa is an excellent choice to accompany you while traveling to Addis Ababa. Quickly fill out an online form to get an e-visa faster than ever before!