Best Time to Visit Ethiopia

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Known as the ‘Cradle of Mankind’, Ethiopia is a treasure trove waiting to be admired and cherished. It still remains an underrated travel destination, but those who do step forth to explore the country are treated to a rich mix of Middle Eastern and African culture, a fascinating history, and some of the most beautiful sights on the planet. From the churches of Lalibela to the castles of Gondar, magic awaits you everywhere in this beautiful land. All you have to do is decide when to visit Ethiopia.

Quick Facts

  • High Season: January - March
  • Low Season: April - September
  • All Seasons: January - March, April - September, October - December
  • The best time to visit Ethiopia is between January - March, which is the dry season. There is little rainfall, and the skies are sunny. You can also experience the country’s biggest festivals during this period.
  • Between October - December, the weather in Ethiopia is rather pleasant and dry.
  • The peak tourist season is between October - January, but there is a chance of rainfall, and the number of tourists will be quite high.

Ethiopia is a country with a lot to offer. Whether you want to explore the Simien Mountains or head to the low-lying plateaus in South Omo, you need to know when to visit Ethiopia. After all, the weather in Ethiopia can be extremely different, depending on which part of the country you’re interested in visiting.

The best time to visit Ethiopia is between January and March when the crowds have weaned off, and the rains have come to a halt. This is the summer season, when the skies are blue, and the days are warm. The lack of rain will make all parts of the country more accessible for you as well.

The second best time to visit Ethiopia is between October and December. By September, the rainfall comes to a halt in most parts of the country, making this a safe season to travel during. The mountains will be lush green due to the monsoons, so you can expect great views while trekking.

Seasonal Overview

January to March — Summer / High Season

The indigenous  landscape of Ethiopia
The Indigenous Landscape of Ethiopia.

This is the best season to visit Ethiopia, as you will be able to enjoy the historical monuments and nature parks without having to deal with crowds. These are the warmest months, even though there is low rainfall in certain parts of the country, including Addis Ababa. Other than hiking at the Simien or Bale mountains, you can do everything else during this period.

  • Avg. Temperature: 52 – 75° F / 11 – 24° C (in Addis Ababa)
  • Rainfall: 20 – 80 mm
  • Season: Summer
  • Highlights: You can explore all of the countries in peace, as this is the best season to visit Ethiopia. The historical castles of Gondar, churches at Lalibela, Aksum, etc. will be open for unobstructed viewing. This is a good season for those who want to visit the Ethiopian highlands for spotting wildlife such as ibex, wolves, and several other large mammals (you should keep in mind that the nights might get rather cold - so pack your warm clothes). Ethiopia’s biggest celebration, Timkat, takes place in mid-January and is an event you should definitely not miss.

April to September — Monsoon / Low Season

This is the peak rain season, also known as kiremt season within the country. This is not a great time to visit the Simien or Bale mountains, as the rains might make them impossible to pass. The Omo and Mago valley national parks experience monsoon earlier in this season, so you will be able to visit them after July. The climate in the lowlands, including Addis Ababa, can be rather sticky and hot, so they are better avoided during this season.

  • Avg. Temperature: 55 – 73° F / 13 – 23° C (in Addis Ababa)
  • Rainfall: 56 – 269 mm
  • Season: Monsoon
  • Highlights: This is the low season, with weather in Ethiopia being rather wet and humid. If you’re looking to explore the country on a budget, now is a good time. Keep in mind that the mountain regions will be inaccessible for the most part of the season, while the national parks can be visited during the latter half. This might not be the best time to visit the heritage sites either, as the roads leading there could be blocked, and visiting these sites itself made difficult due to the rains.

October to December — Spring / Good Season

The natural landscape Ethiopia
The Luscious Natural Landscape of Ethiopia.

This is the shoulder season. The weather in Ethiopia is rather pleasant owing to the rains. The highlands and the Simian Mountains are exceptionally beautiful. Expect little to no rain all across the country, and clear blue skies all around. This is the peak tourist season, so make sure you get your tickets and accommodation booked in advance.

  • Avg. Temperature: 52 – 72° F / 11 – 22° C (in Addis Ababa)
  • Rainfall: 9 – 40 mm
  • Season: Spring
  • Highlights: This is the best time for you to explore the natural beauty of Ethiopia. The rains bring out the lush greenery of the entire country. This is the best time to hike the Simien Mountains as the trails will be clear. There is little to no rain in the South Omo valley, so better add that to the itinerary as well. If you wish to be adventurous, you can also visit the underrated volcanic lands in the Great Rift Valley! It will surely be an experience of a lifetime.
Published by David Lee, updated on June 11, 2021
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