Climate Insights for Bishoftu

The climate in Bishoftu is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 19°C and approximately 882mm of precipitation falls per year. August is the wettest month, receiving around 210mm of rainfall. Bishoftu sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.

Bishoftu sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 10°C to 27°C. The warmest month is March, when average highs reach 27°C and the mean temperature sits around 21°C. December is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 10°C and an average of 17°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 12°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs.

Bishoftu is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 882mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 74mm per month. The wettest month is August, averaging 210mm of rainfall. July and September also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is December, with just 2mm. That's 209mm 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.

Bishoftu is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 8km/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 10km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in September, with average winds dropping to 6km/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 9km/h in winter, 9km/h in spring, 7km/h in summer, 8km/h in autumn.

It is currently summer in Bishoftu, which began on June 21, 2026. Bishoftu 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 27°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in December near 10°C. Autumn is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 (10 days from now).

The best time to visit Bishoftu is during January, February, March, April, May, June, October, November and December, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 19°C with modest rainfall averaging 38mm per month. A light rain jacket is recommended, though showers are generally brief and shouldn't disrupt your plans.

The table below shows monthly climate averages for Bishoftu 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.