Climate Insights for Addis Ababa

The climate in Addis Ababa is temperate. The average annual temperature is 16°C and approximately 1856mm of precipitation falls per year. August is the wettest month, receiving around 401mm of rainfall. Addis Ababa sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.

Addis Ababa sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 8°C to 25°C. March is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 25°C with a mean of 18°C. December is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 8°C and an average of 15°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 12°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs.

Addis Ababa is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1856mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 155mm per month. The wettest month is August, averaging 401mm of rainfall. July and June also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is December, with just 2mm. That's 400mm less than August, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.

Addis Ababa is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 12km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is November, averaging 14km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in June, with average winds dropping to 10km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 4km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 13km/h in winter, 13km/h in spring, 10km/h in summer, 13km/h in autumn.

It is currently spring in Addis Ababa, which began on March 20, 2026. Addis Ababa sits near the equator, so the traditional four-season cycle is less pronounced — temperatures remain relatively stable year-round. The warmest period peaks in March at around 25°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in December near 8°C. Summer is next, beginning on June 21, 2026 — 90 days from now.

The best time to visit Addis Ababa is during January, February, March, October and November, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 16°C with modest rainfall averaging 29mm per month. By contrast, December can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to 8°C. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.

The table below shows monthly climate averages for Addis Ababa based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.