Weather in Addis Ababa

Planning your day in Addis Ababa or preparing for a trip? Here you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions, including fresh forecasts and useful charts.

The climate of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, can be characterized as moderate highland. Thanks to its location at a significant altitude above sea level, the city is distinguished by pleasant coolness and the absence of the exhausting heat characteristic of many other African regions. The temperature here remains surprisingly stable and comfortable throughout the year, with average values fluctuating mainly between 14°C and 17°C.

In Addis Ababa, there are two clearly defined seasons: dry and rainy. The dry season usually lasts from October-November to February-March. During these months, especially in December and January, rainfall is minimal, and there are many sunny days. The rainy season, known as "kiremt", falls during the period from June to September. The highest amount of precipitation falls in July and August, when it can rain almost daily, making these the wettest months of the year.

Transitional periods between the dry and rainy seasons, such as March-May and October, are characterized by changeable weather with moderate rainfall. Overall, the climate of Addis Ababa allows for trip planning at any time of the year; however, for those who prefer dry and sunny weather, the months of the dry season will be the most favorable.

The temperature regime in Addis Ababa is distinguished by remarkable stability throughout the year, which is due to the city's high-altitude location. The annual range of average temperatures fluctuates slightly: from 14.6°C in November and December to 17.2°C in March. The warmest months, when daytime highs reach 23.5°C, are February and March. December and November are considered the coolest, with an average temperature of about 14.6°C and nighttime lows dropping to 7.4°C in December.

The period from June to August, which coincides with the main rainy season (local "kiremt" or nominal "summer"), is characterized by more moderate temperatures compared to the spring months. In July and August, the average temperature holds around 15.0-15.1°C, and daytime highs rarely rise above 19-21°C. Nights remain cool, with minimum temperatures around 11°C. The nominal "winter" months, falling during the dry season (from October to February), bring mostly sunny weather. Daytime temperatures during this period, for example in January, can reach 22.5°C, while nights remain quite cool, with temperatures around 8.0°C.

Addis Ababa is characterized by noticeable diurnal temperature fluctuations, which are especially pronounced in the dry season. The difference between daytime maximum and nighttime minimum temperatures in months such as December or January can be 14-15°C. During the rainy season (from June to September), these fluctuations usually smooth out, and the temperature difference most often does not exceed 8-10°C, creating a more even temperature background throughout the day.

Precipitation in Addis Ababa has a distinct seasonal character, which is important to consider when planning a trip. The city clearly distinguishes between a long rainy season and a dry period, as well as transitional months with variable rainfall.

The main rainy season lasts from June to September. The peak of precipitation falls in July and August: in August, an average of 14 mm of precipitation falls, and it rains almost every day (31 rainy days); a similar picture is observed in July with 13 mm of precipitation and also 31 rainy days. In June (10 mm, 24 rainy days) and September (11 mm, 28 rainy days), a significant number of rainy days is also observed, making these months humid. During this period, rains can be frequent and prolonged.

The dry season in Addis Ababa is most pronounced from November to February. The driest months are December, when precipitation is completely absent (0 mm) and there are no rainy days at all, and January, where there is also practically no precipitation (0 mm), although statistics note 1 day with insignificant rainfall. November (1 mm, 3 rainy days) and February (1 mm, 4 rainy days) are also characterized by a minimal amount of precipitation.

Transitional periods are observed in spring and autumn. March (2 mm, 10 rainy days), April (6 mm, 18 rainy days), and May (5 mm, 13 rainy days) demonstrate a gradual increase in the amount of precipitation and rainy days, foreshadowing the onset of the main rainy season. October (2 mm, 8 rainy days) marks the transition from the wet season to the dry one, with a noticeable decrease in both the total volume of precipitation and the frequency of rains.

When planning a trip to Addis Ababa, it is important to consider the features of the high-altitude climate and seasonal weather changes. Regardless of the time of year, the principle of layering should be the basis of your wardrobe. During the day, the temperature can be quite comfortable, but evenings and early mornings, especially in the dry season, can be cool. Therefore, light sweaters, a fleece jacket, or a coat will always come in handy. Don't forget comfortable shoes for walking around the city. Given the high-altitude location, the sun here is active even on cloudy days, so sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are mandatory year-round.

If your trip falls during the dry season (approximately from October/November to February/March), pack light clothing for the daytime: t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts for sun protection, trousers, or skirts. In the evening and at night, the temperature can drop to 7-10°C, so warm items such as a sweater, a light jacket, or a windbreaker will be very useful. In December and January, precipitation is practically absent, so an umbrella will most likely not be needed, but a light windbreaker will protect against a possible evening breeze.

During the rainy season (June-September, with a peak in July-August), the main task will be protection from moisture. Be sure to take a waterproof jacket or raincoat and possibly a small collapsible umbrella. Clothing made from quick-drying materials will be an advantage. Despite the rains, the temperature remains moderate, but due to humidity, it may feel cool, so warm layers of clothing are still relevant. In the transitional months (March-May and October), the weather can be changeable, with a chance of short-term rains, so a light jacket and readiness for changes will be useful.