When to goVisiting Ethiopia in December and January: weather, festivals and what to expect
December and January are the heart of Ethiopia's dry season. In Addis Ababa, days average about 23–24°C with clear skies and rain on only one to three days a month, while nights drop to about 7–8°C. Genna (Ethiopian Christmas) falls on Thursday 7 January 2027 and Timkat on Tuesday 19 January 2027, with its eve, Ketera, on 18 January; Addis Ababa is the easiest place to see both right now. It is peak season, so book flights and hotels early.
Updated Oct 2026 · 7 min
When to goAddis Ababa weather by month: what to expect and what to pack
Addis Ababa is mild all year because it sits at about 2,355 m: daytime highs are usually 21–26°C and nights drop to about 7–12°C. The main rains fall from June to September, with rain on most days in July and August, while November to January is dry and sunny with cold nights. Pack layers whatever the month, and a proper rain jacket from June to September.
Updated Oct 2026 · 5 min
When to goWhat are Ethiopia's public holidays in 2026 and 2027?
Ethiopia has 13 regular public holidays. In 2027 they are Genna (Christmas) on 7 January, Timkat on 19 January, Adwa Victory Day on 2 March, Eid al-Fitr around 9–10 March, Good Friday on 30 April, Labour Day on 1 May, Fasika (Easter) on 2 May, Patriots' Victory Day on 5 May, Eid al-Adha around 16–17 May, Derg Downfall Day on 28 May, Mawlid around 15 August, Enkutatash (New Year) on 12 September and Meskel on 28 September. The Islamic dates depend on the moon.
Updated Oct 2026 · 4 min
When to goWhen is the best time to visit Ethiopia? Rainy season and weather explained
For most of Ethiopia the easiest time to travel is the dry season, roughly October to March. The main rains, kiremt, run from June to September and are heaviest in July and August, when Addis Ababa gets rain on most days. Addis sits at about 2,355 metres, so it stays mild all year, with average highs of roughly 21–26°C and cool nights. As of late September 2026, travel to parts of the north isn't advised, so for now the best-season question mostly applies to Addis Ababa, Bishoftu and Hawassa.
Updated Sept 2026 · 6 min