Weather in Aksum

Stay updated on weather conditions when travelling to Aksum. Below you will find a detailed summary, temperature charts, and a forecast for the coming days to help you plan the perfect journey.

The climate in this historic region can be described as moderately warm, making a trip comfortable at almost any time of the year. Aksum is located in the highlands, so oppressive heat is rare here, and the temperature remains quite stable. The average daytime temperature fluctuates in a pleasant range from +19°C to +24°C, creating excellent conditions for open-air sightseeing.

The year is clearly divided into dry and wet seasons. From October to May, there is practically no precipitation, and tourists can expect many sunny days. This is the ideal time to plan a journey. With the arrival of June, the weather begins to change, and July and August bring the rainy season: although the volume of rainfall may be moderate, the number of rainy days reaches its peak during this period, and the sky is often overcast.

The warmest period is considered to be the spring months, especially April and May, when the thermometer can rise to +31°C. In winter, despite warm days, the nights become quite fresh: in December and January, the temperature can drop to +11°C. Travellers are advised to bring light warm clothing for evening walks, even if the weather seems summery hot during the day.

The climate in Aksum delights travellers with comfortable conditions, yet it has its own unique features. Winter proves to be a particularly attractive time for a trip, as it bears no resemblance to a cold season here. In December and January, truly pleasant weather prevails: during the day, the air consistently warms up to 27–28°C. These are ideal figures for long walks through archaeological zones, when the sun warms sufficiently but does not create exhausting heat.

Interestingly, the summer familiar to the Northern Hemisphere brings not heat, but long-awaited coolness here. August stands out as one of the "freshest" months of the year. Daytime temperatures at this time drop to a mild 23–24°C, while average values hover around 19°C. This temperature regime allows for comfortable travel around the region even at the height of the calendar summer, allowing you to enjoy the absence of humidity and stuffiness.

During the rest of the year, the temperature background remains surprisingly even and predictable. Transitional seasons pass smoothly, without sharp climatic jumps. Although Ethiopia almost always welcomes guests with warmth during the day, it is worth remembering a general feature of the highlands: after sunset, the air cools down quickly, so a light jacket or sweater will be useful for evening outings regardless of the chosen month.

The climate in the city of Aksum is distinguished by a clear division into a dry season and a rainy season, which is important to consider when planning a journey. The dry period lasts quite a long time — from October to March. In these months, the probability of precipitation tends to zero: for example, in December, rains are usually absent altogether, while in January, February, and March, only one wet day is recorded on average.

The weather picture changes with the arrival of summer. The wettest months of the year are July and August. At this time, it rains very frequently: statistics show up to 28–30 rainy days per month, although the total amount of precipitation may be moderate. June and September act as transitional months when humidity is already elevated, but rains do not occur as regularly as in the peak of the season.

For comfortable sightseeing under the open sky, it is better to choose a time when the sky remains clear. The spring months, April and May, bring a small amount of precipitation (about 6–7 rainy days), which can refresh the air without spoiling plans for a walk. However, if you wish to ensure a rain-free visit, the winter months will be the ideal choice for visiting this historic region.

When preparing for a trip to Aksum, it is worth considering its high-altitude location, which ensures a moderately warm climate throughout the year. During the day, it is usually comfortable in light clothing made of natural fabrics; however, evenings and nights can be quite fresh, especially in December and January when the temperature drops to +11°C. Therefore, the principle of layering will become your best friend: be sure to pack a fleece jacket, a windbreaker, or a warm sweater to throw on after sunset or early in the morning.

The choice of accessories depends directly on the season. From October to May, dry weather prevails in the region, so high SPF sunscreen, headwear, and quality sunglasses are simply essential for protection against the active sun. If your trip to Ethiopia falls during the period from June to September, and especially in July or August, be prepared for the rainy season. At this time, it is strongly recommended to bring a reliable raincoat, an umbrella, and waterproof footwear, as precipitation can be abundant and daily.

For comfortable exploration of ancient obelisks and ruins, you will definitely need comfortable flat-soled shoes suitable for long walks on uneven terrain. Furthermore, considering the conservative traditions and the abundance of religious shrines, tourists should plan for modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and it will be useful for women to have a light scarf or shawl with them for visiting temples.