Best time to visit Ethiopia: weather, festivals, and travel tips
Two seasons, thirteen months of sunshine, and a calendar and clock unlike anywhere else — here’s when to go and what to expect.
Contents
- Ethiopia’s seasons at a glance
- Dry season (October–May)
- Rainy season (June–September)
- Shoulder months
- Regional climate differences
- Calendar and time: Ethiopia’s unique system
- Festivals by season
- Practical travel tips
- Final thoughts
Ethiopia’s seasons at a glance
Thanks to altitude and latitude, Ethiopia enjoys broadly pleasant weather. Most travelers plan around two main seasons:
- Dry season (October–May): clear skies, great roads, peak festivals.
- Rainy season (June–September): dramatic clouds, green landscapes, fewer crowds.
In the highlands (Addis Ababa, Lalibela, Gondar), expect daytime temperatures around 20–25°C and cool evenings year-round.
Dry season (October–May)
This is the most popular time to visit. Trails are dry, mountain views are crisp, and cultural events fill the calendar.
Why go now
- Ideal for trekking in the Simien Mountains and exploring Lalibela and Gondar.
- Best conditions for road trips and lake visits around Bahir Dar.
- Comfortable temperatures in most regions; carry a light jacket for evenings.
Signature festivals
- Timkat (Epiphany, January): water blessing processions countrywide.
- Genna (Orthodox Christmas, early January).
- Fasika (Easter; March–April, date varies).
Rainy season (June–September)
July–August bring the heaviest rains, especially to the highlands. The payoff is vivid green scenery, moody skies, and fewer visitors.
- Great for photographers and travelers who prefer a quieter pace.
- Some rural roads can be muddy; allow buffer time for overland routes.
- Temperatures are cooler; pack layers and a light rain jacket.
Travel tip: If you want the green landscapes without peak rain, aim for late August to late September.
Shoulder months: May and October
Transitional months mean fewer crowds, lower prices, and balanced weather. October is especially lovely — fresh after the rains, with clear views and flowers in bloom.
Regional climate differences
- Addis Ababa & central highlands: mild year-round; cool mornings and nights.
- Bahir Dar & Gondar: warm, breezy, excellent for lake trips and castles.
- Lalibela: cooler mountain air; great walking conditions most of the year.
- Afar & Danakil Depression: extremely hot — best Nov–Feb with careful planning.
- Omo Valley: hot and semi-arid; dry months offer better road access.
Calendar and time: Ethiopia’s unique system
Ethiopia follows the Ethiopian (Alexandrian/Coptic) calendar — not the Gregorian calendar used in most of the world. It has 13 months (12 months of 30 days plus a short month called Pagumē of 5 or 6 days), which places Ethiopia roughly 7–8 years “behind” the Gregorian year.
Time is also counted differently. The local day begins at 6:00 a.m. international time. So 7:00 a.m. on a 24-hour clock is called 1:00 in Ethiopian time. Always confirm whether a time is given in “Ethiopian time” or “foreign time,” especially for meetings, buses, and local tours.
Festivals by season
- January: Timkat (Epiphany), Genna (Orthodox Christmas).
- March–April: Fasika (Easter) after a 55-day fast.
- September: Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) with giant bonfires.
- September 11–12: Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year).
Festival planning: Book accommodation early in Addis Ababa, Lalibela, and Gondar during major holidays.
Practical travel tips
- Altitude: Addis sits above 2,300 m; take your first day slow and hydrate.
- Clothing: bring layers; nights can be cool even when days are sunny.
- Sun & hydration: UV can be strong at altitude — hat, sunscreen, water.
- Mosquitoes: fewer in highlands; use repellent in lowland areas.
- Transport: domestic flights save time on long routes; ride-hailing apps are handy in cities.
- Local time: double-check schedules due to the Ethiopian time system.
Final thoughts
There’s no wrong month to meet Ethiopia. Plan around what you love — trekking, festivals, coffee culture — and the country will greet you with clear mornings, warm smiles, and stories that linger long after you return home.
