The climate of Jimma
Jimma,
Ethiopia is predominantly characterized by a Köppen climate classification of Cfb, also known as Marine west coast with a warm summer. Its geographical location gives it a temperate and relatively stable climate.
Annual weather in Jimma exhibits a general pattern based on climatic data. Temperature highs range from 24°C (75.2°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), peaking in the earlier part of the year and then gradually decreasing towards the middle of the year. The average low temperatures stay relatively consistent throughout the year, fluctuating between 17°C (62.6°F) and 20°C (68°F).
Concerning rainfall, Jimma experiences a significant amount from
May to
September, with each of these months receiving over 160mm (6.3") of rain. The wettest month typically is
July, receiving about 215mm (8.46") of rain on average. Compared to the dry season, the wet season sees a pronounced increase in the number of rainy days and overall precipitation.
Daylight hours in Jimma barely vary throughout the year, hovering around 12 hours per day, with only minimal differences across the months. As the Ethiopian calendar adheres to a consistent 12-hour day and night cycle, this pattern is particularly suited to the region.
The best time to visit Jimma
Considering the weather patterns in
Jimma, the best time to visit would be between
November and
February. During this period, temperatures are conducive for outdoor activities, averaging between 28°C (82.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F) during the day and dropping to a comfortable range of 17°C (62.6°F) to 19°C (66.2°F) at night. Rainfall is at its lowest during these months, reducing chances of disruptions to travel plans.
The Worst Time to Visit Jimma
The period from
May to
September marks the peak of the rainy season in
Jimma. With rainfall exceeding 160mm (6.3") per month and an average of 24 rainy days per month during this period, there could be significant disruptions to travel and outdoor activities. Hence, it may not be the most ideal period to visit Jimma.
Spring Weather in Jimma
In
Ethiopia, spring typically runs from
March to
May. In
Jimma, high temperatures during spring range from 28°C (82.4°F) in March to 26°C (78.8°F) in May. Low temperatures consistently hover around 20°C (68°F) during these months. However, spring heralds the start of the rainy season, with average rainfall increasing progressively from 55mm (2.17") in March to a staggering 160mm (6.3") by May.
Summer Weather in Jimma
Summer, comprising the months of
June through
August, sees the peak of the rainy season in
Jimma. Temperatures during this period range from 24°C (75.2°F) to 26°C (78.8°F) during the day and remain consistent at 19°C (66.2°F) at night. The summer months distinguish themselves with heavy rainfall, averaging at 215mm (8.46") per month.
Autumn Weather in Jimma
Autumn in
Jimma spans
September through
November. Daytime highs remain between 24°C (75.2°F) and 28°C (82.4°F), while night temperatures maintain their trend of 19°C (66.2°F) to 20°C (68°F). Whilst September still experiences high levels of rainfall similar to summer, precipitation decreases sharply to 90mm (3.54") and 55mm (2.17") in
October and November, respectively.
Winter Weather in Jimma
From
December to
February, winter in
Jimma brings lower precipitation levels. Average rainfall in these months is relatively low, starting at 35mm (1.38") in December and increasing to 40mm (1.57") by February. High temperatures stay consistent at 28°C (82.4°F) while low temperatures range from 17°C (62.6°F) in December and
January to 18°C (64.4°F) in February. This relatively dry and warm period offers the most conducive conditions for visiting Jimma.
Weather in January
Jimma,
Ethiopia starts the year with weather that subtly combines a touch of coolness and dampness. On the one hand, daytime temperatures graze the surroundings with warmth as they drift around 28°C (82.4°F), offering a relatively dry yet warm climate during
January.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As the year progresses, weather changes in
Jimma become slightly noticeable in
February. The temperatures show a minor increase compared to
January, making the days warmer. There is a subtle rise in rainfall, hinting at the approaching rainy season in the subsequent months.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
Jimma,
March symbolizes a transition phase as warm temperatures persist from
February, while rainfall begins to significantly increase. A notable weather anomaly of 95mm (3.74") of rainfall signals the onset of the rainy season, a drastic contrast to the previous months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The height of mildness and dampness characterizes the month of
April in
Jimma,
Ethiopia. The climax of the rainy season is approaching, making this period one of the wettest of the year with a significant increase in rainfall to 140mm (5.51").
Weather in April »Weather in May
As the residents of
Jimma move into the month of
May, the most imminent change is witnessed in the precipitation levels. Symbolizing the peak of the rainy season, May presents the highest recorded rainfall of the year at 160mm (6.3"), making the weather damp and cool.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Changes in the
June climate in
Jimma are predominantly characterized by a considerable drop in temperature. The continued trend of high rainfall, equal to
May's 215mm (8.46"), combined with the lower temperatures transform June into one of the coldest months of the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Jimma,
Ethiopia, retains the heavy rainfall pattern of
June, with a constant precipitation level of 215mm (8.46"). There is, however, a small fall in temperatures compared to June, registering among the coolest times of the year.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Similarly to
July, the weather pattern in
August fundamentally remains unvaried, maintaining the constant rainfall intensity of 215mm (8.46"). There's a slight uptick in the temperature level representing a shift towards warmer weather in the forthcoming months.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Jimma registers a notable transition in the weather pattern with lower rainfall compared to the monotonous downpours of the previous few months. The decline in rainfall to 185mm (7.28") accompanies a gradual rise in temperatures, signifying the end of the rainy season and a move towards hotter weather.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
With the dawn of
October,
Jimma,
Ethiopia enters a dryer phase as the rainfall drops substantially to 90mm (3.54"). The weather starts to get consistent with higher temperatures that persist throughout the day. The daylight hours slightly decline, serving as a subtle welcome to the upcoming cooler period.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November's weather in
Jimma continues with a decreasing rainfall pattern marking a notable shift towards the dry season. The landscape becomes enriched with variety due to the absence of consistent rain, making the city a picturesque vision of diverse flora.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The year in
Jimma,
Ethiopia, wraps up with
December, characterized by the lowest rainfall in the year, at 35mm (1.38"), marking the apex of the dry season. The city's temperature remains fairly consistent with minor fluctuations, offering a warm climate.
Weather in December » [Resources]