Whole territory of Ethiopia is located in equatorial and subequatorial climate zones however altitude variety brings some features to weather conditions of the country. For example in Ethiopian Highlands average daytime temperature is in range between 25 and 30 °C (77-86 °F) year-round and there is significant amount of precipitation.

Eastern regions are quite opposite with arid desert type of weather. In general annual shifts of temperature aren’t a thing in the country. In fact daily shifts are more pronounced for they may reach 15 °C in Celsius (≈27 °F on the Fahrenheit scale). In addition weather conditions of certain location are strongly depending on altitude. Ethiopia is very sunny country.

Seasons

Contents:

• March-May
• June-August
• September-November
• December-February

March-May in Ethiopia

Central and south-west regions have rather mild weather at March with about 27 °C (81 °F) while east and south-eastern portion of the country are way hotter with up to 35 °C (95 °F) of temperature of air. Occasionally at March and first half of April there is season of short showers.

Average temperature slightly rises through April at May by couple degrees. In addition precipitation becomes insignificant at last month of spring. Some years have no season of short rains so spring weather conditions are staying almost same through whole season.

Climate from March to May

March Max average t°: +25.5 °C (78 °F) Min average t°: +10.5 °C (51 °F) Sundial in the day: 10.5 hours Rainy days: 7 days Precipitation: 72 mm (2.8")

April Max average t°: +25 °C (77 °F) Min average t°: +11 °C (52 °F) Sundial in the day: 10 hours Rainy days: 9 days Precipitation: 105 mm (4.1")

May Max average t°: +25 °C (77 °F) Min average t°: +11 °C (51 °F) Sundial in the day: 10.5 hours Rainy days: 8 days Precipitation: 87 mm (3.4")

(Addis Ababa)

Holidays

Easter celebrations at movable dates of March and April.

March 2 – Victory at Adwa Day.
March 28 – Day of Lament.

May 1 – International Workers' Day.
May 5 – Ethiopian Patriots Victory Day.
May 28 – Derg Downfall Day.

June-August in Ethiopia

In terms of temperature summer bring minor changes. Unless average maximum extremums are bit lower. However seasonal changes are occurring. At June main rainy season comes to Ethiopia. Since the country has no access to the sea visiting it rainy season when amount of precipitation reaches 280 mm (11”) per month isn’t best idea.

Rainy Season (June to September)

And significant difference between daytime and nighttime average temperatures is still here so travelers should be prepared for 10 °C (50 °F) at night when going to go to south-western regions. In addition vaccination for tropical diseases is required and only bottled water for drinking and cooking.

Climate from June to August

June Max average t°: +23 °C (74 °F) Min average t°: +10.5 °C (51 °F) Sundial in the day: 10 hours Rainy days: 8 days Precipitation: 110 mm (4.3")

July Max average t°: +21 °C (69 °F) Min average t°: +11 °C (52 °F) Sundial in the day: 8 hours Rainy days: 20 days Precipitation: 249 mm (9.8")

August Max average t°: +21 °C (69 °F) Min average t°: +11 °C (52 °F) Sundial in the day: 7.5 hours Rainy days: 21 days Precipitation: 253 mm (10.0")

(Addis Ababa)

Holidays

At summer Islamic holidays of Eid al-Fitre and Eid al-Adaha are held at least at several next years (counting from 2018). Thing is dates in Islamic calendar are moving by 10 or 11 days in relation to Gregorian calendar.

September-November in Ethiopia

At September precipitation pattern is changing. Central and south-western regions are still having what remained of rainy season while in the rest of the territories somebody seems to turn off “piping of the sky” and weather is almost perfect. At October great weather reigns in whole country.

Dry Season (October to May)

At November things stay same good thus this is the best time to go to the country. Great weather conditions are promoting all kinds of cultural and natural tourism. Taking to account long history of Ethiopia and great variety of natural wonders there certainly will be something to do.

Climate from September to November

September Max average t°: +22 °C (71 °F) Min average t°: +11 °C (51 °F) Sundial in the day: 9 hours Rainy days: 12 days Precipitation: 144 mm (5.7")

October Max average t°: +23 °C (73 °F) Min average t°: +9 °C (48 °F) Sundial in the day: 10.5 hours Rainy days: 2 days Precipitation: 30 mm (1.2")

November Max average t°: +23 °C (73 °F) Min average t°: +7 °C (44 °F) Sundial in the day: 10.5 hours Rainy days: 1 day Precipitation: 11 mm (0.4")

(Addis Ababa)

Holidays

September 11 (Leap year: September 12) – New Year's Day.

September 27 (Leap year: September 28) – Finding of the True Cross.

December-February in Ethiopia

At calendar winter actual summer comes to Ethiopia. Temperature is gradually rises to its maximum and precipitation is missing. In eastern and south-eastern regions average daytime temperature reaches its peak of 37 °C (99 °F) and amount of precipitation may be literally 0 (only zero mm/inch), especially at December.

Rest of the country is rainier however amounts of precipitation are insignificant while average temperature is way lower. At winter average temperature here is about 27 °C (81 °F) due to higher altitude. Therefore last two month of autumn and winter making the best period for visit to Ethiopia.

Climate from December to February

December Max average t°: +23 °C (73 °F) Min average t°: +7 °C (45 °F) Sundial in the day: 11 hours Rainy days: 0 days Precipitation: 3.2 mm (0.13")

January Max average t°: +23.5 °C (74 °F) Min average t°: +7.5 °C (45 °F) Sundial in the day: 10.5 hours Rainy days: 1 day Precipitation: 10 mm (0.4")

February Max average t°: +24.5 °C (76 °F) Min average t°: +9 °C (48 °F) Sundial in the day: 10.5 hours Rainy days: 2 days Precipitation: 33 mm (1.3")

(Addis Ababa)

Holidays

January 7 (Leap year: January 6) – Ethiopian Christmas.

January 19 – Epiphany.