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.

Best time to visit Ethiopia

Q: When is the best time to visit Ethiopia?

The best time to visit Ethiopia (Addis Ababa) is January, February and March based on the following average weather conditions. Maximum daytime temperature = 22 - 30°C. Daily hours of sunshine = 10 hours or more.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Find the best time to visit Ethiopia and plan your perfect trip in 2025/2026. Get holiday inspiration, weather guides, travel advice and find great deals.

Ethiopia by month

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

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Top Ethiopia destinations

Below are the temperatures expected today at popular countries, regions and places in Ethiopia. Select a destination to compare today's forecast with average weather conditions.

All Ethiopia destinations

When is the best time to visit Ethiopia?

The best time to visit Ethiopia (Addis Ababa) is January, February and March based on the following average weather conditions.

Maximum daytime temperature = 22 - 30°C [remove]
Daily hours of sunshine = 10 hours or more [remove]

Change the criteria to reflect your weather preferences.

4.5
Jan
4.5
Feb
4.5
Mar
4
Apr
4
May
4
Jun
3
Jul
3
Aug
3.5
Sep
4
Oct
4
Nov
4.5
Dec

Change criteria

Max Day Temperature (°C)

22
Jan
23
Feb
23
Mar
23
Apr
23
May
22
Jun
20
Jul
20
Aug
20
Sep
21
Oct
21
Nov
21
Dec

Hours of Sunshine (daily)

9
Jan
9
Feb
9
Mar
8
Apr
7
May
7
Jun
6
Jul
6
Aug
7
Sep
8
Oct
9
Nov
10
Dec

Best time to visit

Destination

Daytime temperature

Sunshine hours

Sea temperature

Monthly rainfall

Days with some rain

Heat & humidity

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)

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.

Essential travel guide
Travel guidance
Travel health
Travel features
Top travel deals
FAQs

Ethiopia travel guide - essential info

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

Why visit Ethiopia?

Considering a holiday to the Ethiopia? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination be it for culture or nature to ensure you get the most out of your 2025/2026 escape.

Culture
Nature

Ethiopia tourist information

Ethiopia Ministry of Tourism

✝ = requirements for UK travellers.

Travelling to Ethiopia?
Hotels Flights eSIMs

Ethiopia travel guidance

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

UK traveller advice for Ethiopia - UK FCDO
Irish traveller advice for Ethiopia - Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland
Canadian travel advice for Ethiopia - Government of Canada
US travel advisories for Ethiopia - US Department of State
Safe travel advisories for Ethiopia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand
Smarter traveller advice for Ethiopia - Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia

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

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.

Vaccines & medicines for Ethiopia - CDC
Health & vaccinations for Ethiopia - TravelHealthPro, NaTHNac
How to stay safe & healthy in Ethiopia - Fit for Travel, Public Health Scotland

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

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.

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 month has the most rain in Ethiopia?

In terms of rainfall, January is usually the wettest month in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with 0mm on average. There are normally no days in January with some rain.

When is it sunniest in Ethiopia?

The sunniest time of year in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is normally January with bright sunshine on average for 0% of daylight hours; that's 0 hours of sunshine per day.

When is the sea warmest in Ethiopia?

The sea is usually at its warmest in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in January when the water temperature reaches 0°C.

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^*.

Ethiopia travel deals

Holidays to Ethiopia

Check out the latest deals, discount codes and special offers on holidays to Ethiopia in 2025/2026. Pay low deposits and save with last minute holiday availability and free kids places.