When is the best time to visit Ethiopia?

The best time to visit depends on where you go. Addis Ababa: January & December; Bahir Dar: February & March; Gondar: February & January; Lalibela: January & February.

Which month is best overall in Ethiopia?

Averaged across our 4 destinations in Ethiopia, the strongest months are February, January, November. Individual places can shift a month or two earlier or later — each destination page lists its own peak.

Which cities in Ethiopia does bestime.to cover?

We currently score 4 destinations in Ethiopia: Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Gondar, Lalibela.

How are the Ethiopia travel scores calculated?

Every city is rated 0-10 per month using ERA5 climate normals - temperature, precipitation, humidity, daylight, and days with 6+ hours of sunshine.

Best Time to Visit Ethiopia: Weather by Month

01 · Ethiopia

About Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a highland country in the Horn of Africa, where a cool central plateau drops to the Danakil Depression and the Rift Valley. The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the castles of Gondar, and the Simien Mountains are among its defining sites. The dry months from October to March suit trekking and historic routes, while the rains from June to September turn the highlands green.

Did you know?

Ethiopia is the only African country never colonised, after the 1896 battle of Adwa ended an Italian bid for territory.
It follows its own calendar and time system, with thirteen months and a new year that falls in September.
The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the obelisks of Axum are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Weather

Ethiopia: weather by month

Warmest month: May (21°C). Wettest: July (504 mm). Best overall score: February (9.9/10).

Month	Avg temp	Rain	Sunny days	Score
January	18°C	19 mm	27	9.8/10
February	19°C	14 mm	28	9.9/10
March	21°C	34 mm	31	9.7/10
April	21°C	112 mm	30	7.3/10
May	21°C	68 mm	31	8.6/10
June	20°C	296 mm	26	5.2/10
July	18°C	504 mm	20	4.8/10
August	17°C	347 mm	19	4.7/10
September	18°C	177 mm	25	5.7/10
October	18°C	100 mm	26	7.3/10
November	17°C	32 mm	26	9.8/10
December	17°C	6 mm	27	9.8/10

Travel Tips

01Best time & timing: Climate scores swing from 4.7/10 in August to 9.9/10 in February; the safest picks are February, January, November.
02Weather & what to pack: Expect around 19°C and 14 mm of rain in February, with roughly 28 bright days. Pack light clothing, a hat and real sun protection.
03Crowds & value: Peak-season pricing concentrates in February. For better value, May scores 8.6/10 at lower-season rates.

Things to do in Ethiopia

Ethiopia. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.

FAQ

Frequently asked

When is the best time to visit Ethiopia?: The best time to visit depends on where you go. Addis Ababa: January & December; Bahir Dar: February & March; Gondar: February & January; Lalibela: January & February.
Which month is best overall in Ethiopia?: Averaged across our 4 destinations in Ethiopia, the strongest months are February, January, November. Individual places can shift a month or two earlier or later — each destination page lists its own peak.
Which cities in Ethiopia does bestime.to cover?: We currently score 4 destinations in Ethiopia: Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Gondar, Lalibela.
How are the Ethiopia travel scores calculated?: Every city is rated 0-10 per month using ERA5 climate normals - temperature, precipitation, humidity, daylight, and days with 6+ hours of sunshine.

Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 historical archive, the five most recent complete years (2021–2025). Scores are monthly averages for that window, not forecasts, and short-window precipitation can differ from longer-term normals. “Sunny days” count days with at least 6 hours of measured sunshine — they are not dry days.

Curated in Ethiopia