Best Time to Visit Ethiopia
Ethiopia is at its sunniest and driest in January–December.
The best time to visit Ethiopia for sunny, dry weather is October–March — 6 months of the year match our sunny profiles at a country-wide average. The drier half of the year covers October–May, while the wetter half runs through June–September. Country-wide monthly temperatures range from 14.5°C / 58.1°F in July to 18°C / 64.4°F in March, and monthly rainfall from 8 mm / 0.3 in (January) to 290 mm / 11.4 in (August). Ethiopia's climate is broadly mild oceanic. These are national area-weighted averages from long-term climate normals — regional variation within Ethiopia can be substantial, especially for large or geographically diverse countries. Below, every month is classified against our five weather profiles so you can match your travel window to your preferred weather.
Recommended months
| Month | Temp | Rain | Feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15.5°C59.9°F | 8 mm0.3″ | Sunny & Mild |
| February | 16.5°C61.7°F | 15 mm0.6″ | Sunny & Mild |
| March | 18°C64.4°F | 45 mm1.8″ | Sunny & Mild |
| October | 16°C60.8°F | 40 mm1.6″ | Sunny & Mild |
| November | 15°C59°F | 10 mm0.4″ | Sunny & Mild |
| December | 15°C59°F | 8 mm0.3″ | Sunny & Mild |
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Ethiopia?
The best time to visit Ethiopia for sunny, dry weather is January, February, March, October, November, December. The warmest month is March (18°C / 64.4°F country-wide average) and the driest is January (about 8 mm / 0.3 in). These months combine warmth with low rainfall based on long-term climate normals.
When is the rainy season in Ethiopia?
The rainy season in Ethiopia runs through June–September, when monthly rainfall exceeds the national annual median of about 85 mm / 3.3 in. The wettest single month is August, averaging 290 mm / 11.4 in.
What is the dry season in Ethiopia?
The drier half of the year in Ethiopia covers October–May, when monthly rainfall stays at or below the annual median of about 85 mm / 3.3 in. The driest single month is January with about 8 mm / 0.3 in.
What months should I avoid visiting Ethiopia?
The least comfortable months for travel in Ethiopia — based on our climate data — are July, August, September, November, December. These are Ethiopia's wettest or coolest months. Rainfall peaks at 290 mm / 11.4 in in August, and temperatures bottom out at 14.5°C / 58.1°F in July.
Is there a shoulder season in Ethiopia?
Shoulder-season months in Ethiopia — moderate weather, lower rainfall than the wet season — include April, May. These are typically the quietest and cheapest months for travel, and often deliver decent weather without the peak-season crowd.