Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Addis Ababa
🇪🇹 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia · Africa
Based on 30-year climate data (1991-2020) from Open-Meteo
Recommended Travel Months
Jan
22°
9°
Great
Feb
23°
10°
Great
Mar
23°
11°
Good
Apr
23°
11°
Good
May
23°
11°
Good
Jun
21°
11°
Good
Jul
19°
11°
Good
Aug
19°
11°
Good
Sep
20°
10°
Good
Oct
20°
8°
Great
Nov
21°
8°
Great
Dec
21°
8°
Great
Month-by-Month Weather in Addis Ababa
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sunshine | Humidity | UV | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryRecommended | 22°C | 9°C | 3 | 11h | 82% | 3 | Great | View |
| FebruaryRecommended | 23°C | 10°C | 5 | 11h | 82% | 3 | Great | View |
| March | 23°C | 11°C | 10 | 11h | 82% | 6 | Good | View |
| April | 23°C | 11°C | 14 | 11h | 82% | 6 | Good | View |
| May | 23°C | 11°C | 14 | 11h | 82% | 8 | Good | View |
| June | 21°C | 11°C | 23 | 10h | 82% | 8 | Good | View |
| July | 19°C | 11°C | 31 | 9h | 82% | 8 | Good | View |
| August | 19°C | 11°C | 31 | 10h | 82% | 8 | Good | View |
| September | 20°C | 10°C | 25 | 11h | 82% | 6 | Good | View |
| OctoberRecommended | 20°C | 8°C | 7 | 11h | 82% | 6 | Great | View |
| NovemberRecommended | 21°C | 8°C | 2 | 11h | 82% | 3 | Great | View |
| DecemberRecommended | 21°C | 8°C | 1 | 11h | 82% | 3 | Great | View |
Data source: Open-Meteo ERA5 reanalysis archive, 30-year historical normals (1991-2020). Temperatures in Celsius. Sunshine hours are daily averages.
Seasonal Guide to Addis Ababa
Spring (March to May)
Avg: 23°C high, 11°C low
Spring in Addis Ababa brings gradually warm temperatures. Daytime highs reach around 23°C (73°F) while nights cool to 11°C (52°F). This is one of the wetter periods, so waterproof gear is recommended.
Summer (June to August)
Avg: 20°C high, 11°C low
Summer is the warmest season in Addis Ababa, with temperatures reaching 20°C (68°F). Temperatures remain moderate, offering comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. Long daylight hours and abundant sunshine provide plenty of time to explore.
Fall (September to November)
Avg: 20°C high, 9°C low
Fall in Addis Ababa is one of the best times to visit. Temperatures settle around 20°C (68°F) during the day and 9°C (48°F) at night. Rainfall picks up during this period, so waterproof clothing is advisable.
Winter (December to February)
Avg: 22°C high, 9°C low
Winter in Addis Ababa brings the mildest cool season. While not as warm as peak travel months, the pleasant temperatures make for comfortable sightseeing without the summer crowds.
When to Avoid Addis Ababa
The least favorable time to visit Addis Ababa is April and May. During this period, you can expect frequent rain, high humidity.
April
Challenges: frequent rain, high humidity
May
Challenges: frequent rain, high humidity
June
Challenges: heavy rainfall, high humidity
Note: visiting during off-peak months often means lower prices, fewer crowds, and a more authentic experience. Consider your priorities when planning your trip.
What to Pack for Addis Ababa
Packing recommendations for visiting Addis Ababa during the best travel months (January, February, November), when temperatures range from 9°C to 22°C:
- +Light layers for warm days and cooler evenings
- +Comfortable walking shoes
- +A light sweater or cardigan for evening temperature drops
- +Reusable water bottle
- +Universal power adapter
Addis Ababa Year-Round Climate Overview
Addis Ababa has a subtropical climate (Koppen classification: Cwb). The warmest month is May with highs of 23°C, while the coldest month is August at just 19°C. Annual rainfall averages 1741mm across approximately 166 rain days.
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 21 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 21 |
| Low °C | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Rain Days | 3 | 5 | 10 | 14 | 14 | 23 | 31 | 31 | 25 | 7 | 2 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 16 | 18 | 65 | 132 | 159 | 255 | 369 | 395 | 270 | 46 | 10 | 6 |
| Sun h/day | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 |
| Humidity % | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 |
| UV Index | 3 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
Compare Nearby Destinations
Considering alternatives to Addis Ababa? Compare the best travel months for nearby cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Addis Ababa?+
The best time to visit Addis Ababa is January, February, November. During these months, temperatures average 22°C (72°F) with 11 hours of daily sunshine and only 3 rain days per month. These conditions offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
What is the worst time to visit Addis Ababa?+
The least ideal time to visit Addis Ababa is April and May. During this period, you can expect frequent rain, high humidity. While Addis Ababa can still be visited during this time (often with fewer crowds and lower prices), the weather may limit outdoor activities.
Is Addis Ababa good to visit in summer?+
Summer in Addis Ababa (June to August) brings temperatures of 20°C (68°F) highs and 11°C (52°F) lows, with about 10 hours of sunshine and 28 rain days per month. Consider visiting during the recommended months instead for better weather.
What is the rainy season in Addis Ababa?+
The rainy season in Addis Ababa runs from June to September, when average rain days increase to 28 days per month. Total monthly precipitation during this period averages 322mm.
What should I pack for Addis Ababa?+
When visiting Addis Ababa during the best travel months (January, February, November), pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket. Rain gear is generally not needed. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended.
Is January a good time to visit Addis Ababa?+
Yes, January is one of the best months to visit Addis Ababa. Expect average highs of 22°C (72°F), 11 hours of daily sunshine, and only 3 rain days. The weather is ideal for exploring the city, visiting outdoor attractions, and enjoying local activities.
Detailed Monthly Weather for Addis Ababa
For a complete day-by-day weather breakdown including packing lists, activities, and local events, explore each month individually:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
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