Weather in Lalibela

Find out what to expect from the weather in Lalibela right now. In this section, we have collected up-to-date data, detailed forecasts, and temperature charts for you so that nothing interferes with your plans.

The climate of the city of Lalibela can be described as mild and temperate, largely due to its high-altitude location in Ethiopia. There is almost no scorching heat here, which is typical for many other regions of the continent, and the weather remains comfortable for travel all year round. The temperature regime is distinguished by enviable stability: average indicators fluctuate in a pleasant range from 15°C to 19°C, creating an atmosphere of "eternal spring".

Two main periods are clearly distinguished during the year: a long dry season and a short but intense rainy season. From October to May, there is extremely little rainfall, and the sky delights with sunny clarity, making these months ideal for visiting the famous rock-hewn churches. Conversely, July and August are the time of peak humidity, when all 31 days of the month can be rainy, so planning a trip during this period requires special preparation.

A characteristic feature of the local weather is the noticeable difference between day and night temperatures. During the day, the air usually warms up to a comfortable 22–25°C; however, nights can be quite cool, with the thermometer dropping to 8–10°C. Travellers are advised to always carry warm clothing for the evenings, regardless of which month the trip is planned for.

The climate in Lalibela can be characterized as mild and temperate, which is due to the city's high-altitude location. The warmest period here falls on the spring months—March, April, and May. At this time, the average temperature holds at around +19°C, and daytime highs reach the +25°C mark. This time of year feels pleasantly warm, but without the exhausting heat characteristic of many other regions in Africa. Notably, the traditional summer months, July and August, are the coolest period of the year here due to the rainy season: the average temperature drops to +15°C, and during the day, the thermometer rarely rises above +20°C.

The winter months, especially December and January, are distinguished by dry and sunny weather. During the day, the air warms up to a comfortable +22...+23°C, creating ideal conditions for excursions. However, travellers should be prepared for significant temperature fluctuations throughout the day. The difference between daytime warmth and nighttime coolness is quite palpable: in the winter period, night temperatures can drop to +8...+9°C. Therefore, when planning a trip, it is important to take warm clothes for the evenings, even if the bright sun is shining during the day.

The climate of Lalibela is characterized by a clear division into a dry season and a rainy season, which is important to consider when planning a trip to the famous rock-hewn churches. If your goal is comfortable walks under a clear sky, it is worth choosing the winter months. From November to January, precipitation here is a great rarity: its level tends toward zero, and statistics record only 1–3 days with precipitation for the entire month. This is the driest and most stable time of the year.

The situation changes radically with the arrival of summer. The wettest months are July and August. During this period, precipitation falls almost daily (up to 31 rainy days per month), reaching peak values of 18–20 mm. Travellers at this time will definitely need reliable raincoats and waterproof shoes, as humidity becomes a constant companion, but the surrounding landscapes of Ethiopia acquire a rich green colour.

Spring and early autumn represent transitional periods. For example, in April and June, the frequency of precipitation increases (up to 15–17 rainy days), however, their volume remains comparatively small, suggesting a likelihood of short-term or drizzling rains. By September, the intensity of precipitation begins to subside, preparing the region for a sunny and dry October.

The climate in Lalibela is largely determined by its high-altitude location, so the weather here is mild, but with noticeable temperature changes throughout the day. The main principle when packing your suitcase is layering. During the day, the air usually warms up to a comfortable +20...+25°C, and you will be comfortable in light cotton t-shirts or shirts. However, evenings and nights here are quite cool all year round: the thermometer can drop to +9°C. Be sure to put a warm sweater, a fleece jacket, or a light coat in your luggage so as not to freeze after sunset.

Pay special attention to the choice of footwear. Visiting the famous rock-hewn churches involves a lot of walking on uneven rocky surfaces, ascents, and descents. The ideal option would be broken-in trekking boots or sturdy sneakers with non-slip soles. Also, considering the altitude above sea level, the sun here is very active even in cloudy weather. Do not forget to bring a head covering (a cap or sun hat), sunglasses, and a reliable cream with a high SPF protection factor.

The set of items also depends on the season. If you are planning a trip in the period from June to September (especially in July and August), be prepared for the rainy season: at this time, precipitation falls almost daily. You will definitely need a high-quality raincoat, a waterproof windbreaker, and possibly a spare pair of shoes. In the dry season (from October to May), rain is extremely rare, but it can be dusty, so a light scarf or buff to protect your face, as well as skin moisturizers, will come in handy.