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Contents
- The climate of Addis Ababa
- The best time to visit Addis Ababa
- The worst time to visit Addis Ababa
- Spring weather in Addis Ababa
- Summer weather in Addis Ababa
- Autumn weather in Addis Ababa
- Winter weather in Addis Ababa
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
A white statue of Jesus Christ looking down to the Bole Medhane Alem Church in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The climate of Addis Ababa
The capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, maintains a Temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters according to the Köppen climate classification—specifically classified as Cwb. Perched at an altitude of approximately 2,400 metres above sea level, this geographical position significantly influences its weather patterns, causing mild temperatures and high humidity throughout the year.
Residing in Addis Ababa means experiencing a cooler climate compared to other regions at lower altitudes. Monthly average temperatures usually fluctuate from 19.2°C (66.6°F) to 23.3°C (73.9°F), with July's highs peaking around 23.2°C (73.8°F). Temperatures often cool down substantially at night, with the lowest average temperatures dropping from 7.4°C (45.3°F) to 12.1°C (53.8°F) from November to June.
Precipitation levels show stark variation, with the bulk of annual rainfall occurring in the period from June to September. Within these months, notably, the rainiest months are July and August with rainfall measurements reaching 213mm (8.39") and 203mm (7.99"), respectively. The dry spell starts from December, extending to February, characterized by meager precipitation measurements below 20mm (0.79").
The city also exhibits a relatively high humidity level, with monthly averages fluctuating between 51% and 85%. Despite the mild temperatures, Addis Ababa receives generous sunshine, averaging between 8.1 hours to 9.8 hours per day. This climate characteristic makes the city brighter than many tropical destinations.
Residing in Addis Ababa means experiencing a cooler climate compared to other regions at lower altitudes. Monthly average temperatures usually fluctuate from 19.2°C (66.6°F) to 23.3°C (73.9°F), with July's highs peaking around 23.2°C (73.8°F). Temperatures often cool down substantially at night, with the lowest average temperatures dropping from 7.4°C (45.3°F) to 12.1°C (53.8°F) from November to June.
Precipitation levels show stark variation, with the bulk of annual rainfall occurring in the period from June to September. Within these months, notably, the rainiest months are July and August with rainfall measurements reaching 213mm (8.39") and 203mm (7.99"), respectively. The dry spell starts from December, extending to February, characterized by meager precipitation measurements below 20mm (0.79").
The city also exhibits a relatively high humidity level, with monthly averages fluctuating between 51% and 85%. Despite the mild temperatures, Addis Ababa receives generous sunshine, averaging between 8.1 hours to 9.8 hours per day. This climate characteristic makes the city brighter than many tropical destinations.
The best time to visit Addis Ababa
The optimal time to visit Addis Ababa would be from October to February. Temperatures during this time frame are fairly pleasant, fluctuating from 23.3°C (73.9°F) to 19.2°C (66.6°F), which can be comfortable for most outdoor activities. These months also mark the city's drier season and provide ideal conditions for touring, as they are characterized by minimal rainfall. Sunshine hours do spike during these months, with February witnessing as much as 9.6 hours of sunshine and total daylight hours ranging from 11.6 hours to 12.1 hours, perfect for all-day exploration.
The worst time to visit Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa's most challenging period to visit lies between June and September when the area receives the bulk of its annual rainfall. During this season, the city experiences the most number of rainfall days, peaking in July and August with about 30.8 and 30.6 days respectively. Heavy downpours coupled with constantly high humidity levels that reach up to 81% to 85% can make exploratory ventures less enjoyable.
Spring weather in Addis Ababa
Traditionally, the spring months in Addis Ababa run from March to May. This season experiences a significant escalation in rainfall levels, starting with 16mm (0.63") in March and culminating at 62mm (2.44") in May. However, daily sunshine hours remain fairly steady, varying from 9.4 hours to 9.5 hours, while average temperatures oscillate from 23.3°C (73.9°F) to 22.9°C (73.2°F), dipping at night from 11.2°C (52.2°F) to 11.4°C (52.5°F).
Summer weather in Addis Ababa
The city ushers in summer from June, continuing through August. This period is the most humid, with relative humidity levels soaring up to 85%. Rainfall during these months is exceptionally high, with June witnessing 92mm (3.62"), July 213mm (8.39"), and August 203mm (7.99"). Temperature highs for the season hover from 22.9°C (73.2°F) to 19.2°C (66.6°F), and lows vary from 12.1°C (53.8°F) to 10.8°C (51.4°F). Despite the frequent showers, the city still enjoys between 12.5 hours to 12.6 hours of daylight.
Autumn weather in Addis Ababa
The autumn months—September to November—bring with them a noteworthy reduction in rainfall, with September recording 96mm (3.78"), October experiencing a significant plummet to 19mm (0.75") and November further dropping to 12mm (0.47"). Average high temperatures during this period reign between 20.4°C (68.7°F) to 21.1°C (70°F), while the lows fall between 9.1°C (48.4°F) and 7.4°C (45.3°F). Reaching up to 9.7 hours of sunshine in a day, these months are also known for their ample sunlight despite the falling leaves.
Winter weather in Addis Ababa
Winter in Addis Ababa spans from December through February. These months have been earmarked as the dry period, with the least rainfall, descending to as low as 4mm (0.16") in December. Winter nights can be relatively chillier than in other months, with temperatures dropping from 7.6°C (45.7°F) to 7.4°C (45.3°F). Meanwhile, daytime high temperatures stay relatively constant, gauging between 20.9°C (69.6°F) to 21.8°C (71.2°F). The city enjoys substantial sunlight during these days, with sunshine hours ranging from 9.7 hours to 9.8 hours.
Weather in January
In the heart of Addis Ababa, the weather in January is quite consistent, with warm days and cool nights. Temperature ranges from 21.8°C (71.2°F) at the peak of the day to 8.4°C (47.1°F) during the night, making it a mildly warm climate. Weather in January »
Weather in February
There is a minimal change in temperature during February when compared to January. In Addis Ababa, wind speed increases slightly but still remains moderate and comfortable. A notable increase in humidity is observed, suggesting a change in atmospheric conditions. Weather in February »
Weather in March
The transition of the city's climate becomes noticeable in March. There is an escalation in rainfall and humidity, indicating the onset of the wet season. There is also a slight rise in the minimum temperature of Addis Ababa during March. Weather in March »
Weather in April
Addis Ababa moves into a phase of slightly wetter conditions in April, experiencing its highest monthly rainfall of 93mm (3.66"), a marked increase from 56mm (2.2") the previous month. The decrease in the average amount of sunshine hours indicates the prevalence of overcast conditions. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May is characterized by slight fluctuations in weather conditions from the previous month. The most apparent change is in the amount of rainfall which decreases noticeably from April. Despite the reduction in rainfall, the overall humidity remains high, enhancing the feel of warmth during the day. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June marks a shift in Addis Ababa's weather with high levels of rainfall and humidity making this month the wettest period of the year. Wind speed drops, signaling calmer days and nights. Despite the wetness, daylight remains almost unchanged from the previous month. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings with it continued rainfall and high humidity in Addis Ababa. The city records the lowest average wind speed in this month making it the calmest period of the year. The humidity, rainfall, and the reduced wind speeds create an atmospheric heaviness in July. Weather in July »
Weather in August
The city receives its second highest rainfall of 203mm (7.99") in August, a slight decrease from July's 213mm (8.39"). A slight drop in daylight hours indicates the progression of the seasons. Despite the reduction of rainfall from the previous month, the relative humidity stays at its peak during August. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September sees a change of weather back to a more sunny and less rainy condition as compared to August. The weather in Addis Ababa during this time sees a significant decrease in rainfall and a considerable increase in sunlight, indicating a move towards the drier season. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October signifies the display of vibrant sunny weather with balanced coolness in the Ethiopian capital. Rainfall decreases notably during this month, making precipitation almost negligible. This is a delightful time for photography, given the clarity in sky and the visibility in Addis Ababa. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November in Addis Ababa is characterized by negligible rainfall and relatively minimal humidity, leading to a drier atmosphere. There is a slight drop in temperature; however, the daylight and the amount of sunshine observed in November impart a warm feel to the month. Weather in November »
Weather in December
In December, the weather in the Ethiopian capital hits a consistently dry streak with only 4mm (0.16") of rainfall for the entire month. There is an increase in wind speed indicating windy days and nights. However, the humidity decreases further making December the driest month of the year. Weather in December »
[Resources]Frequently asked questions
How many days does it rain in Addis Ababa?
Throughout the year, in Addis Ababa, there are 177.8 rainfall days, and 873mm (34.37") of precipitation is accumulated.
What is the month with the most sunshine in Addis Ababa?
January and December, with an average of 9.8h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine in Addis Ababa.
What are the months with the highest UV index in Addis Ababa?
January through May, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the highest UV index in Addis Ababa.
What are the warmest months in Addis Ababa?
Peak temperatures are observed in February and March, averaging a high-temperature of 23.3°C (73.9°F).
What is the least humid month in Addis Ababa?
The least humid month is February, with an average relative humidity of 51%.
When are the longest days in Addis Ababa?
June has the longest days of the year in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with an average of 12h and 36min of daylight.
What are the months with the lowest UV index in Addis Ababa?
June through December, with an average maximum UV index of 4, are months with the lowest UV index.
What is the rainiest month in Addis Ababa?
The month with the most rainfall is July, when the rain falls for 30.8 days and typically aggregates up to 213mm (8.39") of precipitation.
What time of the year is the coldest in Addis Ababa?
The coldest month in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is August, with an average high-temperature of 19.2°C (66.6°F) and an average low-temperature of 10.8°C (51.4°F).
What is the most humid month in Addis Ababa?
August is the most humid month in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with an average relative humidity of 85%.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Addis Ababa?
August has the least sunshine of the year in Addis Ababa, with an average of 8.1h of sunshine.
What is the driest month in Addis Ababa?
December is the month with the least rainfall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Rain falls for 4.1 days and accumulates 4mm (0.16") of precipitation.
What is the month with the shortest days in Addis Ababa?
December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 11h and 36min of daylight.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Addis Ababa?
Addis Ababa does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). EAT timezone is used over the entire year.
Average temperature
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are February and March (23.3°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is August (19.2°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is June (12.1°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is November (7.4°C).
Average pressure
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Average pressure in January:
1016mbar - Average pressure in February:
1014.8mbar - Average pressure in March:
1014.2mbar - Average pressure in April:
1013.9mbar - Average pressure in May:
1014.2mbar - Average pressure in June:
1014mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1014.4mbar - Average pressure in August:
1014.6mbar - Average pressure in September:
1014.9mbar - Average pressure in October:
1015.4mbar - Average pressure in November:
1015.6mbar - Average pressure in December:
1016.3mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is December (1016.3mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is April (1013.9mbar).
Average wind speed
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Average wind speed in January:
7.7km/h - Average wind speed in February:
8.3km/h - Average wind speed in March:
8.2km/h - Average wind speed in April:
7.6km/h - Average wind speed in May:
7km/h - Average wind speed in June:
5.7km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
6km/h - Average wind speed in August:
5.4km/h - Average wind speed in September:
5.5km/h - Average wind speed in October:
8.3km/h - Average wind speed in November:
8.2km/h - Average wind speed in December:
7.6km/h
The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are February and October (8.3km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.4km/h).
Average humidity
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The month with the highest relative humidity is August (85%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is February (51%).
Average rainfall
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (213mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is December (4mm).
Average rainfall days
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Average rainfall days in January:
4.9 days - Average rainfall days in February:
8 days - Average rainfall days in March:
12.8 days - Average rainfall days in April:
18.2 days - Average rainfall days in May:
14.7 days - Average rainfall days in June:
19.9 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
30.8 days - Average rainfall days in August:
30.6 days - Average rainfall days in September:
22.2 days - Average rainfall days in October:
6.1 days - Average rainfall days in November:
5.5 days - Average rainfall days in December:
4.1 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (30.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is December (4.1 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Average daylight in January:
11h and 4min - Average daylight in February:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in April:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in May:
12h and 3min - Average daylight in June:
12h and 4min
- Average daylight in July:
12h and 4min - Average daylight in August:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in November:
11h and 4min - Average daylight in December:
11h and 4min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 12h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 11h and 36min).
- Average sunshine in January:
9h and 5min - Average sunshine in February:
9h and 4min - Average sunshine in March:
9h and 2min - Average sunshine in April:
9h and 1min - Average sunshine in May:
9h and 3min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 1min
- Average sunshine in July:
8h and 1min - Average sunshine in August:
8h and 1min - Average sunshine in September:
9h and 2min - Average sunshine in October:
9h and 4min - Average sunshine in November:
9h and 4min - Average sunshine in December:
9h and 5min
The months with the most sunshine are January and December (Average sunshine: 9h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 8h and 6min).
Average sunshine days
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Average sunshine days in January:
23.3 days - Average sunshine days in February:
17.8 days - Average sunshine days in March:
15.3 days - Average sunshine days in April:
7.6 days - Average sunshine days in May:
12.2 days - Average sunshine days in June:
7.1 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
0.2 days - Average sunshine days in August:
0.2 days - Average sunshine days in September:
4.4 days - Average sunshine days in October:
22.5 days - Average sunshine days in November:
22 days - Average sunshine days in December:
25.1 days
The month with the most sunshine days is December (25.1 days).
The months with the least sunshine days are July and August (0.2 days).
Average UV index
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The months with the highest UV index are January, February, March, April and May (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are June, July, August, September, October, November and December (UV index 4).
Average cloud cover
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The month with the most cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 47).
The month with the least cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 12).
Average visibility
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, June, October, November and December (10km).
The month with the lowest visibility is August (7km).
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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