Éthiopie experiences highly variable climate depending on seasons and geographic zones. Rainfall seasons, difficult to predict, differ by region. The El Niño phenomenon has also contributed in recent years to climatic disruption across the country.

General Overview

Ethiopia's climate changes regularly from one location to another. This is notably due to the altitude differences across the country's territory. Since the country is located north of the equator, temperature varies little throughout the year.

The rainy season is locally called "Kiremt" and is influenced by the southwest monsoon. It typically begins around mid-June and ends around mid-October.

Climate on the Highlands

In this part of Éthiopie, the climate is temperate in nature and temperatures generally hover around 20°C year-round. The atmosphere is often warm and dry, though this can vary depending on altitude.

Regarding the rainy period, it most often occurs between mid-June and mid-October. However, some precipitation can already fall between March and April.

For an optimal stay on the highlands, the ideal time to visit is between mid-October and February. Moreover, vegetation begins to cover the landscape and reveals its full splendor following the last showers.

Climate in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa serves as the gateway to the territory, so here is essential information about its climatic conditions.

Located on the highlands, Ethiopia's capital is also subject to a temperate climate. The city sits approximately 2,300 meters above sea level. Throughout the year, average temperatures range between 23 and 25°C. Nights are cool, but between November and February, it becomes considerably colder with thermometers sometimes dropping below 10°C.

The Rainy Season in Addis Ababa

During the year, average rainfall in Addis Ababa reaches 1,200 mm. Heavy showers are primarily recorded between June and September. A few rare showers occur from November to February. Between March and May, rainfall is somewhat more frequent. From July through August, showers typically occur every other day.

When to Visit Addis Ababa?

Addis Ababa enjoys good sunshine between October and May, making it preferable to plan a visit during this period.

Climate in the Lower Southwestern Regions

In this region of Éthiopie, notably in the Omo Valley, precipitation occurs between March and May. After heavy rains fall, trails are often impassable.

Areas with Extreme Climate

In the North

The climate of northern Éthiopie, like that of the Afar Triangle, is desert-like in nature. Due to low altitude, this part of the territory is particularly hot, especially in the Danakil Desert. The latter is inhospitable throughout the year.

Moreover, still in the country's far north, there is the famous ghost town of Dalol where heat is nearly unbearable, even lethal. In fact, this place is known as the hottest location on Earth. Every day, average temperatures reach 35°C and can climb to 40°C, sometimes even higher between mid-May and November.

Reminder: venturing into arid and desert climate zones is strictly discouraged given the extreme conditions. Only go if accompanied by experienced guides.

Drought

Drought is a recurring problem the country has faced for several years. Among the most affected regions is obviously the North. It is precisely in this zone, particularly Tigray and Amhara, that famine was most prevalent in 1984.

Cyclones in Éthiopie

It is primarily the southeast of the country that faces the greatest exposure to cyclones. Tropical depressions often form in the Arabian Sea. The eastern zone is notably affected following cyclones in Somalia, its neighbor.

Generally speaking, cyclones strike Éthiopie between May and June. In 2018, the country was impacted by Cyclone Sagar, which brought abundant rainfall to the southeast.