Climate and monthly weather forecast
Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

Located in Ethiopia, the distinguished city of Bahir Dar experiences climate conditions characterized by a tropical wet and dry or savanna type, as classified by the Köppen climate system. Its weather narrative sees a mixture of sunny days, heavy rainfall periods, and modest temperatures in various proportions throughout the year.

Bahir Dar sees a considerable swing in temperature and rainfall values over the course of the twelve months. High temperatures usually oscillate from 25°C (77°F) to 32°C (89.6°F), while the low temperature range floats from 8°C (46.4°F) to 13°C (55.4°F). This indicates a moderate variation in temperature throughout the year, ensuring a largely comfortable climate. Warm to hot days are primarily supplemented by cooler nights.

Precipitation in Bahir Dar shows a significant disparity, a characteristic feature of a tropical savanna climate. Rainfall amounts increase from a meagre 2mm (0.08") in the dry months to a voluminous 396mm (15.59") during the peak monsoon. Correspondingly, the number of rainfall days also surge from one to twenty-eight days per month during the year.

An evident shift can be perceived in daylight hours, where the city enjoys approximately 12 hours of daylight on average per day, exhibiting slight fluctuations from 11.5 hours to 12.8 hours. Sunshine hours mirror a similar trend, ranging from 6 hours to 10 hours over the year. The UV index remains uniformly high, registering a value between 10 and 12 throughout the calendar.

With a policy of clarity, it is recommended to consider the period from December to February for a visit to Bahir Dar. This period is marked by a favourable blend of climatic parameters. Temperatures remain within a comfortable bracket, with highs averaging between 28°C (82.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F) and lows from 8°C (46.4°F) to 9°C (48.2°F). This phase also records the lowest amount of rainfall, just around 2mm (0.08"), making outdoor activities more enjoyable.

The time window from June to September sees the city under the intense influence of the monsoon. Rainfall peaks at a substantial 396mm (15.59") in July, maintaining a high trend thereafter till September with rainfall metrics hovering between 205mm (8.07") to 375mm (14.76"). Additionally, this period also registers the maximum count of rainfall days, rendering outdoor activities less feasible.

Spring in Bahir Dar, spanning from March to May, witnesses a noticeable shift in weather patterns. Commencing with a gentle uptick in rainfall, from 2mm (0.08") to 12mm (0.47") between March and April, spring brings an abrupt surge in May with rainfall reaching a heavy 80mm (3.15"). The number of rainy days follows an identical trajectory. Temperatures during these months stay on the warmer side with averages ranging from a lower limit of 11°C (51.8°F) to a higher threshold of 32°C (89.6°F).

Summer months from June to August transpire under a heavy rainfall regime. Rainfall volumes escalate from 205mm (8.07") in June to 396mm (15.59") in July, before slightly receding to 375mm (14.76") in August. Rainfall days also peak during these months. Temperatures exhibit only a meagre slide, averaging from 13°C (55.4°F) on the lower end to 32°C (89.6°F) at the higher end. Contrarily, daylight hours remain relatively constant, only dipping slightly from 12.8 hours to 12.5 hours.

Autumn, extending from September through November, presents gradually improving weather conditions. Rainfall exhibits a marked contraction, dropping from 211mm (8.31") in September to 12mm (0.47") by November. Correspondingly, the number of rainy days too decreases, enhancing the attractiveness for outdoor endeavours. Meanwhile, temperatures hover between a comfortable 12°C (53.6°F) and 28°C (82.4°F).

Winter months of December through February bring soothing weather conditions to Bahir Dar. Temperatures are steady, hovering between 8°C (46.4°F) and 29°C (84.2°F). These months represent a distinct dry period, with particularly low rainfall amounts between 2mm (0.08") and 6mm (0.24"). Daylight and sunshine hours remain mostly unchanged, promising ample time for exploration during these cool winter days.

January in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia presents a harmonious interplay between sunshine and cool temperatures. Visitors witness this Ethiopian city bask in 10 hours of bright sunlight and can expect a pleasing difference in the day and night time temperatures. Weather in January »

February in Bahir Dar signifies a slight escalation, both in temperatures and daylight hours, when compared to January. The weather continues to be relatively dry, promoting the city's natural beauty and peacock-populated landscapes. Weather in February »

March sees a notable shift in Bahir Dar's weather pattern, signaling the brink of the rainy season. Temperatures in March are slightly higher than its neighboring months, but the city continues to enjoy ample sunshine hours. There is a noticeable increase in the amount of rainfall, receiving about 12mm (0.47"), which, even though it is substantial compared to February, remains tolerable. Weather in March »

In April, Bahir Dar begins to witness the onset of the Belge, the short rainy season peculiar to the highlands of Ethiopia. The month is characterized by a marked increase in rainfall when compared to March. April records an estimated rainfall of 28mm (1.1"), a clear sign of the rains steadily gaining momentum. Weather in April »

May represents a significant rise in the rainfall for Bahir Dar, showcasing the Belge rainy season in full swing. Even though the month is characterized by warm temperatures, the city witnesses a decrease in the number of sunshine hours. Weather in May »

June brings about a drastic change in the weather dynamics of Bahir Dar, as the Kiremt or big rainy season commences. The difference with the preceding months is visible, with the city receiving a whopping 205mm (8.07") of rainfall. Weather in June »

The month of July is characterized by the heaviest rainfall of the year, marking the peak of the Kiremt rainy season in Bahir Dar. July records an exceedingly high rainfall of 396mm (15.59"), drenching the city in showers. However, underneath the dominant rain clouds, the warm temperatures persist, allowing for some balmy days. Weather in July »

August is a close follower of July in terms of weather conditions, being another month of intense rainfall in Bahir Dar. The city continues to be caught in the heart of the Kiremt season, receiving about 375mm (14.76") of rain. Visitors can anticipate the landscape to be lush and thick with greenery, scored by the rushing waters of the Blue Nile. Weather in August »

September signals a decrease in rainfall, marking the gradual end of the Kiremt season in Bahir Dar. The city's weather begins to transition towards the drier months, as evidenced by a significant reduction in rainfall to 211mm (8.31"). Weather in September »

October in Bahir Dar ushers in the Bega or dry season, characterized by ample sunshine and diminishing rain showers. The rainfall drops dramatically to 87mm (3.43") compared to September, leading to drier days and vibrant sunsets over Lake Tana. Weather in October »

In November, Bahir Dar enjoys fully-fledged dry weather, with minimal rain disturbances. The city witnesses a remarkable drop in rainfall to a mere 12mm (0.47"), making it an excellent time for outdoor activities. As the Ethiopian city soaks in frequent sunshine hours, the natural allure of Bahir Dar is brought to its zenith. Weather in November »

December wraps up the year with a pleasant balance of warmth and coolness in Bahir Dar. The month continues the dry spell of November, recording an all-time low rainfall of 6mm (0.24"), the least after January and February. The mild December weather provides an ideal setting for enjoying Bahir Dar's iconic Christmas celebrations, known as Genna. Weather in December »