Ethiopia Weather by Month
Ethiopia is a landlocked country in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Eritrea to the north, Djibouti and Somalia to the east, Kenya to the south, and Sudan and South Sudan to the west. It is one of Africa’s most geographically diverse countries, featuring vast highlands, plateaus, lowlands, and the Great Rift Valley, which runs through the country from the northeast to the southwest.
The country’s geography significantly influences its climate, leading to considerable variations in weather across different regions. Ethiopia has a range of climatic zones:
- Highlands: Much of Ethiopia’s population lives in the highlands, where the climate is temperate due to the altitude. Cities like Addis Ababa, located at 2,355 meters above sea level, experience mild weather year-round.
- Lowlands: The eastern and southeastern regions of Ethiopia, including Afar and Somali, experience hotter, arid conditions. The Danakil Depression is one of the hottest places on earth.
- Western and Southwestern Ethiopia: These regions, including cities like Gambela and Jimma, are tropical and humid, with higher rainfall during the rainy season.
- Great Rift Valley: This region, stretching from the north to the south, has diverse weather patterns depending on elevation, with moderate to hot conditions.
Ethiopia’s climate can be divided into three major seasons:
- Bega (Dry Season): October to February.
- Belg (Short Rainy Season): March to May.
- Kiremt (Long Rainy Season): June to September.
Below is a detailed breakdown of Ethiopia’s weather by month.
January
Weather Overview
January falls in the middle of Ethiopia’s Bega (dry season), bringing dry and cool conditions across much of the country. This is one of the most pleasant months for travel, especially in the highland regions.
Northern and Central Highlands (Addis Ababa, Lalibela, Gondar)
- Temperature: 10°C to 23°C (50°F to 73°F)
- Rainfall: 10-30 mm
- Weather: Dry and sunny with cool mornings and warm afternoons. Addis Ababa and Lalibela experience mild weather, making it a great time for outdoor activities and exploring historical sites.
Lowlands (Afar, Somali Region, Danakil Depression)
- Temperature: 20°C to 38°C (68°F to 100°F)
- Rainfall: 0-5 mm
- Weather: Hot and dry. The Afar and Danakil Depression experience scorching temperatures during the day, though nights can be cooler.
Western and Southwestern Ethiopia (Jimma, Gambela)
- Temperature: 15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 10-20 mm
- Weather: Mild and dry, with warm days and cooler nights. This region receives occasional light rain but remains largely dry in January.
February
Weather Overview
February continues the dry season, with warm, dry, and sunny weather across much of Ethiopia. Temperatures begin to rise slightly in the lowland regions, while the highlands remain comfortable.
Northern and Central Highlands
- Temperature: 11°C to 25°C (52°F to 77°F)
- Rainfall: 10-25 mm
- Weather: Warm and dry, with little rainfall. Days are sunny, and the mornings and evenings are cool in cities like Addis Ababa and Bahir Dar.
Lowlands
- Temperature: 22°C to 40°C (72°F to 104°F)
- Rainfall: 0-5 mm
- Weather: Hot and arid, especially in the Danakil Depression and the Somali Region. The heat is intense during the day but slightly more bearable at night.
Western and Southwestern Ethiopia
- Temperature: 16°C to 30°C (61°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 15-30 mm
- Weather: Warm, with minimal rainfall. Regions like Jimma and Gambela remain dry, but the temperatures are beginning to rise.
March
Weather Overview
March marks the start of the Belg (short rainy season) in parts of Ethiopia, particularly in the central and southern regions. The highlands still experience pleasant temperatures, while the lowlands remain hot.
Northern and Central Highlands
- Temperature: 12°C to 26°C (54°F to 79°F)
- Rainfall: 20-50 mm
- Weather: Increasing rainfall in the Amhara and Tigray regions, though the rain is usually light and brief. Addis Ababa starts to experience more frequent showers.
Lowlands
- Temperature: 24°C to 42°C (75°F to 108°F)
- Rainfall: 5-10 mm
- Weather: Hot and dry in the Danakil Depression and Somali Region, though occasional thunderstorms are possible.
Western and Southwestern Ethiopia
- Temperature: 18°C to 31°C (64°F to 88°F)
- Rainfall: 30-60 mm
- Weather: Warm with increasing rainfall, especially in regions like Jimma and Gambela. The rains are still intermittent, making it a pleasant time to visit.
April
Weather Overview
April is part of the Belg season, with moderate rain in many parts of the country. The highlands remain temperate, while the lowlands are still very hot. Rainfall increases across the central and southern regions.
Northern and Central Highlands
- Temperature: 13°C to 26°C (55°F to 79°F)
- Rainfall: 30-70 mm
- Weather: Frequent showers, especially in Addis Ababa, Lalibela, and Gondar. However, the rains are typically short, and the skies clear up quickly.
Lowlands
- Temperature: 26°C to 43°C (79°F to 109°F)
- Rainfall: 5-20 mm
- Weather: Hot with isolated rain showers, though much of the region remains dry. The Afar and Somali regions experience some cooling due to occasional storms.
Western and Southwestern Ethiopia
- Temperature: 19°C to 32°C (66°F to 90°F)
- Rainfall: 40-80 mm
- Weather: The rains become more frequent in the west, particularly in Jimma and Gambela, making the region lush and green. Temperatures remain warm but comfortable.
May
Weather Overview
May brings the peak of the Belg rains, with heavy rainfall in the central, western, and southern regions. The highlands experience cooler temperatures, while the lowlands remain hot but may see occasional thunderstorms.
Northern and Central Highlands
- Temperature: 12°C to 24°C (54°F to 75°F)
- Rainfall: 50-100 mm
- Weather: Heavy rains in Addis Ababa and the surrounding highland areas. The rainy season can bring lush greenery to the region, but muddy conditions may make travel difficult.
Lowlands
- Temperature: 27°C to 42°C (81°F to 108°F)
- Rainfall: 10-30 mm
- Weather: Hot with scattered rain showers in the Danakil Depression and Somali Region. While still arid, the occasional rain provides temporary relief from the heat.
Western and Southwestern Ethiopia
- Temperature: 19°C to 30°C (66°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 60-120 mm
- Weather: Wet and humid, with frequent rains in Jimma and Gambela. The region is lush and green, with warm temperatures despite the rain.
June
Weather Overview
June marks the start of the Kiremt (long rainy season) in the highlands and central regions of Ethiopia. Rainfall becomes heavier, especially in the western and central regions. The lowlands remain hot but may see some thunderstorms.
Northern and Central Highlands
- Temperature: 11°C to 23°C (52°F to 73°F)
- Rainfall: 70-130 mm
- Weather: Cool and rainy, particularly in Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, and Gondar. The highlands experience frequent downpours, though the rains are often followed by sunny intervals.
Lowlands
- Temperature: 28°C to 44°C (82°F to 111°F)
- Rainfall: 10-40 mm
- Weather: Extremely hot with occasional thunderstorms in the Afar and Somali regions. The rain is sporadic, and the heat remains intense.
Western and Southwestern Ethiopia
- Temperature: 20°C to 29°C (68°F to 84°F)
- Rainfall: 80-150 mm
- Weather: Wet and humid, with frequent heavy rains. Jimma and Gambela continue to see significant rainfall, making the region vibrant and lush.
July
Weather Overview
July is part of the peak Kiremt rainy season, particularly in the central and northern highlands. Heavy rains dominate much of the country, especially in the west and highlands.
Northern and Central Highlands
- Temperature: 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F)
- Rainfall: 100-200 mm
- Weather: Heavy rains are frequent in Addis Ababa, Gondar, and Bahir Dar. Travel during this time can be challenging due to muddy roads and occasional flooding.
Lowlands
- Temperature: 30°C to 45°C (86°F to 113°F)
- Rainfall: 10-50 mm
- Weather: Hot with sporadic thunderstorms. The Danakil Depression remains one of the hottest places on Earth, despite occasional rains.
Western and Southwestern Ethiopia
- Temperature: 19°C to 28°C (66°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 100-180 mm
- Weather: Heavy rains and high humidity persist in Jimma, Gambela, and the surrounding areas. The rainy season reaches its peak, and the landscape is lush and fertile.
August
Weather Overview
August is the peak of the Kiremt rainy season across much of Ethiopia. The highlands and western regions experience frequent downpours, while the lowlands remain hot but receive some rain.
Northern and Central Highlands
- Temperature: 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F)
- Rainfall: 120-250 mm
- Weather: Wet and cool, with heavy rains in Addis Ababa, Lalibela, and Bahir Dar. The highlands experience consistent rainfall, and travel can be difficult due to wet conditions.
Lowlands
- Temperature: 30°C to 45°C (86°F to 113°F)
- Rainfall: 20-50 mm
- Weather: Hot with intermittent rain showers. Afar and Somali regions receive occasional thunderstorms, but the weather remains predominantly dry and hot.
Western and Southwestern Ethiopia
- Temperature: 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F)
- Rainfall: 100-200 mm
- Weather: Heavy rains continue in the west, particularly in Jimma and Gambela. The region is green and lush, with high humidity and warm temperatures.
September
Weather Overview
September marks the end of the Kiremt season, with rains tapering off by the end of the month. The highlands and western regions still experience rain, but conditions begin to improve.
Northern and Central Highlands
- Temperature: 11°C to 24°C (52°F to 75°F)
- Rainfall: 60-150 mm
- Weather: Rainy, especially in early September, but the rains gradually decrease. Addis Ababa, Gondar, and Lalibela still experience showers but with increasing sunshine.
Lowlands
- Temperature: 28°C to 43°C (82°F to 109°F)
- Rainfall: 10-30 mm
- Weather: Hot and dry, with occasional thunderstorms in the Afar and Somali regions. The heat remains intense, but the rains provide brief relief.
Western and Southwestern Ethiopia
- Temperature: 19°C to 29°C (66°F to 84°F)
- Rainfall: 80-150 mm
- Weather: The rains begin to ease in the west, but Jimma and Gambela still experience significant rainfall early in the month. Temperatures remain warm and humid.
October
Weather Overview
October marks the beginning of the Bega (dry season) in Ethiopia. Rainfall decreases significantly, especially in the highlands, making it a more comfortable time for travel.
Northern and Central Highlands
- Temperature: 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F)
- Rainfall: 20-70 mm
- Weather: Mostly dry with occasional light showers. The highlands experience cooler mornings and warm afternoons, and the landscape begins to dry out.
Lowlands
- Temperature: 27°C to 41°C (81°F to 106°F)
- Rainfall: 0-10 mm
- Weather: Hot and dry. The Afar and Somali regions see little to no rainfall, with high temperatures persisting.
Western and Southwestern Ethiopia
- Temperature: 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 40-100 mm
- Weather: Rainfall decreases, but occasional showers continue in Jimma and Gambela. The region remains warm and humid.
November
Weather Overview
November is part of the dry season in Ethiopia, with sunny and warm conditions across most regions. The weather is ideal for travel, particularly in the highlands.
Northern and Central Highlands
- Temperature: 9°C to 24°C (48°F to 75°F)
- Rainfall: 10-40 mm
- Weather: Dry and sunny, with cool mornings and warm afternoons. Addis Ababa, Lalibela, and Gondar experience pleasant weather, with minimal rain.
Lowlands
- Temperature: 25°C to 38°C (77°F to 100°F)
- Rainfall: 0-5 mm
- Weather: Hot and dry. The Danakil Depression and Somali Region remain arid, with intense heat during the day and cooler nights.
Western and Southwestern Ethiopia
- Temperature: 17°C to 28°C (63°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 10-30 mm
- Weather: Mostly dry with occasional showers in Jimma and Gambela. The temperatures remain warm, and the humidity begins to decrease.
December
Weather Overview
December is the middle of the Bega (dry season) and is one of the best times to visit Ethiopia. The weather is dry and cool across most of the country, with ideal conditions for travel.
Northern and Central Highlands
- Temperature: 8°C to 23°C (46°F to 73°F)
- Rainfall: 5-20 mm
- Weather: Dry, sunny, and cool, especially in the mornings and evenings. Addis Ababa, Lalibela, and other highland cities enjoy mild and pleasant weather.
Lowlands
- Temperature: 24°C to 36°C (75°F to 97°F)
- Rainfall: 0-5 mm
- Weather: Hot and dry. The Afar and Danakil Depression remain very hot, but the lack of rain makes this a more bearable time to explore these regions.
Western and Southwestern Ethiopia
- Temperature: 16°C to 27°C (61°F to 81°F)
- Rainfall: 0-10 mm
- Weather: Dry and warm in Jimma and Gambela, with pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler nights. The rainy season has ended, making it a great time to visit.
