Best time to visit Ethiopia

The best times to visit Ethiopia (Addis Ababa) are in January, February, March and April based on our default weather conditions. Update your weather preferences to see which months best match.

Ethiopia by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

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Top Ethiopia destinations

Below are average maximum temperatures at popular countries, regions and places in Ethiopia in January. Select a holiday destination to see more weather parameters.

All Ethiopia destinations

When is the best time to visit Ethiopia?

The best times to visit Ethiopia (Addis Ababa) are in January, February, March and April based on the following average weather conditions.

Maximum daytime temperature = 22 - 30°C [remove]
Daily hours of sunshine = 8 hours or more [remove]

Change the criteria to reflect your weather preferences.

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Max Day Temperature (°C)

  • 22°C maximum daytime temperature in January in Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)22
    Jan
  • 23°C maximum daytime temperature in February in Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)23
    Feb
  • 23°C maximum daytime temperature in March in Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)23
    Mar
  • 23°C maximum daytime temperature in April in Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)23
    Apr
  • 23°C maximum daytime temperature in May in Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)23
    May
  • 22°C maximum daytime temperature in June in Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)22
    Jun
  • 20°C maximum daytime temperature in July in Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)20
    Jul
  • 20°C maximum daytime temperature in August in Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)20
    Aug
  • 20°C maximum daytime temperature in September in Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)20
    Sep
  • 21°C maximum daytime temperature in October in Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)21
    Oct
  • 21°C maximum daytime temperature in November in Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)21
    Nov
  • 21°C maximum daytime temperature in December in Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)21
    Dec

Hours of Sunshine (daily)

Best time to visit

The weather guide for Ethiopia (Addis Ababa) shows long term weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia) & today's weather forecast provided by meteoblue. Find out more about our data sources.

Metric (°C / mm)  |  Imperial (°F / inches)

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Ethiopia weather overview

A hilly country with high mountain ranges soaring up to 4,600m (15,000ft), Ethiopia has a range of climatic conditions. Its eastern lowland areas are hot and sticky with a desert-like climate, while conditions are more temperate up in the hills and much cooler in the mountains.

The country has a heavy rainy season, between June and September, when the central and western highlands will witness downpours. These are more ferocious in the west where up to 2,000mm (80in) of rain falls every year and thunderstorms are frequent. Suggestions on suitable clothing vary according to the region being visited.

What to pack for Ethiopia weather

Light clothes are best for the hot lowlands but warmer attire is needed in the hills and visitors should wrap up well if going high into the mountains. Night-time temperatures can be particularly chilly.

More about Ethiopia

Explore our complete guide to Ethiopia with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for Ethiopia.

Ethiopia essential information

Below is a beginner's guide to Ethiopia with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

Ethiopia - quick facts
Time difference UK +3 hours
Language(s) Oromo, Amharic
Currency Ethiopian Birr
Electricity C + F + G plug (220V)
Driving side Right
Visa✝ Yes

✝ = requirements for UK travellers.

Travelling to Ethiopia?

Discover where to book holidays, flights, hotels and more from popular travel providers for your trip to Ethiopia in 2026/2027.

Holidays to Ethiopia

Mercury Holidays Mercury Holidays
Award-winning travel provider offering package holidays, escorted tours and river cruises to Ethiopia and more.
Expedia Expedia
Compare and book holidays, flights, hotels, car hire and more on this trusted website covering global destinations.

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Tours to Ethiopia

Exoticca Exoticca
Online tour operator offering cultural trips and experiences designed by an in-house team of travel experts.

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Flights to Ethiopia

Ethiopian Airlines Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopia's flag carrier and the leading airline in Africa. Serves over 100 destinations across 80+ countries including Ethiopia.
KLM KLM
The Netherland's national flag carrier and the world's largest airline. Serves 170 international destinations via Amsterdam.
Qatar Airways Qatar Airways
Qatar's state-owned flag carrier flies to over 170 destinations worldwide across 80+ countries including Ethiopia.
eDreams eDreams
Leading European OTA offering thousands of flights and hotels across 40,000 destinations including Ethiopia.
KAYAK KAYAK
Search and compare flights, hotels, car hire and package holidays through this award-winning travel search engine.
Kiwi.com Kiwi.com
Global OTA and search engine specialising in affordable flights, hotels and car hire across worldwide destinations including Ethiopia.

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Hotels in Ethiopia

Hilton Hilton
Leading global hospitality brand with a portfolio of 9,000 properties across 141 countries and territories including Ethiopia.
Radisson Hotels Radisson Hotels
Major international hotel group with 10 brands and over 1,520 hotels worldwide including in Ethiopia.
Marriott Marriott
The world's largest hotel company with a portfolio of 30+ brands and almost 9,600 properties across 143 countries.
Agoda Agoda
One of the world's largest online travel platforms with a network of over 6 million hotels. Plus flights, activities and more.
Booking.com Booking.com
Leading global OTA founded in Amsterdam. Offers worldwide accommodation, flights, car hire, activities and more.
Hotels.com Hotels.com
Part of Expedia Group, this major OTA offers deals and discounts on hotel rooms worldwide including in Ethiopia.
Priceline Priceline
Leading OTA for discounted flights, hotels, cruises, car hire, experiences and packages worldwide including in Ethiopia.
Trivago Trivago
Global travel brand and metasearch engine that compares accommodation prices across different online booking sites.

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Accommodation in Ethiopia

Hostelworld Hostelworld
Leading global OTA for hostels and budget accommodation worldwide. Perfect for travellers looking to connect.
VRBO VRBO

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Things to do in Ethiopia

Viator Viator
Get Your Guide Get Your Guide

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Money transfers to Ethiopia

World Remit World Remit

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Airport taxis for Ethiopia

Hoppa Hoppa

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eSIMs for Ethiopia

Amigo Amigo
Airalo Airalo
Roamless Roamless

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Ethiopia travel deals

Check out the latest deals, discount codes and special offers on holidays, flights, hotels and more for Ethiopia in 2026/2027. Pay low deposits and save with last minute holidays, early bird offers and free kids places where available.

Ethiopian Airlines: 10% off flights - New Year's sale

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  • Travel before 16th January 2026 (inclusive)
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Expires at 23:59 on Thursday 15th Jan 2026 · View all Ethiopian Airlines offers

Ethiopian Airlines: Low fares on flights worldwide

  • Explore lowest fares available with Ethiopian Airlines
  • Filter fares by departure point, destination & budget
  • Book flights between Ethiopia & the USA & more
Go to Ethiopian Airlines deal >>

View all Ethiopian Airlines offers

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Ethiopia travel advice

Check the latest travel advice and guidance on visiting Ethiopia from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around Ethiopia.

Note: UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

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Ethiopia travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to Ethiopia with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in Ethiopia, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Ethiopia travel features

Do you want to learn more about Ethiopia? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in Ethiopia.

We don't currently have any travel features on Ethiopia. Discover more about holiday destinations around the world with this selection of general travel articles.

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Ethiopia FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to Ethiopia including the current entry restrictions, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Which is the hottest month in Ethiopia?

The hottest time of year in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is normally May. Expect maximum daytime temperatures to reach 23°C.

Which month has the most rain in Ethiopia?

In terms of rainfall, August is usually the wettest month in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with 281mm on average. There are normally 14 days in August with some rain.

When is it sunniest in Ethiopia?

The sunniest time of year in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is normally December with bright sunshine on average for 82% of daylight hours; that's 10 hours of sunshine per day.

What is the time difference between Ethiopia and the UK?

The time difference between Ethiopia and the UK is UK time+3 hours.

What is the main language spoken in Ethiopia?

The main languages spoken in Ethiopia are Oromo and Amharic.

What is the currency in Ethiopia?

The currency in Ethiopia is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB).

Send money to Ethiopia with World Remit*.

Which plugs are used in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia uses electrical plug type C + F + G (220 Volts).

Which side of the road do they drive on in Ethiopia?

They drive on the right side of the road in Ethiopia.

Do you need a visa for Ethiopia?

Yes, UK passport holders do need a visa to enter Ethiopia.

Check Ethiopia visa requirements for all passport holders with VisaHQ*.

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