Ethiopia is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on where you want to go and what you want to see. Much of the country sits on a high plateau, so the weather is shaped more by altitude and rain than by heat. Addis Ababa, at around 2,400 metres, enjoys mild temperatures all year.
Here is a practical guide to the seasons, the regions and the festivals worth planning around.
Ethiopia's seasons at a glance
- October to February: the main dry season. Clear skies, green landscapes after the rains and the most comfortable conditions in most regions. This is the peak travel season.
- March to May: the short rains in parts of the highlands, often as afternoon showers. Still a good time to travel, with fewer visitors.
- June to September: the main rainy season in the highlands. Expect regular rain, especially in July and August, but also lush green scenery and quieter sites.
Rainfall varies from region to region, so the details below matter more than the general pattern.
Best time for each region
The historic north (Bahir Dar, Gondar and Lalibela): October to March is ideal, with dry weather and clear views. Late September and October are especially beautiful, when the highlands are green and covered in yellow Meskel daisies. Please ask us about the current situation in the north before planning a trip there.
The Simien Mountains: October to March is the best time for trekking, with clear skies and long views. Nights at the higher camps can be cold, so bring warm layers. From June to September, mist and rain often hide the views.
The Bale Mountains: November to March is the driest period and a good time to look for Ethiopian wolves on the Sanetti Plateau.
The Omo Valley: The driest months are usually December to February and June to September. The rains, roughly from March to May and again around October and November, can make some roads difficult.
The Danakil Depression: November to March, when temperatures are lowest. From May to September, daytime temperatures can rise above 45°C. Access to the Danakil is currently restricted, so ask us for the latest.
Addis Ababa: Any time of year. The capital is pleasant year-round, though you can expect afternoon showers in the rainy season.
Ethiopia month by month
- January: Dry, sunny and busy. Ethiopian Christmas (Genna) on 7 January and Timkat on 19 January make this one of the most popular months.
- February: Dry and pleasant across most of the country. A great time for the highlands and the Omo Valley.
- March: Warm and mostly dry, with occasional showers beginning in some areas.
- April: Short rains in parts of the highlands and the south. Ethiopian Easter (Fasika) falls in April or May; in 2027 it is on 2 May.
- May: Warmer, with some rain. Quieter sites and good value.
- June: The main rains begin in the highlands, while the Omo Valley is drier.
- July: The wettest month in the highlands. Fewer visitors and very green landscapes.
- August: Rainy in the highlands, but a good time for the south and for travellers who prefer quiet sites.
- September: The rains ease off. Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash) and Meskel bring colourful celebrations.
- October: One of the most beautiful months, with green landscapes, wildflowers and the start of the dry season.
- November: Dry and clear. Excellent for trekking and photography.
- December: Dry and comfortable, with visitor numbers rising towards Genna and Timkat.
Festivals worth planning around
- Enkutatash, Ethiopian New Year: 11 September (12 September in the year before a leap year)
- Meskel, the Finding of the True Cross: 27 September (28 September in the year before a leap year), celebrated with huge bonfires
- Genna, Ethiopian Christmas: 7 January
- Timkat, Ethiopian Epiphany: 19 January (20 January in leap years). Read our Timkat 2027 guide.
- Fasika, Ethiopian Easter: changes every year; 2 May in 2027
When to book
For October to February, and especially around Genna, Timkat and Meskel, book flights and hotels several months ahead. In the rainy season, a few weeks' notice is usually enough.
Whatever time of year you travel, conditions on the ground can change, so check your government's travel advice and ask us about the latest conditions before you book.
Ready to start planning? Tell us your dates and interests through our Plan Your Trip page, and we will suggest the best route for that time of year.